A modular two-piece bolt system for firearms with blowback actions provides a rear bolt piece which detachably couples to plural different front bolt pieces each of different mass. The front bolt pieces have a similar configuration and common coupling interface which forms an interlocked relationship with a complementary configured coupling interface on the rear bolt piece to prevent axial separation of the pieces when the action of the firearm is cycled. The system allows various front bolt pieces to be selected and used interchangeably with the rear bolt piece so that a front bolt piece of proper mass can be matched to the energy of ammunition to be fired. The front and rear bolt pieces when coupled define a continuous extended longitudinal passage which receives the rear breech end portion of the firearm barrel therethrough to reduce the projected length of the barrel.
F41A 3/02 - Block action, i.e. the main breech opening movement being transverse to the barrel axis
F41A 3/64 - Mounting of breech-blocks; Accessories for breech-blocks or breech-block mountings
F41A 3/26 - Rigid bolt locks, i.e. having locking elements rigidly mounted on the bolt or bolt handle and on the barrel or breech-housing respectively the locking elements effecting a rotary movement about the barrel axis, e.g. rotating cylinder bolt locks semi-automatically or automatically operated, e.g. having a slidable bolt-carrier and a rotatable bolt
An electronic trigger system with safety mechanism for firearms includes a trigger unit comprising an electromagnetic actuator operably coupled to the firing mechanism and a programmable trigger mechanism microcontroller. The actuator is changeable between a non-powered unactuated position and powered actuated firing position via pulling both an outer trigger and inner safety trigger of the trigger unit. The actuator is operably interfaced with a movable firing component of the firing mechanism operable to discharge the firearm. In a blocking position of the safety trigger, the safety trigger is configured to block outer trigger movement which prevents energizing and actuating the electromagnetic actuator thereby preventing the firearm from discharging. Conversely in an unblocking position, the safety trigger allows outer trigger movement sufficient to discharge the firearm by either energizing the actuator when a pre-selected trigger pull force threshold is applied or applying sufficient trigger force to manually trip the actuator.
An interruptible electronic trigger system for firearms includes a trigger unit comprising an electromagnetic actuator operably coupled to the firing mechanism and a programmable trigger microcontroller. The actuator is changeable between a non-powered unactuated position and powered actuated firing position. Upon detecting user initiated trigger activity, the trigger microcontroller transmits a shot initiated signal to an adaptive optics unit of a fire control targeting system mounted to the firearm when the trigger activity exceeds a preprogrammed trigger setpoint. A targeting microcontroller returns a shot authorization signal to the trigger microcontroller after performing ballistics computations based on sensor input and displaying a corrected reticle on the optics unit sight for user visual alignment with the target. Multiple trigger setpoints may be programmed to confirm continued intent to fire. The trigger microcontroller may deactivate the actuator and permit manual firing when preprogrammed maximum trigger force/displacement limits are exceeded.
An electromagnetic actuator includes characteristics of very fast actuation, shock invariant design, and compact size. The actuator may be controlled via a small low voltage power source such as a battery and simple switching logic. Such characteristics are ideally suited for incorporating the actuator into the firing mechanism of a firearm, which are subjected to drop tests to confirm the firearm will not discharge in the absence of trigger pull. Very fast snap-like action is attained by balancing the magnetic forces of two opposing permanent magnets around a stationary yoke and rotating member to create three circulating magnetic flux circuits. A central electromagnet coil amplifies the magnetic flux of one side of the rotating member or the other depending on the power source actuation polarity, thereby creating two possible snap-like actuation positions. The actuator is usable in firing mechanism release or enabling/disabling applications, and interfacing with other type mechanical linkages.
A folding stock coupling system for a firearm. An openable/closeable hinge mechanism comprising front and rear hinge elements pivotably mounts the rear stock to the main body of the firearm. The hinge mechanism is selectively movable between a locked condition when the stock is unfolded and inline with the main body for firing, and an unlocked condition when the stock is folded forward and offset from the main body for compact carrying or storage. A manually movable actuating button of the hinge mechanism selectively locks or unlocks the rear to the front hinge members in the locked and unlocked conditions, respectively. Embodiments include a detent mechanism for removably retaining the folded position. An elongated rear mounting extension coupled to the rear hinge member provides a common stock mounting interface compatible for interchanging a plurality of different stocks to the firearm each sharing a common mounting profile.
A magazine for a firearm comprises a tubular magazine body defining a cavity for holding cartridges, a spring, and a follower biased by the spring for dispensing cartridges from the magazine. A spring base disposed on the body includes a cantilevered resiliently deformable spring arm supporting the spring in one embodiment. The base is held in place by the floor plate. Sliding the floor plate onto the magazine body engages an inclined ramp of the floor plate with spring arm which automatically moves the spring arm from an undeflected to deflected position. When the floor plate is fully coupled to the magazine tube such that the spring arm clears the ramp, the spring arm snaps back to the undeflected position and locks the floor plate in place on the tubular body via interlocked retention features without use of tools.
F41A 15/00 - Cartridge extractors, i.e. devices for pulling cartridges or cartridge cases at least partially out of the cartridge chamber; Cartridge ejectors, i.e. devices for throwing the extracted cartridges or cartridge cases free of the gun
F41A 9/65 - Box magazines having a cartridge follower
F41A 9/70 - Arrangements thereon for discharging, e.g. cartridge followers or discharge throats
F41A 9/24 - Feeding of unbelted ammunition using a movable magazine or clip as feeding element
F41A 9/25 - Feeding of unbelted ammunition using a movable magazine or clip as feeding element using a sliding clip
A barrel porting system for a firearm in one embodiment includes a barrel defining an axially extending barrel bore, a porting device coupled to the barrel and including a plurality of gas portholes in fluid communication with the barrel bore, and an outer shroud encircling at least the porting device. The shroud includes at least one gas discharge port arranged to vent combustion gas from firing the firearm in an outwards direction. An annular gas collection plenum formed between the shroud and porting device is configured to collect gas from the gas portholes and discharge the gas through the at least one discharge port in the shroud. In one implementation, the plenum is formed by a recessed channel in the muzzle device which extends around the entire circumference of the device. Various threaded and unthreaded coupling methods may be used to secure the muzzle device to the barrel.
A firearm with safety mechanism in one embodiment includes a barrel supported by a housing, at least one cartridge-receiving chamber in communication with a bore of the barrel, and a rotatable hammer. The safety mechanism includes a biased safety component, which may be a blocking pin in one embodiment, mounted to and rotatable with the hammer. When the firearm is exposed to an abnormal impact force caused by bumping or dropping the firearm, the safety component changes position and interacts with a blocking feature on the hammer pivot pin to stop or delay the motion of the hammer in a manner which prevents discharging the firearm. The blocking feature may be a notch in one embodiment. Rotating the hammer between rearward cocked and forward firing positions alternatingly aligns or misaligns the blocking pin with the notch, respectively.
