Abstract: Quick take-down firearms and methods of using quick-take down firearms. The quick-take down includes an upper receiver coupling and a barrel coupling. The quick take-down can be unlocked by sliding a sliding lock collar in a translational motion to an unlocked position to release locking elements from a locked configuration. In the unlocked position, a barrel and handguard may be installed onto and removed from the upper receiver of the firearm. Releasing the sliding lock collar returns it to a locked position, securing the barrel and handguard to the upper receiver.

Abstract: A firearm system can include a modular mono-block shotgun system and a standardizing sighting system. The modular mono-block shotgun system can have multiple interchangeable barrels of different gauges for assembling a single shotgun. Each barrel can include an inherent low-rail sight longitudinally along its top surface. The standardizing sighting system can be installed upon the low-rail sight of each barrel of the modular mono-block system. The height of each barrel with its corresponding component of the standardizing sighting system can be substantially equal to the height of a largest gauge barrel with its corresponding component. After changing barrels, a need to make adjustments to the shotgun to account for changes in sighting and impact spread can be eliminated.

Abstract: An optical device mounting apparatus and related methods are disclosed. The apparatus includes a base plate with a first fastener positioned through a hole in the base plate, wherein the first fastener is removably engageable with the optical device. A first wall is connected to the base plate and extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from the base plate. A second wall is connected to the base plate and extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from the base plate, wherein the second wall is different from the first wall. A stabilizing fastener is movably engaged within a hole formed within the second wall, wherein a space between the stabilizing fastener and the first wall removably receives a mounting structure of the optical device, wherein the mounting structure of the optical device is contactable by the stabilizing fastener and the first wall when it is received within the space.

Abstract: An accessory is mountable to the side plate of a gun. The accessory may be a sighting device including a light source (preferably a laser), and a power source connectable to the light source. The side plate is positioned on the gun, which is preferably a revolver, preferably by being screwed to it. The side plate includes an attachment mechanism that is preferably located behind the trigger guard and behind the gun cylinder, wherein the accessory is attachable to the attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A weapon sight removably mountable on a weapon provides a plurality of weapon sight segments coupled in end to end linear relation including a front weapon sight segment configured to receive a front sight and a rear weapon sight segment configured to receive a rear sight which disposes the front sight at a fixed distance from the rear sight allowing alignment of the front sight with the rear sight to aim the weapon at a target.

Abstract: A weapon sight removably mountable on a weapon provides a plurality of weapon sight segments coupled in end to end linear relation including a front weapon sight segment configured to receive a front sight and a rear weapon sight segment configured to receive a rear sight which disposes the front sight at a fixed distance from the rear sight allowing alignment of the front sight with the rear sight to aim the weapon at a target.

Abstract: A modular fore-end rail assembly for mounting onto a firearm includes an upper hand guard, a lower hand guard and a clamping member that combines with the rear portion of the upper hand guard to encircle and clamp onto the barrel nut thereby supporting the entire assembly from the front of the upper receiver and preventing any transfer of load into the barrel. The lower portion of the hand guard is slidably received into channels formed in the upper hand guard and is retained in its installed position by a spring biased detent located in the clamping member. The lower hand guard is removable by simply depressing the detent and sliding the lower hand guard forward. By providing for the easy removal of the lower hand guard, other auxiliary devices may be mounted to the upper hand guard.

Abstract: An aiming apparatus for shotguns, that aids in maintaining correct head position and alignment of the aiming eye with the rib of the shotgun. Warning sight elements are positioned below the upper edges of the rib and forward of rearwardly located blinders, so that the warning sight elements are obscured when the aiming eye is correctly positioned level with the upper surface of the rib but become visible when the aiming eye are incorrectly raised to an elevated position. The warning sight elements also emerge from behind sides of the blinders if the aiming eye is moved laterally to a position offset from the rib. A centerline aiming element is positioned atop the rib and is visible through an aperture when the aiming eye is in the correct position, but becomes obscured when the aiming eye is moved upwardly or laterally out of the correct position. The warning and aiming sight elements are formed of rods of light-gathering optic fiber and have contrasting colors, preferably red/orange and green.

Abstract: A firearm accessory mounting rail with an integrated back up sight system including an elongated Picatinny rail having longitudinally spaced apart first and second end regions and a transverse profile. A first sight element has a visual marker substantially centrally positioned. A second sight element has laterally spaced apart visual markers. A substantially centered longitudinal channel extends along the upper surface of the rail between the first and second sight elements. The firearm may be sighted by visually aligning the marker of the first sight element between the markers of the second sight element, the visual alignment being at least partially through the longitudinal channel. The sight elements may be defined completely within the transverse profile of the rail so as not to interfere with the normal attachment of any accessories to the rail and may be adjustable for windage and/or elevation. The visual markers may be illuminated by light gathering fiber optic or tritium elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of improving and to an adjusting device for performing adjustment of the butt of a shotgun to a specific shooter in order to improve the accuracy of fire. It has been realized that the adjustment of the butt of a shotgun to fit a shooter is markedly facilitated through the use of an adjusting device according to embodiments and methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method for releasably attaching a compensator assembly adjacent a muzzle end of a barrel of a firearm. The compensator assembly includes an attachment means on its rear end. The barrel has a firing axis and includes a threaded end opposite the muzzle end and defines a recess formed adjacent the muzzle end. The firearm itself has a frame defining a threaded aperture. The method includes moving the attachment means into engagement with the recess; tensioning the attachment means within the recess in a direction substantially parallel to the firing axis; inserting a mating tool into the muzzle end of the barrel; rotating the barrel via the mating tool, thereby causing the threaded end of the barrel to threadedly engage with the threaded aperture; and halting the rotation of the barrel via the mating tool when a predetermined torque is achieved.

