Accessory Mount for a Firearm

Abstract

A firearm accessory mount may include multiple rails, each configured to mechanically couple one or more firearm accessories. Each rail may further have first and second electrically powered rail terminals for providing power to the firearm accessories when coupled to the rails. A switch may be associated with each rail that is selectively engageable to electrically couple or decouple power to that rail. Accordingly, each rail may be selectively powered to control operation of any firearm accessory mounted thereto.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to firearm accessories, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for mounting accessories onto firearms.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various types of firearms are known use in military and/or recreational use. Certain types of firearms, such as rifles, have elongated barrels. A variety of firearm accessories have been developed that may be attached to the barrel of a firearm to assist with the primary operation of the firearm or with a secondary or auxiliary operation associated with the firearm. These accessories may perform functions according to the needs of the firearm user and the demands of the use environment. For example, accessories may provide lighting (such as a flashlight), enhanced visual capabilities (such as a night vision scope), image recording (such as a camera), or other functions.

Firearm accessories are typically secured to the firearm barrel using an accessories mount that surrounds all or a portion of the firearm barrel. Conventional firearm accessory mounts typically include means for mechanical attachment to the firearm barrel and a mounting structure, such as a rail, configured to mechanically engage the accessory. Because these mounts merely provide mechanical support, firearm accessories requiring electrical power for operation must typically include their own power source, such as a battery. This not only increases the weight of the accessory, but also may require the user to carry spare batteries specific to the accessory. When multiple accessories are used with a firearm, the user may need to carry multiple different types of spare batteries.

Additionally, some accessories may include a switch to control operation of the accessory. These switches often include extensions that place a user-engageable portion of the switch in a location more convenient to the user during operation of the firearm. These switch extensions add to cost and complexity, and may be easily become entangled with the surrounding environment, thereby leading to safety concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a firearm accessory mount is configured for use with a firearm barrel and a firearm accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact. The firearm accessory mount includes a base configured to mechanically engage the firearm barrel and a first rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory. A first electrically powered rail terminal is coupled to the first rail and positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the firearm accessory when the firearm accessory is mounted to the first rail. A second electrically powered rail terminal is also coupled to the first rail and positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the firearm accessory when the firearm accessory is mounted to the first rail.

In another aspect of the disclosure that may be combined with any of these aspects, a firearm accessory mount is configured for use with a firearm barrel and a firearm accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact. The firearm accessory mount includes a base including an inner wall configured to mechanically engage the firearm barrel. A first rail is coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory, the first rail having a length extending along a longitudinal axis and including a head having first and second projections extending laterally in substantially opposite directions along substantially the length of the first rail, a first groove formed in the head, and a second groove formed in the head. A first rail terminal formed of an electrically conductive material is disposed in the first groove and positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the firearm accessory, while a second rail terminal formed of an electrically conductive material is disposed in the second groove and positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the firearm accessory. A power source is removably coupled to the base and electrically communicates with the first and second rail terminals of the first rail.

