Abstract: A mount for a firearm has a body having a first clamp configured to engage a first edge of the rail, a jaw movably connected to the body and having a second clamp opposed to the first clamp and operable with the respective clamps to engage respective opposed lateral edges of the rail, a spring biasing the jaw toward the body, and at least a portion of the spring being between the clamps. There may be a pushrod connected to a first one of the body and the jaw and slidably received by the other of the body and the jaw. The spring may be laterally positioned to one side of the pushrod. The spring may be a coil spring having a spring axis offset from a pushrod axis defined by the pushrod.

Abstract: A mount for a firearm has a body having a first clamp configured to engage a first edge of the rail, a jaw movably connected to the body and having a second clamp opposed to the first clamp and operable with the respective clamps to engage respective opposed lateral edges of the rail, a spring biasing the jaw toward the body, and at least a portion of the spring being between the clamps. There may be a pushrod connected to a first one of the body and the jaw and slidably received by the other of the body and the jaw. The spring may be laterally positioned to one side of the pushrod. The spring may be a coil spring having a spring axis offset from a pushrod axis defined by the pushrod.

Abstract: A mount for a firearm has a body having a first clamp configured to engage a first edge of the rail, a jaw movably connected to the body and having a second clamp opposed to the first clamp and operable with the respective clamps to engage respective opposed lateral edges of the rail, a spring biasing the jaw toward the body, and at least a portion of the spring being between the clamps. There may be a pushrod connected to a first one of the body and the jaw and slidably received by the other of the body and the jaw. The spring may be laterally positioned to one side of the pushrod. The spring may be a coil spring having a spring axis offset from a pushrod axis defined by the pushrod.

Abstract: A firearm comprises a lower frame with a fire control assembly connected to the lower frame. The fire control assembly includes a hammer, and the hammer has a first end pivotally connected to the frame. The hammer has an intermediate pivot connection. A link has a first end connected to the intermediate pivot connection and an opposed second end. The sled is connected to the second end of the link and operable to reciprocate with respect to the frame.

Abstract: An adjustable firearm stock has a frame having a forward extending barrel defining a barrel axis and defining an elongated passage adapted to receive a reciprocating bolt, the frame having a first attachment facility registered with the barrel axis and adapted to receive a buffer tube defining a cavity adapted to receive a buffer spring operable to interact with the bolt, the frame having second attachment facility spaced apart from the barrel axis and from the first attachment facility, a telescoping stock defining a sleeve bore coaxial with the barrel axis and closely and slidably receiving the buffer tube, the stock defining a second bore parallel to and laterally offset from the first bore, an elongated support element slidably received in the second bore, and the support element having a forward end operable to removably engage the second attachment facility.

Abstract: Firearms where the bolt catch can be released from either side using the same or a substantially similar motion using contact features that look, feel, or operate similarly on both sides, that are located within the firearm rather than externally, that can be used more easily or reliably, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a bolt catch engagement feature, magazine release mechanism, or both, are also (e.g., similarly) ambidextrous. In many embodiments, a user action on one side of the firearm is substantially similar to, but in the opposite direction from, a user action on the other side that performs the same function. In various embodiments, a left button, pad, or feature is directly opposite and in line with a right button, pad, or feature. Bolt catches can use two levers and magazine release mechanisms can use two parallel elongated members perpendicular to the barrel and a catch actuator.

Abstract: Firearms with improved systems and methods of controlling which side of the firearm shell casings are ejected from, with ejection port covers on both sides of the firearm that open to provide cross ventilation, or both. In some embodiments, the bolt can be installed in one of two different orientations to select whether shell casings are ejected from the left or the right ejection port without a need to replace any parts. In a number of embodiments, spring loaded ejection port covers on both sides open when the firearm is fired or when the bolt or carrier of the firearm moves to provide cross ventilation through a passageway through the firearm to cool the firearm. The covers can be manually closed by the operator when the weapon is not being fired to keep dirt and debris out of the firearm.