F41A 17/46 - Trigger safeties, i.e. means for preventing trigger movement
F41A 17/56 - Sear safeties, i.e. means for rendering ineffective an intermediate lever transmitting trigger movement to firing pin, hammer, bolt or sear
A firearm with dual-acting safety mechanism includes a hammer, sear operable to hold the hammer in a cocked position, and trigger mechanism including a trigger and trigger bar which collectively operates to rotate the sear to release the hammer. The safety mechanism includes a safety mode selector or actuator cooperating with a secondary safety link. In one arrangement, linearly moving the selector actuates and rotates the safety link which simultaneously both blocks the hammer and displaces the trigger bar such that the sear can no longer be actuated via a trigger pull.
F41A 17/46 - Trigger safeties, i.e. means for preventing trigger movement
F41A 17/74 - Hammer safeties, i.e. for preventing the hammer from hitting the cartridge or the firing pin
F41A 17/56 - Sear safeties, i.e. means for rendering ineffective an intermediate lever transmitting trigger movement to firing pin, hammer, bolt or sear
F41A 17/72 - Firing-pin safeties, i.e. means for preventing movement of slidably-mounted strikers trigger-operated, i.e. the movement of the trigger bringing a firing-pin safety into inoperative position during the firing
A barrel mounting system for a firearm includes a longitudinal axis, a receiver, and a barrel detachably coupled to the receiver by upper and lower barrel mounting features above and below the barrel bore centerline. The lower mounting feature may comprise a clamping block compressing a lower breech end portion of the barrel against the receiver. In one embodiment, a pair of lower securement fasteners extend through the clamping block and threadably engage the receiver to draw the block into engagement with the receiver. The upper mounting feature may comprise a securement fastener compressing an upper breech end portion of the barrel against the receiver. The upper and lower mounting features form a triangular bolting pattern and balance moment forces created by the compressive forces of coupling the barrel to receiver with the fasteners.
A firearm with manually operated bolt release includes a receiver defining a longitudinally- extending cavity, a barrel, and a bolt slideably mounted in the receiver for reciprocating axial movement between a forward closed breech position in battery with the barrel and a rearward open breech position. A recoil spring biases the bolt forward towards the closed breech position. A manually actuated bolt release is pivotably mounted in the firearm and movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The bolt release includes a locking portion configured to selectively engage a locking recess formed on the bolt for holding the bolt in the open breech position, and disengage the locking recess for releasing the bolt to reclose the breech. In one embodiment, the bolt may be automatically disengaged from the bolt release by retracting the bolt a second time.
F41A 15/12 - Cartridge extractors, i.e. devices for pulling cartridges or cartridge cases at least partially out of the cartridge chamber; Cartridge ejectors, i.e. devices for throwing the extracted cartridges or cartridge cases free of the gun for bolt-action guns
F41A 15/14 - Cartridge extractors, i.e. devices for pulling cartridges or cartridge cases at least partially out of the cartridge chamber; Cartridge ejectors, i.e. devices for throwing the extracted cartridges or cartridge cases free of the gun for bolt-action guns the ejector being mounted on, or within, the bolt
F41A 17/42 - Safeties for locking the breech-block or bolt in a safety position
A firearm with interrupted action includes a barrel, receiver carrying a bolt movable between a forward closed breech position in battery with the barrel and rearward open breech position, a cockable hammer controlled by a trigger, and a bolt release mechanism operably interacting with the bolt. The mechanism may comprise a user-actuated release button and spring-biased disconnect lever coupled thereto and selectively engageable with the hammer. Upon firing, the bolt travels rearward under recoil contacting and partially rotating the disconnect lever to engage the hammer, while simultaneously engaging the hammer which holds the bolt rearward. Actuating the release button fully rotates the disconnect lever to disengage the hammer from the bolt which returns to its forward position via a recoil spring to reclose the breech. A dual interlock safety in one position provided by the release mechanism prevents pulling the trigger and in another position prevents actuating the release button.
F41A 3/72 - Operating handles or levers; Mounting thereof in breech-blocks or bolts
F41A 17/42 - Safeties for locking the breech-block or bolt in a safety position
F41A 3/42 - Semi-rigid bolt locks, i.e. having locking elements movably mounted on the bolt or on the barrrel or breech housing having rocking locking elements, e.g. pivoting levers or vanes hand-operated
F41A 3/70 - Anti-rebound arrangements, i.e. preventing rebound of the bolt out of the firing position
F41A 17/74 - Hammer safeties, i.e. for preventing the hammer from hitting the cartridge or the firing pin
F41A 19/00 - Firing or trigger mechanisms; Cocking mechanisms
13.
SINGLE LOOP USER-ADJUSTABLE ELECTROMAGNETIC TRIGGER MECHANISM FOR FIREARMS
A hybrid magnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes a trigger mechanism configured to allow a user to selectively adjust the trigger pull force- displacement profile. In a closed magnetic flux loop configuration, the trigger mechanism includes a selectively energizable electromagnetic and mechanical biasing member providing a static holding torque which creates resistance opposing movement of the trigger. Energizing the electromagnetic at a user- preselected point during the trigger pull event creates a magnetic force opposing the static holding torque, which dynamically changes the trigger pull force required to discharge the firearm. The electromagnetic assists the user in completing the trigger pull thereby creating an adjustable lighter trigger pull. In one embodiment, the electromagnet is energized when the actual trigger pull force applied or trigger displacement reaches a corresponding trigger setpoint preprogrammed into a control circuit. A microcontroller may control operation of the trigger mechanism.
A magazine for a firearm such as long guns comprises a housing defining a cavity for holding a double staggered stack of cartridges and spring-biased tillable follower for dispensing the cartridges into the action of the firearm. Features include an accordion type flat spring specially configured to fold into a flat condition in which adjacent bends of the spring are arranged side- by-side to reduce the folded height of the spring. The follower includes bosses slideable in mating vertical housing slots to guide the follower upward/downward motion and allow front to rear tilting action. A coupling mechanism includes a plurality of interlocking mounting teeth forming a selectively interlocked arrangement for detachably assembling the floor plate to magazine housing. A resilient snap fit tab on the floor plate secures the coupling. The magazine is longitudinally elongated and configured to fit flushly with the underside of the firearm when mounted.
A magnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes a trigger mechanism allowing a user to selectively adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile by changing the static magnetic field in the mechanism. In a closed magnetic loop configuration, the trigger mechanism includes a stationary yoke and pivotably movable trigger member. The trigger member includes a trigger portion and working portion operably interfaced with the firing mechanism of the firearm for discharging the firearm. An openable first air gap formed between the trigger member and yoke is maintained in a closed position via magnetic attraction therebetween absent a trigger pull. A control insert movable relative to a second control air gap in the yoke allows adjustment of the static magnetic field to alter the trigger pull force required to actuate the trigger mechanism. Other embodiments provide an open magnetic loop trigger mechanism design adjustable to magnetically vary the trigger pull force.
An integrally suppressed firearm in one embodiment includes a rear firing portion defining an axial projectile bore and front suppressor portion. The suppressor portion includes a longitudinal stack of sound suppression baffles each defining a gas expansion chamber in fluid communication with the projectile bore. A mounting rod extends rearward from a front end cap of the suppressor portion and threadably engages a mounting adapter that removably couples the suppressor portion to the firing portion. A muzzle cap disposed inside a rearmost baffle removably couples the mounting adapter to the firing portion. When tightened, the rod axially compresses the baffle stack and forms a combustion gas tight enclosure without need for an additional external pressure retention tube or sleeve. The baffles are configured to form a press-fit frictional interlock with each other such that the baffle stack is self-supporting. An optional accessory rail may be coupled to the adapter.
A bolt assembly for firearms utilizing a blowback type operating system. The bolt assembly comprises a non-rotatable bolt slideably disposed in the receiver for forward and rearward movement and a dead blow weight assembly slideably coupled to the bolt. The dead blow weight assembly may be two-piece comprising a dead blow weight and dead blow top member. These parts are separate components movable independently of each other, but functionally interacting and cooperating under recoil after discharging the firearm to eject a spent cartridge casing and chamber a new cartridge as the action is reset. When the firearm discharged, a two-stage felt recoil force is generated by this mechanism, thereby advantageously producing peak forces which are less in magnitude than the single strong felt recoil force experienced by users with conventional one-piece bolt used in many blowback type firearms.
F41A 3/56 - Bolt locks of the unlocked type, i.e. being inertia operated the bolt being provided with an additional slidable mass
F41A 5/12 - Mechanisms or systems operated by propellant charge energy for automatically opening the lock recoil-operated having a movable inertia weight mounted in a gun having a fixed barrel
F41A 3/02 - Block action, i.e. the main breech opening movement being transverse to the barrel axis
F41A 3/64 - Mounting of breech-blocks; Accessories for breech-blocks or breech-block mountings
F41A 3/12 - Bolt action, i.e. the main breech opening movement being parallel to the barrel axis
F41C 7/00 - Shoulder-fired smallarms, e.g. rifles, carbines or shotguns
A modular magazine well insert system accepts and latches different types of magazines including front and side catch styles. The system includes a plurality of magazine well inserts each having a common mounting interface which interfaces with a mounting feature formed in a receptacle of the firearm stock. The inserts may have a common basic configuration with some different features adapted for use with different magazine catch features, such as latching levers for front catch magazines or lateral apertures to access side catch magazines. A universal latch stud slideably mounted in the stock comprises features which cooperate with each of the magazine well inserts to retain and release both catch styles of magazines in the insert.
A pump action firearm with bolt slide locking mechanism includes a receiver, a barrel assembly coupled by the receiver, and a bolt slide slideably disposed in the receiver for movement between rearward open breech and forward closed breech positions. A slide lock pivotably mounted to the bolt slide about a pivot axis is selectively engageable with an interference surface on the receiver. When the firearm is fired via a trigger pull, a rotatable hammer strikes and actuates the slide lock. The slide lock rotates from a locked position engaged with the interference surface to prevent the slide from moving out of the closed breech position, to an unlocked position disengaging the interference surface. This allows the slide to be manually moved to the open breech position for cycling the action. A manual actuator is provided for unlocking the slide lock absent a trigger pull.
F41A 3/40 - Semi-rigid bolt locks, i.e. having locking elements movably mounted on the bolt or on the barrrel or breech housing having rocking locking elements, e.g. pivoting levers or vanes mounted on the bolt
F41A 3/38 - Semi-rigid bolt locks, i.e. having locking elements movably mounted on the bolt or on the barrrel or breech housing having rocking locking elements, e.g. pivoting levers or vanes
F41A 3/44 - Semi-rigid bolt locks, i.e. having locking elements movably mounted on the bolt or on the barrrel or breech housing having sliding locking elements, e.g. balls, rollers
F41A 3/72 - Operating handles or levers; Mounting thereof in breech-blocks or bolts
F41A 19/00 - Firing or trigger mechanisms; Cocking mechanisms
F41C 7/02 - Pump-action guns, i.e. guns having a reciprocating handgrip beneath the barrel for loading or cocking
An adjustable stock for a firearm includes a longitudinally-extending chassis supporting a receiver, a butt pad assembly adjustable in longitudinal position for varying the length of pull, and a cheek rest. The cheek rest is adjustable in longitudinal and vertical positions. A triple-acting locking mechanism having locked and unlocked positions is operable to simultaneously lock the butt pad assembly in longitudinal position and the cheek rest in both longitudinal and vertical positions. The locking mechanism may be a cam lever assembly in non-limiting examples having a pivotable cam lever operable to simultaneously unlock or lock the butt pad assembly and cheek rest, thereby providing a single point of operation for making all the foregoing stock adjustments.
A silencer assembly for a firearm in one embodiment includes a support tube and plurality of baffles defining combustion gas expansion chambers. A coupling member including a ratchet mechanism removably mounts the silencer on a muzzle device on a firearm barrel. The ratchet mechanism comprises first and second arrays of teeth each disposed on the coupling member. The first array is infinitely rotatable on the coupling member when not coupled to the muzzle device and locks in rotational position when the coupling member is coupled to the device. The second array is rotationally fixed in position on the coupling member. In one embodiment, the muzzle device and coupling member have interlocking rotational stops which prevent the first array of teeth from rotating when the coupling member is coupled to the muzzle device.
An electromagnetically variable firing system for a firearm is disclosed which may include a trigger assembly or mechanism comprising an electromagnetically-operated control device which allows the user to select and adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile electronically. In one embodiment, the control device may be an electromagnetic trigger mechanism comprising an electromagnetic snap actuator operated via a microcontroller. The microcontroller is configurable by a user to adjust the trigger force-displacement profile according to preset user preferences. The microcontroller energizes the actuator during a trigger pull according to a preprogrammed trigger force and/or displacement setpoint aided by a trigger sensor(s). The energized actuator creates a magnetic field which dynamically increases or decrease the trigger force required to fully actuate the trigger to discharge the firearm. In other embodiments, the control device may be an electromagnetic magnetorheological fluid actuator.