In another aspect of the disclosure that may be combined with any of these aspects, a firearm accessory mount is configured for use with a firearm barrel and a firearm accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact. The firearm accessory mount includes a base including an inner wall configured to mechanically engage the firearm barrel. A first rail assembly is coupled to the base and includes a first rail configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory, a first rail terminal supported by the first rail and formed of an electrically conductive material, the first rail terminal of the first rail being positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the firearm accessory, and a second rail terminal supported by the first rail and formed of an electrically conductive material, the second rail terminal of the first rail being positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the firearm accessory. A second rail assembly is coupled to the base and includes a second rail configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory, a first rail terminal supported by the second rail and formed of an electrically conductive material, the first rail terminal of the second rail being positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the firearm accessory, and a second rail terminal supported by the second rail and formed of an electrically conductive material, the second rail terminal of the second rail being positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the firearm accessory. A power source is removably coupled to the base and electrically communicates with the first and second rail terminals of the first rail and the first and second rail terminals of the second rail. A first switch is disposed between the power source and the first rail terminal of the first rail and selectively operable between a closed state, in which the power source is electrically coupled to the first rail terminal of the first rail, and an open state, in which the power source is electrically decoupled from the first rail terminal of the first rail. A second switch is disposed between the power source and the first rail terminal of the second rail and selectively operable between a closed state, in which the power source is electrically coupled to the first rail terminal of the second rail, and an open state, in which the power source is electrically decoupled from the first rail terminal of the second rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatuses, reference should be made to the embodiment illustrated in greater detail on the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an exemplary a firearm having a firearm accessory mount according to the present disclosure mounted on a barrel of the firearm.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the firearm and firearm accessory mount of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevation view, in cross-section, of the firearm accessory mount taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevation view, in cross-section, of a rail provided on the firearm accessory mount of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the firearm accessory mount of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the firearm accessory mount of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic of an alternative embodiment of a firearm accessory mount.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the firearm accessory mount of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a rail provided on the firearm accessory mount of FIG. 7.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrated diagrammatically and in partial views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatuses or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of a firearm accessory mount are disclosed herein. The firearm accessory mount may include a rail having first and second electrically powered terminals positioned to engage contacts provided on one or more firearm accessories. The firearm accessory mount may further include a power source, such as a removable battery pack, that electrically communicates with the rail terminals. Accordingly, the firearm accessory mount not only mechanically secures the accessory to the firearm, but also provides power for operating the accessory. As a result, the user need only carry one type of battery to power all accessories, making the firearm accessory mount more convenient to use and reducing the number and/or types of batteries that he or she must carry. In some embodiments, the firearm accessory mount includes multiple rails and a switch for each rail to selectively control power to the rails and, in turn, operation of the attached accessories.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a firearm accessory mount 20 is shown attached to a firearm 22. The firearm 22 may be capable of automatic or semi-automatic fire. In the exemplary embodiment, the firearm 22 includes an upper receiver section 24, a barrel 26, and a hand guard 28. The firearm 22 may incorporate a stock 30, a lower receiver section 32, a magazine well 34, a magazine or clip 35, a rear sight 38, and a front sight 39. The upper receiver section 24 with barrel 26, lower receiver section 32, and magazine well 34 may be modular and configurable such that the firearm 22 may comprise a modular rifle design.

The firearm accessory mount 20 may be attached to the barrel 26 of the firearm 22. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the firearm accessory mount 20 may include a base 36 configured for attachment to the barrel 26. The base 36 may include a first base portion 36a and a second base portion 36b that are joined together around the barrel 26, thereby to secure the base 36 to the barrel 26.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the firearm accessory mount 20 may include a plurality of rail assemblies coupled to the base 36. While the figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment having four rail assemblies, it will be appreciated that the firearm accessory mount 20 may have one, two, three, or more than four rail assemblies without departing from the scope of the claims presented herein. In the illustrated embodiment, first, second, and third rail assemblies 40, 42, 44 are coupled to the first base portion 36a while a fourth rail assembly 46 is coupled to the second base portion 36b (FIG. 3).

The first rail assembly 40 may include a first rail 50 coupled to the base for mechanically securing an accessory 100 (FIG. 4). The first rail 50 may have a length “L1” measured along a longitudinal axis 48 of the firearm accessory mount 20. As best shown in FIG. 4, the first rail 50 may include a pedestal 51 and a head 52 including first and second projections 53, 54 extending laterally outwardly from the pedestal 51 in substantially opposite directions. The first projection 53 may include an upper clamping surface 55 and a lower clamping surface 56. Similarly, the second projection 54 may include an upper clamping surface 57 and a lower clamping surface 58. The upper portion of the head 52 is segmented by transverse slots 59 (FIGS. 2 and 5) configured to receive a mating portion 102 of the accessory 100, thereby to locate the accessory 100 on the first rail 50. The accessory 100 may then be secured in place on the first rail 50 using any known clamping means. While the first rail 50 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 has a rail profile configured similar to a “Picatinny” type rail profile, it may be configured as a Weaver or other type of standard rail profile, or it may have a custom rail profile.

The second, third, and fourth rail assemblies 42, 44, 46 may have configurations similar to that of the first rail assembly 40. Accordingly, the second rail assembly 42 may have a second rail 62 including a pedestal 63 and a head 64. Similarly, the third rail assembly 44 may have a third rail 65 with a pedestal 66 and a head 67. Still further, the fourth rail assembly 46 may have a fourth rail 68 including a pedestal 69 and a head 70. Each of the second, third, and fourth rails 62, 65, 68 may have a profile substantially identical to that of the first rail 50, such as a Picatinny, Weaver, or other standard or custom rail profile. Consequently, each of the second, third, and fourth rails 62, 65, 68 may also receive and secure the accessory 100.

