Abstract: A latch for securing a buttstock to a receiver of a firearm. The buttstock has at least one compartment configured to receive a spare magazine. The latch comprises a shaft, a lever, a first spring, and a second spring. The shaft moves along a first axis within the buttstock and is biased by the first spring to engage with a recess in a receiver of the firearm. The lever extends along a second axis transverse to the first axis and is positioned between the buttstock and an end of the shaft. The second spring biases the lever toward the buttstock. The lever includes a projection configured to extend through an opening in the buttstock and engage with the spare magazine. The lever is pivotable and is configured to release the magazine when the lever is pivoted in a first direction.

Abstract: A mechanism for a repeating firearm has a body pivotably mounted within the receiver and movable between a first position where it blocks motion of the bolt carrier, and a second position where it engages either the trigger or the hammer to prevent discharge. In operation the body is moved from the first position to the second to release the bolt carrier, which moves into battery. The body is then allowed to move out of the second position toward the first position. The rife may be discharged by a pull of the trigger, and the bolt carrier moves out of battery and is arrested by the body before moving back to battery. If the body is maintained in the second position during operation its engagement with the trigger or hammer prevents discharge of the firearm.

Abstract: A rifle having a receiver formed of upper and lower receiver portions attached to one another has one or more elastic bodies positioned between facing surfaces of the upper and lower receiver portions. The elastic bodies reduce play or lost motion between the upper and lower receiver portions for improved accuracy.

Abstract: A rifle having a receiver formed of upper and lower receiver portions attached to one another has one or more elastic bodies positioned between facing surfaces of the upper and lower receiver portions. The elastic bodies reduce play or lost motion between the upper and lower receiver portions for improved accuracy.

Abstract: A revolver for firing high velocity ammunition includes a frame, a cylinder, a barrel, and a firing mechanism. The revolver may include one or more of the following, each of which is especially adapted for use in the context of firing high velocity ammunition: spacers for adjusting a barrel-cylinder gap, for eliminating broaching of the rearward surface(s) of the barrel; a forcing cone formed in the rearward opening of the barrel for accommodating deformed projectiles; a reflective surface (e.g., mirrored surface) provided on the cone and/or barrel rearward surfaces, for reducing erosion resulting from using high velocity ammunition; gain-twist rifling in the barrel for a smoother transition to full projectile velocity; a larger diameter, hardened firing pin bushing for minimizing brass flow in the rearward direction; and a front sight assembly that minimizes lateral shift or drift of the sight pin during firing.

Abstract: An array of nucleic acid probes is described for simultaneously identifying or characterizing a pathotype of a microorganism and detecting antibiotic resistance of said microorganism. Methods are also described for detecting the presence of a microorganism in a sample, as well as determining its pathotype and its antibiotic resistance, using the array.

Abstract: An array of nucleic acid probes is described for identifying and/or characterizing a microorganism. Methods are also described for detecting the presence of a microorganism in a sample, as well as determining its pathotype, using the array. Methods of assessing related infection and disease in a subject using the array are also described. Methods that characterize complex microbial communities using the array are also described.