Abstract: A handguard or other cover for a firearm includes a shell or body with a hollow interior cavity and a retaining structure configured to engage the forearm and retain the shell in place on the forearm, where the retaining structure is releasable to permit removal of the shell from the forearm. The shell extends between first and second edges around an angular range greater than 180° and less than 360° to define the shell in a semi-tubular shape or a C-shape. The shell may have a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface extending between the first and second edges. The first edge is spaced from the second edge to define a gap providing access to the interior cavity, and the shell is configured to be connected to a forearm for the firearm by inserting the forearm within the interior cavity.

Abstract: A modified bolt carrier for automatic recoil rifles and pistols preferably includes a shortened bolt carrier, a shortened buffer tube, a modified bolt key and an end cap. The shortened buffer tube is shortened by cutting-off a straight portion of a prior buffer tube. The modified bolt key includes a prior art bolt key, a rod yoke, a pair spring rods, a pair of compression springs, a spring support disc and a spring plug. The spring plug is biased outward from the shortened bolt carrier with the pair of compression springs. The modified bolt key is attached to the shortened bolt carrier and retained in upper and lower receivers of an automatic recoil rifle or pistol. The bolt spring is slipped over the spring plug and the bolt spring is retained by securing the end cap to the lower receiver with a lock pin.

Abstract: A buttstock assembly configured to work in conjunction with a compact buffer assembly consisting of a buffer tube, spring and bolt carrier with an integral buffer is provided. The buttstock assembly, buffer tube and bolt carrier are configured to work with AR15/M16 type firearms and their derivatives. By incorporating the buffer onto the bolt carrier, which is used in conjunction with a buffer tube of reduced length, the overall length of the host firearm is reduced by approximately 3.2 inches. No permanent modification need be made to the host firearm in order to utilize the compact buffer assembly and buttstock assembly disclosed herein.

Abstract: A handgun mount is described for attaching a handgun to the forend of a long gun. A pump action of the long gun, if required for operation, may be actuated by moving the handgun along the forend of the long gun, and the handgun may be fired by the user of the long gun simultaneously with operation of the long gun.

Abstract: A method includes determining a shot count within an optical device coupled to a firearm. The shot count corresponds to a number of shots taken using the firearm. The method further includes determining a muzzle velocity parameter from a life-cycle profile of the firearm based on the shot count as an input into a ballistics solution.

Abstract: A bipod for supporting the forward portion of a firearm includes a clamp portion, a pivot body and a pair of leg assemblies. The clamp portion is adapted for clamping to a firearm and is pivotably mounted to the pivot body for pivoting about a vertical axis and a longitudinal axis. The pivot body includes a pair of leg mounting surfaces. A pair of leg assemblies are pivotably mounted to the mounting surfaces of the pivot block so that each leg assembly may be pivoted about an axis that is generally normal to the mounting surface and such that each leg assembly can be adjustably positioned in one of at least two positions.

Abstract: Foldable and flippable adapter devices, apparatus, systems and methods of attaching accessories, such as grips and lights to firearms. Adapters can include a slidable thumb switch for locking a swinging plate with side rails to a main plate, and spring loaded detents for locking the swinging plate in substantially vertical orientations. A folding rail adapter can be substituted for the existing rail system on firearms to allow the rail to be directly attached to the firearm. A flipping rail adapter can have a pivotal lever which supports a folding rail in an open position. Springably biased detent pins allow the lever to lock open. Pushing the lever back will overcome the springs so that the pins can pass out of the detents allowing the folding rail to move to a folded position.

Abstract: A vertical fore grip mountable on the tactical rail of a tactical firearm is described. The fore grip includes a vertically oriented gripping member having an upper end, a lower end and an axially aligned bore; a tactical rail clamp attached to the gripping member upper end; a stabbing spike with a shank slidable within the gripping member bore between a stowed position within the gripping member and an extended position projecting from the lower end of the gripping member; and a latching member selectively securing the spike in the stowed and extended positions.

Abstract: A handgun converter enclosing a handgun and allowing the user to operate the handgun with full and increased functionality and enhanced safety. The combined weapon endows the handgun with increased stability and accuracy due to additional supports, versatility by adding rails, and with an additional mechanical latch mechanism supporting safe use. The handgun converter is constructed to allow quick mounting and release of the handgun, to enhance weapon versatility.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. Legs can be connected to a piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed.