Each of the rail assemblies 40, 42, 44, 46 further may provide electrical power to operate the accessory 100. The first rail assembly 40, for example, may include electrically powered, first and second rail terminals 72, 74 to communicate electricity to the accessory 100. The first and second rail terminals 72, 74 may be formed of an electrically conductive material, such as brass, copper, steel, aluminum, conductive elastomer, conductive plastic, conductive para-aramid synthetic fiber, conductive rubber, and conductive fabric. Additionally or alternatively, the rail terminals may be configured to conduct electricity via induction.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the accessory 100 may include a first accessory power contact 104 and a second accessory power contact 106 for receiving electrical power to operate the accessory. Exemplary types of accessories include flashlights, lighting fixtures, LED lights, cameras, laser targeting devices or systems, lasers, auxiliary weaponry, targeting scopes, satellite communications, global positioning systems, foregrips, and night vision scopes and devices. The first and second accessory power contacts 104, 106 are formed of an electrically conductive material, such as nickel coated metal, to electrically communicate with an accessory component that requires electrical power to operate. The first rail terminal 72 may be disposed in a first groove 76 formed in the first projection 53 of the first rail 50, while the second rail terminal 74 may be disposed in a second groove 78 formed in the second projection 54. The first and second rail terminals 72, 74 are positioned to substantially align with the first and second accessory power contacts 104, 106 when the mating portion 102 of the accessory 100 is mounted onto the first rail 50.

The first and second rail terminals 72, 74 may be biased outwardly to ensure contact with the first and second accessory power contacts 104, 106, respectively. For example, a first resilient member 80 may be disposed between the first groove 76 and the first rail terminal 72 to bias the first rail terminal 72 outwardly. Similarly, a second resilient member 82 may be disposed between the second groove 78 and the second rail terminal 74 to bias the second rail terminal 74 outwardly. The first and second grooves 76, 78 are located so that the first and second rail terminals 72, 74 are positioned to respectively engage the first and second accessory power contacts 104, 106. The first and second resilient members 80, 82 outwardly bias the first and second rail terminals 72, 74 to more reliably ensure that the first and second rail terminals 72, 74 make sufficient contact with the first and second accessory power contacts 104, 106 to communicate electricity to the accessory 100.

The second, third, and fourth rail assemblies 42, 44, 46 may be configured similar to the first rail assembly 40 to provide electrical power to the accessory 100. Accordingly, the second rail 62 of the second rail assembly 42 may have first and second rail terminals 84, 86, the third rail 65 of the third rail assembly 44 may have first and second rail terminals 88, 90, and the fourth rail 68 of the fourth rail assembly 46 may have first and second rail terminals 92, 94 (FIG. 3). Each pair of rail terminals on an associated rail is positioned to engage the first and second accessory power contacts 104, 106 regardless of the position of the accessory 100 along the length of the rail.

In some embodiments, the firearm accessory mount 20 may include a power source that electrically communicates with each pair of rail terminals, thereby to electrically power each rail. While any power source, including a power source provided separate from the firearm accessory mount 20, may be used to power the pairs of rail terminals, certain benefits may be achieved by providing the power source integrally with the base 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source may be provided as a battery pack 120 (FIG. 6). The battery pack 120 may include a water tight, impact resistant battery housing 122 having a contact end 124 and a retention end 126. A power storage cell 128 is disposed in the battery housing 122 and electrically communicates with first and second battery power contacts 130, 132. The power storage cell 128 may be provided as a lithium polymer cell, a lithium ion cell, a lithium ion ion cell, a nickel metal hydride cell, nickel-zinc cell, zinc-air cell, silver-oxide cell, alkaline cell, zinc-chloride cell, and a fuel cell, or other known device for storing electrical power. The first and second battery power contacts 130, 132 are disposed on the contact end 124 of the battery housing 122.

