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 also includes an ambidextrous, non-reciprocating charging handle located forward on the firearm and positioned within the top rail for charging the firearm.

Abstract: A firearm including a barrel, receiver, indirect gas system and an adjustable gas block designed to interface with the indirect gas system is provided. Four indexable positions of adjustment are provided for on the adjustable gas block. Positions of adjustment are selected based on the use of a silencer, use of under-powered ammunition, the presence of un-burnt powder and debris in the host firearms operating system, or if the weapon is being fired under “ideal” circumstances. The provided gas block is designed to function with an indirect gas operating system. Excess gas from the operating system is not vented from the gas block thereby generating excess flash and sound. No tool is required to manipulate the adjustment mechanism of the gas.

Abstract: A multi use retro fit capable adjustable gas block designed to interface with an autoloading gas operated firearm is provided to replace existing gas blocks. The adjustable gas block optimizes gas flow into the host firearms operating system. The adjustable gas block has a spring loaded adjustment knob that releases when pulled forward allowing it to rotate. By rotating the adjustment knob the gas flow is increased or decreased based on one of four provided gas settings. Setting one is optimal for using a silencer, setting two is optimal for normal operations, setting three is optimal for adverse conditions, and setting four either turns the gas flow off optimizing sound reduction and providing for manual operation, or provides an extra high gas setting for the host firearm. The system works by precisely metering gas entering the operating system and not by exhausting excess gas into the atmosphere.

Abstract: This Regulated Bolt Carrier is a lightweight carrier having a built-in gas regulating gate. As a drop-in assembly it enables tuning of the gas system used in firearms of the AR-15 class. Adjustments of a continuously variable nature may be made quickly through the port door without requiring disassembly of the firearm. A gas “regulator gate” located under the gas key below a gas port inside the body of the bolt carrier itself is cut as a half-moon. Rotating the regulator gate on its axis changes the position of the half-moon cutout, blocking the entry of gas into the system. The regulator gate can be set anywhere from fully open to fully closed and is held in position by a small lock screw. For maintenance, the gas regulator gate can be pushed out of its bore via an access hole on the opposite side of the bolt carrier.

Abstract: A firearm may have gas operating system that renders the firearm capable of firing a wide range of shot loads by passively or automatically compensating for different shot loads. The firearm may include a plurality of ports formed in the firearm barrel, and corresponding ports formed in a gas block of the gas operating system. The ports tap gases generated during firing which are used to cycle the firearm. When firing different cartridge loads, differing combinations of the ports are selectively at least partially blocked or otherwise obstructed by the cartridge casing according to the size of the cartridge. Additionally, the gas operating system includes compensating gas pistons with internal relief valves that can bleed off excess gas to compensate for larger shot loads regardless of the size of the cartridge.

Abstract: A propellant gas energized firearm has a gas supply passage conducting propellant gas from a gas port of a firearm barrel to an actuating chamber of a bolt carrier and bolt group having an actuating chamber. A gas key member is mounted to the bolt carrier and defines a part of the gas supply passage and has an opening intersecting the gas supply passage. A gas adjustment member is selectively moveable within the gas adjustment opening and has a gas interruption member projecting into the gas supply passage. The gas adjustment member is rotatable within the gas adjustment opening for selectively positioning the gas interruption member within the gas supply passage to selectively control the characteristics of the propellant gas delivery to the actuating chamber of the bolt carrier and bolt group.

Abstract: A gas tube assembly for semiautomatic firearms is defined by a body having a first end, a second end, and a passage formed through the body between the respective ends. The first end of the body of the gas tube is constructed to cooperate with a gas block and the second end of the body is constructed to cooperate with a forward facing end of a receiver assembly. A first projection and a second projection each extend in a respective outward radial direction from the body proximate the second end of the body and a respective adjuster is associated with each respective projection. The adjusters are configured to movably cooperate with the respective projection to align the second end of the body relative to the receiver assembly.