An integrally suppressed barrel in one embodiment includes a rear barrel portion defining an axial projectile bore and forwardly extending sleeve affixed to thereto. The sleeve includes vertically stacked tubular upper and lower longitudinal chambers holding a complementary configured horizontal stack of sound suppression baffles. The chambers are in fluid communication via a waist, which may be smaller in width than the chambers. A rod extending from a front end cap on the sleeve to and threadably the rear barrel secures the baffles inside the sleeve. The stack of baffles is removable from the sleeve as a self-supporting unit in one embodiment. The baffles may include upper and lower chambers which are in fluid communication to provide additional volume for gas expansion and sound suppression. The upper chambers include an asymmetrically shaped flow cone configured to direct gas from the upper to lower chambers.
A variable barrel camming system for a firearm includes a linearly reciprocating slide supported by a frame and a barrel removably coupled to the slide for movement therewith. A cam slot on the barrel slideably engages a cam pin mounted transversely in the frame. The slot includes a cam track surface having multiple angles and contours designed to control the motion and orientation of the barrel. When the firearm is discharged, the slide and barrel initially move rearward together under recoil forces generated. The pin slides forward in the slot over the cam track surface which is configured to rotate and uncouple the barrel from the slide which continues rearward alone. The cam track surface has a varying cam profile selected to gradually dissipate the kinetic energy of the barrel/slide unit in a controlled manner, thereby reducing the felt recoil imparted to a user compared to conventional cam systems.
F41A 17/56 - Sear safeties, i.e. means for rendering ineffective an intermediate lever transmitting trigger movement to firing pin, hammer, bolt or sear
F41A 17/64 - Firing-pin safeties, i.e. means for preventing movement of slidably-mounted strikers
A firing control system for a firearm includes a frame, a barrel with chamber configured for holding a cartridge, a spring-biased striker movable forward and rearward in a linear path along a longitudinal axis, a trigger mechanism comprising a trigger, a pivotable sear, a pivotable sear connector engaged with the sear, a sear pivotable connector blocker engaged with the sear connector, and a linearly movable sear connector actuator engageable with and operable to move the sear connector and sear connector blocker. Pulling the trigger slides the sear connector actuator which in sequence engages and rotates the sear connector blocker to disengage the sear connector, and engage and rotate the sear connector to disengage the sear and release the striker from a cocked position to discharge the firearm. In the absence of a trigger pull, the sear connector blocker remains engaged with the sear connector to prevent firing the firearm.
F41A 17/56 - Sear safeties, i.e. means for rendering ineffective an intermediate lever transmitting trigger movement to firing pin, hammer, bolt or sear
F41A 17/64 - Firing-pin safeties, i.e. means for preventing movement of slidably-mounted strikers
26.
WEAR RESISTANT AMMUNITION FEED RAMP FOR LIGHT-WEIGHT FIREARMS
A light-weight firearm and related fabrication method are described for a wear resistant feed ramp for chambering cartridges from an ammunition magazine. In one embodiment, the firearm includes a barrel and a frame defining a magazine well and cartridge feed ramp. A wear insert formed of a different material than the frame is implanted in the feed ramp adjacent to the barrel chamber. The wear insert is then machined in situ to shape forming an obliquely angled wear surface. After machining, both the frame and implanted wear insert undergo a surface hardening process together. The surface hardened wear insert has a greater surface hardness than the surface hardened frame and is better adapted to resist wear after repeated chambering of rounds. In one non-limiting example, the frame may be hard anodized aluminum and the wear insert hard anodized titanium.
F41A 9/38 - Loading arrangements, i.e. for bringing the ammunition into the firing position
F41A 9/41 - Ramming arrangements the breech-block itself being the rammer pushing unbelted ammunition from a box magazine on the gun frame into the cartridge chamber
F41A 9/55 - Fixed guiding means, mounted on, or near, the cartridge chamber
A firearm with tilting barrel-receiver assembly includes a frame and a barrel-receiver assembly pivotably mounted to the frame. The barrel-receiver assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position. A latching mechanism includes a latch that selectively engages the barrel-receiver assembly. The latching mechanism may be disposed in the frame in one embodiment. The latching mechanism is movable between a locked position wherein the barrel-receiver assembly is held in the closed position and an unlocked position wherein the barrel-receiver assembly is movable to the tilted open position. The latch may be spring biased into the locked position. The barrel-receiver assembly may be configured for complete removal from the pistol in some embodiments. An interlock mechanism formed by a movable safety may be provided which prevents the barrel-receiver assembly from being unlocked when the firearm is in a ready-to-fire condition.
A bolt for a bolt-action firearm in one embodiment is movably disposed in a receiver between forward closed breech and rearward open breech axial positions. The bolt includes an operating handle and plurality of bolt lugs arranged to selectively engage locking lugs in the firearm. The bolt is rotatable between locked and unlocked breech positions when in the closed breech position. The bolt body has a dimensionally reduced middle section with unique configuration adapted to allow the bolt to rotate when closed without interference from the magazine feed lips. Using this design, the bolt may include three bolt lugs in one embodiment for secure lockup and minimal angular rotation between the locked and unlocked breech positions. The bolt is usable with both single and double stack box type magazines with one of the bolt lugs operating to reliably strip cartridges from either type magazine.
F41A 3/22 - Rigid bolt locks, i.e. having locking elements rigidly mounted on the bolt or bolt handle and on the barrel or breech-housing respectively the locking elements effecting a rotary movement about the barrel axis, e.g. rotating cylinder bolt locks hand-operated the locking being effected by rotating the operating handle or lever transversely to the barrel axis
A trigger housing mounting system for a firearm includes a receiver having a mounting slot and cutouts which receive mounting tabs on the trigger housing. The trigger housing is slidable forward and rearward in the receiver between locked and unlocked positions. A spring-biased locking block is movably mounted on the trigger housing. During the mounting process, the locking block is movable between a non-blocking position and a blocking position which prevents removal of the trigger housing from the receiver. A related mounting method is disclosed.
A buttstock includes a mounting extension member attachable to a firearm receiver, an adjustable butt pad for varying the length of the stock, and an adjustable cheek rest for adjusting the height of the stock. The butt pad assembly is attached to the extension member by a laterally compressible clamping member operated by a double-acting cam lever having two locking surfaces and a non-locking release surface. At least one adjustment rail extends forward from the butt pad through opposing movable jaws of the clamping member. The rail can slide forward/rearward to adjust the stock length which is lockable via the cam lever locking surfaces. The cheek rest includes compressible opposing adjustment legs operated by a similarly configured cam lever in one embodiment. The height of the cheek rest may be adjusted and locked in position in a similar manner.
