Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a gas regulator valve for adjusting cycle speeds of direct gas impingement operated firearms. The gas regulator valve comprises a gas inlet for receiving expanding gases from a fired cartridge and a gas tube for directing the expanding gases to a bolt carrier comprising a firearm. The gas inlet is disposed at the front of an upper receiver comprising the firearm. The gas tube directs the expanding gases into a carrier key of the bolt carrier. The gas regulator valve includes a plug for controlling gas flow through the gas tube. An actuator disposed on a side of the upper receiver enables operating the plug. The actuator enables a practitioner to adjust the flow of expanding gases without moving the firearm out of a shooting position. The actuator includes a key that may be turned by a rim of an ammunition cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a front plate having a diverging central bore for firearm sound suppressors that improves noise and flash characteristics during firing a weapon. The central bore is disposed between a back surface and a front surface of the front plate. An untapered portion of the central bore extends from the back surface to a diverging portion that opens toward the front surface. The diverging portion includes a curvature profile configured to allow for more controlled expansion of high-pressure propellant gases exiting of the suppressor through the central bore. The curvature profile provides an included angle of the central bore that decreases secondary flash events accompanying the expulsion of propellant gases accompanying a fired bullet exiting the suppressor through the central bore. The curvature profile exhibits a cross-sectional area of the central bore that is proportional to a distance along the diverging portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a front plate having a diverging central bore for firearm sound suppressors that improves noise and flash characteristics during firing a weapon. The central bore is disposed between a back surface and a front surface of the front plate. An untapered portion of the central bore extends from the back surface to a diverging portion that opens toward the front surface. The diverging portion includes a curvature profile configured to allow for more controlled expansion of high-pressure propellant gases exiting of the suppressor through the central bore. The curvature profile provides an included angle of the central bore that decreases secondary flash events accompanying the expulsion of propellant gases accompanying a fired bullet exiting the suppressor through the central bore. The curvature profile exhibits a cross-sectional area of the central bore that is proportional to a distance along the diverging portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a suppressor to be coupled with a muzzle end of a barrel of a firearm to reduce muzzle blast and muzzle flash. The suppressor comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A front portion within the housing comprises a series of cylindrical gas expansion chambers for attenuating the temperature and energy of propellant gases accompanying a projectile fired from the firearm. An annular gas expansion chamber surrounds the cylindrical gas expansion chambers and directs a portion of the propellant gases from a rear portion of the suppressor to peripheral vents disposed at the distal end. Lateral chambers within the rear portion deflect and rebound a portion of the propellant gases before passing them into the annular gas expansion chamber. Ledges within the annular gas expansion chamber direct the propellant gases distally through suppressor toward the peripheral vents.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a suppressor to be coupled with a muzzle end of a barrel of a firearm to reduce muzzle blast and muzzle flash. The suppressor comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A front portion within the housing comprises a series of cylindrical gas expansion chambers for attenuating the temperature and energy of propellant gases accompanying a projectile fired from the firearm. An annular gas expansion chamber surrounds the cylindrical gas expansion chambers and directs a portion of the propellant gases from a rear portion of the suppressor to peripheral vents disposed at the distal end. Lateral chambers within the rear portion deflect and rebound a portion of the propellant gases before passing them into the annular gas expansion chamber. Ledges within the annular gas expansion chamber direct the propellant gases distally through suppressor toward the peripheral vents.