Trigger guard cushioning insert used in firearm modification

Abstract

A firearm assembly includes a receiver having a trigger guard structure, and a stock structure coupled to a rear portion of the receiver. An insert is positioned between the trigger guard structure and the stock structure for ensuring a tight fit and preventing contact therebetween.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A firearm assembly comprising:
 a receiver having a trigger guard structure;   a stock structure coupled to a rear portion of the receiver; and   an insert positioned between the trigger guard structure and the stock structure for ensuring a tight fit and preventing contact therebetween.   
     
     
         2 . The firearm assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is retained on the stock structure. 
     
     
         3 . The firearm assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the insert projects beyond the stock structure. 
     
     
         4 . The firearm assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is comprised of a resilient cushioning material that extends upwardly and rearwardly along the trigger guard structure. 
     
     
         5 . The firearm assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the insert has a first upwardly extending leg and a second leg extending rearwardly therefrom. 
     
     
         6 . A firearm stock assembly adapted to be coupled to a receiver having a trigger guard structure, the stock assembly comprising:
 a pistol grip constructed with a housing portion and adapted to be coupled to the receiver; and   a cushioning insert retained by the housing portion of the pistol grip and adapted to be positioned between the trigger guard structure and the housing portion of the pistol grip.   
     
     
         7 . The firearm stock assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the housing portion of the pistol grip includes a forwardly projecting first support wall and a second support wall recessed therefrom for receiving and supporting the cushioning insert. 
     
     
         8 . The firearm stock assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the cushion insert projects outwardly from the housing portion of the pistol grip. 
     
     
         9 . The firearm stock assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the cushioning insert extends upwardly and rearwardly along the first and second support walls. 
     
     
         10 . The firearm stock assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the pistol grip is attached to a stock and check rest assembly. 
     
     
         11 . A cushioning insert positioned between a trigger guard structure and a stock structure of a firearm assembly, the cushioning insert comprising:
 a body constructed from a resilient material and having a first generally vertically extending leg connected to a second generally horizontally extending leg, the first leg being engaged between a first portion of the trigger guard structure and a first portion of the stock structure, and the second leg being engaged between a second portion of the trigger guard structure and a second portion of the stock structure.   
     
     
         12 . The cushioning insert of  claim 11 , wherein the body is retained within and projects forwardly from the stock structure. 
     
     
         13 . The cushioning insert of  claim 11 , wherein the first leg has a front surface with a contour which matches a contour of and engages a rear portion of a trigger guard included in the trigger guard structure. 
     
     
         14 . The cushioning insert of  claim 13 , wherein the first leg and the second leg have a common upper surface which engages a rear portion of a trigger guard housing extending rearwardly of the trigger guard. 
     
     
         15 . The cushioning insert of  claim 11 , wherein the body has a rear surface which is continuously curved between a bottom end of the first leg and a rear end of the second leg. 
     
     
         16 . The cushioning insert of  claim 15 , wherein the rear surface of the body has a contour which matches a contour of a recessed support wall formed in the stock structure. 
     
     
         17 . The cushioning insert of  claim 16 , wherein the body is received and supported within a projecting support wall of the stock structure that extends forwardly from the recessed support wall of the stock structure. 
     
     
         18 . A method of assembling a firearm comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a receiver having a trigger guard structure;   b) providing a stock structure having a cushioning insert retained therein; and   c) coupling the receiver to the stock structure such that the cushioning insert is simultaneously positioned between the trigger guard structure and the stock structure.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein, in step c, the cushioning insert is engaged against a rear portion of a trigger guard of the trigger guard structure, and a bottom surface of a trigger guard housing of the trigger guard structure. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the stock structure includes a pistol grip.