Abstract: A quick-detach, free floating, two-piece forward hand guard assembly for a rifle, which includes an inner barrel nut adapted for connection to the rifle's receiver and an outer barrel nut telescopically received over the inner barrel nut and secured thereto to prevent rotation therebetween. The hand guard assembly also includes a top hand guard element engaged with and extending forwardly from the outer barrel nut in a laterally-stable cantilevered orientation above the rifle's barrel. A bottom hand guard element is matingly engaged with the top hand guard element for surrounding the bottom portion of the rifle's barrel and free-floats from the top hand guard element. A spring-loaded detent screw attaches the top and bottom hand guard elements together and also engages the inner barrel nut. For quick-detach barrel removal, the outer barrel nut may be hinged for clamshell action, with the inner barrel nut having a separable two-piece extension.

Abstract: A grip for an elongated fire arm has an adapter, a handle, and a spring loaded screw, bolt, and nut. The adapter has a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion receives a lower receiver of a rifle. The bottom portion has at least two locking tabs adjacent to a base of a shaft extending from the bottom portion of the adapter. The handle has a cavity disposed in an upper portion to mate with the shaft, and at least two pockets adjacent to the cavity to mate with the at least two locking tabs. The handle is rotatable about an axis of the shaft when the at least two pockets are disengaged from the at least two locking tabs.

Abstract: A forward pistol mount for mounting a pistol to a rifle. The forward pistol mount has an external mount structure that attaches to the lower tactical rail of the rifle. The pistol is attached to an internal mount structure of the forward pistol mount. The internal mount structure is positioned within the external mount structure and clamps around the lower tactical rail of the pistol. A securing mechanism that can be positioned on either side of the forward pistol mount allows for the quick release or insertion of the pistol within the internal mount structure. The present invention allows the pistol to provide the same grip as a pistol grip accessory but with the actual firing power of a gun, thus allowing for zero transition time between weapons.

Abstract: A firearm grip sleeve with retention feature has a body including a central bore and a meeting element. The mating element is connected to a mating feature on the frame of a firearm. The mating element is connected to a mating feature on the frame of a firearm. The mating element prevents undesirable movement of the body with respect to the firearm while the mating feature is connected to the mating element. The mating element may prevent axial movement and upward longitudinal movement of the body. The firearm may include a removable back strap insert.

Abstract: A monolithic upper receiver/hand guard is provided for use with a firearm. The monolithic upper receiver/hand guard can include an upper receiver section, a hand guard section, and an interrupted optics rail extending along the top of the upper receiver section and the hand guard section. Cable routing features can be defined in the hand guard section and/or the upper receiver section for helping to control wires and cables extending from or between peripheral devices and accessories, which can be mounted on the monolithic upper receiver/hand guard. The cable routing features can include one or more crossover cable guides disposed in respective channels in the interrupted optics rail. The crossover cable guide can include one or more grooves for receiving a portion of a cable passing from one side of the monolithic upper receiver/hand guard to the other for connecting two peripheral devices, for example.

Abstract: The present invention describes a firearm hand guard assembly attachable to a firearm upper receiver and surrounding the firearm barrel distally along the longitudinal axis without touching the barrel. The hand guard assembly is comprised of an upper component and a lower component such that when the upper component and lower component are attached to one another with a firearm disposed therein, the sole contact between the firearm and the hand guard assembly is the contact between the firearm barrel nut and the inner surfaces of the proximal end of the hand guard assembly.

Abstract: A foregrip for use with a firearm having a handguard extending along the barrel and a mounting rail, with transverse spaced apart slots, extending longitudinally along a lower surface of the handguard parallel with the barrel and including slots spaced there along. The foregrip including a member formed to engage the mounting rail and slide longitudinally there along. The member includes a transverse slot formed through an upwardly directed surface thereof. A gripping member has an upper end formed to engage the mounting rail engaging member. A bar clamp carried by the gripping member is positioned to slide into the slot in the mounting rail engaging member and extend into engagement with a slot in the mounting rail, whereby the foregrip is positioned at a selected position longitudinally along the mounting rail.

