Abstract: Examples of devices and techniques provide a novel air gun that includes an initiating valve arranged to trigger a pneumatic main valve. An auxiliary compressed gas source controlled by the initiating valve is used to operate the main valve. The main valve controls the release of compressed gas from a primary compressed gas reservoir into the bore of the air gun to propel a projectile from the air gun.

Abstract: A noise reduction device designed for use with air rifles and sub-sonic applications is disclosed. The noise reduction device includes a plurality of collinear rings, each having a plurality of filaments fixed thereto in a radial configuration, so as to define an opening at the center of each of the rings.

Abstract: A damping assembly for a firearm is provided. The damping assembly includes at least a gas piston and a recoil spring, which may be arranged coaxially or in parallel. The gas piston is disposed within a gas tube which has access to the bore of the firearm through a gas inlet. Pressurized gas from the bore can enter the gas tube via the inlet and push against the gas piston, which can dampen the cycle rate of the firearm.

Abstract: A modular load unit that is received in a muzzle loading firearm having a bore and a rifling defined therein. The modular load unit has a hull, a projectile in a projectile receiving compartment, a projectile retaining cap removably received over the projectile, a cushion, a propellant in a propellant receiving compartment, and a propellant retaining cap removably received over the propellant. The modular load unit can be inserted into the bore of the muzzle loading firearm at any angle. Upon firing of the muzzle loading firearm, the cushion and the propellant receiving compartment sealingly engage the rifling.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm includes a receiver, a flash plate adjacent the rear end of the barrel, a downward extending then forward extending exhaust channel and a nipple across the exhaust passageway from the flash plate. The nipple has an ignition passageway which terminates in an output port which is not coaxially aligned with the rear port of the flash passage of the flash plate to prevent backflash from returning through the nipple. The nipple has a forward face which defines a concave arcuate surface in the exhaust channel for further directing the backflash away from the ignition passageway and into the exhaust channel. An exhaust tube, extending forwardly from the receiver for venting the exhaust gases in a safe direction. The exhaust channel and exhaust tube are formed of a material having a high convection coefficient for quickly cooling the exhaust gases.