Abstract: A system and method for mounting a telescopic sight or “scope” to a firearm. The system is convertible or universal, in that it includes interchangeable mounting plate inserts allowing the mounting plate to be installed onto two or more different types of firearms having differing mounting hole configurations.

Abstract: A scope mounting system having one or more components formed of a zinc alloy, preferably an alloy of zinc, aluminum, magnesium and copper. In one form, the component is formed of an alloy of zinc with about 3.5 to 4.3 weight percent aluminum, about 0.02 to 0.05 weight percent magnesium, and about 2.5 to 3.0 weight percent copper. The scope mounting system preferably includes one or more components, such as a base and/or rings, at least one of the components being formed by casting.

Abstract: A universal scope mounting system for a firearm includes an integral base/lower ring half component having a base panel portion and a split ring portion extending therefrom, and defining a plurality of mounting holes for receiving mounting screws to attach the base/lower ring half component to a firearm. The system also includes an upper ring half component for attachment to the base/lower ring half component to engage a scope within a receiver opening defined therebetween. The mounting holes of each base/lower ring half component define two or more different mounting hole configurations, permitting universal application to firearms having different scope mounting hole arrangements.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a telescopic sight or “scope” to a firearm. The system is convertible or universal, in that it includes interchangeable mounting plate inserts allowing the mounting plate to be installed onto two or more different types of firearms having differing mounting hole configurations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading and ejecting ignition devices into a muzzle-loading firearm. A magazine contains a plurality of ignition devices, which are sequentially loaded from the magazine onto the breech plug of the firearm by a sliding bolt or other loading assembly. After firing, the loading assembly is actuated to extract and eject the spent ignition device and load a new ignition device onto the breech plug.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading and ejecting ignition devices into a muzzle-loading firearm. A magazine contains a plurality of ignition devices, which are sequentially loaded from the magazine onto the breech plug of the firearm by a sliding bolt or other loading assembly. After firing, the loading assembly is actuated to extract and eject the spent ignition device and load a new ignition device onto the breech plug.

Abstract: A sighting device comprises a fiber optic element removably mounted on a support bracket which is adapted for attachment to ventilation rib of a gun. The sighting device is primarily for use in low light conditions and can be readily mounted and removed from the gun in immediate response to changing light conditions. In addition, the fiber optic element is removably attached to the support bracket, thereby allowing alternate fiber optic elements to be selectively mounted on the sighting device as desired.

Abstract: A naturally illuminated three dot sighting system for firearms includes a rear sight having two dots formed by scintillating fibers encased in an optically clear polymer block, and a front sight having one dot formed by a scintillating fiber within an optically clear polymer post. The rear sight has a center channel with scintillating fibers disposed on each side thereof. In poor ambient light, the light incident on the optically clear blocks travels to the fibers which gather such light and scintillate to provide dots of light at their proximal ends which can be aligned.