Abstract: An improved perforating gun. The perforating gun includes an internal charge holder formed from a conductive material and comprising a grounding tab. The grounding tab protrudes through a first end cap and is in direct electrical contact with a tandem for grounding the internal charge holder. An optional second grounding tab protrudes through a second end cap and is in direct electrical contact with a second tandem. Each end cap includes a contact pin that engages a signal transfer pin contained within a tandem. The contact pins are biased outwardly by respective compression springs, and each compression spring comprises a portion of an electrical path for a firing signal.

Abstract: A self-positioning system for a perforating gun or gun string is provided. The self-positioning system includes a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the perforating gun or the gun string for providing a finite number of rotational positions and/or for providing a desired water clearance. The protrusions include one or more groupings of at least three protrusions, the protrusions being angularly offset from each other about the outer circumference of the perforating gun or gun string.

Abstract: An improved perforating gun is provided. The perforating gun includes an outer loading tube, an internal charge holder, an addressable switch housing, and a detonator housing. In some embodiments, the addressable switch housing and the detonator housing are separate components that are joined to the outer loading tube. In other embodiments, the addressable switch housing is integrally joined to a first portion of the internal charge holder and the detonator housing is integrally joined to a second portion of the internal charge holder. When detonated, a plurality of shaped charges create a plurality of perforations through a wellbore casing, the perforations being angularly offset from each other within a single perforation plane, optionally followed by a hydraulic fracturing stage.