Abstract: A lightweight and low cost semi-automatic rifle includes an upper receiver, a lower receiver, and a forend fabricated from injection-molded polymers. The rifle permits firing .22 LR or similar low-power ammunition from an AR-15 style frame, operates on the blowback principle, and provides a fully functional bolt catch and extractor/ejector/deflector.

Abstract: A firearm has a frame, a trigger, a trigger bar, a hammer-type firing mechanism including a hammer having a hammer pin connected to the trigger via the trigger bar and a firing pin, and an automatic firing pin block safety mechanism (“automatic safety”) including a flange that is spring biased into engagement with the firing pin and a pivot lock arm rotatably mounted to the hammer pin and releasable engageable with the flange. The flange blocks the firing pin from discharging a chambered round unless and until the trigger is positively actuated. The automatic safety reduces the risk of accidental discharge, thereby rendering the firearm safer.

Abstract: A firearm having a stock and barrel attached to a receiver. Located within the receiver is an enhanced service life bolt. The enhanced service life bolt has a plurality of lugs. At least one lug has a reduced height that is shorter than the height of the other lugs. The enhanced service life bolt defines an extractor slot and the at least one reduced height lug is located adjacent to the extractor slot. The at least one reduced height lug is approximately twenty percent (20%) shorter than the other lugs. The enhanced service life bolt is constructed from a maraging stainless steel, such as 158 Carpenter Stainless Steel.

Abstract: A revolver having a frame that defines a rectangular aperture to which a cylinder is mounted, and a laser aiming device that is mounted to the frame, rearward of the rectangular aperture. The laser aiming device is secured to the frame by a fastener that is inserted through an opening defined in a central position of the laser aiming device and into a corresponding hole formed in the frame. The alignment axis of the laser aiming device is proximate the firing axis of the revolver. The laser aiming device is light weight and lies substantially flush against the revolver, between the frame and the cylinder.

Abstract: A striker assembly for a firearm and a method of assembly the striker assembly is disclosed. The method includes providing a generally cylindrical body having a first distal end, a middle portion, and a second distal end, sliding a coaxial spring onto the middle portion from the second distal end toward the first distal end, sliding a spacer having a first side and a second side from the second distal end toward the first distal end, sliding a snap ring from the second distal end toward the first distal end, and sliding a cap over the second distal end of the body, the spacer, and the snap ring.

Abstract: Several improvements to the components and assembly method of a bolt-action firearm are disclosed. An improved bolt includes two separate members, which makes the bolt less expensive to manufacture while having a stronger extension handle. An improved takedown system and buttonless stop provide two easy ways to remove a bolt from a receiver when desired without misplacing any parts. An improved scope mount has a base connected to a receiver with two ends that substantially cover the top surface of the receiver and a middle portion that is narrowed over an opening to the receiver to accommodate a cartridge. A method of assembling a firearm involves providing a barrel with a threaded portion, fitting a crush washer over the threaded portion, inserting the threaded portion into a corresponding threaded portion of a receiver, and adjusting the barrel about the crush washer until a proper headspace is achieved.

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 trigger assembly for a firearm includes a trigger and a trigger spring. The trigger assembly is mounted and retained in a frame of the firearm and, more specifically, in an elongated recess defined by the frame. The frame further defines lateral annular grooves and retaining lips near an opening of the elongated recess. The trigger includes an upper trigger piece and a lower trigger piece that are connected to each other. The upper trigger piece is mounted to the lateral annular grooves and retained by the retaining lips. The lower trigger piece is configured to fit in the opening and protrude from the frame. The trigger assembly also includes a trigger spring, mounted in a spring recess defined in the upper trigger piece, that spring biases the trigger into a resting position by abutting and engaging a trigger bar of the firearm under a torsional compression.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus that is installed in an inner recess defined by a lower muzzle portion of a frame of a firearm. The light emitting apparatus is accessible through pass-through holes or openings formed in the lower muzzle portion of the frame. For instance, the light emitting apparatus includes a laser aiming device that emits light through a first opening defined below a barrel of the firearm; activation switches accessible through second openings defined in each side of the frame. The laser aiming device is retained in the inner recess by a hold down screw inserted through a bore therein and into a threaded insert disposed in the bottom surface of the inner recess.