Abstract: A rifle kit comprises a rifle receiver structure having a central passage configured for having a substantially as-manufactured breech bolt of a pistol mounted therein and has one or more shoulder stock mounting portions configured for having a shoulder stock structure engaged therewith. A substantially as-manufactured breech bolt of the kit is configured by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) thereof for being mounted on a pistol receiver body configured by the OEM. The rifle barrel is mountable within the central passage of the rifle receiver structure. A chamber end portion of the rifle barrel is configured for engaging a mating portion of the substantially as-manufactured breech bolt. A shoulder stock structure of the kit includes a receiver structure engaging portion configured for allowing the shoulder stock structure to be mounted on the rifle receiver structure exclusively through engagement with the one or more stock mounting portions of the rifle receiver structure.

Abstract: An under-fold firearm stock assembly includes an elongated main body having a longitudinal channel and a firing mechanism opening. A stock and butt stock are positioned along the back of the main body, and a pivot assembly transitions the stock between an open and closed position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure can include systems, methods, and apparatuses for installing a hand guard on a firearm. In some embodiments, a method of installing a hand guard on a firearm can be provided. The firearm includes a barrel, a barrel nut, and a delta ring. The delta ring is refracted away from the barrel nut. A number of hand guard members are positioned about the barrel. An annular groove formed between a forward plate and a rear plate associated with each hand guard member is mated with a portion of a flange of the barrel nut. The flange is secured within the annular groove of at least one hand guard member. The delta ring is advanced over a portion of some or all the hand guard members.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing power to an accessory on a firearm, the method including the steps of: detecting an accessory when attached to said firearm through actuation of a magnetic switch magnetically coupled to a magnet in the accessory via a pin located in the firearm and providing a power path with said accessory; and providing power to said accessory from a secondary source of power should power be required.

Abstract: A reciprocating sensory sighting system with a movable cheek weld member is translationally received by a firearm frame which defines a firing chamber and a passageway from an ammunition supply to the chamber. The cheek weld member includes a body, and a frame engagement portion extending therefrom. The frame engagement portion translationally couples to the frame, reciprocating between charging and firing positions to move an ammunition round from the supply, through the passageway, and to the firing chamber. The body has an exterior surface defining a cheek seat for shooter engagement when in the firing position, and an optional rear sight. A reciprocating sensory system, with or without the reciprocating sighting system, is provided with a sensory assisting element supported by the body. A firearm having such a reciprocating cheek weld member and/or a reciprocating sensory system, are also provided, along with a retrofit charging handle system for a firearm.

Abstract: A foregrip for a firearm may comprise a mounting device configured to attach to a mounting rail of a firearm and a grip body. The grip body may include a top portion configured to be removably attached to the mounting device and a lateral side portion configured to be gripped by the hand of a person using a firearm. A cavity may be disposed within the grip body, and a blade may be disposed at least partially within the cavity, wherein the blade is movable between a refracted position and a deployed position relative to the grip body.

Abstract: An indirect gas operating system for a semi-automatic or automatic rifle is provided, the indirect gas operating system having: a gas block secured to the rifle; a barrel secured to the rifle; a bolt carrier slidably received within a receiver of the rifle; a means for moving the bolt carrier within the receiver using gases discharged into a bore of the barrel of the rifle, wherein the means for moving is removably secured to the gas block such that the means for moving can be removed from the rifle through a forward end of the gas block without removing the gas block from the rifle; and an externally threaded barrel nut for securing the barrel to the receiver.

Abstract: A firearm used in military applications may have a plurality of accessories that can be attached to the weapon, with each accessory having a need for electric power. In order to reduce the weight of these power-consuming accessories, as well as the proliferation of batteries used to power these power-consuming accessories, a Powered Rail provides a point of mechanical and electrical interconnection for the power-consuming accessories with a common power source. The Weapon Accessory Control System is provided to enable the user to control the activation of a power-consuming accessory as well as enable communications between the user and the power-consuming accessory and among power-consuming accessories.

Abstract: A foregrip for a firearm may comprise a mounting device configured to attach to a mounting rail of a firearm and a grip body. The grip body may include a top portion configured to be removably attached to the mounting device and a lateral side portion configured to be gripped by the hand of a person using a firearm. A cavity may be disposed within the grip body, and a blade may be disposed at least partially within the cavity, wherein the blade is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position relative to the grip body.

