Abstract: A muzzleloading rifle includes an action and a barrel assembly attached to a forward end of the action. The barrel assembly includes a barrel, a barrel extension and an intervening wall. The barrel has a breach end, a muzzle end and a primary chamber at the breach end for receiving a primary charge loaded through the muzzle end. The barrel extension is attached to the breach end of the barrel and includes a casing chamber positioned rearwardly from the primary chamber. The casing chamber is configured to receive a standard ammunition casing with an integral primer therein. The intervening wall separates the primary chamber from the casing chamber. The intervening wall includes a flash hole communicating between the casing chamber and the primary chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for loading a barrel of a muzzle loading firearm to provide powder and a projectile at a breach end of the barrel. The apparatus comprises: (i) a handle having a central longitudinal axis and adapted to be gripped by one hand, the handle having an opening between opposed ends along the axis; (ii) a moveable casing having a head and mounted in the opening adjacent one end of the handle and adapted to receive a ramrod of the muzzle loading rifle into the casing; (iii) a retaining means for retaining the casing within the opening, the retaining means mounted on the handle with at least a portion of the retaining means mounted inside the opening; and (iv) a coil spring mounted in the opening inside the handle between the portion of the retaining means mounted in the opening and the head of the casing.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm with a break-open action includes a rear stock assembly and a barrel assembly. The barrel assembly includes an elongate barrel, having a bore with muzzle and breech ends, and a breech plug removably connected the breech end of the barrel, which encloses a chamber at the rear of the bore. The barrel assembly is pivotally attached to the rear stock assembly, and is movable with respect to the stock assembly between an open position in which the breech end is accessible for service, and a closed position in which the breech end is inaccessible and secured for discharge. A lever arm, optionally configured to serve as the firearm trigger guard, is user actuated for moving the action between the open and closed positions. The breech plug is configured for rapid removal from the barrel by hand when the action is open.

Abstract: A muzzleloading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and the barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel. The breech plug including a seal element closely received by the bore. The seal element may be a set of piston rings that are received in a circumferential groove about a forward end of the plug, or may be a cup at the forward end, with a forward rim that flares under pressure to provide a gas seal.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and the barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel. The breech plug including a seal element closely received by the bore. The seal element may be a set of piston rings that are received in a circumferential groove about a forward end of the plug, or may be a cup at the forward end, with a forward rim that flares under pressure to provide a gas seal.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm with a break-open action includes a rear stock assembly and a barrel assembly. The barrel assembly includes an elongate barrel, having a bore with muzzle and breech ends, and a breech plug removably connected the breech end of the barrel, which encloses a chamber at the rear of the bore. The barrel assembly is pivotally attached to the rear stock assembly, and is movable with respect to the stock assembly between an open position in which the breech end is accessible for service, and a closed position in which the breech end is inaccessible and secured for discharge. A lever arm, optionally configured to serve as the firearm trigger guard, is user actuated for moving the action between the open and closed positions. The breech plug is configured for rapid removal from the barrel by hand when the action is open.

Abstract: A muzzle loading blackpowder firearm is disclosed having a barrel with a standard caliber bore therein. The firearm is adapted to fire a projectile having a skirted aft end of a larger initial diameter than the standard caliber bore of the firearm. The barrel has an enlarged bore at its outer end sized to receive the projectile aft end first, and a tapered transition between the enlarged bore and the standard caliber bore so that upon forcing the projectile through the enlarged bore and through the tapered transition, the tapered transition reduces the skirted aft end to the diameter of the standard bore.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a muzzleloader firearm system are claimed and described.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and the barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel. The breech plug including a seal element closely received by the bore. The seal element may be a set of piston rings that are received in a circumferential groove about a forward end of the plug, or may be a cup at the forward end, with a forward rim that flares under pressure to provide a gas seal.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a muzzleloader firearm system are claimed and described.

Abstract: A muzzleloading firearm for engaging a firing pin to discharge a primer includes a trigger plate connected between a front stock and a rear stock, with a central cavity traversing the trigger plate to support a sear and a trigger in mechanical communication with the sear. A hammer assembly is pivotally mounted to the trigger plate to rotate between a cocked position and a resting position, and includes a base extending into the central cavity. The base includes an upper arcuate surface opposite a lower locking surface having a shoulder. A hammer head member is connected to the upper arcuate surface to engage a firing pin. A rolling breechblock is pivotally attached to the plate between a retracted loading position and a firing position, and has a curved upper surface to engage the arcuate surface of the hammer assembly when moving between the loading position and the firing position to force the distal end of the sear to engage shoulder of the base.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm with a break-open action includes a rear stock assembly and a barrel assembly. The barrel assembly includes an elongate barrel, having a bore with muzzle and breech ends, and a breech plug removably connected the breech end of the barrel, which encloses a chamber at the rear of the bore. The barrel assembly is pivotally attached to the rear stock assembly, and is movable with respect to the stock assembly between an open position in which the breech end is accessible for service, and a closed position in which the breech end is inaccessible and secured for discharge. A lever arm, optionally configured to serve as the firearm trigger guard, is user actuated for moving the action between the open and closed positions. The breech plug is configured for rapid removal from the barrel by hand when the action is open.

