Abstract: A hybrid metal and composite barrel assembly for a firearm preferably includes a metal inner barrel liner and a composite outer barrel sleeve. The composite outer barrel sleeve preferably includes at least one layer of woven metal mesh material comprising a plurality of metallic fibers, and at least one layer of carbon fiber material comprising a plurality of carbon fibers. The composite outer barrel sleeve is preferably engaged around the metal inner barrel liner, and optionally incorporates a tensioning nut to retain the sleeve on the liner.

Abstract: Improved firearms including one or more of a removable and/or interchangeable top cover, an improved extractor mechanism, a striker safety mechanism with a direct trigger interface, a sear with direct striker interface, and/or a striker with integral striker spring retention features.

Abstract: Improved firearms including one or more of a removable and/or interchangeable top cover, an improved extractor mechanism, a striker safety mechanism with a direct trigger interface, a sear with direct striker interface, and/or a striker with integral striker spring retention features.

Abstract: A muzzle brake for use with a firearm such as a muzzle-loading firearm, and including at least one access port in the muzzle brake that is large enough (for example at least about 0.5? or more minimum dimension) for access by a user's fingertip to remove a cleaning patch from the muzzle brake. One or more vent ports that are relatively smaller than the access port may also be provided in the muzzle brake. An insert may be fitted within the muzzle brake to enhance wear resistance and extend its service life.

Abstract: A hybrid metal and composite barrel assembly for a firearm preferably includes a metal inner barrel liner and a composite outer barrel sleeve. The composite outer barrel sleeve preferably includes at least one layer of woven metal mesh material comprising a plurality of metallic fibers, and at least one layer of carbon fiber material comprising a plurality of carbon fibers. The composite outer barrel sleeve is preferably engaged around the metal inner barrel liner, and optionally incorporates a tensioning nut to retain the sleeve on the liner.

Abstract: A muzzle brake for use with a firearm such as a muzzle-loading firearm, and including at least one access port in the muzzle brake that is large enough (for example at least about 0.5? or more minimum dimension) for access by a user's fingertip to remove a cleaning patch from the muzzle brake. One or more vent ports that are relatively smaller than the access port may also be provided in the muzzle brake.

Abstract: A hybrid metal and composite barrel assembly for a firearm preferably includes a metal inner barrel liner and a composite outer barrel sleeve. The composite outer barrel sleeve preferably includes at least one layer of woven metal mesh material comprising a plurality of metallic fibers, and at least one layer of carbon fiber material comprising a plurality of carbon fibers. The composite outer barrel sleeve is preferably engaged around the metal inner barrel liner, and optionally incorporates a tensioning nut to retain the sleeve on the liner.

Abstract: Improved firearms including one or more of a removable and/or interchangeable top cover, an improved extractor mechanism, a striker safety mechanism with a direct trigger interface, a sear with direct striker interface, and/or a striker with integral striker spring retention features.

Abstract: Improved firearms including one or more of a removable and/or interchangeable top cover, an improved extractor mechanism, a striker safety mechanism with a direct trigger interface, a sear with direct striker interface, and/or a striker with integral striker spring retention features.

Abstract: A hybrid composite and steel rifle barrel assembly relating to bolt action rifles or other firearms, including those that fire rimfire or centerfire ammunition. The inner barrel construction consists of a pre-machined and rifled steel barrel that has been machined down from its original geometry to a much lighter and smaller geometry to achieve a significant weight savings. The metal portion of the barrel that is removed, is replaced by a composite tubular structure, that slips over the machined down steel barrel which is then adhesively bonded to the steel barrel. The composite barrel consists of a plurality of concentric composite material layers including carbon fiber-based uni-directional prepreg and a unique metallic weave that is placed within the composite structure to aid in the thermal transfer of heat extending from the chamber to the muzzle end of the rifle barrel.