Abstract: A shotgun sight is provided with a barrel, a sighting rib, a rib support member, a pitch adjustment mechanism, and a latch mechanism. The rib support member is provided on the barrel. The pitch adjustment mechanism is provided between the rib and the rib support member to adjust pitch of the rib relative to the barrel. The latch mechanism has a pair of coacting base plates. A first base plate is provided along a proximal end of the rib and a second base plate is provided on the rib support member. Each base plate has an array of complementary-shaped interlocking projections. One of the base plates is configured to be forcibly urged apart from the other base plate to reposition the array of interlocking projections in order to selectively position the rib relative to the barrel at one of a plurality of locations each corresponding with a unique pitch for the rib relative to the barrel. An adjustable gun sight is also provided.

Abstract: A shotgun sight is provided with a barrel, a sighting rib, a rib support member, a pitch adjustment mechanism, and a latch mechanism. The rib support member is provided on the barrel. The pitch adjustment mechanism is provided between the rib and the rib support member to adjust pitch of the rib relative to the barrel. The latch mechanism has a pair of coacting base plates. A first base plate is provided along a proximal end of the rib and a second base plate is provided on the rib support member. Each base plate has an array of complementary-shaped interlocking projections. One of the base plates is configured to be forcibly urged apart from the other base plate to reposition the array of interlocking projections in order to selectively position the rib relative to the barrel at one of a plurality of locations each corresponding with a unique pitch for the rib relative to the barrel. An adjustable gun sight is also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite rib for the barrel of a firearm is provided. The method generally includes aligning composite material and a release layer and directing the combination of materials through a die. The release layer is removed from the intermediate rib leaving a three-dimensional finish formed in the surface of the rib.

Abstract: The invention concerns an adjustable sighting device for a small arm, in particular, for a shotgun, with a rail body (3) that can be fixed on the barrel (1) or the barrel group of the small arm, and a sighting device (4) which is arranged in an adjustable manner on the rail body (3). In order to obtain improved adjustment possibilities, the sight rail (4) is adjustable in height relative to the rail body (3) at both ends, by means of adjusting elements (6, 13).

Abstract: A method of forming a composite rib for the barrel of a firearm is provided. The method generally includes aligning composite material and a release layer and directing the combination of materials through a die. The release layer is removed from the intermediate rib leaving a three-dimensional finish formed in the surface of the rib.

Abstract: An interchangeable rib (40) for a rifle that is U-shaped and comprising an aiming plane (41) and two interfacing longitudinal fins (43), defining a channel (45) between them suitable for slidably receiving a band (60) equipped with shaped openings (62) inside of it, each of the shaped openings (62) being suitable for engaging a corresponding column (22) extending from a fixed base (20) to a barrel (10) of the rifle, the rib (40) being equipped with a slot (48) corresponding to an actuation hole (65) formed in the band (60) through which it is possible to actuate the sliding of the band (60) so as to take the edges of the shaped openings (62) to engage in grooves (23) realised along the columns (22) to prevent the detachment of the rib, the rib (40) also comprising, at at least one of its ends, a top lever seat (51) which is coupled with at least one top lever base (30, 31) correspondingly realised on the barrel to prevent the longitudinal sliding of the rib.

Abstract: An interchangeable rib (40) for a rifle that is U-shaped and comprising an aiming plane (41) and two interfacing longitudinal fins (43), defining a channel (45) between them suitable for slidably receiving a band (60) equipped with shaped openings (62) inside of it, each of the shaped openings (62) being suitable for engaging a corresponding column (22) extending from a fixed base (20) to a barrel (10) of the rifle, the rib (40) being equipped with a slot (48) corresponding to an actuation hole (65) formed in the band (60) through which it is possible to actuate the sliding of the band (60) so as to take the edges of the shaped openings (62) to engage in grooves (23) realised along the columns (22) to prevent the detachment of the rib, the rib (40) also comprising, at at least one of its ends, a top lever seat (51) which is coupled with at least one top lever base (30, 31) correspondingly realised on the barrel to prevent the longitudinal sliding of the rib.

Abstract: Multiple rail adapter system which enables the M-16 and AR-15 family of rifles or carbines fitted with “Picatinny” mounting rail, commonly referred to as a “Flat Top” receiver, to support multiple sighting accessory devices such as optical sights, fixed sights, flash lights and laser sights effectively without any changes or modifications to the weapon.