Abstract: A removable trigger guard for a rifle. The removable trigger guard includes a first arm that is disposed between a magazine and a grip of the firearm, a body portion disposed along an upper portion of the grip, and a second arm portion that is disposed along a lower surface of the rifle and between the grip and the magazine. The first arm includes a ball bearing and a detent pin that engage a yoke of the magazine. The body portion includes another ball bearing that snap fits into engagement with a yoke formed in the magazine. The second arm includes an opening that receives a trigger that protrudes from the lower surface. The removable trigger guard can be installed by hand without tools and can be removed with the use of the tip of an ammunition cartridge.

Abstract: A polymeric revolver including a frame, a cylinder mounted in a rectangular aperture in the frame, a cylinder retaining mechanism and a cylinder releasing mechanism is provided. The cylinder retaining mechanism includes two assemblies: (1) an extractor, locking bolt and locking bolt retainer that house an extractor rod spring, and (2) a ratchet hub driver, hub drive center pin and central pin plate that house a ratchet drive spring. The two assemblies are biased toward one another forming a locking engagement of the extractor and the ratchet hub driver. The locking engagement is enhanced by a star-shaped configuration of grooves and ridges on the extractor and ratchet hub driver, respectively. The cylinder releasing mechanism includes a cylinder release lever that actuates the hub drive center pin and ratchet hub driver out of locking engagement with the extractor, and an ambidextrous thumb piece that facilitates access to the cylinder release lever.

Abstract: A polymeric revolver including a frame, a cylinder mounted in a rectangular aperture in the frame, a cylinder retaining mechanism and a cylinder releasing mechanism is provided. The cylinder retaining mechanism includes two assemblies: (1) an extractor, locking bolt and locking bolt retainer that house an extractor rod spring, and (2) a ratchet hub driver, hub drive center pin and central pin plate that house a ratchet drive spring. The two assemblies are biased toward one another forming a locking engagement of the extractor and the ratchet hub driver. The locking engagement is enhanced by a star-shaped configuration of grooves and ridges on the extractor and ratchet hub driver, respectively. The cylinder releasing mechanism includes a cylinder release lever that actuates the hub drive center pin and ratchet hub driver out of locking engagement with the extractor, and an ambidextrous thumb piece that facilitates access to the cylinder release lever.

Abstract: A revolver for firing high velocity ammunition includes a frame, a cylinder, a barrel, and a firing mechanism. The revolver may include one or more of the following, each of which is especially adapted for use in the context of firing high velocity ammunition: spacers for adjusting a barrel-cylinder gap, for eliminating broaching of the rearward surface(s) of the barrel; a forcing cone formed in the rearward opening of the barrel for accommodating deformed projectiles; a reflective surface (e.g., mirrored surface) provided on the cone and/or barrel rearward surfaces, for reducing erosion resulting from using high velocity ammunition; gain-twist rifling in the barrel for a smoother transition to full projectile velocity; a larger diameter, hardened firing pin bushing for minimizing brass flow in the rearward direction; and a front sight assembly that minimizes lateral shift or drift of the sight pin during firing.

Abstract: A striker assembly for a firearm and a method of assembly the striker assembly is disclosed. The method includes providing a generally cylindrical body having a first distal end, a middle portion, and a second distal end, sliding a coaxial spring onto the middle portion from the second distal end toward the first distal end, sliding a spacer having a first side and a second side from the second distal end toward the first distal end, sliding a snap ring from the second distal end toward the first distal end, and sliding a cap over the second distal end of the body, the spacer, and the snap ring.

