Firearm with facility for open-bolt and closed-bolt operation

Abstract

A firearm has a frame with a barrel connected to the frame and defining a barrel axis. The barrel has a rear end defining a chamber, and a bolt assembly reciprocates with respect to the chamber between a closed position adjacent the chamber, and an open position away from the chamber. A fire control assembly includes a trigger and a selector switch with a semi-automatic position and a fully-automatic position. The fire control assembly includes a bolt assembly sear operably engaging the bolt. The fire control assembly operates when the selector switch is in the semi-automatic position in response to pulling the trigger to discharge the firearm, to load a cartridge, and to position the bolt in the closed position. The fire control assembly operates when the selector switch is in the fully-automatic position in response to pulling the trigger to discharge the firearm, and to hold the bolt in the open position. The fire control may include a sub-frame connected to the frame and to the bolt assembly sear, and may include a safety sear that prevents firing out of battery when in either full-auto or semi-auto modes. The fire control system may include a facility that momentarily maintains the trigger in a firing position when it is released while the bolt is moving forward from the open position.

IPC Classes  ?

• F41A 19/33 - Arrangements for the selection of automatic or semi-automatic fire
• F41C 7/00 - Shoulder-fired smallarms, e.g. rifles, carbines or shotguns