Abstract: A weapon includes a primary firearm and a secondary firearm. The secondary firearm is attached to the primary firearm such that it may be used independently from or in conjunction with the primary firearm. The secondary firearm can be rotated in relation to the primary firearm, allowing two targets to be shot simultaneously. The secondary firearm is rotated by a swivel control built into the primary firearm. A camera system outputs video feed to included displays, allowing a user to view around corners without being exposed to danger. A communications module allows the weapon to interface with external devices, enabling third parties to control the secondary firearm. In addition to the primary and secondary firearm there are mounting points for accessory weapons, such as an electroshock weapon and knife. As with the secondary firearm, these too can be detached to be used independently.

Abstract: A handgun curved to correspond more closely with the contours of a person's body, achieving a comfortable fit when the handgun is worn for any appreciable amount of time on the person's body. The handgun housing is inclusive of a top portion, an intermediate portion, and a grip portion, which may be separately connected or integrally formed parts sharing a radius of curvature to form asymmetric left and right sides, particularly a concave side and a convex side. This asymmetry extends beyond the grip portion and includes at least a portion of the trigger guard and a portion of the magazine securing clip.

Abstract: A hand guard assembly for attachment to a firearm includes an anchor member and a sleeve. The anchor member is coupled to the firearm and defines an inner bore through which a barrel of the firearm extends when the anchor member is coupled to the firearm. The sleeve surrounds a portion of the barrel of the firearm in an overlying relationship. The sleeve is coupled to the anchor member at a first end so that when the assembly is attached to the firearm, the sleeve is cantilevered from the anchor member with an inner surface of the sleeve and an outer surface of the barrel being radially spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A method and system for an inductively powering rail on a firearm to power accessories such as: telescopic sights, tactical sights, laser sighting modules, and night vision scopes. This is achieved by having primary and secondary electromagnets (U-Cores) on both the inductively powering rail and the accessory. Once the electromagnets are in contact, the accessory is able to obtain power through induction via the inductively powering rail. Accessories may be attached to various fixture points on the inductively powering rail and are detected by the firearm when attached and detached. When attached, power and data communications may flow between the accessory and a master CPU located on the firearm. Accessories that are attached to the inductively powering rail and have rechargeable power systems may be recharged via the inductive power rail. Further, accessories that have power that is not needed may be transferred to other accessories.

Abstract: A foregrip for use with a firearm having a handguard extending along the barrel and a mounting rail, with transverse spaced apart slots, extending longitudinally along a lower surface of the handguard parallel with the barrel and including slots spaced there along. The foregrip including a member formed to engage the mounting rail and slide longitudinally there along. The member includes a transverse slot formed through an upwardly directed surface thereof. A gripping member has an upper end formed to engage the mounting rail engaging member. A bar clamp carried by the gripping member is positioned to slide into the slot in the mounting rail engaging member and extend into engagement with a slot in the mounting rail, whereby the foregrip is positioned at a selected position longitudinally along the mounting rail.

Abstract: A bipod foregrip includes a longitudinally extending mounting base constructed to slidingly engage a mounting rail of a firearm. A fixed gripping portion is affixed to the base adjacent the rear end. A movable gripping portion has a first end pivotally attached adjacent a lower extremity and pivotal between a stored orientation and an extended orientation. The opposed end is positioned in abutting engagement with a lower surface of the mounting base in the stored orientation. Two legs form the movable gripping portion in the stored orientation and extend angularly outwardly and downwardly into a bipod rest in the extended orientation.

Abstract: An improved Rail Adaptor System/Rail Accessory System (RAS) which attaches to a firearm. The rail is top opening, modular, and free floats the barrel. Provided is a rigid, lightweight, strong platform for mounting firearm accessories. Heat transmission from the barrel assembly to the user is limited. The user is also protected from ventilated gases originating from the operating system. A quick detachable top rail section is provided so that the gas system may be easily accessed. This removable top section of the rail is what makes this device unique because the RAS may be installed without removing the barrel, gas system, front sight base, flash hider or the barrel nut. The herein described RAS is adaptable to a wide variety of firearms with the use of conversion parts. The top tail “returns to zero” on reinstallation allowing the remounting of various optics and electronic gun sites without the need to realign them.