The battery pack 120 may be detachably coupled to the base 36 to permit removal for recharging and/or replacement by a spare battery pack. To accommodate a removable battery, the base 36 may include a socket 134 configured to slidably receive at least the contact end 124 of the battery housing 122. To reduce wear caused by sliding the battery pack 120 into and out of the socket 134, the battery housing 122 may be formed of a material that is the same, or has substantially the same properties, as the material used to form the base 36.

First and second socket terminals 136, 138 are disposed in the socket 134 and formed of an electrically conductive material. The first socket terminal 136 electrically communicates with each of the first rail terminals 72, 84, 88, 92, such as by first internal wire 140, while the second socket power terminal 138 electrically communicates with the second rail terminals 74, 86, 90, 94, such as by second internal wire 142. Where the base 36 formed by the first and second base halves 36a, 36b, first and second base contacts 144, 146 may be provided to electrically couple segments of the first and second internal wires 140, 142. The first and second socket terminals 136, 138 are positioned to respectively engage the first and second battery power contacts 130, 132 when the contact end 124 of the battery housing 122 is inserted into the socket 134, thereby to communicate electricity from the battery pack 120 to the first and second rail terminals 72, 74, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94.

The battery pack 120 may be rechargeable to permit repeated use. A battery recharging device (not shown) may be configured to engage the first and second battery power contacts 130, 132, thereby to communicate electricity and recharge the power storage cell 128. Alternatively, the battery pack 120 may include a DC jack (not shown) electrically communicating with the power storage cell 128 that is engageable by a wall charger, a solar charger, a portable power pack, a vehicle charger, or other type of battery charger.

The battery pack 120 may further include protection against shorting when exposed to liquid. In the exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 120 may include a circuit protection chip that performs one or more of the following functions: shuts the battery off when a short is detected; protects the battery against overcharging; prevents complete discharge of the battery; maintains a constant charge and discharge of the battery; and protects the battery against power spikes.

The first and second rail terminals of each pair of terminals may be positioned relative to one another to permit operation of the firearm accessory only when in a proper orientation. Certain firearm accessories, such as laser targeting devices, targeting scopes, and night vision scopes, may have a forward end that must be oriented away from the firearm operator. Additionally, the first accessory power contact 104 may have a first polarity, such as a positive polarity, and the second accessory power contact 106 may have a second polarity, such as a negative polarity. The first battery power contact 130 electrically coupled to the first rail terminals 72, 84, 88, 92 may be connected to the positive terminal of the battery pack 120, so that the first rail terminals 72, 84, 88, 92 all have a positive polarity. The second battery power contact 132 electrically coupled to the second rail terminals 74, 86, 90, 94 may be connected to the negative terminal of the battery pack 120, so that the second rail terminals 74, 86, 90, 94 all have a negative polarity. Each first rail terminal 72, 84, 88, 92 may be positioned relative to its respective second rail terminal 74, 86, 90, 94 such that the accessory 100 will operate only when it is attached in the proper orientation. The relative positions of first and second rail terminals may be consistent for each rail 50, 62, 65, 68 so that the accessory 100 will be properly oriented forwardly regardless of which rail it is mounted on.

An alternative embodiment of a firearm accessory mount 200 is illustrated at FIGS. 7-9. The firearm accessory mount 200 is also configured for attachment to a firearm barrel (not shown) and is constructed similar to the firearm accessory mount 20 described above. As explained in greater detail below, however, the firearm accessory mount 200 has rail terminals positioned in an alternative location, provides selective powering of each rail assembly, and employs a detachable battery pack.

Referring to FIG. 8, the firearm accessory mount 200 includes a base 236 including a first base portion 236a and a second base portion 236b that may be secured together around a firearm barrel (not shown). First, second, and third rail assemblies 240, 242, 244 are coupled to the first base portion 236a while a fourth rail assembly 246 is coupled to the second base portion 236b. The first rail assembly 240 includes a first rail 250 having a profile, such as a “Picatinny” profile, that is configured to mechanically secure the firearm accessory 100. In the illustrated embodiment, first and second channels 306, 308 extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 310 of the first rail 250 (FIG. 9).

