Abstract: A gas system for an autoloading firearm wherein the gas used to cycle the weapon can be restricted automatically through a mechanical shutoff actuated by the installation of a suppressor on the weapon. The gas system could be used to actuate either a piston to mechanically operate the weapon or a gas impingement mechanism wherein the gas is redirected into the bolt carrier assembly to directly actuate the unlocking and cycling of the bolt and bolt carrier group. A gas block for the firearm includes a spring-loaded plunger assembly positioned within a bore of the gas block and oriented parallel to a bore of a barrel of the firearm, the plunger assembly including a regulator plunger, a regulator bushing, a regulator spring, and a regulator cap. Mounting a suppressor over the muzzle depresses the regulator plunger driving it rearward, the rearward movement of the regulator plunger blocking one of gas ports in the gas block to automatically reduce the volume of propellant gases directed into the gas system.

Abstract: A gas system for an autoloading firearm wherein the gas used to cycle the weapon can be restricted automatically through a mechanical shutoff actuated by the installation of a suppressor on the weapon. The gas system could be used to actuate either a piston to mechanically operate the weapon or a gas impingement mechanism wherein the gas is redirected into the bolt carrier assembly to directly actuate the unlocking and cycling of the bolt and bolt carrier group. A gas block for the firearm includes a spring-loaded plunger assembly positioned within a bore of the gas block and oriented parallel to a bore of a barrel of the firearm, the plunger assembly including a regulator plunger, a regulator bushing, a regulator spring, and a regulator cap. Mounting a suppressor over the muzzle depresses the regulator plunger driving it rearward, the rearward movement of the regulator plunger blocking one of gas ports in the gas block to automatically reduce the volume of propellant gases directed into the gas system.

Abstract: A gas system for an autoloading firearm wherein the gas used to cycle the weapon can be restricted automatically through a mechanical shutoff actuated by the installation of a suppressor on the weapon. The gas system could be used to actuate either a piston to mechanically operate the weapon or a gas impingement mechanism wherein the gas is redirected into the bolt carrier assembly to directly actuate the unlocking and cycling of the bolt and bolt carrier group. A gas block for the firearm includes a spring-loaded plunger assembly positioned within a bore of the gas block and oriented parallel to a bore of a barrel of the firearm, the plunger assembly including a regulator plunger, a regulator bushing, a regulator spring, and a regulator cap. Mounting a suppressor over the muzzle depresses the regulator plunger driving it rearward, the rearward movement of the regulator plunger blocking one of gas ports in the gas block to automatically reduce the volume of propellant gases directed into the gas system.

Abstract: An auto regulating gas system to automatically regulate the operating speed of an auto loading weapon having a gas operating system by restricting the gas flow from the firing of a projectile. A gas block attached to the barrel or the weapon redirects a volume of propellant gases to cycle the weapon, the gas block including a gas port for directing propellant gases received from the a gas port of the barrel into the gas system. A spring-loaded plunger assembly is positioned within the gas block, the plunger assembly including a regulator plunger having a reduced flow orifice, a regulator bushing, a regulator spring, and a regulator cap, wherein the position of the regulator plunger within the gas block automatically controls an amount of gas that is allowed to enter the gas system. A mechanical backup linkage assembly is attached to the gas block as a backup device for returning the regulator plunger to a forward position in the gas block when a muzzle device mounted on a muzzle of the firearm is removed.

Abstract: A monolithic upper receiver/hand guard is provided for use with a firearm. The monolithic upper receiver/hand guard can include an upper receiver section, a hand guard section, and an interrupted optics rail extending along the top of the upper receiver section and the hand guard section. Cable routing features can be defined in the hand guard section and/or the upper receiver section for helping to control wires and cables extending from or between peripheral devices and accessories, which can be mounted on the monolithic upper receiver/hand guard. The cable routing features can include one or more crossover cable guides disposed in respective channels in the interrupted optics rail. The crossover cable guide can include one or more grooves for receiving a portion of a cable passing from one side of the monolithic upper receiver/hand guard to the other for connecting two peripheral devices, for example.

Abstract: A monolithic upper receiver/hand guard is provided for use with a firearm. The monolithic upper receiver/hand guard can include an upper receiver section, a hand guard section, and an interrupted optics rail extending along the top of the upper receiver section and the hand guard section. Cable routing features can be defined in the hand guard section and/or the upper receiver section for helping to control wires and cables extending from or between peripheral devices and accessories, which can be mounted on the monolithic upper receiver/hand guard. The cable routing features can include one or more crossover cable guides disposed in respective channels in the interrupted optics rail. The crossover cable guide can include one or more grooves for receiving a portion of a cable passing from one side of the monolithic upper receiver/hand guard to the other for connecting two peripheral devices, for example.

Abstract: A barrel mounting and retention device for attaching a barrel to a receiver of a firearm. The barrel mounting and retention device can include a barrel extension disposed at a proximal end of the barrel, with an annular collar extending from the barrel extension and defining a first clamp face. A mounting plate having a second clamp face and defining a first axial bore fits over the barrel of the firearm with the barrel extending through the first axial bore. At least a portion of the second clamp face abuts a portion of the first clamp face as the mounting plate is secured to the barrel extension for mounting and retaining the barrel in communication with the receiver of the firearm.

Abstract: A barrel mounting and retention device for attaching a barrel to a receiver of a firearm. The barrel mounting and retention device can include a barrel extension disposed at a proximal end of the barrel, with an annular collar extending from the barrel extension and defining a first clamp face. A mounting plate having a second clamp face and defining a first axial bore fits over the barrel of the firearm with the barrel extending through the first axial bore. At least a portion of the second clamp face abuts a portion of the first clamp face as the mounting plate is secured to the barrel extension for mounting and retaining the barrel in communication with the receiver of the firearm.

Abstract: A gas plug retention and removal device for a gas operating system of a firearm. The gas operating system can include a gas block comprising a front end, a rear end, a gas block bore defined between the front and rear ends, and at least one cam engagement surface. A gas plug can be removably received in the front end of the gas block for at least partially sealing the gas block bore, and a cam lever bail can be pivotally coupled to the gas plug and include at least one lever arm. The at least one lever arm can be pivotally connected to the gas plug, be adapted to engage the gas block, and have at least one cam lobe formed therealong. The at least one cam lobe can engage the cam engagement surface of the gas block as the cam lever bail is pivoted so as to disengage and facilitate the removal of the gas plug from the gas block to provide access to the gas block bore.

Abstract: A gas plug retention and removal device for a gas operating system of a firearm. The gas operating system can include a gas block comprising a front end, a rear end, a gas block bore defined between the front and rear ends, and at least one cam engagement surface. A gas plug can be removably received in the front end of the gas block for at least partially sealing the gas block bore, and a cam lever bail can be pivotally coupled to the gas plug and include at least one lever arm. The at least one lever arm can be pivotally connected to the gas plug, be adapted to engage the gas block, and have at least one cam lobe formed therealong. The at least one cam lobe can engage the cam engagement surface of the gas block as the cam lever bail is pivoted so as to disengage and facilitate the removal of the gas plug from the gas block to provide access to the gas block bore.