Abstract: A firearm having a gas piston system includes a bolt carrier, an adjustable gas piston block located forward on the firearm and an over-the-barrel spring and guide rod arrangement, all of which is housed and contained in a top rail that runs the length of the firearm and that maintains the alignment of these firearm components. The firearm further includes components that provide full auto firing capability. These components include a specially designed auto bracket that cooperates with a modified bolt carrier and a modified upper receiver.

Abstract: A powered rail system is provided for a weapon that includes a barrel. The powered rail system includes a base having a longitudinal opening. The base is configured to be mounted to the weapon such that the barrel is received within the longitudinal opening and the base extends around at least a segment of a length of the barrel. A rail extends from the base. An electrical component is mounted to the rail. An electrical power source is held by the base. The electrical power source is electrically connected to the electrical component for supplying the electrical component with electrical power.

Abstract: A versatile handgun comprised of a weapon frame with a grip and at least one gun barrel and comprised of at least one additional defense element differing from the actual firearm function that is arranged on the grip of the weapon or that is housed in the grip of the weapon. The handgun is capable of making help available in an emergency situation and is capable in so doing of covering a very broad range of dangerous situations. The additional defense element(s) and various other pieces of emergency equipment, medical devices and/or tools could be housed in a slide-in element and different types of barrels could be used.

Abstract: A semiautomatic single action hand gun comprises a slide with a contoured grip on a breach end of the slide. A method is also disclosed. In accordance with one step of the method a single action semiautomatic firearm is provides. In accordance with another step of the method, a contoured grip for a slide of the firearm is provided. The grip comprises a plurality of depressions in an elongated strip with the depressions generally sized to accommodate the fingers of a user and the strip generally sized to fit on a lateral side of a slide of firearm. In accordance with another step in the method, the grip is applied to a lateral side of a slide of the firearm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a tool that can be configured for use as the grip of a firearm. In one embodiment, the tool comprises a handle part and a tooling part coupled to the handle part. The tooling part can be configured to receive one or more end effectors. The handle part can comprise one or more elongated sections on which are disposed a handle body, where in one construction the elongated sections are interleaved in a manner that permits the handle body to move amongst a plurality of working configurations.

Abstract: A bullpup conversion kit for a firearm includes a housing, a forward trigger assembly, a trigger actuator and a linkage connecting the forward trigger assembly with the trigger actuator. The trigger actuator includes a first locator plate, a second locator plate and a cam actuator positioned between the locator plates. The cam actuator includes a primary trigger engagement surface.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus having a frame, at least one handle, a control housing, and a mounting plate wherein a plurality of firing cartridges from a multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon may mounted on the mounting plate, permitting an available multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon to be converted from a fixed or vehicle mounted position to a hand-carried position where it may be carried, aimed, and fired as a conventional weapon. Certain embodiments disclose a rail system permitting handles and accessories to be mounted thereupon and used in conjunction with the mounted electric discharge weapon. A method for converting a multi-cartridge firing electrical discharge weapon from a fixed or vehicle-mounted status to a hand-carryable status.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a handgrip on a forward portion of a firearm. The apparatus includes a mount having an upper portion with a clamp for removably engaging the firearm forward portion. The handgrip, e.g., a pistol handgrip, is symmetrical about a vertical plane passing through the handgrip. The distal portion of the handgrip is offset in the vertical plane from the proximal portion of the handgrip. A pivot means connects the lower portion of the mount to the proximal portion of the handgrip to permit the pivoting of the vertical plane to varying angles on either side of the central axis of the barrel. A lock means locks and unlocks the pivot means to lock the handgrip in position at a selected pivot angle. The apparatus provides the ability of a left handed or right handed shooter to adjust the handgrip to a comfortable position while using the firearm.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the field of weapon accessories, and, more specifically, to modular, electrically powered weapon accessories. Various embodiments include powered modular vertical foregrips that may serve as platforms for multiple firearms accessories, such as modular laser and/or LED lighting and/or sighting systems, radiofrequency receiver and/or transmitter systems, and/or other powered accessories. Various embodiments may be adapted to couple to a mounting rail, such as a Picatinny or Weaver rail, and particular embodiments may be adapted to couple to a lower hand guard quad-rail of an M4 or other small arms weapon. Systems in accordance with various embodiments may provide a platform that may consolidate multiple accessory devices and functions into a single ergonomic and compact unit.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of canting, tilting, and rotating firearms such as rifles relative to fore grip. One version allows for a rocking and canting of the firearm by pivotally attaching an upper portion of expanded legs. Another version allows for a separate canting member to be clamped to both the upper portion of a vertical fore grip and to the lower mounting rail of the firearm. The canting member has portions that cant (move to the left or to the right) relative to one another. An operator can cant the firearm in a free-state or to fixed positions as desired. Another canting embodiment allows for an extra sleeve to compress the legs on the fore grip inward allowing the upper pivoted connection of the legs to move within the lower fore grip housing. Embodiments to allow the fore grip to rotate can also made part of the fore grip.