A first rail terminal 272 is disposed in the first channel 306, while a second rail terminal 274 is disposed in the second channel 308. The first and second rail terminals 272, 274 are formed of an electrically conductive material to provide power to the firearm accessory 100. More specifically, the first and second rail terminals 272, 274 are oriented upwardly and away from the base, thereby permitting access from an area above the first rail 250. This is different from the previous embodiments, in which the rail terminals were oriented downwardly toward a base of the rail. The firearm accessory 100 may have first and second power contacts 104, 106 configured and located to contact the first and second rail terminals 272, 274 when the accessory is mechanically secured to the first rail 250.

The second, third, and fourth rail assemblies 242, 244, 246 may be configured similarly to the first rail assembly 240. Accordingly, as best shown with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the second rail assembly 242 may include a second rail 262 having first and second rail terminals 284, 286, the third rail assembly 244 may include a third rail 265 having first and second rail terminals 288, 290, and the fourth rail assembly 246 may include a fourth rail 268 having first and second rail terminals 292, 294. The first and second power contacts 104, 106 of the firearm accessory may be configured to engage an associated pair of first and second rail terminals when coupled to any of the rails 262, 265, 268.

The firearm accessory mount 200 provides additional options for providing electrical power to the rail terminals. For example, the firearm accessory mount may include the self-contained battery pack 120 (FIG. 7). Additionally or alternatively, a battery pack accessory 320 may be coupled to one of the rails, such as the fourth rail 268 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The first rail terminals 272, 284, 288, 292 are electrically coupled by a first internal wire 340 while the second rail terminals 274, 286, 290, 294 are electrically coupled by a second internal wire 342, so that power may be distributed from the power source to each rail terminal pair.

The firearm accessory mount 200 further may be configured to permit selective powering of each rail assembly. More specifically, each rail assembly may include a switch that is operable between a closed state, in which the power source is electrically coupled to a rail terminal, and an open state, in which the power source is electrically decoupled from the rail terminal. As best shown in FIG. 7, a first switch 350 may be disposed between the power source and the first rail terminal 272 of the first rail 250, a second switch 352 may be disposed between the power source and the first rail terminal 284 of the second rail 262, a third switch 354 may be disposed between the power source and the first rail terminal 288 of the third rail 265, and a fourth switch 356 may be disposed between the first rail terminal 292 of the fourth rail 268. A user interface, such as first, second, third, and fourth buttons 358, 360, 362, 364, may be associated with the switches 350, 352, 354, 356 to allow the firearm operator to actuate the switches between closed and open states. As shown in FIG. 8, at least the first, second, and third buttons 358, 360, 362 may be conveniently located within reach of a finger or thumb of the operator when his non-trigger hand is placed on the firearm accessory mount 200 for support during operation of the firearm.

Firearm accessory mount embodiments are described above that provide electrically powered rail terminals to power accessories. The rail terminals are positioned to engage contacts provided on the firearm accessory when the accessory is mounted on one of the rails, so that each accessory is automatically powered when it is attached to a rail. As a result, the firearm accessory mounts not only mechanically secure the accessory to the firearm, but also communicate electricity to power the accessory. The power source used to deliver electricity to the rail terminals may be integrally provided with the firearm accessory mount. In certain embodiments, the power source is provided as a detachable, rechargeable battery pack. As a result, the user need carry only a single type of battery, and fewer total spare batteries, to power all of the firearm accessories. Additionally, the rail terminals are sufficiently long to simultaneously or individually power multiple connected devices. In still further embodiments, switches may be provided to selectively power each pair of rail terminals, thereby reducing the need for each accessory to provide its own switching system.

While only certain embodiments have been set forth, alternatives and modifications will be apparent from the above description to those skilled in the art. These and other alternatives are considered equivalents and within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A firearm accessory mount configured for use with a firearm barrel and a firearm accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact, the firearm accessory mount comprising:

a base including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion coupled together and configured to mechanically engage around the firearm barrel, the base including a battery socket;

a first rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory, the first rail longitudinally aligned with the battery socket;

a first electrically powered rail terminal coupled to the first rail and positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the firearm accessory when the firearm accessory is mounted to the first rail; and

a second electrically powered rail terminal coupled to the first rail and positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the firearm accessory when the firearm accessory is mounted to the first rail.

2. The firearm accessory mount of claim 1, further comprising a power source electrically coupled to the first and second electrically powered rail terminals.