Abstract: Firearms with improved systems and methods of controlling which side of the firearm shell casings are ejected from, with ejection port covers on both sides of the firearm that open to provide cross ventilation, or both. In some embodiments, the bolt can be installed in one of two different orientations to select whether shell casings are ejected from the left or the right ejection port without a need to replace any parts. In a number of embodiments, spring loaded ejection port covers on both sides open when the firearm is fired or when the bolt or carrier of the firearm moves to provide cross ventilation through a passageway through the firearm to cool the firearm. The covers can be manually closed by the operator when the weapon is not being fired to keep dirt and debris out of the firearm.

Abstract: Firearms where the bolt catch can be released from either side using the same or a substantially similar motion using contact features that look, feel, or operate similarly on both sides, that are located within the firearm rather than externally, that can be used more easily or reliably, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a bolt catch engagement feature, magazine release mechanism, or both, are also (e.g., similarly) ambidextrous. In many embodiments, a user action on one side of the firearm is substantially similar to, but in the opposite direction from, a user action on the other side that performs the same function. In various embodiments, a left button, pad, or feature is directly opposite and in line with a right button, pad, or feature. Bolt catches can use two levers and magazine release mechanisms can use two parallel elongated members perpendicular to the barrel and a catch actuator.

Abstract: Firearms with improved systems and methods of controlling which side of the firearm shell casings are ejected from, with ejection port covers on both sides of the firearm that open to provide cross ventilation, or both. In some embodiments, the bolt can be installed in one of two different orientations to select whether shell casings are ejected from the left or the right ejection port without a need to replace any parts. In a number of embodiments, spring loaded ejection port covers on both sides open when the firearm is fired or when the bolt or carrier of the firearm moves to provide cross ventilation through a passageway through the firearm to cool the firearm. The covers can be manually closed by the operator when the weapon is not being fired to keep dirt and debris out of the firearm.

Abstract: Firearms and handguards for firearms having three pivotably attached pods wherein a first pod is deployable as a monopod and second and third pods are deployable together as a bipod, or having at least one pivotable pod having at least one hinge pin, at least one locking pin, and at least one return spring that biases the at least one locking pin. In some embodiments, a return spring, a slide spindle, a locking spindle, or a combination thereof, push two locking pins, for example, into opposite detents when the pod is pivoted into a deployed position, and the pod can be released by moving a slide button and secured in a stowed position with a catch. In certain embodiments, the monopod is pivotably attached to the handguard aft of where the bipod is pivotably attached to the handguard. In particular embodiments, the firearm is an AR-15 or an M-16.

Abstract: Firearms that pull back the carrier using a charging handle and carriers and charging handles for firearms. In various embodiments, the charging handle engages the carrier at a gas key or tab thereon. In some embodiments, the charging handle has a bridge or engagement face located between a rearward end and a forward end of the charging handle. In particular embodiments, the bridge extends from a left wall to a right wall of the charging handle. In some embodiments, the bridge, the left wall, the right wall, and a top wall are all one piece and a stem of the charging handle has an open bottom between the left and right walls. In various embodiments, the bridge does not extend below the left or right wall, the tab on the gas key extends upward between the left and right walls to engage the bridge on the charging handle, or both.

Abstract: Firearms where the bolt catch, magazine, or both, can be released from either side using the same or a substantially similar motion using contact features that look, feel, or operate similarly on both sides, that are located within the firearm rather than externally, that can be used more easily or reliably, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a bolt catch engagement feature is similarly ambidextrous. In many embodiments, a user action on one side of the firearm is substantially similar to, but in the opposite direction from, a user action on the other side that performs the same function. In various embodiments, a left button, pad, or feature is directly opposite and in line with a right button, pad, or feature. Bolt catches can use two levers and magazine release mechanisms can use two parallel elongated members that are perpendicular to the barrel with a catch actuator located between.

Abstract: Firearms with improved systems and methods of controlling which side of the firearm shell casings are ejected from, with ejection port covers on both sides of the firearm that open to provide cross ventilation, or both. In some embodiments, the bolt can be installed in one of two different orientations to select whether shell casings are ejected from the left or the right ejection port without a need to replace any parts. In a number of embodiments, spring loaded ejection port covers on both sides open when the firearm is fired or when the bolt or carrier of the firearm moves to provide cross ventilation through a passageway through the firearm to cool the firearm. The covers can be manually closed by the operator when the weapon is not being fired to keep dirt and debris out of the firearm.

