Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for launching electrified projectiles from a firearm (preferably, a shotgun) by using a specially designed breech bolt which also prohibits firing lethal ammunition. The preferred method comprises: opening a receiver of a shotgun by retracting a breech bolt having a central protrusion on a leading end; inserting a cartridge, having an electrified projectile, into a breech of the firearm; wherein the electrified projectile contains a primer and adjacent pyrotechnic propellant; nesting an end portion of the cartridge within the protrusion of the bolt; propelling the electrified projectile from the firearm by striking a firing pin of the shotgun against the primer, thereby igniting the pyrotechnic propellant, of the nested electrified projectile; and prohibiting, by the central protrusion of the bolt, the firing of lethal ammunition from the firearm.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for launching electrified projectiles from a firearm (preferably, a shotgun) by using a specially designed breech bolt which also prohibits firing lethal ammunition. The preferred method comprises: opening a receiver of a shotgun by retracting a breech bolt having a central protrusion on a leading end; inserting a caitiidge, having an electrified projectile, into a breech of the firearm; wherein the electrified projectile contains a primer and adjacent pyrotechnic propellant; nesting an end portion of the cartridge within the protrusion of the bolt; propelling the electrified projectile from the firearm by striking a firing pin of the shotgun against the primer, thereby igniting the pyrotechnic propellant, of the nested electrified projectile; and prohibiting, by the central protrusion of the bolt, the firing of lethal ammunition from the firearm.

Abstract: A weapon conditionally activates a cartridge. The cartridge has a projectile and a first mechanical feature. The weapon includes an activator and a station. The activator includes a second mechanical feature. The station positions the cartridge so that the first feature opposes the second feature. On condition that the first feature does not mechanically interfere with the second feature, the activator activates the cartridge to launch the projectile from the cartridge. On condition that the first feature mechanically interferes with the second feature resulting in an excess head space, the activator is inhibited by the excess head space from activating the cartridge.

Abstract: A weapon conditionally activates a cartridge. The cartridge has a projectile and a first mechanical feature. The weapon includes an activator and a station. The activator includes a second mechanical feature. The station positions the cartridge so that the first feature opposes the second feature. On condition that the first feature does not mechanically interfere with the second feature, the activator activates the cartridge to launch the projectile from the cartridge. On condition that the first feature mechanically interferes with the second feature resulting in an excess head space, the activator is inhibited by the excess head space from activating the cartridge.