Abstract: A hook assembly includes a first hook having a first open end and a second hook having a second open end. The first hook is parallel to the second hook where the first open end is adjacent to the second open end. Extensions extend from each of the first hook and the second hook. The extensions extend perpendicular to a hook plane of the first hook and the second hook members. The first hook is a mirror image of the second hook. A hinge connects the first hook to the second hook. The hinge is located at an opposite end of the hook from where the extensions are located. A resilient member exerts a constant force at the hinge to bias the first hook and the second hook toward an open position.

Abstract: An M4A1 helically fluted gun barrel is provided which increases sustained peak temperature levels for the barrel. This M4A1 helically fluted gun barrel incorporates multi-start variable pitch helical openings into the exterior profile of a standard M4A1 heavy barrel. The helical openings increase the outer surface area for heat dissipation, and also reduce weight as a further advantage.

Abstract: A lubricant free firing weapon is provided having amorphous, solid, diamond-like carbon coating (DLC) containing sp3, sp2 carbons and hydrogen bonded to the metallic operating parts. Such firing weapons may further include physical modifications to the bolt carrier rails to enhance the expulsion of sand/dust on the bolt carrier under extreme environments. Also provided herein are plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition processes for producing such lubricant free weapons having coat thicknesses of 1 ?m-25 ?m which allows for reliable operation under all environmental conditions including extreme environments such as hot/cold and sand/dust without the need for lubrication.

Abstract: An improved magazine follower for use in existing magazines such as a 30 round magazine comprises a follower plate, a base plate, and a spring. The follower plate comprises a top plate, a convex follower leg, and a concave follower leg. The external shapes of the top plate, the convex follower leg, and the concave follower leg mirror the interior profile of the magazine, constraining the motion of the follower plate to a well-defined path within the magazine. The method of attaching the spring to the follower plate and the base plate in addition to the shape of the spring keeps the spring from “wobbling” or moving off a vertical axis of the spring as rounds of ammunition are loaded or dispensed. Consequently, the present system reduces binding or jams within the magazine, improving performance and life of the magazine follower.

Abstract: An improved magazine for use in existing firearms comprises a housing, a follower, a spring, a spring hold and a cap. The housing comprises protruded surfaces for structural strength and a projection that acts as a stop member to define the maximum insertion of the magazine into the firearm magazine well. The follower comprises two follower legs and a spring retainer, and travels up and down the housing. The perimeters of the follower and follower legs mirror the internal profile of the magazine housing for a well-defined travel path within the magazine housing. The spring hold comprises a spring retainer and a round protrusion that locks it into the cap via a circular cut. The cap comprises flanges that slide into the slots against the end stop at the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A weapon includes a receiver having a bolt carrier assembly therein; a buttstock disposed behind the receiver, the buttstock having a tubular opening adjacent an end of the bolt carrier assembly; a larger diameter spring disposed in the tubular opening; a smaller diameter spring disposed in the larger diameter spring; a rod disposed in the rear end of the smaller diameter spring; a bumper attached to the rod; and a cap disposed in the front end of the spring, the cap having a head wherein a front side of the head engages the end of the bolt carrier assembly and a front end of the larger diameter spring bears against a rear side of the head.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a clearance between feed lips of an ammunition magazine includes a generally T-shaped member including a support portion and a measuring portion that is generally perpendicular to the support portion; the measuring portion including first and second surfaces, the first surface having a width that is less than the clearance between the feed lips and the second surface having a width that is greater than the clearance between the feed lips.