Abstract: A hand guard rail system is fastened to a firearm having a barrel and a barrel nut, with the hand guard rail aligned to the top rail of the firearm. The hand guard rail system includes a hand guard and a sleeve fitted into the hand guard. The sleeve and the hand guard are fastened to the barrel nut, thereby aligning the hand guard to the firearm.

Abstract: A polymeric revolver including a frame, a cylinder mounted in a rectangular aperture in the frame, a cylinder retaining mechanism and a cylinder releasing mechanism is provided. The cylinder retaining mechanism includes two assemblies: (1) an extractor, locking bolt and locking bolt retainer that house an extractor rod spring, and (2) a ratchet hub driver, hub drive center pin and central pin plate that house a ratchet drive spring. The two assemblies are biased toward one another forming a locking engagement of the extractor and the ratchet hub driver. The locking engagement is enhanced by a star-shaped configuration of grooves and ridges on the extractor and ratchet hub driver, respectively. The cylinder releasing mechanism includes a cylinder release lever that actuates the hub drive center pin and ratchet hub driver out of locking engagement with the extractor, and an ambidextrous thumb piece that facilitates access to the cylinder release lever.

Abstract: A revolver for firing high velocity ammunition includes a frame, a cylinder, a barrel, and a firing mechanism. The revolver may include one or more of the following, each of which is especially adapted for use in the context of firing high velocity ammunition: spacers for adjusting a barrel-cylinder gap, for eliminating broaching of the rearward surface(s) of the barrel; a forcing cone formed in the rearward opening of the barrel for accommodating deformed projectiles; a reflective surface (e.g., mirrored surface) provided on the cone and/or barrel rearward surfaces, for reducing erosion resulting from using high velocity ammunition; gain-twist rifling in the barrel for a smoother transition to full projectile velocity; a larger diameter, hardened firing pin bushing for minimizing brass flow in the rearward direction; and a front sight assembly that minimizes lateral shift or drift of the sight pin during firing.

Abstract: A sight for a firearm including a body having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion having opposing sidewalls. Each of the sidewalls including at least one protrusion. The protrusions abuttingly engage sidewalls of a barrel receptacle to secure the sight to the firearm. Additionally, the protrusions facilitate insertion of the sight in the receptacle without the need to machine or grind the lower portion prior to insertion.

Abstract: A polymeric revolver including a frame, a cylinder mounted in a rectangular aperture in the frame via a yoke, and a cylinder retaining mechanism is provided. The cylinder retaining mechanism includes multiple assemblies, which lock the yoke in the cylinder-closed position, including: (1) an extractor, a locking bolt and a locking bolt retainer that house an extractor rod spring and engage a ratchet hub driver, hub drive center pin and central pin plate that house a ratchet drive spring; (2) a star-shaped configuration of grooves and ridges on the extractor and the ratchet hub driver, respectively; (3) a rear taper of the locking bolt that engages a concave recess at the axial center of the rounded groove of the locking bolt recess; and (4) an annular ring that engages an inner wall of an annular opening in a breach face of the frame.

Abstract: A polymeric revolver including a frame, a cylinder mounted in a rectangular aperture in the frame, a cylinder retaining mechanism and a cylinder releasing mechanism is provided. The cylinder retaining mechanism includes two assemblies: (1) an extractor, locking bolt and locking bolt retainer that house an extractor rod spring, and (2) a ratchet hub driver, hub drive center pin and central pin plate that house a ratchet drive spring. The two assemblies are biased toward one another forming a locking engagement of the extractor and the ratchet hub driver. The locking engagement is enhanced by a star-shaped configuration of grooves and ridges on the extractor and ratchet hub driver, respectively. The cylinder releasing mechanism includes a cylinder release lever that actuates the hub drive center pin and ratchet hub driver out of locking engagement with the extractor, and an ambidextrous thumb piece that facilitates access to the cylinder release lever.