Abstract: A recoil-operated gas assisted gun having a linked ammunition feeder means nd a link guide housing arranged so that the links are separated from individual rounds of ammunition as said rounds are introduced into the gun chamber. The link guide housing contains three sets of deflectable pawls that project into the chute defined by the housing. As the linked ammunition is fed upwardly through the chute the pawls snap into positions underlying the links for the three uppermost ammunition rounds; the pawls collectively bear the weight of the linked ammunition system, thereby accurately positioning the uppermost ammunition round and avoiding possible jamming due to variations or changes of the linked components as the length of the link system lessens. A retractor plate is slidably positioned on an outer face of the link guide housing for moving the pawls out of registry with the ammunition rounds, e.g. when it is necessary to download ammunition out of the chute.

Abstract: An ammunition feeder for delivering rounds of ammunition from a belt into e barrel of a gun, comprising a reciprocatory carrier having two separate pawls thereon. One the pawls acts as a main feeder for successively advancing individual rounds of ammunition from an entry station to an intermediate station during each upstroke of the carrier; the other pawl acts as a restraining device to prevent excessive upward movement of the ammunition belt during periods of high carrier acceleration. The second pawl also acts as a feed pawl for the last round of ammunition on the belt (when the main feed pawl then sees a vacant station).