Abstract: A fixed round of ammunition for a muzzle loader firearm. The round has a bullet within a sabot that is engaged to a consumable cartridge case. The case is filled with propellant that is precisely calibrated to provide optimal ballistic properties with the particular bullet it is engaged to. The consumable cartridge case can be more tailored to respectively increase or decrease the burn rate of the consumable cartridge case. The consumable cartridge case can be constructed out of nitrocellulose or other energetic materials. A wide range of propellant formulas can be used that are safe because the burn rate is precisely calibrated for the bullet used. The propellant can contain pyrotechnic material and/or other ingredients to reduce the burn rate of a smokeless propellant and can contain a stabilizer to increase the shelf life of the ammunition round.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and the barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel. The breech plug including a seal element closely received by the bore. The seal element may be a set of piston rings that are received in a circumferential groove about a forward end of the plug, or may be a cup at the forward end, with a forward rim that flares under pressure to provide a gas seal.

Abstract: A firearm having a frame and a barrel pivotally mounted to the frame, and further including a locking block pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the locking block engages the barrel to prevent pivotal motion thereof; and a trigger mechanism for a firearm having a neutral center of gravity, the trigger member having a geometry that results in an equal and/or symmetric distribution of its mass relative to the pivot point of the trigger, wherein impact caused by dropping the firearm will result in substantially equal application of forces on opposed sides of the trigger member, thereby reducing the likelihood of unintended discharge of the firearm.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm has an elongated barrel defining an elongated bore, with a muzzle end and a breech end. A breech cap is removably connected the breech end of the barrel to enclose a chamber at the rear of the bore. A portion of the breech cap may be external to the barrel, which may be externally threaded. The breech cap may be entirely clear of the breech bore, and the bore may have a consistent profile from end to end. The barrel threads may be standard, multistart or interrupted. The breech cap may overlay the face of the rear end of the barrel.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm has an elongated barrel defining an elongated bore, with a muzzle end and a breech end. A breech cap is removably connected the breech end of the barrel to enclose a chamber at the rear of the bore. A portion of the breech cap may be external to the barrel, which may be externally threaded. The breech cap may be entirely clear of the breech bore, and the bore may have a consistent profile from end to end. The barrel threads may be standard, multistart or interrupted. The breech cap may overlay the face of the rear end of the barrel.

Abstract: A muzzleloader firearm has a barrel with at least one lug retaining structure that includes an internal annular groove and an internal annular shoulder that is both adjacent the annular groove and positioned between the annular groove and the breech end of the barrel. Each annular shoulder is provided with lug entry cutouts, which are radially spaced about the shoulder. The firearm also has a breech plug that is provided with multiple lugs forming at least one discontinuous external shoulder. The lugs are spaced and sized so that they align with the lug entry cutouts. Preferably, the number of external shoulders on the breech plug match the number of internal annular grooves in the barrel. The breech plug is installed in the barrel by aligning the lugs with the lug entry cutouts, and then rotating the plug so that the lugs are no longer aligned with the lug entry cutouts.

Abstract: A fixed round of ammunition for a muzzle loader firearm. The round has a bullet within a sabot that is engaged to a consumable cartridge case. The case is filled with propellant that is precisely calibrated to provide optimal ballistic properties with the particular bullet it is engaged to. The consumable cartridge case can be more tailored to respectively increase or decrease the burn rate of the consumable cartridge case. The consumable cartridge case can be constructed out of nitrocellulose or other energetic materials. A wide range of propellant formulas can be used that are safe because the burn rate is precisely calibrated for the bullet used. The propellant can contain pyrotechnic material and/or other ingredients to reduce the burn rate of a smokeless propellant and can contain a stabilizer to increase the shelf life of the ammunition round.