Abstract: A regulator that controls an amount of energy provided to an auto loader for rounds having different gun powder loads is provided. The regulator includes a chamber, and a piston in fluid communication with the chamber. The regulator may further include a throttling valve having a first position in which pressurized combustion gas from the gas port of a barrel of a firearm can flow into the chamber, and a second position in which pressurized combustion gas from the gas port of a barrel of a firearm cannot flow into the chamber. The throttling valve is configured to move from the first position to the second position when pressure in the chamber exceeds a threshold level. The regulator may include an expansion valve in fluid communication with the chamber and arranged to move from a first position to increase a volume of the chamber when pressure in the chamber exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: A bolt carrier with integral adjustable gas key for use with a firearm is provided. The adjustable gas key includes a base portion and a tube portion coupled to the base portion. An inlet passage extends through the tube portion and an outlet passage angled from the inlet passage exits through the base portion. The adjustable gas key includes an inner volume located at a junction of the inlet passage and the outlet passage. The adjustable gas key also includes an adjustment device operatively coupled to the adjustable gas key, wherein the adjustment device adjusts a size of the inner volume. The adjustable gas key is integral and unitary with a bolt carrier of the firearm, wherein adjustment of the size of the inner volume adjusts the force of action of the bolt carrier.

Abstract: Provided is a gas operated firearm timing selection system having a barrel, first and second gas blocks, a gas delivery tube, and a selector tube. The barrel has at least first and second longitudinally spaced apart gas port locations. First and second gas blocks each correspond to one of the gas port locations. The gas delivery tube operably extends between the first gas block and an operating system of the firearm. The selector tube operably extends between the gas blocks to convey operating gas from either of the gas port locations and is selectively displaceable between at least a first position and a second position. Each position provides gas flow from only one of the gas port locations such that the timing of operating gas flow to the operating system is changed by selection between first and second positions.

Abstract: A gas system includes a gas block having a gas port for directing propellant gases received from a gas port of a barrel of a firearm into the gas system to cycle an auto loading feature of the firearm. A spring-loaded plunger assembly positioned within the gas block includes a plunger component having a plurality of gas ports and a plunger cap at a forward end, wherein the position of the plunger component within the gas block automatically controls an amount of gas that is allowed to enter the gas system. Mounting a suppressor to the muzzle of the barrel depresses the plunger cap and drives it linearly rearward causing the plunger component to rotate to automatically restrict the volume of propellant gases directed into the gas system through a restricted flow gas port in the plunger component.

Abstract: A launcher system includes a launcher having a barrel adapted to receive a projectile and a charge of propellant and a velocity variator configured to shift relative to barrel to selectively vary a launch velocity of projectile from launcher. The velocity variator may be constituted by a collar selectively controlling the propellant gases vented out of projectile and into barrel and/or a sliding breech face behind which is an energy-absorbing plug.

Abstract: An assembly for preventing gas leaks in a bolt carrier group of a firearm is disclosed. The assembly may include a bolt carrier with a gas hole, a bolt carrier gas key attachable to the bolt carrier about the gas hole, a groove disposed on the bolt carrier about the gas hole, and a seal disposed within the groove.

Abstract: A retro fit capable super & subsonic gas regulator assembly designed to interface with an auto-loading gas operated host firearm is provided to replace existing gas systems. The gas regulator assembly optimizes gas flow into the host firearm's operating system. The gas regulator has a spring actuated gas regulator and cross-pin including a flat that disengages with the gas regulator when the gas regulator is rotated to allow the gas flow to be set to one of a plurality of gas settings e.g., four. In embodiments, setting one is optimal for using supersonic ammunition with a silencer, setting two is optimal for using supersonic ammunition without a silencer, setting three is optimal for subsonic ammunition, and setting four turns the gas flow off optimizing sound reduction and providing for manual operation of the host firearm. The system works by precisely metering gas entering the operating system and not by exhausting excess gas into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A gas regulator for a rifle is provided, the gas regulator having: an elongated member having a first end and a second end; a head portion located at the first end; a pair of openings passing through the elongated member, wherein one of the pair of openings is larger than the other one of the pair of openings; and a recessed area located at the second end.

Abstract: A firearm impingement apparatus that includes a gas flow control member that is operable to provide controlled incremental adjustment of gas flow within the gas block of the firearm impingement apparatus. The firearm impingement apparatus includes a gas block having a port line with an intersecting channel. Rotatably secured within the intersecting channel is a gas flow control member. The gas flow control member includes a first end, a second end and a shaft intermediate thereto. The shaft includes at least three planar sides. A keeper is secured within a mounting member and is positioned such that a portion thereof is biased against the shaft. The keeper is planar in manner and is operable to provide controlled rotation of the gas flow control member within the channel. Further the keeper functions to maintain the position of the gas flow control member.

Abstract: An adjustable gas block is used to regulate the flow rate of gas from a barrel to an action in a gas-operated firearm. The adjustable gas block uses a movable body with an opening having a width and length, the width of the opening varying in size as a function of its length. The movable body is transversely positioned relative to a conduit between the barrel and the action, such that movement of the body and its opening relative to the conduit serves to regulate the flow rate of gas between the barrel and the action.