Abstract: An embodiment of a hand guard for a firearm, such as a rifle, includes an elongated tubular housing comprising an upper part, a lower part, opposite open ends, and a lumen configured to receive an intermediate portion of a barrel of a firearm longitudinally therein. An expansion collar is disposed at one end of the housing. The expansion collar has an expansion mechanism configured to adjustably compress the expansion collar and the lower part of the housing longitudinally between a pair of surfaces respectively disposed at opposite ends of the intermediate portion of the barrel.

Abstract: A method and system for an inductively powering rail on a firearm to power accessories such as: telescopic sights, tactical sights, laser sighting modules, and night vision scopes. This is achieved by having primary and secondary electromagnets (U-Cores) on both the inductively powering rail and the accessory. Once the electromagnets are in contact, the accessory is able to obtain power through induction via the inductively powering rail. Accessories may be attached to various fixture points on the inductively powering rail and are detected by the firearm when attached and detached. When attached, power and data communications may flow between the accessory and a master CPU located on the firearm. Accessories that are attached to the inductively powering rail and have rechargeable power systems may be recharged via the inductive power rail. Further, accessories that have power that is not needed may be transferred to other accessories.

Abstract: An improved Rail Adaptor System/Rail Accessory System (RAS) which attaches to a firearm. The rail is top opening, modular, and free floats the barrel. Provided is a rigid, lightweight, strong platform for mounting firearm accessories. Heat transmission from the barrel assembly to the user is limited. The user is also protected from ventilated gases originating from the operating system. A quick detachable top rail section is provided so that the gas system may be easily accessed. This removable top section of the rail is what makes this device unique because the RAS may be installed without removing the barrel, gas system, front sight base, flash hider or the barrel nut. The herein described RAS is adaptable to a wide variety of firearms with the use of conversion parts. The top tail “returns to zero” on reinstallation allowing the remounting of various optics and electronic gun sites without the need to realign them.

Abstract: A magazine well grip includes a generally U-shaped body having an outer surface, with a plurality of finger grooves defined therein, and an inner surface. An upper section of the inner surface is contoured to closely accommodate a magazine well of a firearm, the upper section terminating at a lip recess dimensioned to accommodate a lower lip of the magazine well in an interference fit arrangement. A lower section of the inner surface flares outwardly from below the lip recess. The generally U-shaped body includes a pair of spaced-apart, generally opposed sidewalls and a front wall. A generally wedge-shaped protrusion extends upwardly from the front wall of the body and is dimensioned for an interference fit between trunnions on a forward edge of the magazine well and behind a hinge portion of an upper receiver when arranged between the trunnions.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. Legs can be connected to a piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed.

Abstract: An integral hand guard and accessory rail has an elongated shell with a shell wall adapted to be spaced-apart from and circumscribing a barrel of a firearm. The shell has a portion adapted to be griped by a user and defining a hand guard. The shell wall has another portion protruding radially away from the barrel defining an elongated rail, the rail having a cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the axis with a narrower neck a wider head coupled to the shell by the neck.

Abstract: A firearm may have a plurality of power-consuming accessories that can be attached to the weapon. In order to reduce the weight of these power-consuming accessories, as well as the proliferation of their batteries, the Weapon Accessory Power Distribution System provides a common power source to power the power-consuming accessories attached to the weapon. One or more powered rails are provided on the handguard, which encircles the barrel of the weapon, to provide a point of mechanical and electrical interconnection for the power-consuming accessories to provide quick-connect mounting and dismounting of the power-consuming accessory, absent the use of connectors with their tethering cables, which are susceptible to entanglement. The Weapon Accessory Control System is provided to enable the user to control the activation of a power-consuming accessory as well as enable communications between the user and the accessory and among power-consuming accessories.