Abstract: A compact firearm has a frame including a barrel defining a chamber, the frame being movable between a closed condition in which the firearm is operable to discharge a cartridge in the chamber, and an open condition in which the chamber is open for loading, a latch movable between a latched condition to retain the frame in the closed condition, and an unlatched condition to enable movement of the frame to the open condition, a firing mechanism connected to the frame and operable in response to actuation to discharge the cartridge in the chamber, and a trigger element operably connected to the firing mechanism to selectably actuate the firing mechanism, and operably connected to the latch to move the latch to the unlatched condition. The trigger element may be operable to selectably actuate the firing mechanism in response to movement in a first direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention pertain to a magazine release interlock mechanism that enables a magazine of a rifle to only be released when the receiver is in an open position. The mechanism includes a translatable pin, a compression spring and a retainer. A fixture and a method for retrofitting a rifle are disclosed.

Abstract: A folding pistol has a frame having slide rails adapted to receive a slide, a grip defining a magazine passage pivotally connected to the frame at a first pivot and having a free end extending away from the first pivot, the grip being movable between an extended position in which the pistol is operable, and a stowed position in which the free end of the grip is adjacent the frame, a forward trigger guard element pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot, a lower trigger guard element connected to the forward trigger guard element at a third pivot, and the lower trigger guard element connected to the grip at a fourth pivot. The first, second, third, and fourth pivots may be at different locations. There may be a trigger connected to the frame at a selected one of the first, second, third, and fourth pivots.

Abstract: A safety pin locks a barrel latch while the firearm discharges a round of ammunition. The barrel latch safety locking mechanism is incorporated into the frame and is actuated by the trigger assembly. The barrel latch safety locking mechanism engages the barrel latch to prevent movement during firing keeping the barrel latch engaged with the barrel. The firearm is further comprised of a slide switch that is connected to the barrel latch that allows a user to disengage the barrel latch for loading.

Abstract: A collapsible pistol features enhanced safety, ease of use, and improved performance as compared to prior designs. The pistol is easily reconfigured from an open, ready-to-fire position to a closed or collapsed position that makes the pistol quite compact, safe, and readily concealable. The overall design of the pistol is such that the manipulation of the pistol into and out of the open, ready-to-fire position can be accomplished with a user having relatively small hands and/or relatively low grip strength.

Abstract: A triggering mechanism suitable for sequential firing of ammunition from a firearm, wherein the firearm has multiple barrels, preferably two barrels, and the triggering mechanism allows the firing of ammunition sequentially from one barrel, then the second barrel.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism has a hammer, a hammer spring, a trigger pull, a trigger spring, a pivotal linkage between the trigger pull and a sear which has a cam surface and a guide. The hammer has striking and bearing ends and a pivot point between the ends. The hammers' bearing end rides up on the cam surface as it moves between different positions relative to the guide. The hammer pivots around the pivot point and the striking end is moved between the hammer's seated and cocked positions as the cam surface moves between its positions. The hammer spring has opposite ends connected to the firearm's frame and the hammer, respectively, which provides a hammer spring force. The hammer spring biases the striking end of the hammer to the seated, striking position and the movement of the hammer to its rearward position is performed against the hammer spring force.

Abstract: Drop-in fixed magazines have a tubular body defining an elongated passage and having a lower end and an upper end, the body having an exterior surface that closely fits the profile of the magazine well, and the body including protrusions of the upper end extending laterally beyond the profile. The protrusions may engage a surface of the rifle to limit downward movement of the body within the magazine well. The rifle may have to be operationally disabled to enable the magazine to be installed into or removed from the magazine well. The rifle may include an upper receiver and a lower receiver, the lower receiver may have a top, and the upper receiver may have to be removed from lower receiver, thereby exposing the top of the lower receiver, in order to enable the magazine to be installed into or removed from the magazine well.

Abstract: A device for converting a firearm to a fixed magazine is disclosed. The device includes a magazine catch member having a through hole, and a one way threaded member comprising a threaded section and a head. The threaded section is able to pass through the through hole, and the head is configured so that a screw driver is only able to rotate the one way threaded member in a tightening direction. A kit for enabling a user to fix the magazine is also disclosed. A method for loading a magazine having a fixed magazine is also disclosed.

Abstract: The light-weight handheld less-lethal ballistic projectile launcher is configured as an “over/under” double barrel handheld device with a “break open” loading action. The launcher includes a barrel section pivotally connected to receiver section. The barrel section pivots between an open load/unload position and a closed firing position. The barrel section includes two metal barrel sleeves that are press fit into axial bores formed in the body of the barrel section. The barrel section also includes an ejector, which locks the barrel section in the closed firing position and partially expels spent rounds from the barrel sleeves when the barrel section is opened. The receiver section houses the launcher's fire control mechanism. The fire control mechanism uses a traditional single action operation and ensures that rounds are alternatively discharged from each barrel and prevents rounds from both barrels from being discharged simultaneously.