Abstract: A gas system for an autoloading firearm wherein the gas used to cycle the weapon can be restricted automatically through a mechanical shutoff actuated by the installation of a suppressor on the weapon. The gas system could be used to actuate either a piston to mechanically operate the weapon or a gas impingement mechanism wherein the gas is redirected into the bolt carrier assembly to directly actuate the unlocking and cycling of the bolt and bolt carrier group. A gas block for the firearm includes a spring-loaded plunger assembly positioned within a bore of the gas block and oriented parallel to a bore of a barrel of the firearm, the plunger assembly including a regulator plunger, a regulator bushing, a regulator spring, and a regulator cap. Mounting a suppressor over the muzzle depresses the regulator plunger driving it rearward, the rearward movement of the regulator plunger blocking one of gas ports in the gas block to automatically reduce the volume of propellant gases directed into the gas system.

Abstract: A rifle with an upper receiver and a barrel attached to the upper receiver and including a bolt carrier, and operating, buffer, and cooling systems. The operating system includes a cylinder and a piston coupled to receive propelling gases from the barrel. As the piston moves between retracted and extended positions the bolt carrier is moved between closed and open positions. The bolt carrier includes a weight movable within a guide frame between rearward and forward limits. The buffer system includes a compression spring in a tube attached to the upper receiver in abutting engagement with the bolt carrier. A partially fluid filled cylinder is attached to a coil of the spring and includes a piston and shaft. The piston is formed so that fluid in the cylinder restricts movement in one direction and allows free movement in a second direction.

Abstract: An adjustable gas valve having an annular body with an inner surface defining a gas chamber and first and second annular end surfaces defining first and second openings of said gas chamber, the gas valve further having outer surface and at least one gas channel extending between the inner surface and the outer surface providing a gas communication path from the outer surface to the gas chamber, wherein said at least one gas channel is orientated to direct fluid egressing from the channel into the chamber along the inner surface. The invention further includes a regulator occupying a portion of the chamber to define a chamber operating volume, the regulator having at least one outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the passage to substantially inhibit gas flow from the pass through the second opening.

Abstract: A bolt carrier gas impingement system is provided. The bolt carrier gas impingement system may include a bolt carrier assembly including a bolt carrier and a bolt; a gas key having a gas passageway; a gas tube configured for routing gas from a discharged round to a gas key tube and the gas passageway of the gas key; and a bypass duct formed in the bolt carrier, wherein the bypass duct may be configured to provide a duct between the gas passageway and an exterior of the bolt carrier assembly, such that the discharged gas flows out of the bypass duct without contacting internal components of the bolt carrier assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable gas key for use with a firearm is provided. The adjustable gas key includes a base portion and a tube portion coupled to the base portion. An inlet tube extends through the tube portion and an outlet tube angled from the inlet tube exits through a bottom side of the base portion. The adjustable gas key includes an inner volume located at a junction of the inlet tube and the outlet tube. The adjustable gas key also includes an adjustment device operatively coupled to the adjustable gas key, wherein the adjustment device adjusts a size of the inner volume. The adjustable gas key is operatively coupled to a bolt carrier of the firearm, wherein adjustment of the size of the inner volume adjusts the force of action of the bolt carrier.

Abstract: A firearm impingement apparatus that is operable to divert a portion of the gas flowing into the gas block of the impingement apparatus so as to reduce the temperature and contamination thereof. The impingement apparatus includes a gas block integrally formed with a barrel-mating sleeve. The gas block includes a gas block port line that is in axial alignment with a gas vent tube located on a barrel of a firearm. The gas block further includes at least one exhaust port fluidly coupled with the gas block port line. Movably secured within the at least one exhaust port is an adjustment screw. The adjustment screw is movable intermediate a first position and a second position so as to facilitate diversion of gas from the gas block at varying volumes.

Abstract: A reversible modification to the gas block of a machine gun reduces the rate of fire to the machine gun's design rate for use when a suppressor has been added to the barrel and which suppressor would, without the present modification, elevate the firing rate from the machine gun's design rate. The modification is the use of a stem inserted into the bore of the gas block nozzle to further limit the combustion gas being delivered to the machine gun's operating group. A hole formed in the stem restricts gas flow. The stem seats against the gas block nozzle and is held in place by the cap covering the gas block but may alternatively be held in place in several alternative ways described. Removal of the cap allows the stem to be removed from the gas block when the suppressor has been removed from the machine gun barrel.