Abstract: A breech plug having a cylindrical body with a nipple on one end for receipt of a percussion element, and a stem on the other end with a length of constant uniform diameter, and a flash bore that extends longitudinally through the nipple, cylindrical body, and the stem.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel, and is connected to the barrel by way of interrupted, or multistart threads, or locking lugs. The breech plug may have a rear face that abuts the breech face when the frame is closed, so that a primer contained in a primer pocket in the rear of the breech plug is fully supported on all sides.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel, and is connected to the barrel by way of interrupted, or multistart threads, or locking lugs. The breech plug may have a rear face that abuts the breech face when the frame is closed, so that a primer contained in a primer pocket in the rear of the breech plug is fully supported on all sides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick-assembly breech plug for muzzleloader firearms, allowing a quick assembly and disassembly and being extremely practical, simple to manufacture and having a low cost, wherein said breech plug comprises a cylindrical body (1), configured to be internally coupled in a rear end (10?) of a barrel (10), and a head (6) configured to define a limit coupling position of the breech plug inside the barrel (10), wherein the cylindrical body (1) externally comprises a male thread (2) having at least two starts located close to a front end (3) of the breech plug, opposite the head (6), according to a plane perpendicular to an axis of revolution of the cylindrical body (1), said male thread (2) being configured to screw into a female thread (10?) located internally in the rear end (10?) of the barrel (10), preferably 4 screw ridges.

Abstract: A pistol has a forwardly extending cylindrical shaft with a cylindrical bearing surface. A rotatable cylinder is mounted on the bearing surface. A cylindrical chamber in the rotatable cylinder receives a cartridge. A firing pin ring with a firing pin aligned with the chamber is mounted on the bearing surface. A hammer safety lock includes a hole in the firing pin ring with a rearwardly extending pin. A barrel receives the cylindrical shaft. A barrel sleeve is positioned between the barrel and the shaft. A cartridge extraction tool is operable after axial sliding and separation between the cylinder and the cylindrical shaft. The cartridge extraction tool is adapted to be inserted into the chamber of the cylinder from the end remote from the firing pin ring to remove a cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two piece breech plug for converting a breech loading firearm to a muzzle loading firearm. The invention includes a forward breech plug having a powder chamber and a flash passage and a nesting rear breech plug having a primer pocket therein for accepting a primer and a flash passage that generally aligns with the flash passage of the forward breech plug.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a dud is disclosed, which makes it possible to safely remove a dud from various kinds of guns used as long-range firepower when a shell is caught in the inner diameter of a gun barrel and thus is not discharged. The apparatus includes a forward driving means providing a propulsive force for forwarding the apparatus along an inner surface of a gun barrel, a press driving part directly connected to the forward driving means and having a built-in motor to provide a rotating force, a sticking means connected to the press driving part and extended to an outside to be tightly stuck on the inner surface of the gun barrel by a main shaft being rotated by the motor, and a pushing part having one end part connected to the sticking means and the other end part coupled to a cap that is in contact with the dud, and pushing the cap through a forward movement of the main shaft after the sticking on the inner surface of the gun barrel is performed by the sticking means.

Abstract: A device for a bore wiping, self-lubricating ramrod used for muzzle loading gun barrels. The device consists of a bullet jag with two O-rings, and a center hole to allow the lubricant to get into the bore. As the jag is passed down the bore a small amount of lubricant is released into the bore. The first O-ring stops the lubricant from leaving the bore, and the second O-ring wipes the bore clean when the ramrod is pulled out of the bore. The ramrod may be made in different diameters to accommodate different caliber muzzleloaders. The shooter uses the same ramrod for lubing and loading the weapon with the same pass down the barrel.

Abstract: A muzzle-loading firearm includes a breech plug for mating, non-threaded engagement with a housing located at the breech end of an axial bore of the firearm barrel. The breech plug includes a body member having opposite first and second ends and an outer surface between the ends and configured so that when the breech plug is positioned within the housing, the outer surface is spaced close to the inside surface of the housing to facilitate insertion and removal of the breech plug from the housing. The body member is formed with a passageway for fluidly communicating ignition with a powder charge at the second end when the firearm is loaded. The ignition source (primer or percussion cap) can be inserted directly to a chamber in the first end of the body member or alternatively, to a chamber in the breech area of the firearm itself where that chamber fluidly communicates with the passageway at the first end of the body member.

