Abstract: Provided in various example embodiments is a firing mechanism for firearms including a trigger with a movable sear attached to the trigger. When dimensional interference occurs within the trigger group, the movable sear is displaced from a seated position to an unseated position, instead of moving the trigger out of the non-firing position. This allows a firearm to be cocked when the trigger is locked in safe mode, and allows a firearm to be placed into safe mode at any time, regardless of the position of the hammer. This functionality improves the effectiveness of automatic trigger locking mechanisms discussed in related applications, and may be applied in various forms to firearms generally.

Abstract: Provided in various example embodiments is an apparatus, system, and method for improved control of selectable dual mode trigger systems for semiautomatic firearms, which may include a timed locking mechanism incorporated in the trigger system that ensures that the carrier is seated before the hammer is actuated, and that the anti-hammer-follow disconnect does not engage out of sequence. Such a mechanism ensures that the necessary steps occur in the proper sequence in the trigger mechanism, so that at any given time the trigger and firearm are ready for the next desired function to occur. The addition of a timed trigger lock mechanism to the trigger as disclosed herein ensures that the sequence of events in the trigger is maintained in the proper relationship, preventing misfires and jams. Such trigger locking mechanisms have applicability beyond dual-mode trigger systems, and may be applied in various forms to semiautomatic firearms generally.

Abstract: Provided in one aspect is an annular gas ring within or adjacent a barrel to increase the efficient transfer of pressurized gas to one or more gas ports, which may communicate the high-pressure gas from near the chamber distally to a piston to cycle the action of the firearm. Provided in another aspect is a modular quick-disconnect barrel assembly for long-stroke gas-operated firearms such as the AK-47, which allows barrel and gas systems to be replaced together simply by pulling a single pin, thereby allowing the caliber of the firearm to be instantly changed to 12-gauge shotgun or any dimensionally smaller rifle or handgun round. A novel forward-charging handle system is also provided that works with the modular quick-disconnect barrel assembly.

Abstract: A magazine carrier for repeating firearms is provided which securely engages a magazine at multiple locations, and which may be easily actuated to remove the magazine, for example, with either the user's trigger hand near the trigger or with the user's other hand while gripping the magazine for removal. In various example embodiments the magazine carrier may comprise a pivoting magazine release member comprising a perimeter frame defining an opening there through, and having an offset pivoting axis and engagement lugs at opposite corners on either side of the axis. Example firearms comprising the magazine carrier are disclosed along with example methods of use.

Abstract: Provided in one aspect is an annular gas ring within or adjacent a barrel to increase the efficient transfer of pressurized gas to one or more gas ports, which may communicate the high-pressure gas from near the chamber distally to a piston to cycle the action of the firearm. Provided in another aspect is a modular quick-disconnect barrel assembly for long-stroke gas-operated firearms such as the AK-47, which allows barrel and gas systems to be replaced together simply by pulling a single pin, thereby allowing the caliber of the firearm to be instantly changed to 12-gauge shotgun or any dimensionally smaller rifle or handgun round. A novel forward-charging handle system is also provided that works with the modular quick-disconnect barrel assembly.