Abstract: A gas cutoff system for use with a gas-operated firearm. The gas cutoff system includes a gas block affixed to the barrel and having a plurality of openings adjacent the barrel for receiving gas redirected from the barrel of the firearm upon firing. At least one gas cylinder is disposed within the gas block and includes a piston disposed within and moveable along the gas cylinder. A valve assembly is disposed within the gas cylinder adjacent to the at least one piston. The valve assembly includes a selectively closeable valve that can be actuated upon firing of the firearm when the volume/pressure of gas entering the gas block through the plurality of openings overcomes a biasing force of a spring so as to actuate movement of the valve within the gas cylinder. A portion of the valve is moved to a location blocking the openings through which the gas is entering the gas block to prevent excess gas from entering the gas operating system.

Abstract: A firearm including a barrel, receiver, indirect gas system and an adjustable gas block designed to interface with the indirect gas system is provided. Four indexable positions of adjustment are provided for on the adjustable gas block. Positions of adjustment are selected based on the use of a silencer, use of under-powered ammunition, the presence of un-burnt powder and debris in the host firearms operating system, or if the weapon is being fired under “ideal” circumstances. The provided gas block is designed to function with an indirect gas operating system. Excess gas from the operating system is not vented from the gas block thereby generating excess flash and sound. No tool is required to manipulate the adjustment mechanism of the gas.

Abstract: A suppressor assembly for a firearm is disclosed herein. The firearm may include a barrel, a bore, and a muzzle end. The suppressor assembly may include a gas block mount positioned about the barrel. The suppressor assembly also may include an outer tube comprising a first end and a second end. The first end of the outer tube may be configured to be attached to the gas block mount, and the second end of the outer tube may be configured to extend beyond the muzzle end of the firearm. Moreover, the suppressor assembly may include a baffle comprising a first end and a second end. The second end of the baffle may be configured to be attached to and positioned within the second end of the outer tube.

Abstract: An adjustable gas block is provided enabling variable adjustment of the amount of gas return. The adjustment knob is provided at a non-perpendicular/non-parallel angle to the firearm barrel enabling manual adjustment and without requiring tools to perform the adjustment, thereby providing a gas block that can variably adjust the amount of gas entering the gas tube.

Abstract: An adjustable gas block for a gas operated firearm is provided that offers the user a means by which the volume of gas being directed to the host rifle's operating system can be adjusted. The adjustable gas block provides two positions of adjustment, with the position of use being selected based on whether or not a back pressure increasing device, such as a noise suppressor or a silencer, is mounted on the firearm. A first position provides the optimal volume of gas into the gas operating system for it to operate properly based on its factory configuration and in the absence of a back pressure increasing device. A second position is available for use when the back pressure is increased due to the presence of a back pressure increasing device. The second position exposes a port through which a portion of the volume of gas from the barrel is vented into a secondary chamber prior to being released into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Improvements and modifications in the rifle and submachine gun platforms to improve accuracy, improve user functionality, simplify and improve the machining and manufacturing and assembly process are presented. Specifically, the disclosure describes a hinge pin connection system for an access door, a retention mechanism that eliminates freedom of movement for hand guards, cuts in a barrel extension that reduce or eliminate barrel rotation, a barrel retention mechanism that allows for securing of a barrel from the sides of a firearm, a dove tail connection between an up rod and bolt carrier, and an aperture located on a lower receiver for mounting slings and other accessories.

Abstract: A firearm can have a bolt having a plurality of locking lugs that are configured to have a shear area that is at least approximately 1.3 times that of a standard M16/M4. A piston can be formed on the bolt and can have a plurality of rings that are configured to cooperate with the piston to mitigate gas leakage past the piston. Each of the rings can have a key formed thereon and a gap formed therein such that the gap of one ring is configured to receive at least a portion of the key of another ring. The bolt carrier can have a double cut cam.