Abstract: A molded plastic device which contains all the components that are necessary to perform the multiple steps required in loading a percussion in-line muzzle loading rifle in the field. Incorporated in this device are provisions for carrying multiple powder charges along with a bullet/projectile for each. The device also contains several different means of igniting said powder charges. By the use of different magazines, each of which contain a different form of ignition, the device can be used with several types and styles of muzzle loading rifles which may require different methods of discharging the bullet/projectile. The device also contains a bullet/projectile starter which is used to start the bullet/projectile down the barrel a few inches prior to seating the bullet/projectile with a ram rod. The device is carried on a neck strap which makes it easily accessible when loading in the field.

Abstract: A breech plug for use with a muzzleloading firearm includes a magnetic holding member for drawing a primer into engagement with the breech plug and allowing simple disengagement of the primer after the firing of the associated firearm. The breech plug includes a cylindrical body having a distal end and a breech end, with the breech end defining a recessed seat that is surrounded by a shoulder to receive the magnetic holding member and primer. The magnetic holding member is secured to the shoulder or the recessed seat to attract the primer into engagement within the shoulder of the breech plug to be struck by a firing pin or hammer. After the firearm is shot, the user is able to easily remove the primer from the magnetic holding member.

Abstract: A muzzle-loading firearm has a barrel, a frame part, a breech plug, and a firing block arranged adjacent to the rear end of the breech plug, the firing block being slidably connected to the frame part so that said firing block can slide rectilinearly, in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the barrel, between a closed position in which the firing block covers the rear end of the breech plug, and an open position in which the firing block does not cover the rear end of the breech plug.

Abstract: A muzzle-loading firearm includes a breech plug for mating, non-threaded engagement with a housing located at the breech end of an axial bore of the firearm barrel. The plug includes a cylindrically-shaped body member having opposite first and second ends and an outer surface between the ends and configured so that when the plug is positioned within the housing, the outer surface is spaced close to the inside surface of the housing to facilitate insertion and removal of the plug from the housing. The body member is formed with a primer chamber for receiving and retaining a primer or a percussion cap at the first end, and a passageway for fluidly communicating the primer chamber with a powder charge at the second end. The body member may have a powder chamber for receiving and retaining at least part of a powder charge at the second end when the firearm is loaded.

Abstract: A firearm bore sighting system is described for in-line muzzle loaders which include a breach plug, the bore sighting system rotating into the breach plug threads and which may include a stop to locate the bore sighting system relative to the breach.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore defining a bore axis. The barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end, with a breech plug removably attached to the barrel and having a rear surface. An extractor is connected to the barrel and has a portion positioned rearward of the plug, and movable away from a position rearward of the plug, so that the plug may be removed without removing the extractor. The extractor may pivot, and may have a cylindrical portion received in a bore parallel to the barrel bore. The rear face of the extractor may be flush with the rear face of the breech plug.

Abstract: A tool for use with a black powder gun (muzzleloader) is provided. The tool combines multiple tools useful to a black powder gun user in the field into a single unit. One embodiment of the tool includes a capper, a decapper (also called a deprimer), a bullet starter, a ramrod handle, and a ramrod push aid. Another embodiment of the invention includes a bullet starter, a ramrod handle, a ramrod push aid, and a socket wrench.

Abstract: Electronic ignition systems which are designed for use with personal firearms utilizing black powder (or black powder substitutes) such as shotguns, rifles, and pistols. Generally, the firearms will be of the type classified as muzzleloaders. The electronic ignition systems generate an electric arc in the barrel of the firearm which ignites the propellant charge in the firearm discharging it when a firing switch is closed.

Abstract: It has been discovered that ?-L-2?-deoxynucleosides are active against drug-resistant hepatitis B virus with mutations. A method for treating lamivudine resistant HBV (M552V) in a host is provided that includes administering a ?-L-2?-deoxynucleoside or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug. In addition, a method for preventing lamivudine resistant HBV (M552V) mutation from occurring in a naïve host is provided that includes administering a ?-L-2?-deoxynucleoside or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug. A method for preventing and/or suppressing the emergence of the HBV double mutant (L528M/M552V) in a host is also provided that includes administering a ?-L-2?-deoxynucleoside or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug.

Abstract: A device for loading powder and a projectile into the muzzle of a muzzle loading firearm. The device consists of a hollow cylindrical tubular body with a rod (“ball starter”) attached for loading a firearm. The tubular body has an elongated bore or cavity that is preloaded with a measured quantity of powder and a bullet. The tubular body fits onto the barrel, with all elements in line with the barrel opening. To load the firearm, a pin which holds the powder and bullet in place must be pulled, and the ball starter pushes all the elements into the barrel, followed by a ramrod to prepare the rifle for firing. The pin is held by an elastic band outside the tubular body during loading and post loading it is removably repositioned and held in the cavity by the flexible band. The present invention includes a groove along its longitudinal side for storing the ball starter prior to use; the ball starter is held in place by a removable flexible band.