3. The firearm accessory mount of claim 2, further comprising a first switch disposed between the power source and the first rail and selectively operable between a closed state, in which the power source is electrically coupled to the first rail, and an open state, in which the power source is electrically decoupled from the first rail.

4. The firearm accessory mount of claim 2, in which the power source is removably coupled to the battery socket of the base.

5. The firearm accessory mount of claim 4, in which:

the battery socket includes a first socket terminal electrically communicating with the first electrically powered rail terminal and a second socket terminal electrically communicating with the second electrically powered rail terminal; and

the power source comprises a battery having a first battery contact positioned to engage the first socket terminal, and a second battery contact positioned to engage the second socket terminal.

6. The firearm accessory mount of claim 5, further comprising:

a second rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory; and

first and second electrically powered rail terminals coupled to the second rail.

7. The firearm accessory mount of claim 6, in which the power source comprises a removable battery pack mechanically coupled to the second rail and electrically coupled to the first and second electrically powered rail terminals of the second rail.

8. The firearm accessory mount of claim 6, in which:

the firearm accessory has a forward end;

the first electrically powered rail terminal of the first rail is positioned relative to the second electrically powered rail terminal of the first rail so that the forward end of the firearm accessory is oriented toward a forward end of the firearm barrel when the firearm accessory is mounted to the first rail; and

the first electrically powered rail terminal of the second rail is positioned relative to the second electrically powered rail terminal of the second rail so that the forward end of the firearm accessory is oriented toward a forward end of the firearm barrel when the firearm accessory is mounted to the second rail.

9. The firearm accessory mount of claim 6, further comprising:

a third rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory, first and second electrically powered rail terminals coupled to the third rail and positioned to engage, respectively, the first and second accessory power contacts of the firearm accessory when the firearm accessory is mounted to the third rail; and

a fourth rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory, first and second electrically powered rail terminals coupled to the fourth rail and positioned to engage, respectively, the first and second accessory power contacts of the firearm accessory when the firearm accessory is mounted to the fourth rail.

10. The firearm accessory mount of claim 6, further comprising

a first switch disposed between the power source and the first electrically powered rail terminal of the first rail and selectively operable between a closed state, in which the power source is electrically coupled to the first electrically powered rail terminal of the first rail, and an open state, in which the power source is electrically decoupled from the first electrically powered rail terminal of the first rail; and

a second switch disposed between the power source and the first electrically powered rail terminal of the second rail and selectively operable between a closed state, in which the power source is electrically coupled to the first electrically powered rail terminal of the second rail, and an open state, in which the power source is electrically decoupled from the first electrically powered rail terminal of the second rail.

11. The firearm accessory mount of claim 1, in which the first rail comprises:

a pedestal;

a head having first and second projections extending laterally from the pedestal in substantially opposite directions;

a first groove formed in the head and configured to receive the first electrically powered rail terminal; and

a second groove formed in the head and configured to receive the second electrically powered rail terminal.

12. A firearm accessory mount configured for use with a firearm barrel and a firearm accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact, the firearm accessory mount comprising:

a base including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including a first inner wall and the second portion including a second inner wall, the first portion and the second portion coupled together, the first and second inner walls configured to mechanically engage around the firearm barrel, the base including a battery socket;

a first rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory, the first rail longitudinally aligned with the battery socket, the first rail having a length extending along a longitudinal axis and including:

a pedestal;

a head having first and second projections extending laterally in substantially opposite directions along substantially the length of the first rail;

a first groove formed in the head; and

a second groove formed in the head;

a first rail terminal formed of an electrically conductive material disposed in the first groove and positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the firearm accessory;

a second rail terminal formed of an electrically conductive material disposed in the second groove and positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the firearm accessory; and

a power source removably coupled to the battery socket of the base and electrically communicating with the first and second rail terminals of the first rail.

13. The firearm accessory mount of claim 12, in which:

the battery socket includes a first socket terminal electrically communicating with the first rail terminal of the first rail and a second socket terminal electrically communicating with the second rail terminal of the first rail; and

the power source comprises a battery having a first battery contact electrically coupled to the first socket terminal and a second battery contact electrically coupled to the second socket terminal.