Abstract: The light-weight handheld less-lethal ballistic projectile launcher is configured as an “over/under” double barrel handheld device with a “break open” loading action. The launcher includes a barrel section pivotally connected to receiver section. The barrel section pivots between an open load/unload position and a closed firing position. The barrel section includes two metal barrel sleeves that are press fit into axial bores formed in the body of the barrel section. The barrel section also includes an ejector, which locks the barrel section in the closed firing position and partially expels spent rounds from the barrel sleeves when the barrel section is opened. The receiver section houses the launcher's fire control mechanism. The fire control mechanism uses a traditional single action operation and ensures that rounds are alternatively discharged from each barrel and prevents rounds from both barrels from being discharged simultaneously.

Abstract: A closure for break-action firearms which includes a barrel assembly which is hinged to a break-action assembly so as to form a closed position and an open position of the firearm; the barrel assembly has a breech end which is opposite with respect to a breech face of the break-action assembly when the firearm is in the closed position. The structure is characterized in that it includes a plate which is associated with the break-action assembly and is interposed between the breech end of the barrel assembly and the breech face of the break-action assembly in the closed position, in which the plate closes the breech end by virtue of a means for the temporary locking of the plate on the barrel assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a handgun comprising a weapon frame with a grip and a break-barrel unit (11) that can be tilted forward and that is comprised of at least two barrels. A firearm as per the invention provides for a bifunctional or multifunctional hammer unit, comprising at least two hammers (19) that can be moved independently of one another when the firearm is triggered; each hammer impacts only one firing pin (28) in each case of a firing-pin unit (27) comprising at least two firing pins (28, 29) in separated positions, wherein each firing pin is assigned to one barrel of the firearm in each case. A double-barrel or multi-barrel firearm is provided in a compact design in which the hammer unit is cocked with a relatively high amount of spring force with a relatively small amount of existing space. In addition, this invention provides a firearm that has less trigger weight.

Abstract: A small, lightweight multi-shot pistol, preferably includes a readily field removable receiver having two barrels in an over/under configuration. The butt of the pistol includes a storage chamber holding two spare cartridges. The single trigger is a double action trigger. The configuration of the pistol is such that two shots may be rapidly fired in a “double tap” manner, and the receiver can then be released using a thumb latch, whereby the receiver will be tilted upward and an auto-ejector will eject the spent cartridges. The spare cartridges are held together using a speed loader device which holds them so that they are properly aligned for speedy insertion into the breach of the tilted receiver.

Abstract: A small, lightweight multi-shot pistol, preferably includes a readily field removable receiver having two barrels in an over/under configuration. The butt of the pistol includes a storage chamber holding two spare cartridges. The single trigger is a double action trigger. The configuration of the pistol is such that two shots may be rapidly fired in a “double tap” manner, and the receiver can then be released using a thumb latch, whereby the receiver will be tilted upward and an auto-ejector will eject the spent cartridges. The spare cartridges are held together using a speed loader device which holds them so that they are properly aligned for speedy insertion into the breach of the tilted receiver.

Abstract: A closure for break-action firearms which includes a barrel assembly which is hinged to a break-action assembly so as to form a closed position and an open position of the firearm; the barrel assembly has a breech end which is opposite with respect to a breech face of the break-action assembly when the firearm is in the closed position. The structure is characterized in that it includes a plate which is associated with the break-action assembly and is interposed between the breech end of the barrel assembly and the breech face of the break-action assembly in the closed position, in which the plate closes the breech end by virtue of a means for the temporary locking of the plate on the barrel assembly.

Abstract: A single-shot break action firearm includes a receiver, a barrel, and a stock. The receiver has a breach portion that defines a cavity that is sized and shaped to house a breechblock therein. The breechblock is constructed from a powdered metal formed by metal-injection-molding. The breechblock is form from a higher strength material than the receiver to contain explosive forces produced during discharge of the firearm. The barrel is connected with the receiver and extends forward therefrom. The stock is connected with the receiver and extends rearward therefrom.

Abstract: A handgun having a frame with a barrel. The barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A handgrip is mounted to the frame to pivot about an axis. The handgrip is movable between a firing position and a storage position. The axis is movable relative to the frame along a path extending in a direction of the barrel wherein the handgrip is movable along the length of the frame to the storage position wherein the handgrip is adjacent the frame.

Abstract: The light-weight handheld less-lethal ballistic projectile launcher is configured as an “over/under” double barrel handheld device with a “break open” loading action. The launcher includes a barrel section pivotally connected to receiver section. The barrel section pivots between an open load/unload position and a closed firing position. The barrel section includes two metal barrel sleeves that are press fit into axial bores formed in the body of the barrel section. The barrel section also includes an ejector, which locks the barrel section in the closed firing position and partially expels spent rounds from the barrel sleeves when the barrel section is opened. The receiver section houses the launcher's fire control mechanism. The fire control mechanism uses a traditional single action operation and ensures that rounds are alternatively discharged from each barrel and prevents rounds from both barrels from being discharged simultaneously.