Abstract: Disclosed is an upper receiver assembly for use with an AR15-type lower receiver. The upper receiver assembly includes a monolithic upper receiver and forearm housing. A barrel has a breech end, a muzzle end, a bore axis, and a barrel trunnion at the breech end having a lug for direct connection to the lower receiver using the pivot pin. It includes a bolt carrier assembly, having a longitudinal slot and rail engagement with the upper receiver housing on which the bolt carrier assembly slidably reciprocates, and a long-stroke gas-piston actuation system. A recoil spring assembly is housed within the monolithic upper receiver and forearm housing and extends coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the gas-piston actuation assembly. The barrel trunnion and gas block are configured for engagement with the upper receiver and forearm housing with longitudinal keyway features.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus and systems for a downward ejecting rifle configured with a trigger and grip mounted forward of a magazine. The rifle includes a receiver with a bolt assembly slidably located therein, a rifle barrel connected with the receiver with a cartridge chamber, the barrel arranged to mate with a bolt mechanism located rearward of the trigger and grip, and a downward ejection port rearward of the magazine to allow a spent casing to eject downward from the rifle. The downward ejection port includes an oversized hollow hammer pivotally connected with a trigger assembly such that after firing the bolt mechanism travels rearward extracting the spent casing over and behind the magazine where it is ejected through the oversize hollow hammer. Downward ejection mechanisms can include a hollow ejection chute reward of the magazine below the hollow hammer with ejected casings passing downward through the ejection chute.

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 also includes an ambidextrous, non-reciprocating charging handle located forward on the firearm and positioned within the top rail for charging the firearm.

Abstract: A gas operating system for a firearm includes a gas block, a barrel nut that maintains the gas block at a predetermined axial position on a barrel of the firearm, a member that is movable with respect to the gas block axially with respect to the barrel in response to pressure exerted by expanding propellant gases conveyed thereto by the gas block and a mechanical linkage receiving a force form the member urging it in an axial direction of the barrel and coupled with a loading and ejection mechanism of the firearm to convey the force thereto for operating the loading and ejection mechanism. Various embodiments of gas block assemblies and operating rods for gas operating systems for firearms are provided.

Abstract: A cartridge gas energized firearm mechanism has a receiver assembly having upper and lower receivers. A bolt carrier is moveable within the upper receiver and has a wall structure having a planar gas key seat surface intersected by a gas port. A gas key is mounted to the bolt carrier and has a planar gas key surface in face-to-face seating engagement with the planar gas key seat surface of the bolt carrier, thus establishing a planar surface interface. The gas key has a cartridge gas supply passage in gas communication with the gas port. A tubular seal member is positioned in sealing engagement within seal receptacles of the bolt carrier and gas key and prevents cartridge gas leakage through the planar surface interface.

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 gas regulator block can be configured to mount to a barrel of a firearm. A gas regulator can be disposed substantially within the gas regulator block and can be configured to adjustably vary an amount of gas flow through the gas regulator block. A cover may be configured to cover a portion of the gas regulator block to inhibit inadvertent adjustment of the amount of gas flow and configured to uncover the portion of the gas regulator block to facilitate intentional adjustment of the amount of gas flow. A gas passage can be formed in the gas regulator block in a forward location and the gas port can be configured to communicate gas from the barrel to the gas regulator.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for an adjustable gas block with variable gas port dimensions to control the amount of gas in the gas block before the gas enters into the gas tube. The adjustable gas block includes a gas block barrel bore to slide over a barrel and a gas tube bore to mate with the firearm gas tube, a gas port between the barrel bore and the gas tube bore, a sliding regulator plate to slide one of the gas ports into alignment with the block gas port and the barrel gas port, and a spring and detent pin to hold the sliding regulator plate in alignment with the barrel gas port. An alignment hole in the gas tube bore can align the block gas port with the barrel gas port.

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 gas system for an autoloading firearm wherein the gas used to cycle the weapon can be restricted automatically through a mechanical shutoff actuated by the installation of a suppressor on the weapon. The gas system could be used to actuate either a piston to mechanically operate the weapon or a gas impingement mechanism wherein the gas is redirected into the bolt carrier assembly to directly actuate the unlocking and cycling of the bolt and bolt carrier group. A gas block for the firearm includes a spring-loaded plunger assembly positioned within a bore of the gas block and oriented parallel to a bore of a barrel of the firearm, the plunger assembly including a regulator plunger, a regulator bushing, a regulator spring, and a regulator cap. Mounting a suppressor over the muzzle depresses the regulator plunger driving it rearward, the rearward movement of the regulator plunger blocking one of gas ports in the gas block to automatically reduce the volume of propellant gases directed into the gas system.

Abstract: An automatic or semi-automatic firearm having an indirect gas operating system, the firearm having: a receiver; a bolt assembly slidably received within the receiver; a barrel having a bore, the barrel coupled to the receiver; a gas block mounted to the barrel, the gas block having a cylinder in fluid communication with the bore; a rod coupled to the cylinder and having a striking rod; wherein gas discharged from a fired cartridge displaces the rod and causes the striking rod to strike a striking surface of the bolt assembly, wherein the gas repositions the bolt assembly in bore.