14. The firearm accessory mount of claim 12, further comprising:

a second rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory; and

first and second electrically powered rail terminals coupled to the second rail.

15. The firearm accessory mount of claim 14, in which:

the firearm accessory has a forward end;

the first rail terminal of the first rail is positioned relative to the second rail terminal of the first rail so that the forward end of the firearm accessory is oriented toward a forward end of the firearm barrel when the firearm accessory is mounted to the first rail; and

the first rail terminal of the second rail is positioned relative to the second rail terminal of the second rail so that the forward end of the firearm accessory is oriented toward a forward end of the firearm barrel when the firearm accessory is mounted to the second rail.

16. The firearm accessory mount of claim 14, further comprising

a first switch disposed between the power source and the first rail terminal of the first rail and selectively operable between a closed state, in which the power source is electrically coupled to the first rail terminal of the first rail, and an open state, in which the power source is electrically decoupled from the first rail terminal of the first rail; and

a second switch disposed between the power source and the first rail terminal of the second rail and selectively operable between a closed state, in which the power source is electrically coupled to the first rail terminal of the second rail, and an open state, in which the power source is electrically decoupled from the first rail terminal of the second rail.

17. A firearm accessory mount configured for use with a firearm barrel and a firearm accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact, the firearm accessory mount comprising:

a base including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including a first inner wall and the second portion including a second inner wall, the first portion and the second portion coupled together, the first and second inner walls configured to mechanically engage around the firearm barrel, the base including a socket;

a first rail assembly coupled to the base and including:

a first rail configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory, the first rail longitudinally aligned with the socket;

a first rail terminal supported by the first rail and formed of an electrically conductive material, the first rail terminal of the first rail being positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the firearm accessory; and

a second rail terminal supported by the first rail and formed of an electrically conductive material, the second rail terminal of the first rail being positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the firearm accessory;

a second rail assembly coupled to the base and including:

a second rail configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory;

a first rail terminal supported by the second rail and formed of an electrically conductive material, the first rail terminal of the second rail being positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the firearm accessory; and

a second rail terminal supported by the second rail and formed of an electrically conductive material, the second rail terminal of the second rail being positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the firearm accessory;

a power source removably coupled to the socket of the base and electrically communicating with the first and second rail terminals of the first rail and the first and second rail terminals of the second rail;

a first switch disposed between the power source and the first rail terminal of the first rail and selectively operable between a closed state, in which the power source is electrically coupled to the first rail terminal of the first rail, and an open state, in which the power source is electrically decoupled from the first rail terminal of the first rail; and

a second switch disposed between the power source and the first rail terminal of the second rail and selectively operable between a closed state, in which the power source is electrically coupled to the first rail terminal of the second rail, and an open state, in which the power source is electrically decoupled from the first rail terminal of the second rail.

18. The firearm accessory mount of claim 17, in which:

the firearm accessory has a forward end;

the first rail terminal of the first rail is positioned relative to the second rail terminal of the first rail so that the forward end of the firearm accessory is oriented toward a forward end of the firearm barrel when the firearm accessory is mounted to the first rail; and

the first rail terminal of the second rail is positioned relative to the second rail terminal of the second rail so that the forward end of the firearm accessory is oriented toward a forward end of the firearm barrel when the firearm accessory is mounted to the second rail.

19. The firearm accessory mount of claim 17, further comprising:

a third rail assembly coupled to the base and including a third rail configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory, and first and second electrically powered rail terminals coupled to the third rail and positioned to engage, respectively, the first and second accessory power contacts of the firearm accessory when the firearm accessory is mounted to the third rail; and

a third switch disposed between the power source and the first rail terminal of the third rail and selectively operable between a closed state, in which the power source is electrically coupled to the first rail terminal of the third rail, and an open state, in which the power source is electrically decoupled from the first rail terminal of the third rail.

20. The firearm accessory mount of claim 19, further comprising:

a fourth rail assembly coupled to the base and including a fourth rail configured to mechanically engage the firearm accessory; and

first and second electrically powered rail terminals coupled to the fourth rail and positioned to engage, respectively, the first and second accessory power contacts of the firearm accessory when the firearm accessory is mounted to the fourth rail;

wherein the firearm accessory comprises a battery pack accessory.