A bolt action rifle with safety mechanism includes a receiver, barrel coupled to the receiver, and a trigger housing detachably coupled to the receiver. The trigger housing includes a trigger-actuated firing mechanism operable to discharge the rifle. A safety mechanism comprises a safety shaft and safety selector each rotatably mounted in the trigger housing and operably coupled together by a mechanical linkage, such as a rod in one embodiment. The safety selector comprises a control shaft and selector switch for operating the selector. Rotating the safety selector in a first direction rotates and engages the safety shaft with the trigger to disable the firing mechanism. Rotating the safety selector in a second direction rotates and disengages the safety shaft from the trigger to enable the firing mechanism for discharging the rifle. In one embodiment, the safety selector is mounted in a lower stock which includes a pistol grip.
A silencer for a firearm in one embodiment includes an outer tube defining a proximal end configured for mounting on a firearm barrel, a distal end, and an internal passageway extending between the ends. A plurality of first baffles is disposed in horizontally stacked relation in the internal passageway between the proximal and distal ends of the tube. The first baffles each comprises an annular mounting sleeve and a cone projecting axially rearward from the sleeve towards the proximal end of the tube. The cone defines an oblong obliquely angled central opening concentrically aligned the bore of a firearm barrel for receiving a projectile therethrough. Gas expansion chambers are formed between the first baffles. The cone may have an asymmetrically skewed shape for cross-jetting. An anti-rotation feature is provided which prevents the silencer assembly from loosening when the silencer is coupled to the firearm barrel.
A firearm with tubular handguard mounting system is provided. The firearm includes receiver, a barrel having a breech threadably engaging the receiver, and a handguard. A primary barrel nut threadably engages the breech end of the barrel and is moveable into abutting contact with the receiver to form a tightened barrel to receiver connection. A secondary barrel nut threadably engages the primary barrel nut and is tightened thereto to trap an external annular barrel flange between the primary barrel nut and an annular abutment surface on the secondary barrel nut. The secondary barrel nut provides a means for mounting a free float tubular handguard, such as an AR-15 type handguard. Additionally, the primary barrel nut and secondary barrel nut provide a dual locking feature which resists loosening of the barrel connection.
A firearm includes a receiver, barrel coupled to the receiver, and buttstock. An openable/closeable hinge assembly comprising front and rear hinge elements pivotably mounts the buttstock to the receiver. A latch mechanism carried by the hinge assembly includes a latch pin having latch and lock members on opposing ends. The pin is both slidable and rotatable in the hinge assembly. When the buttstock is in an unfolded position in axial alignment with the barrel axis, the latch member engages a latch recess on a first lateral side of the hinge assembly to latch the buttstock in position. The buttstock may be pivoted laterally outwards about the hinge assembly to a folded position offset from the barrel centerline. Rotating the latch member engages the lock member with a lock recess on the hinge assembly to lock the buttstock in the folded position.
A user-adjustable recoil reduction system for a firearm includes a buttstock and a butt pad assembly movably mounted to the buttstock. A spring is disposed in the buttstock which is acted on by opposing front and rear spring guides. A preload adjustment screw is rotatably coupled to the butt pad assembly which engages the rear spring guide. Rotating the screw in opposing directions alternatingly advances or retracts the rear spring guide in the buttstock. Advancing the rear spring guide compresses the spring to set a first spring preload condition and retracting the rear spring guide relaxes the spring to set a second spring preload condition different than the first condition. The spring preload conditions may be selected to match firing light or heavy type ammunition shell loads. In one embodiment, the adjustment screw is accessible for adjusting the preload without removing the butt pad assembly from the buttstock.
A firearm with barrel extension comprises a receiver, a barrel supported by the receiver that defines an ammunition shell chamber, and a rotatable locking bolt having radial bolt lugs. The bolt is carried by a slide disposed in the receiver for forward and rearward movement. A barrel extension is mounted on a rear end of the barrel which includes radial bolt locking lugs that rotatably engage the bolt lugs when the bolt is in a closed locked breech position in battery with the head of a chambered shell. The barrel extension includes a rear facing annular rim seating surface formed integrally on the barrel extension as a unitary structural part thereof. The rim seating surface extends radially inwards from an interior surface of the barrel extension to engage and support the rear rim of the chambered shell. The headspacing is defined entirely by the barrel extension independently of the barrel.
A magazine for a firearm comprises a tubular body defining a cavity for holding cartridges, a spring, and a follower biased by the spring for dispensing cartridges from the magazine. In one embodiment, the follower includes lateral guide projections which engage corresponding slots in the sidewalls of the magazine body. This guides movement of the follower and maintains a substantial horizontal orientation as it travels vertically in the magazine by preventing twisting/tilting which might otherwise create potential cartridge feeding jams. In some embodiments, the follower may include front and rear stabilizer projections to further guide movement of the follower in the magazine cavity.
A firearm with safety mechanism in one embodiment comprises a receiver, a trigger-actuated firing mechanism with movable trigger operable to discharge the firearm, and a safety mechanism configured to arrest the firing mechanism. The safety mechanism is movable between a first position preventing movement of the trigger and a second position allowing movement of the trigger for discharging the firearm. In one embodiment, an elongated stock bolt attaches a buttstock to the receiver. The stock bolt passes through a portion of the safety mechanism to engage the receiver. This allows an operating button of the safety to be ergonomically mounted on a top surface of the firearm above the stock bolt. In one implementation, the firing and safety mechanisms may each be operably mounted in a fire control module disposed in the receiver and removable therefrom as a separate self-supported unit.
A shell loading system for a firearm in one embodiment includes a barrel, receiver, reciprocating slide and bolt assembly, tubular magazine, carrier operable to receive and feed shells from the magazine into the action, a spring-biased carrier latch laterally moveable to engage the carrier, and a pawl pivotably mounted on the carrier. A carrier latch disconnect is also pivotably mounted to the carrier and operated by the pawl. The carrier latch disconnect and pawl are movable independently of each other in one embodiment. The carrier latch disconnect is operable to block the carrier latch from engaging the carrier in a first position. In a second position when activated by the pawl, the carrier latch disconnect releases the carrier latch to engage the carrier which is locked in a downward position to receive a shell from the magazine.
F41A 9/18 - Movable ammunition carriers or loading trays, e.g. for feeding from magazines pivoting or swinging in a vertical plane parallel to the barrel axis mounted within a smallarm feeding from a magazine under the barrel
A striker-fired firearm in one embodiment includes a trigger assembly including a trigger and trigger bar supported by a frame, a rotatable sear operable to hold a spring-biased striker in a cocked ready-to-fire position, and a rotatable sear blocker operable to prevent rotation of the sear. The trigger bar is operably linked to the sear and blocker such that pulling the trigger rotates the sear and blocker. When the blocker is in a blocking position, the blocker engages and prevents movement of the sear and release of the striker in the absence of a trigger pull. When the blocker is in a non-blocking position effectuated by pulling the trigger, the blocker disengages the sear which rotates and releases the striker to fire the firearm.
