Abstract: Handguard anchoring systems suitable for attaching a handguard to a firearm are disclosed, including systems having a fastener that extends into a barrel nut and compresses at least a portion of the handguard between the fastener and the barrel nut. Many embodiments include openings in the handguard and/or a plate that are oversized for the fastener such that the handguard may be rotated relative to the barrel nut when a portion of the fastener is positioned within the opening.

Abstract: A stock assembly for a firearm including an integrally molded accessory attachment housing and a method of forming the accessory attachment housing. The integrally molded accessory attachment housing is formed by molding a material in the form of a stock assembly around the accessory attachment housing. A stock slot is formed through the material around the accessory attachment housing and an opening corresponding to the position of the stock slot is defined through the accessory attachment housing. The stock assembly may additionally or alternatively include a cheek riser that has an adjustable cheek rest. The cheek rest may be configured to be adjustable in at least four different directions including rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the formation of machine-made tobacco rods for use in the production of smoking articles, such as cigars, from tobacco comprising a tacky material. The apparatus includes a pair of transfer and compression belts for receiving and compressing the stream of tobacco, the transfer and compression; a pair of squeeze bars for compressing the tobacco in a direction perpendicular to the pair of transfer and compression belts, the pair of squeeze bars produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone); a tongue for receiving the compressed tobacco, the tongue produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone); and a folder for folding a wrapper material around the compressed tobacco so as to form a continuous rod of tobacco, the wrapper material provided from a source of wrapper material, the folder produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone).

Abstract: A firearm assembly includes an upper receiver housing a bolt carrier group that is translatable within the upper receiver, and a lower receiver including a first hinge portion defining a first hinge opening. A second hinge portion is pivotally connected to the first hinge portion, and a buffer assembly is attached to the second hinge portion. A carrier block is positioned within the first hinge portion and is configurable in a blocking configuration and an unblocking configuration. A lock is configurable in a latched position and an unlatched position, and the lock is in mechanical communication with the carrier block when the lock is in the latched position. The carrier block is positioned in the unblocking configuration when the lock is in the latched position, and the carrier block is positioned in the blocking configuration when the lock is in the second position.

Abstract: Adjustable gas block assemblies for gas-operated firearms are disclosed along with modes of operation and methods of use. In certain aspects, gas blocks having a vent opening arranged to receive a vent plug are disclosed, the vent plug having an opening along a length thereof to vent high-pressure gas from the gas block. Kits containing multiple vent plugs and, in some instances, gas blocks are also disclosed.

Abstract: A firearm assembly includes an upper receiver housing a bolt carrier group that is translatable within the upper receiver, and a lower receiver including a first hinge portion defining a first hinge opening. A second hinge portion is pivotally connected to the first hinge portion, and a buffer assembly is attached to the second hinge portion. A carrier block is positioned within the first hinge portion and is configurable in a blocking configuration and an unblocking configuration. The second hinge portion is in mechanical communication with the carrier block when the second hinge portion is configured in a folded position. At least a portion of the carrier block is positioned within the first hinge opening when the carrier block is in the blocking configuration. The carrier block prevents translation of the bolt carrier group when the carrier blocking member is in the blocking configuration.

Abstract: A method of assembling a bolt handle to a bolt assembly of a firearm includes inserting the bolt handle through a handle opening defined by a bolt body. A distal end of the bolt handle is inserted through the handle opening until the distal end extends past an outer perimeter of the bolt body. At least a portion of a bolt shroud is inserted through a first portion of an aperture defined by the bolt handle. A force is applied to the bolt shroud while the bolt handle is retracted within the handle opening of the bolt body so that the bolt shroud is positioned within a second portion of the aperture. The bolt shroud is held in connection with the bolt handle when the bolt shroud is positioned within the second portion of the aperture to secure the bolt handle to the bolt body.

