Abstract: A shroud may include a hood component, faceplate component, floorplate component and/or other fitments which may partially or completely cover or extend beyond certain constituents of a firearm. Each of the components and fitments may include various functional and/or aesthetic features that prevent a firearm's reciprocating mechanism from malfunctioning by being moved out-of-battery, not cycling completely or being fouled by debris. Additionally, the components, fitments, functions and features improve: the distribution of weight on a firearm, the ability to grip and operate a firearm, and the options for using a firearm, both in its traditional and new alternative ways, collectively to enhance a firearm operator's defensive and/or combative capabilities.

Abstract: A shroud may include a hood component, faceplate component, floorplate component and/or other fitments which may partially or completely cover or extend beyond certain constituents of a firearm. Each of the components and fitments may include various functional and/or aesthetic features that prevent a firearm's reciprocating mechanism from malfunctioning by being moved out-of-battery, not cycling completely or being fouled by debris. Additionally, the components, fitments, functions and features improve: the distribution of weight on a firearm, the ability to grip and operate a firearm, and the options for using a firearm, both in its traditional and new alternative ways, collectively to enhance a firearm operator's defensive and/or combative capabilities.