F41A 17/56 - Sear safeties, i.e. means for rendering ineffective an intermediate lever transmitting trigger movement to firing pin, hammer, bolt or sear
A striker-fired firearm in one embodiment includes a firing mechanism having a spring-biased blocker movable into and out of t he linear path traveled by the striker to reach a chambered cartridge. A sear operates to hold the striker in a cocked position, A blocker lifter actuated by a trigger mechanism via a trigger pull raises the blocker and actuates the sear to release the striker for discharging the firearm. Upon release of the trigger, the blocker automatically returns to a blocking position obstructing the linear travel path of the striker to disable the firing mechanism.
F41A 17/72 - Firing-pin safeties, i.e. means for preventing movement of slidably-mounted strikers trigger-operated, i.e. the movement of the trigger bringing a firing-pin safety into inoperative position during the firing
F41A 17/46 - Trigger safeties, i.e. means for preventing trigger movement
F41A 17/64 - Firing-pin safeties, i.e. means for preventing movement of slidably-mounted strikers
A firearm with replaceable grip in one embodiment includes a grip frame, a grip, and a rotary camlock mechanism configured to lock and unlock the grip from the grip frame. The camlock mechanism may be rotated between locked and unlocked positions preventing or enabling removal of the grip from the grip frame. In one embodiment, the camlock mechanism includes a movable blocking surface engageable with the grip to block its removal. The camlock mechanism in one configuration may comprise a rotatable locking cam that defines the blocking surface. A carntraek may be provided to convert rotary motion of the cam into linear displacement relative to the grip frame for selectively projecting or retracting the blocking surface relative to the frame.
A firearm with tilting barrel-receiver assembly. In one embodiment, the firearm includes a frame and a barrel-receiver assembly pivotably mounted to the frame. The barrel-receiver assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position. A latching mechanism may include a slide plate configured to selectively engage the frame. The latching mechanism is movable between a locked position wherein the barrel-receiver assembly is held in the closed position by the slide plate and an unlocked position wherein the barrel-receiver assembly is movable to the tilted open position. The slide plate may be spring biased into the locked position. An actuator button cooperates with the slide plate for moving the latching mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions.
A shell feeding system for a top loading shotgun in one embodiment includes a barrel, receiver, and a magazine. The magazine includes a cavity configured to receive a plurality of ammunition shells in stacked end-to-end relationship. The magazine is positioned above the barrel and extends forward from the receiver. Shell guide grooves are formed by internal surfaces in the receiver which engage and guide each shell in a feed pathway towards the lower part of the receiver for chambering. A portion of the guide grooves may be arcuately shaped to rotate and reposition the shell tor loading by the bolt into the chamber. In one embodiment, the receiver and magazine may be formed as a unitary integral structure formed as either a single piece or in half sections coupled together.
A magazine assembly for a firearm in one embodiment, includes an outer magazine housing configured for attachment to a firearm and a magazine removably insertable into the housing. The magazine includes an axially extending internal cavity configured to bold a plurality of ammunition shells in stacked end-to-end relationship. In one embodiment, the magazine has an elongated tubular body. A shell catch lever is slideabty mounted on the magazine for linear and pivoting movement in one arrangement The shell catch Sever retains a shell in the magazine in a first lateral position and releases the shell from the magazine in a second lateral position. The shell catch lever operates to retain and release shells from the magazine when either removed from or positioned in the magazine housing for loading the firearm.
A universal magazine latch mechanism operable to retain and release a magazine from a firearm, in one embodiment, the mechanism may include a frame defining a magazine well configured to insertably receive a magazine holding a plurality of cartr idges, a rear catch lever pivotably mounted to a rear wall of magazine well about a first, pivot axis, and a side catch lever pivotably mounted to the frame about a second pivot axis. 'The rear catch lever is operable to engage/disengage rear or front style latching.magazines. The side catch lever is operable to engage/disengage side catch style magazines. The rear catch lever is an actuator for operating both the rear and side catch levers, thereby latching and releasing all three catch styles of magazines with a single user action.
A modular buttstock system for firearms includes user replaceable and interchangeable buttstock modules. The modules include a comb portion and butt portion which may be provided in a variety of configurations, sizes, and materials. The modules and firearm buttstock each include complementary configured mounting portions and a mounting system designed to pro vi de interchangeable and removable attachment of the modules to the buttstock. In some non-limiting embodiments, the buttstock and modules may be formed of synthetic materials.
A matched muzzle brake and weight system immutable on a firearm barrel is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the muzzle brake and weight are configured to have the same predetermined weight and center of gravity so that the point of aim of the firearm remains substantially unchanged when a user deploys either the muzzle brake or weight. The system permits convenient interchangeability between the muzzle brake and weight without the need for re-sighting the firearm thereby maintaining accuracy. In some embodiments, the centers of gravity of the muzzle brake and weight are located at the same position with respect to a common reference point defined by the barrel. A method for using the system is also disclosed.
An interchangeable barrel system and related method for a pistol includes a barrel insert having an anti-rotation protrusion and a receiver having a complementary configured socket configured for receiving the protrusion. An embodiment of a barrel insert includes a chamber for holding a cartridge and a locking mechanism configured for releasahly securing the barrel insert to the receiver. In some embodiments, the Socking mechanism comprises a threaded engagement between the barrel insert and receiver. The system allows barrel inserts of different calibers, configurations, and materials to be swapped with the receiver, and vice-versa.
A firearm with slide takedown mechanism and method for use is disclosed, in one embodiment, the firearm includes a frame, barrel, trigger, and a reciprocating slide. A takedown lever is pivotably mounted to the firearm and engageable with the slide. In a first blocking position, the takedown lever engages and blocks the rearward path of the slide which is not movable beyond a first position. In a second unblocking position, the takedown lever is pivoted laterally outwards from the frame and disengages the slide. The rearward path of the slide is no longer blocked which may be moved to a second rearward removal position enabling a user to remove the slide and field strip the firearm, in one embodiment, the takedown lever is disposed underneath the frame. The firearm may be a semi-automatic pistol in some embodiments.
A stock bedding system for a firearm is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stock bedding system mc ludes a stock having a pair of bearing surfaces that are configured and arranged to mut ual ly engage a mating pair of bearing surfaces formed on the barrel- receiver assembly. At least one of die four bearing surfaces has a predetermined convex surface profile which causes the barrel-receiver assembly to roll in an angular direction away from one lateral side of the stock towards the opposite lateral side when the barrel -receiver assembly is mounted to the stock. The convex surface profile acts to tighten the engagement between the opposing bearing surfaces of the barrel -receiver assembly and stock providing a secure and vibration resistant mounting. In one embodiment, the convex-shaped bearing surface is defined by a pillar lug mounted in the stock which engages a mating substantially flat bearing surface formed on the barrel-receiver assembly.