Abstract: Handguard anchoring systems suitable for attaching a handguard to a firearm are disclosed, including systems having a fastener that extends into a barrel nut and compresses at least a portion of the handguard between the fastener and the barrel nut. Many embodiments include openings in the handguard and/or a plate that are oversized for the fastener such that the handguard may be rotated relative to the barrel nut when a portion of the fastener is positioned within the opening.

Abstract: Handguard anchoring systems suitable for attaching a handguard to a firearm are disclosed, including systems having a fastener that extends into a barrel nut and compresses at least a portion of the handguard between the fastener and the barrel nut. Many embodiments include openings in the handguard and/or a plate that are oversized for the fastener such that the handguard may be rotated relative to the barrel nut when a portion of the fastener is positioned within the opening.

Abstract: A method of assembling a bolt handle to a bolt assembly of a firearm includes inserting the bolt handle through a handle opening defined by a bolt body. A distal end of the bolt handle is inserted through the handle opening until the distal end extends past an outer perimeter of the bolt body. At least a portion of a bolt shroud is inserted through a first portion of an aperture defined by the bolt handle. A force is applied to the bolt shroud while the bolt handle is retracted within the handle opening of the bolt body so that the bolt shroud is positioned within a second portion of the aperture. The bolt shroud is held in connection with the bolt handle when the bolt shroud is positioned within the second portion of the aperture to secure the bolt handle to the bolt body.

Abstract: A method of assembling a bolt handle to a bolt assembly of a firearm includes inserting the bolt handle through a handle opening defined by a bolt body. A distal end of the bolt handle is inserted through the handle opening until the distal end extends past an outer perimeter of the bolt body. At least a portion of a bolt shroud is inserted through a first portion of an aperture defined by the bolt handle. A force is applied to the bolt shroud while the bolt handle is retracted within the handle opening of the bolt body so that the bolt shroud is positioned within a second portion of the aperture. The bolt shroud is held in connection with the bolt handle when the bolt shroud is positioned within the second portion of the aperture to secure the bolt handle to the bolt body.

Abstract: Handguard anchoring systems suitable for attaching a handguard to a firearm are disclosed, including systems having a fastener that extends into a barrel nut and compresses at least a portion of the handguard between the fastener and the barrel nut. Many embodiments include openings in the handguard and/or a plate that are oversized for the fastener such that the handguard may be rotated relative to the barrel nut when a portion of the fastener is positioned within the opening.

Abstract: A method of assembling a bolt handle to a bolt assembly of a firearm includes inserting the bolt handle through a handle opening defined by a bolt body. A distal end of the bolt handle is inserted through the handle opening until the distal end extends past an outer perimeter of the bolt body. At least a portion of a bolt shroud is inserted through a first portion of an aperture defined by the bolt handle. A force is applied to the bolt shroud while the bolt handle is retracted within the handle opening of the bolt body so that the bolt shroud is positioned within a second portion of the aperture. The bolt shroud is held in connection with the bolt handle when the bolt shroud is positioned within the second portion of the aperture to secure the bolt handle to the bolt body.

Abstract: A stock assembly for a firearm including an integrally molded accessory attachment housing and a method of forming the accessory attachment housing. The integrally molded accessory attachment housing is formed by molding a material in the form of a stock assembly around the accessory attachment housing. A stock slot is formed through the material around the accessory attachment housing and an opening corresponding to the position of the stock slot is defined through the accessory attachment housing. The stock assembly may additionally or alternatively include a cheek riser that has an adjustable cheek rest. The cheek rest may be configured to be adjustable in at least four different directions including rotation.

Abstract: Handguard anchoring systems suitable for attaching a handguard to a firearm are disclosed, including systems having a fastener that extends into a barrel nut and compresses at least a portion of the handguard between the fastener and the barrel nut. Many embodiments include openings in the handguard and/or a plate that are oversized for the fastener such that the handguard may be rotated relative to the barrel nut when a portion of the fastener is positioned within the opening.