Rifle conversion devices and method

Abstract

Conversion devices and methods for converting a chassis style rifle to function as a traditional bolt style rifle. The conversion device includes a conversion component that attaches to a standard or modified standard lower receiver of a rifle to allow the rifle to remain capable of being used as either a chassis gun or standard rifle configuration as desired by the operator. The conversion component may attach to the magazine well of the rifle. The conversion component is removably installable on the lower receiver, and accessories, such as a forearm or handguard, may be removably attached to a conversion component and are supported by the lower receiver. The configuration eliminates the need to contact the upper receiver during the act of firing a shot, particularly for gripping with the off-hand or resting on separate shooting accessories. The accuracy and precision of the rifle are enhanced.

1 . A conversion adapter for a lower receiver of an automatic rifle having a receiver assembly that includes at least the lower receiver, and at least an upper receiver which form an original configuration of the rifle, the lower receiver including a magazine well having at least two lateral sides, comprising:
 a mount piece configured to removably connect and detach from the magazine well of the lower receiver;   wherein said a mount piece includes an accessory connector that is configured to connect with one or more accessories; and   wherein the mount piece comprises a clamp that is releasably attachable to and detachable from the magazine well;   wherein the clamp engages each lateral side of the magazine well;   wherein the accessory connector is provided on the clamp, wherein the accessory connector includes an accessory connection, the accessory connection being disposed at a location forward of the magazine well.   
     
     
         2 . The conversion adapter of  claim 1 , wherein said adapter includes a fastener that is adjustably tensionable to provide a clamping force to secure said mount piece to said lower receiver. 
     
     
         3 . The conversion adapter of  claim 2 , wherein said mount piece comprises a plurality of components, including a first mount body section and a second mount body section which are joined to form the accessory connector configured to connect with the said one or more accessories. 
     
     
         4 . The conversion adapter of  claim 3 , wherein said first mount body section and said second mount body section include a rear flange and a front flange, wherein a joining piece joins the rear flanges of the respective first and second mount body sections. 
     
     
         5 . The conversion adapter of  claim 1 , wherein said mount piece includes a mount body and a mounting plate, the mount body including at least one flange that includes thereon the accessory connector that is configured to connect with one or more accessories. 
     
     
         6 . The conversion adapter of  claim 5 , wherein said mount body at least one flange is a front flange, and wherein said mount body has at least one rear flange, and wherein said plate is configured to connect with said at least one rear flange of said mount body. 
     
     
         7 . The conversion adapter of  claim 6 , including a fastener that fastens the plate to said at least one rear flange of said mount body. 
     
     
         8 . The conversion adapter of  claim 6 , wherein said mount body comprises at least two rear flanges, and wherein said plate is securable to said flanges. 
     
     
         9 . The conversion adapter of  claim 6 , wherein said mount piece includes two front flanges that join together to form the accessory connector that is configured to connect with one or more accessories. 
     
     
         10 . In a rifle having a receiver assembly comprising an upper receiver assembly including an upper receiver and action components and a barrel, and a lower receiver assembly that includes a lower receiver and fire controls, the lower receiver including a magazine well having at least two lateral sides, and a trigger guard forming a loop disposed behind the magazine well, the improvement comprising: a conversion adapter comprising a mount piece that is removably securable to the lower receiver; wherein the mount piece comprises a clamp that is releasably attachable to and detachable from the magazine well; wherein the clamp engages each lateral side of the magazine well; wherein an accessory connector is provided on the clamp, wherein the accessory connector includes an accessory connection, the accessory connection being disposed at a location forward of the magazine well. 
     
     
         11 . The rifle of  claim 10 , wherein the mount piece is removably securable to the magazine well and includes a mounting connector that is disposed in the loop. 
     
     
         12 . The rifle of  claim 11 , wherein the accessory connector mounts the accessory to the rifle and supports the accessory only on the lower receiver, and wherein the accessory connector and the accessory do not engage with the upper receiver. 
     
     
         13 . The rifle of  claim 12 , including an accessory comprising a handguard that is releasably connected to the accessory connector. 
     
     
         14 . A method for converting a rifle that has a receiver assembly comprising an upper receiver assembly including an upper receiver and action components and a barrel, and a lower receiver assembly that includes a lower receiver and fire controls, the lower receiver including a magazine well having at least two lateral sides, comprising:
 a) removably installing a conversion device onto the rifle,   b) wherein the conversion device includes or is configured to connect with one or more accessories;   c) wherein said conversion device and said included or connected one or more accessories are supported on said lower receiver only, and do not contact the upper receiver assembly or a component of the upper receiver assembly;   d) wherein the conversion device comprises a mount piece, and wherein removably installing the conversion device onto the rifle comprises installing the mount piece onto the lower receiver;   e) wherein the mount piece comprises a clamp that is releasably attachable to and detachable from the magazine well, by engaging with each lateral side of the magazine well to attach to the magazine well, and by disengaging with each lateral side of the magazine well to detach from the magazine well; and   f) wherein an accessory connector is provided on the clamp, wherein the accessory connector includes an accessory connection, the accessory connection being disposed at a location forward of the magazine well.   
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , including connecting said one or more removable accessories to the accessory connection of the accessory connector. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said mount piece includes a removable accessory connectable to and disconnectable from the mount piece. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said clamp comprises a plurality of portions securable to the magazine well wall, and wherein installing the mount piece onto the lower receiver comprises securing the plurality of portions on the magazine well. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said clamp comprises a first mount portion and a second mount portion, and wherein installing the clamp includes connecting together said first mount portion and said second mount portion, wherein when connected together, said first mount portion and said second mount portion form the accessory connector an the accessory connection at the front thereof for connecting with said one or more accessories. 
     
     
         21 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . The method of claim  15 , including attaching an accessory to said mount piece. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , including detaching the accessory from said mount piece.