A bolt handle assembly for a firearm is disclosed. In one embodiment, the bolt handle assembly includes a bolt having an internal channel and a laterally extending slot, a bolt handle including a mounting tang insertable through the slot and having a locking aperture positioned in the internal channel, a firing pin striker slidably disposed in the internal channel, and a locking member mounted on the firing pin striker. The locking member is insertable through the locking aperture of the bolt handle and is configured for engaging the mounting tang of the bolt to removably secure the bolt handle to the bolt. The locking member is rotatable between locked and unlocked positions to secure and release the bolt handle from the bolt. A method for mounting the bolt handle to the bolt is also disclosed. In one embodiment; the firearm is a bolt-action rifle.
F41A 3/24 - Rigid bolt locks, i.e. having locking elements rigidly mounted on the bolt or bolt handle and on the barrel or breech-housing respectively the locking elements effecting a rotary movement about the barrel axis, e.g. rotating cylinder bolt locks hand-operated the locking being effected by rotating the operating handle or lever transversely to the barrel axis the locking elements forming part of the operating handle or lever
A magazine for storing and dispensing cartridges to a firearm. In one embodiment, the magazine includes a tubular body, a compression spring, and a two-piece follower including a first follower moveable within the magazine and a second follower disposed below the first follower. The second follower may be movable independently of the first fol lower and is engaged by the compression spring which applies a biasing force towards an open top end of the magazine. The second follower includes a base plate having an upward extending flange configured and dimensioned for slidable insertion through a slot formed in the first follower. The second follower is operable to project the flange through the slot to contact and assist with ejecting the last spent cartridge case in the magazine. In one embodiment, the firearm may be a pistol.
A spring-loaded quick coupling barrel retaining system for a firearm. The firearm includes a receiver, a barrel nut, and barrel assembly rotatably mounted thereto. In one embodiment, the barrel assembly may include barrel locking lugs which rotatably engage and interlock with corresponding locking elements disposed on the barrel nut such a splines. The barrel assembly further includes a spring member forming a flexible interface with the barrel nut. The spring member self-tensions and tightens the lockup between the barrel assembly and barrel nut to promote a tight fit. Some embodiments may include a lock nut and a setting tool for adjusting the spring force to promote consistently proper lockup from one replacement barrel assembly to the next.
A spring-loaded quick coupling barrel retaining system for a firearm. The firearm includes a receiver, a barrel nut, and barrel assembly rotatably mounted thereto. In one embodiment, the barrel assembly may include barrel locking lugs which rotatably engage and interlock with corresponding locking elements disposed on the barrel nut such a splines. The barrel assembly further includes a spring member forming a flexible interface with the barrel nut. The spring member self-tensions and tightens the lockup between the barrel assembly and barrel nut to promote a tight fit. Some embodiments may include a lock nut and a setting tool for adjusting the spring force to promote consistently proper lockup from one replacement barrel assembly to the next.
A firearm with barrel interlock system for a rotary mounted quick coupling barrel assembly. In one embodiment, the firearm includes a receiver and barrel assembly rotatably mounted thereto. A bolt carrier supporting a bolt is slidably disposed in the receiver and axially movable into and out of battery with the barrel assembly. The barrel interlock system may include a first barrel anti-rotation locking element disposed on the barrel assembly and a mating second barrel anti-rotation locking element disposed on the bolt carrier that is engageable with the first element. When mutually engaged, the first and second locking elements form a meshed relationship and prevent rotation and removal of the barrel assembly from the receiver. In some non-limiting embodiments, the locking elements may be in the form of a protrusion and complementary shaped recess.
A auto-loading firearm with magazine disconnect mechanism operable to disable the firing control mechanism of the firearm. The firearm may include a frame, a magazine adapted for holding a plurality of cartridges, and a pivotably mounted trigger movable for discharging the firearm. A magazine disconnect member is provided that is selectively engageable with the trigger and movable in response to removing and inserting the magazine. In one embodiment, the disconnect member may be slidably disposed in the frame proximate the trigger. In one position, the disconnect member engages the trigger when pulled to block or restrict movement of the trigger and disable the firing control mechanism to prevent discharging the firearm. A spring biases the disconnect member towards engagement with the trigger.
A auto-loading firearm lockable manual safety mechanism operable to disable the firing control mechanism of the firearm. The firearm may include a frame, a pivotable hammer, and a trigger bar operably coupled to a pivotable trigger for cocking and releasing the hammer. In one embodiment, the trigger bar is movable between a firing position and standby position in which the firing mechanism is disabled. A rotary- operated camming member is provided that is engageable with the trigger bar. The camming member is operable to move the trigger bar between the firing and standby positions. In one embodiment, the camming member may be key-operated.
A gas operated autoloading firearm having an improved bolt carrier. The gas piston system may include a barrel defining a longitudinally-extending bullet pathway, a gas block defining a piston bore, a passageway fluidly connecting the bore with the bullet pathway for diverting combustion gas to the bore upon discharging the firearm, and a piston slidably disposed in the bore for reciprocating movement. The piston actuates a reciprocating bolt assembly including a bolt carrier slidably received in a receiver. The bolt carrier includes supporting and guiding surfaces configured to reduce receiver wear and bolt carrier drag.
A barrel retaining system for a firearm includes a firearm receiver having a barrel nut coupled thereto and a barrel assembly, which in one embodiment may include a barrel with a barrel extension coupled thereto. The barrel extension includes a plurality of barrel locking lugs that rotatably engage corresponding locking elements disposed on the barrel nut. The barrel extension may further include a flange that may engage one end of the locking elements of the barrel nut and the barrel locking lugs may engage an opposite end of the locking elements to wedge the locking elements therebetween for securing the barrel extension to the barrel nut. The firearm may be an autoloading rifle in some embodiments.
A gas piston operating system for an autoloading firearm. The gas piston system may include a barrel having a longitudinally-extending bullet pathway, a gas block defining a piston bore, a passageway fluidly connecting the bore with the bullet pathway for diverting combustion gas from the pathway to the bore upon discharging the firearm, and a piston slidably disposed in the bore for reciprocating movement. In one embodiment, the piston includes a head having an axially-extending protrusion projecting towards the passageway. The protrusion is configured for slidable insertion into the passageway. The piston is movable from a first actuation position in which the protrusion is inserted into the passageway to a second actuation position in which the protrusion is at least partially withdrawn from the passageway. The protrusion acts to pretension a mechanical linkage between the piston and a reciprocating bolt assembly.
