Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle

Abstract

A combination metal/polymer lower receiver for use in a rifle. The lower receiver attaches to a buttstock including a receiver extension, and an upper receiver having a bolt carrier group. The lower receiver comprises a polymeric lower receiver housing having an integral polymeric upwardly extending lobe. The polymeric receiver housing engages with mounting features on the upper receiver to attach the lower receiver to the upper receiver. A metal insert is secured within the polymeric upwardly extending lobe and engages the receiver extension. The metal insert includes insert side walls incorporated within the polymer sidewalls of the lower receiver housing such that the sidewalls are adapted to receive a takedown pin to secure the upper receiver to the lower receiver. The metal insert can further include an elevated plate for displaying component identifiers.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A combination metal/polymer lower receiver for use in a rifle, the lower receiver being adapted to be detachably attached to a buttstock including a receiver extension having a recoil spring and buffer assembly, and an upper receiver having a bolt, bolt carrier and charging handle, the lower receiver comprising:
 a) a polymeric lower receiver housing configured to receive the receiver extension, the polymeric lower receiver housing adapted to detachably engage with mounting features on the upper receiver to attach said lower receiver to said upper receiver; and   b) a metal insert rigidly secured within at least a portion of the polymeric lower receiver housing, wherein the metal insert is adapted to detachably engage the receiver extension.   
     
     
         2 . The combination metal/polymer lower receiver of  claim 1  wherein said metal insert further includes insert side walls embedded within respective polymer sidewalls of said polymeric lower receiver housing such that the polymer/metal side walls are adapted to detachably engage a rear mounting feature of said upper receiver. 
     
     
         3 . The combination metal/polymer lower receiver of  claim 1  wherein said metal insert further includes an elevated plate, wherein the elevated plate is disposed within a plate opening on said polymeric lower receiver housing.