Abstract: An adjustable sight assembly for attachment to a firearm is provided. A base with a recessed portion has a plate that loosely fits within the recessed portion. A windage adjustment assembly cooperating with the base and a first end of the plate i) effects side-to-side movement of the plate within the recessed portion of the base, and ii) defines a pivotal coupling of the plate to the base at the first end thereof. A second end of the plate moves along an arc when the plate is pivoted about the first end thereof. An elevation adjustment assembly cooperating with the base and the second end of the plate effects elevation of the plate's second end. A sight is pivotally coupled to the plate such that the sight can lie against the plate when not in use and can be rotated approximately 90° to extend vertically from the plate when in use.

Abstract: A sight apparatus for a shotgun includes a lens movable longitudinally and laterally with respect to the axis of the barrel so that the entire shot pattern at a given target distance for a given barrel choke is visible to the shooting eye of the shooter through the lens in a properly calibrated sight. The lens is colored so that a colored pattern indicative of the shot pattern is superimposed over a target at the given target distance. The mechanism providing for longitudinal and lateral adjustment of the lens relative to the axis of the barrel includes a longitudinally extending track pivotally mounted to the barrel adjacent the muzzle end. The track is formed to include a plurality of lateral slots within which tab extending from a frame holding the lens is received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting a shooter in holding an aiming eye at a predetermined level relative to the barrel of a shotgun. Light is reflected or projected along a path extending at a predetermined rearward, so that the shooter's aiming eye receives a first image when it is at the proper level and a second image when it is above the proper level, thus indicating to the shooter when the aiming eye has been raised too high. The images may be different colors, produced by dispersing the beam by reflecting it from a diffraction grating or passing it through a prism. A lenticular sheet may also be used to create different colors or images that are received above and below the dividing plane. Moirè patterns may also be used to produce an image that shifts with movement of the aiming eye.

Abstract: A firearm sight for providing the user with a consistent reference point for his sighting includes an elongate member designed for mounting on a barrel of a firearm. The elongate member includes an elongate base portion for mounting on the firearm and having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate member also includes an elongate upper portion mounted on the base portion and has a substantially V-shaped cross section. The upper portion comprises a pair of side walls. A sighting member is mounted on the elongate member, and extends between the side walls of the upper portion.

Abstract: An inner sleeve is pressed, when installed on a weapon, between a feature of the weapon such as a rib, rail, or barrel, and an outer sleeve. An aiming indicia is mounted on the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a catalytic distillation process is provided which allows for maintaining a liquid level in selected portions of the catalyst bed. Three particular processes disclosed are the production of methyl tertiary butyl ether, tertiary butyl alcohol and cumene.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus actuated by the explosion of a cartridge (2), particularly a slaughtering pistol, of the type comprising: a hammer (4) able to slide in a bore between a cocking position and a percussion position where it is in contact with a striker (3); flexible means (5) able to carry hammer (4) from its cocking position to its percussion position; a locking element (6) able to lock hammer (4) in its cocking position as well as in a safety position between the cocking position and the percussion position.

Abstract: Pistol for slaughtering animals with captive projectile and hinged breech block, the breech block 13 being automatically locked to the breech 10 before the explosion by means of a balancing lever 37, inside the breech block, having a head 40 at one end for cocking the percussion pin 50 and a tooth 39 at the other end that fits onto a tooth 36 on the breech, the initial stroke made by the trigger 72 causing rotation of the lever 37 and hook-up onto the breech 10, continuance of the trigger's stroke causing said hook-up to be strengthened, releasing the percussion pin 50 for its forward movement.

Abstract: A cartridge feed arrangement for an apparatus operating by means of an explosive charge and a loader to feed the apparatus.The invention relates to a cartridge feed device for an apparatus operating by means of an explosive charge, of the type in which, after unlocking the breech (4), the barrel (2) can be pivoted with respect to the breech (4) around an axis parallel to that of the gun barrel so as to bring into alignment with the axis of the cartridge chamber (6) a passage (5) containing a line of cartridges (14).The cartridges (14) are arranged in parallel lines in an annular space (7) located on the periphery of the breech (4). One line of cartridges being in a position such that after unlocking the breech (4) and pivoting the barrel (2) with respect to it, said line is located in the axis of the cartridge chamber (6).

Abstract: A stunning gun in which a captive bolt is extended by an explosive cartridge detonated by a trigger controlled firing pin. The trigger is a push button device having a rounded surface and a shape and construction to avoid catching the finger of the gun operator. A piston on the trailing end of the bolt has a cupped recess in its end face to concentrate the explosive driving force and prevent it from spreading unduly to erode the firing chamber. A retaining collar acted on by a spring holds the bolt in its retracted position and releases the bolt when the gun is fired. A pull which is gripped to pull the firing pin to its cocked position is spring loaded to absorb forces applied to the end of the firing pin.