A striker-fired firearm with lockable manual safety and method of use. The firearm includes a frame, a chamber, a striker, a trigger, a trigger bar, a manually-operated safety adapted to engage the trigger bar and selectively movable between a first deactivated position and a second activated position wherein'the safety engages the trigger bar to prevent release of the striker, and a cylindrical locking member rotationally disposed in the frame. In one embodiment, the locking member, which may be a key operated lock pin with a blocking surface thereon that projects into a slot and engages a protrusion on the safety to block the movement of the safety.
A striker-fired firearm with field stripping mechanism and method. A striker- fired firearm generally includes a frame, a slide supported by the frame for longitudinal forward and rearward movement, a striker axially movable in a path of travel along a longitudinal axis, a trigger pivotably connected to the frame, a trigger bar movably coupled to the trigger and adapted to engage the striker, and a trigger bar camming member pivotably disposed in the frame and defining a camming surface engaged by the trigger bar. Pivoting the camming member moves the trigger bar from a first position to a second position in spatial relationship to the striker. In a preferred embodiment, the camming member is an ejector operable to expel spent cartridge casings from the firearm.
A slide catch-ejector assembly for an autoloading firearm. Au embodiment of a firearm having a slide catch-ejector assembly includes a housing, a slide slidably mounted on the housing for rearward and forward axial movement, and an assembly having a slide catch portion configured for engaging the slide and an ejector portion configured for ejecting cartridge casings from the firearm. In one embodiment, the assembly is selectively movable in the housing between a deactivated position in which the slide catch portion is not engageable with the slide and an activated position in which the slide catch portion is engageable with the slide. The ejector portion is selectively movable into and out of axial alignment with a chamber that receives a cartridge via moving the assembly between the deactivated and activated positions.
F41A 15/00 - Cartridge extractors, i.e. devices for pulling cartridges or cartridge cases at least partially out of the cartridge chamber; Cartridge ejectors, i.e. devices for throwing the extracted cartridges or cartridge cases free of the gun
A system and method of drying casting molds for forming metal parts is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a casting mold comprised of a meltable pattern coated with a ceramic slurry containing a liquid solvent and a binder, placing the casting mold in a chamber, encapsulating the casting mold in a desiccant material, sealing the chamber sufficient to pull a vacuum in the chamber, and applying a variable vacuum to the chamber to dry the mold. In one embodiment, the vacuum is controlled and gradually increased over time from atmospheric pressure to a predetermined maximum vacuum pressure. The vacuum is preferably applied at a rate such that the meltable pattern has a temperature that does not decrease more than about 5 degrees F from atmospheric pressure to maximum vacuum pressure in one embodiment.
A chamber reinforcement for composite firearm barrel and method for forming the same. In one embodiment, the barrel includes an inner tube defining a bore that provides a bullet path and an outer sleeve preferably made of a material lighter in weight than the tube. In some embodiments, the inner tube is made of a material that preferably has a greater density and strength than the outer sleeve. The reinforcement in one embodiment may be in the form of an end cap disposed on a portion of the sleeve. The reinforcement preferably is made of a material comparable to the inner tube in density and strength to reinforce the area where a chamber is formed for receiving a cartridge. In the preferred fabrication, the reinforcement, tube, and sleeve are forged together to provide a strong and unitary structure for withstanding combustion pressures and forces associated with discharging the firearm.
A revolver with trigger mechanism for cocking a rotatable hammer. The revolver includes a frame, a barrel supported by the frame and defining a bore,, at least one chamber aligned with the bore of barrel for holding a cartridge, a hammer pivotally mounted to the frame and moveable between a forward uncocked position and a rearward cocked position, and a trigger pivotally mounted to the frame. In one embodiment, the trigger includes a contoured camming surface configured and arranged to engage a protrusion extending outwards from the hammer for cocking the hammer in response to pulling the trigger. The protrusion may be a hammer dog pivotally coupled to the hammer in some embodiments. In another embodiment, the hammer may include a sear having a contoured camming surface for engaging the trigger.
A revolver with latching mechanism for swing-out type cylinder. The revolver includes a frame, a rotatable cylinder movable from a ready-to-fire position in the frame to a loading position laterally displaced outwards from the frame, and a latching member retained in the frame by a barrel insert that defines a bullet bore. In one embodiment, the latching member may be a spring-loaded plunger movable from a locked position in which the cylinder is locked in the ready-to-fire position to an unlocked position in which the cylinder is movable to the loading position. A cylinder crane pivotally mounts the cylinder in the frame and moving the plunger to the unlocked position allows the cylinder crane to be swung out laterally from the frame by a user. In one embodiment, the plunger is held in the frame by a retaining plug engaged by the barrel insert.
A revolver with light-weight firing control housing includes a cylinder frame supporting a rotatable cylinder defining a plurality of cartridge-receiving chambers and a firing control housing made of a non-metallic material. The firing control housing attaches to the cylinder frame and supports firing control mechanism components, such as a trigger and a pivotable hammer actuated by the trigger. In one embodiment,, the firing control housing may be made of a polymer and the cylinder frame may be metal.
A firearm with reversible backstrap and method of use. The firearm in one embodiment includes a frame defining a grip and a cavity therein, and a backstrap insert that is removably positioned in the cavity. The insert includes first and second backstrap grip surfaces that are each respectively disposed on opposite portions of the backstrap insert, such as a front portion and a rear portion in one embodiment. Preferably, the second backstrap grip surface is different than the first grip surface in some characteristic, such as thickness, profile or shape, material of construction, surface texture, etc. In one embodiment, the position of the insert may be reversed in the frame to selectively reverse the orientation of the first and second grip surfaces between front-facing and rear-facing in some embodiments to provide a user with a choice of grip surfaces. In some embodiments, this allows the user to change the grip depth of the firearm.
A composite barrel for a firearm and method for forming by forging. The barrel includes at least two materials joined together by forging. In a preferred embodiment, at least one material is preferably lighter in weight than the other material. The barrel may include an inner tube and an outer sleeve. The inner tube defines a bore that provides a bullet path and in one embodiment may be made of steel or alloys thereof. The outer sleeve surrounds the inner tube and in some embodiments may be made of aluminum, titanium, or alloys of either thereof. The tube preferably includes an exterior surface containing recessed areas therein for receiving material displaced from the outer sleeve by the forging process. The preferred barrel forming method generally may include inserting the tube into the sleeve, striking an outer surface of the sleeve, and deforming the sleeve to force material to flow into the recessed exterior surface of the tube to bond the tube and sleeve together. The method of forming may be used to produce long and short barrels for rifles and handguns respectively, and more broadly to produce other composite components unrelated to firearms.
patents