Abstract: Firearms where the bolt catch can be released from either side using the same or a substantially similar motion using contact features that look, feel, or operate similarly on both sides, that are located within the firearm rather than externally, that can be used more easily or reliably, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a bolt catch engagement feature, magazine release mechanism, or both, are also (e.g., similarly) ambidextrous. In many embodiments, a user action on one side of the firearm is substantially similar to, but in the opposite direction from, a user action on the other side that performs the same function. In various embodiments, a left button, pad, or feature is directly opposite and in line with a right button, pad, or feature. Bolt catches can use two levers and magazine release mechanisms can use two parallel elongated members perpendicular to the barrel and a catch actuator.

Abstract: Firearms that pull back the carrier using a charging handle and carriers and charging handles for firearms. In various embodiments, the charging handle engages the carrier at a gas key or tab thereon. In some embodiments, the charging handle has a bridge or engagement face located between a rearward end and a forward end of the charging handle. In particular embodiments, the bridge extends from a left wall to a right wall of the charging handle. In some embodiments, the bridge, the left wall, the right wall, and a top wall are all one piece and a stem of the charging handle has an open bottom between the left and right walls. In various embodiments, the bridge does not extend below the left or right wall, the tab on the gas key extends upward between the left and right walls to engage the bridge on the charging handle, or both.

Abstract: Firearms and buffer systems having a second buffer spring or having a buffer spring and a buffer adjusting nut, for instance, to absorb recoil energy, reduce recoil forces, or both. In some embodiments, a first buffer spring is aft of the bolt assembly and a second buffer spring is forward of the first buffer spring, forward of the carrier assembly, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a buffer adjusting nut adjusts preload of the second buffer spring, contacts the second buffer spring, or both. In particular embodiments, a buffer weight is located between the first buffer spring and the carrier assembly or the second buffer spring, the first buffer spring is longer than the second buffer spring, the first buffer spring is less stiff than the second buffer spring, the first buffer spring and the second buffer spring have a common axis, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Firearms having a carrier assembly, buffer systems, and methods, having a carrier spindle, carrier saddle, or both, to reduce carrier tilt or wobble, reduce wear, or both. A carrier spindle can be located forward of the buffer spring, buffer weight, or both, and aft of the carrier assembly, and can slidably engage the carrier assembly. A spindle spring can bias the carrier spindle aft from the carrier assembly. In some embodiments, a taper on the carrier spindle facilitates separation of the lower receiver from the upper receiver. In some embodiments, the spindle spring is a helical spring that is loaded in compression and pushes the carrier spindle aftward. Some embodiments include a carrier saddle that supports the aft end of the carrier assembly. The carrier saddle can be raised, have a concave top surface, be made of a softer material, have dimensions within certain ranges, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Firearms where the bolt catch, magazine, or both, can be released from either side using the same or a substantially similar motion using contact features that look, feel, or operate similarly on both sides, that are located within the firearm rather than externally, that can be used more easily or reliably, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a bolt catch engagement feature is similarly ambidextrous. In many embodiments, a user action on one side of the firearm is substantially similar to, but in the opposite direction from, a user action on the other side that performs the same function. In various embodiments, a left button, pad, or feature is directly opposite and in line with a right button, pad, or feature. Bolt catches can use two levers and magazine release mechanisms can use two parallel elongated members that are perpendicular to the barrel with a catch actuator located between.

Abstract: Firearms with improved systems and methods of controlling which side of the firearm shell casings are ejected from, with ejection port covers on both sides of the firearm that open to provide cross ventilation, or both. In some embodiments, the bolt can be installed in one of two different orientations to select whether shell casings are ejected from the left or the right ejection port without a need to replace any parts. In a number of embodiments, spring loaded ejection port covers on both sides open when the firearm is fired or when the bolt or carrier of the firearm moves to provide cross ventilation through a passageway through the firearm to cool the firearm. The covers can be manually closed by the operator when the weapon is not being fired to keep dirt and debris out of the firearm.