Abstract: A gas operating system for a firearm renders the firearm capable of firing a wide range of shot loads by passively or automatically compensating for different shot loads. The firearm includes a plurality of ports formed in the firearm barrel, and corresponding ports formed in a gas cylinder 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.

Abstract: A composite barrel for a firearm comprising a substantially metallic liner and fiber reinforced resin, in which the fiber reinforced resin is under compression.

Abstract: Electric primers for the discharge of ammunition suitable for use with small arms.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a one-piece sabot for holding a sub-caliber projectile. For use in muzzle loading and other firearms, the sabot includes a plurality of petals which, in one embodiment, encapsulate the projectile. The petals have a high mass portion near the barrel end of the sabot. The portions are subjected to a centrifugal opening force as the sabot exits the firearm barrel upon firing. The centrifugal force causes the petals to clear the flight path of the projectile quickly so that the sabot is less likely to interfere with accurate projectile flight. In one embodiment, the sabot may further include a protective surface for engagement with a ram rod and for protection of the encapsulated projectile, for increased aerodynamic stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shotgun choke tube including a cylindrical body having an interrupted thread section located on its outside surface. A continuous thread section made up of at least one continuous full thread circumscribing the cylindrical body outside surface is provided adjacent the interrupted thread section. The continuous thread section may comprise between about two and about five continuous threads. The choke tube interrupted threads engage corresponding interrupted threads located on the interior surface of a shotgun barrel muzzle internal surface. The choke tube may be secured in a shotgun barrel with only a fraction of the turns required to secure well-known choke tubes having a long section of continuous threads.

Abstract: Bolt mechanism for an electronic firearm adapted to eliminate rearward axial motion of the bolt plug with respect to the bolt body on closing the bolt assembly.

Abstract: A firearm having a reciprocating bolt assembly comprising a spring biased ejection port cover operatively connected to the bolt assembly to cover the ejection port when the bolt assembly is in the forward breech closed position, and which moves with the bolt assembly to uncover the ejection port when the bolt assembly is in the rearward breech open position.

Abstract: A frangible projectile comprising cold compacted powdered iron and a method for manufacturing is disclosed. The projectile is useful for target and training applications.

Abstract: A barrel and receiver assembly providing an improved means of connecting the barrel assembly to the receiver wherein the improved means of connecting the barrel assembly to the receiver comprises a wedge that imparts a force in a direction perpendicular to the barrel, and a means for attaching the barrel assembly to the receiver that imparts a force in a direction parallel to the barrel, and wherein the combination imparts a bi-directional force to the barrel assembly.

Abstract: A solid copper hollow point bullet is disclosed wherein the effective expansion is about two times the original diameter. Over expansion and curling under of the petals formed upon impact with a target media is minimized and controlled by external stress risers and hollow point cavity geometry.

Abstract: Bolt assembly for use in a firearm for firing electrically activated ammunition.

Abstract: A mechanism for determining the presence of a round of ammunition within a firearm by measuring the resistance across the round upon passing a test current through electrodes positioned to contact ammunition, and optionally means for determining the viability of the ammunition.

Abstract: Electronic firearm for firing electrically activated ammunition comprising a system control means for controlling and regulating firing, diagnostic functions, power consumption, and a process for operating the firearm.

Abstract: A substantially rectilinear magazine for use with rimmed ammunition that does not extend below the belly of the firearm.

Abstract: A firearm bolt prepared from an alloy of tungsten, nickel and iron having a density of about from 14.1 g/cc to 18.0 g/cc. The alloy preferably also contains at least one of molybdenum, cobalt, rhenium, tantalum and gold. The alloy is preferably manufactured by standard powder metallurgical techniques followed by a liquid phase sinter and vacuum anneal. The bolt can also be manufactured using solid state sintering. The bolt can also be manufactured by mechanically working the material after sintering, after annealing, or after both sintering and annealing.

Abstract: An in-line muzzle-loading firearm in which the firing pin is cocked by a bolt action permits the use of a stronger firing pin spring, a firing pin of reduced mass, and reduced firing pin travel, resulting in reduced lock times.

Abstract: A trigger assembly which allows for recocking a semi-automatic firearm while the trigger is still depressed through a continuous linkage assembly.

Abstract: A lead-free primer mix based on diazodinitrophenol, tetrazene, nitrocellulose, barium nitrate and at least one of PETN, aluminum and antimony sulfide exhibits performance characteristics comparable to lead styphnate compositions.

Abstract: A detachable multiple round ammunition magazine with improved "X" shaped magazine spring and improved latching mechanism.