Abstract: A muzzle load assembly includes a flexible sleeve that has a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending between the first and second ends. The first end is open. A bullet is positioned within the sleeve. A plurality of powder charges is attached to the second end of the sleeve and extends away from the second end of the sleeve in an aligned orientation with respect to each other. Each of the power charges comprises a fibrous casing having gunpowder therein. The sleeve, bullet and attached powder charges are extendable into a muzzle of a muzzle-loading rifle.

Abstract: An improved action for a muzzleloading firearm which allows loading an ignition system from above, and completely releasing the action from below. The system covers the ignition system during firing to shield the user and the line of sight. The action may be removed in the field for inspection, cleaning or repair, without the need for tools.

Abstract: A breech plug having a body with first and second ends and a compression chamber extending therethrough, a primer holder mounted to the first end of the body having a central aperture aligned with the compression chamber with slots extending radially from the central aperture and terminating in an annular groove, and a retaining spring secured to the annular groove.

Abstract: A muzzle-loading firearm having a barrel and a pivoting firing mechanism. The barrel has a breech plug, a pivoting junction axle. and a blocking axle, and the firing mechanism has a trigger, hammer, striker and notch. The firing mechanism is pivotally attached to the barrel at the pivoting junction axle and the blocking axle is movably aligned in the notch. When the firing mechanism is pivoted, it is guided by the blocking axle in the notch ensuring sufficient clearance between said firing mechanism for easy placement of a percussion cap.

Abstract: A muzzle-loading firearm has a barrel, a frame part, a breech plug, and a firing pin housing arranged adjacent to the rear end of the breech plug. The firing pin housing is pivotally connected to the frame part such as to be pivotable in a plane perpendicular to the barrel, between a closed position in which the firing pin housing covers the rear end of the breech plug, and an open position in which the firing pin housing does not cover the rear end of the breech plug.

Abstract: An improved muzzleloading firearm having a novel safety system. The safety system utilizes a spool coupled to a compression spring to maintain an ignition system such as a primer out of potential contact with a firing pin, even in the event of unintentional actuation of a hammer or sear. The safety system is automatic in operation, automatically placing the ignition system within reach of the firing pin when the firearm is placed into battery.

Abstract: A replacement cylinder that enables the use of modern smokeless gunpowder in a black powder muzzle-loading revolver is provided. The cylinder includes a main cylinder body and a removable cylinder cap. The main cylinder body includes a number of chambers, each of which having a projectile portion, a propellant portion and a primer portion. The cylinder cap includes a number of captured firing pins positioned therein. During operation, the cylinder cap is allowed to axially translate relative to the main cylinder body. A method of muzzle-loading the cylinder of the invention using modern smokeless gunpowder and a primer is also provided and is facilitated by the provision of a loading plate.

Abstract: A firearm having an improved action for a muzzleloading firearm which allows the toolless field removal of the firing system for inspection, cleaning and repair. The system provides for quick release, removal and reinsertion of the firing system while maintaining safe and secure operation of the firearm during firing.

Abstract: A method of achieving an increased muzzle loaded, black powder hunting rifle firing rate and a muzzle loaded black powder hunting rifle used to practice the increased muzzle loaded, black powder rifle firing rate method of the invention.

Abstract: A transport container with a removable cover which is repeatedly removable and refastenable to the transport container. The transport container is sized to accommodate a plurality of individual premeasured charges of gunpowder. Each of the plurality of individual premeasured charges of gunpowder comprises a tube which is open at least one end thereof and the at least one open end of the tube is sealed with a removable cap once a suitable quantity of the loose granular charge of gunpowder is loaded therein. Each individual premeasured charge of gunpowder is loaded with gunpowder which has a relatively low moisture content to facilitate reliable and substantially complete ignition of all of the gunpowder ignition, upon detonation of a firearm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading and ejecting ignition devices into a muzzle-loading firearm. A magazine contains a plurality of ignition devices, which are sequentially loaded from the magazine onto the breech plug of the firearm by a sliding bolt or other loading assembly. After firing, the loading assembly is actuated to extract and eject the spent ignition device and load a new ignition device onto the breech plug.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for converting a conventional modern firearm into a muzzle-loading firearm capable of utilizing modern rifle propellants. The invention utilizes a breech plug disposed in the breech end of a firearm to accept a rifle primer and powder charge, and a primer installation tool to accurately and securely seat a rifle primer in a primer pocket.