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 lightweight, compact, collapsible, and easily concealed pistol. The pistol has a barrel and a handgrip which are pivotally attached to the frame. The barrel is locked to the frame by a barrel lock. Operation of the barrel lock releases the barrel, allowing the barrel to pivot for reloading. In the collapsed position, the handgrip folds to cover the frame and the trigger, which is retracted therein. In the firing position, the handgrip is rotated away from the barrel, and locks in place via grip locks disposed in the frame, and the trigger extends from the frame. The hammer is pivotally attached to the frame. The hammer incorporates a firing pin. A safety located on the hammer retracts the firing pin within the hammer to prevent firing the pistol in the safe position, and extends the firing pin to fire the pistol.

Abstract: A smooth-bore barrel semi-automatic shotgun include a frame comprising a breech. A barrel is slidingly mounted on the frame relative to the breech. A slide-bolt assembly, which slides relative to the breech, is adapted to close the barrel. A friction spring opposes the barrel's sliding movement relative to the frame.

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: The cartridge ejector has a spring loaded ejector slide supported by the barrel pivot block for siding motion from a seated position to an eject position. The slide has a finger configured to engage the cartridge casing rim when the casing is seated at the breech end and the slide is at the seated position. Opposite the finger is a catch captured by a sear. In response to opening the breech the slide snaps to the eject position to eject and throw the cartridge casing from the breech.

Abstract: A firearm having a trigger which is pivoted to the frame, a hammer which is pivoted to the frame and biased in a forward position, a barrel which is pivotally mounted on the frame so that the breech end of the barrel can be moved between a closed position and an open position. A latch is operatively connected to the hammer and to the trigger for positioning the trigger in its cocked position when the hammer is in its cocked position and for releasably maintaining the hammer in its cocked position, and for releasing the hammer to its firing position upon manual actuation of the trigger. A first locking means is operatively connected to the barrel for preventing the barrel from moving to its open position when the hammer is in its cocked position. A second locking means is operatively connected to the barrel and to the hammer for preventing the hammer from moving to its cocked position when the barrel is in its open position.

Abstract: A single shot falling breech block action that includes an upper receiver assembly, a lower receiver assembly, breech block assembly, a trigger assembly, a stationary rack, a movable rack, a pinion, an action plate, and pinion rotating apparatus.

Abstract: A break open sporting firearm with one to four barrels that lock up in line directly behind the chambers for strength and rigidity.The load from firing is taken up by two or more circularly spaced lugs in the breech engaging with mating lugs on the frame.A rotating breech plate slider and hinge within the breech are the functioning means for this invention.

Abstract: Thus a simultaneous five shot single action piston is disclosed. A one piece receiver containing a minimum of five working parts of simple design and strong structural rigidity entailing a firing pin, cocking hammer, sear, plunger, and trigger make up the provided assembly of a new concept in .22 caliber hand guns not existing in present equivalence or prior art. Provided is an economical utility hand gun of high quality serving many purposes and creating a new market potential for the United States Economy.

Abstract: A hypodermic dart gun of the firearm type includes a user-adjustable valve for regulating the feed rate of high pressure combustion gases from an exploded blank cartridge into the breech end of a gun barrel containing a hypodermic dart whereby the velocity of the ejected dart, and hence its effective range, is controlled. A pivotally mounted breech block for receiving the blank cartridge includes a baffle element for generating high combustion gas temperatures and pressures to ensure complete burning of the smokeless type gunpowder used in conventional blank cartridges. The adjustable valve forms a part of the breech block and is comprised of a high-temperature-resistant metering orifice whose cross-sectional area is determined by the position of a threaded member turnable in screwlike fashion into and out of a bore in a wall of the breech block.

Abstract: A portable lightweight rifle which is primarily intended for use as a survival rifle. The rifle is readily disassembled into two assemblies for storage or ease of transporting, without requiring any separable fastener. A supply of ammunition is carried in a hollow stack tube. Both a rimfire embodiment and a centerfire embodiment are disclosed, and stampings or other relatively inexpensive and lightweight components are extensively used in both embodiments.

Abstract: A cartridge chamber housing and a breech block for a cartridge with side-mounted primer, in which the chamber housing has a firing pin and a spring-biased slidable firing pin interrupter which is in firing-prevent position and prevents firing pin actuation except when the breech block is closed and locked, and which is moved to firing-enable position by the closure and locking of the breech block, whereby the firing pin may be actuated after such closure and locking of the breech block. The cartridge is fully chambered and extracted by and as a function of closure and opening of the breech block.

Abstract: 1. A device including an expendable cartridge-barrel assembly comprising a cartridge casing forming a barrel, the wall thickness of said barrel being at least equal to about the diameter of the bore therein, a retainer affixed to and rearwardly of said casing, a high energy propellant enclosed within said assembly, a primer within said retainer and communicating with said propellant, a projectile frictionally fitted within and extending along the bore of said barrel and having a rear end in proximate relation to said propellant, said projectile being designed for high sectional density and minimum drag with water, and a watertight seal affixed to a front end of said cartridge-barrel assembly.