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 also includes an ambidextrous, non-reciprocating charging handle located forward on the firearm and positioned within the top rail for charging the firearm.

Abstract: A gas piston system for a firearm includes a gas block having a port in communication with the barrel port and an exhaust tube. The exhaust tube has: a head at least partially disposed in the gas block and having a port in fluid communication with the gas block port; a body extending from the head toward a muzzle of the firearm; and a channel extending from the exhaust tube port through the body. The gas piston system further includes a driver movable relative to the gas block between a forward and rearward position and having: a piston slidable along the gas block; a stinger closing the channel in the forward position and opening the channel in the rearward position, and an operating rod operable to push the bolt carrier assembly away from the barrel.

Abstract: An auto regulating gas system to automatically regulate the operating speed of an auto loading weapon having a gas operating system by restricting the gas flow from the firing of a projectile. A gas block attached to the barrel or the weapon redirects a volume of propellant gases to cycle the weapon, the gas block including a gas port for directing propellant gases received from the a gas port of the barrel into the gas system. A spring-loaded plunger assembly is positioned within the gas block, the plunger assembly including a regulator plunger having a reduced flow orifice, a regulator bushing, a regulator spring, and a regulator cap, wherein the position of the regulator plunger within the gas block automatically controls an amount of gas that is allowed to enter the gas system. A mechanical backup linkage assembly is attached to the gas block as a backup device for returning the regulator plunger to a forward position in the gas block when a muzzle device mounted on a muzzle of the firearm is removed.

Abstract: A firearm including a barrel, receiver, indirect gas system and an adjustable gas block. Four positions of adjustment are provided for on the adjustable gas block, each of which provides a different setting to regulate gas flow into the host firearm's operating system. A position of adjustment is selected based on how the firearm is being used. The provided positions of adjustment are calibrated for the standard use of the host firearm, use of a silencer, use of the firearm under hard or adverse conditions or when it is necessary to increase the firearm's rate of fire, and to block the flow of gas into the operating system. The provided gas block is designed to function with an indirect gas operating system, but could be adapted for use with a direct gas impingement system as well. Excess gas from the operating system is not vented from the gas block thereby eliminating the generation of additional muzzle flash and sound. No tool is required to manipulate the adjustment mechanism of the gas block.

Abstract: A rifle having a receiver with an integral hand guard and a barrel. The barrel is connected to the receiver. The hand guard extends over and surrounds the barrel. A removable hand guard is attached to the receiver by an attachment that stably holds the removable hand guard to the receiver. The attachment is arranged for allowing detachment and removal of the removable hand guard from the receiver without removal of fasteners.

Abstract: A cartridge gas energized firearm mechanism has a receiver assembly having upper and lower receivers. A bolt carrier is moveable within the upper receiver and has a wall structure having a planar gas key seat surface intersected by a gas port. A gas key is mounted to the bolt carrier and has a planar gas key surface in face-to-face seating engagement with the planar gas key seat surface of the bolt carrier, thus establishing a planar surface interface. The gas key has a cartridge gas supply passage in gas communication with the gas port. A tubular seal member is positioned in sealing engagement within seal receptacles of the bolt carrier and gas key and prevents cartridge gas leakage through the planar surface interface.

Abstract: A gas system for a firearm having a gas block coupled to a barrel with a gas capture port in communication with a barrel gas port. A sleeve removeably mounted inside the gas block has: a gas conduit; a seat near the gas conduit; a projection; and a rod conduit communicating gas through the projection. A rod movably mounted in the gas block has a cup fitting over the projection. A valve has a knob coupleable to the gas block and a plug moveable within the pressure sleeve with a plunger engageable with the seat to adjust gas flow through the gas conduit to the rod conduit. Gas discharged from a fired cartridge flows against the cup to drive the rod to reload the firearm. The plug is moveable by the knob to a plurality of positions to alter the gas conveyed to the rod.

Abstract: The invention includes a gas valve having an annular body with an inner surface defining a gas chamber and first and second annular end surfaces defining first and second openings of said gas chamber, the gas valve further having outer surface and at least one gas channel extending between the inner surface and the outer surface providing a gas communication path from the outer surface to the gas chamber, wherein said at least one gas channel is orientated to direct fluid egressing from the channel into the chamber along the inner surface. The invention further includes a regulator occupying a portion of the chamber to define a chamber operating volume and flowrate, the regulator having a at least one outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the passage to substantially inhibit gas flow from passing through the second opening.