Abstract: A hybrid composite and steel rifle barrel assembly relating to bolt action rifles or other firearms, including those that fire rimfire or centerfire ammunition. The inner barrel construction consists of a pre-machined and rifled steel barrel that has been machined down from its original geometry to a much lighter and smaller geometry to achieve a significant weight savings. The metal portion of the barrel that is removed, is replaced by a composite tubular structure, that slips over the machined down steel barrel which is then adhesively bonded to the steel barrel. The composite barrel consists of a plurality of concentric composite material layers including carbon fiber-based uni-directional prepreg and a unique metallic weave that is placed within the composite structure to aid in the thermal transfer of heat extending from the chamber to the muzzle end of the rifle barrel.

Abstract: A muzzle brake for use with a firearm such as a muzzle-loading firearm, and including at least one access port in the muzzle brake that is large enough (for example at least about 0.5? or more minimum dimension) for access by a user's fingertip to remove a cleaning patch from the muzzle brake. One or more vent ports that are relatively smaller than the access port may also be provided in the muzzle brake.

Abstract: A firearm having a threaded barrel-receiver connection, with a threaded receiver opening for cooperative engagement with a threaded barrel. The receiver is also compatible with a clamping system for engagement of an unthreaded barrel, so that threaded and unthreaded barrels may be used interchangeably. The threads of the receiver may have a flat crested thread profile for sliding engagement upon installation of an unthreaded barrel.

Abstract: Improved firearms including one or more of a removable and/or interchangeable top cover, an improved extractor mechanism, a striker safety mechanism with a direct trigger interface, a sear with direct striker interface, and/or a striker with integral striker spring retention features.

Abstract: A firearm having a threaded barrel-receiver connection, with a threaded receiver opening for cooperative engagement with a threaded barrel. The receiver is also compatible with a clamping system for engagement of an unthreaded barrel, so that threaded and unthreaded barrels may be used interchangeably. The threads of the receiver may have a flat crested thread profile for sliding engagement upon installation of an unthreaded barrel.

Abstract: A muzzle-loading rifle for use with a primer of the type having a shell and a piston fitted within the shell and adapted for igniting gunpowder in the rifle to fire a bullet. The rifle includes a barrel and a breech plug having an opening for receiving the primer and connected to the barrel. A movable bolt is fitted within the rifle for movement toward the breech plug and adjacent the primer. A spring-loaded primer sealing device is mounted to the movable bolt for engaging the shell of the primer and for pressing against it to help seal the end of the movable bolt to the shell of the primer to control the travel of gases and residue. The spring-loaded primer sealing device is mounted to the movable bolt for engaging the shell of the primer only and does not engage against the piston portion of the primer.

Abstract: A muzzle-loading rifle for use with a primer of the type having a shell and a piston fitted within the shell and adapted for igniting gunpowder in the rifle to fire a bullet. The rifle includes a barrel and a breech plug having an opening for receiving the primer and connected to the barrel. A movable bolt is fitted within the rifle for movement toward the breech plug and adjacent the primer. A spring-loaded primer sealing device is mounted to the movable bolt for engaging the shell of the primer and for pressing against it to help seal the end of the movable bolt to the shell of the primer to control the travel of gases and residue. The spring-loaded primer sealing device is mounted to the movable bolt for engaging the shell of the primer only and does not engage against the piston portion of the primer.

Abstract: An open ignition breech plug for a muzzle-loading firearm. The open ignition breech plug includes an internal body portion for removable installation into the breech end of a barrel of the muzzle-loader, and an external body portion comprising a gripping surface, a nipple for receiving an ignition source such as a percussion cap, and at least one open portion of the external body portion for external visibility of the nipple and a percussion cap mounted thereon. The nipple can be integrally formed with the external body portion or removably mounted thereto.

Abstract: An open ignition breech plug for a muzzle-loading firearm. The open ignition breech plug includes an internal body portion for removable installation into the breech end of a barrel of the muzzle-loader, and an external body portion comprising a gripping surface, a nipple for receiving an ignition source such as a percussion cap, and at least one open portion of the external body portion for external visibility of the nipple and a percussion cap mounted thereon. The nipple can be integrally formed with the external body portion or removably mounted thereto.