Abstract: A buttstock assembly configured to work in conjunction with a compact buffer assembly consisting of a buffer tube, spring and bolt carrier with an integral buffer is provided. The buttstock assembly, buffer tube and bolt carrier are configured to work with AR15/M16 type firearms and their derivatives. By incorporating the buffer onto the bolt carrier, which is used in conjunction with a buffer tube of reduced length, the overall length of the host firearm is reduced by approximately 3.2 inches. No permanent modification need be made to the host firearm in order to utilize the compact buffer assembly and buttstock assembly disclosed herein.

Abstract: An improved bolt and bolt carrier with integral gas key having an extension nozzle threadedly secured and pinned to the gas key for use with a direct gas operated firearm is provided. The extension nozzle is designed to receive a portion of the host firearm's gas operating system. The firing pin retaining pin is oriented so as to expose its widest profile to the firing pin's annular flange, increasing its service life. The bolt has a plurality of lugs extending from its forward end. The extractor recess is constructed so that the face of the bolt is round and the adjacent lugs fully supported. The extractor engages approximately 17% more of a seated ammunition cartridge's rim as compared to the prior art AR15/M16 extractor. The result is an improved bolt and bolt carrier which provides for increased operational reliability.

Abstract: A firearm barrel nut assembly including barrel nut, generally cylindrical in shape with a threaded central bore, and an externally threaded locknut which is used in conjunction with the barrel nut to secure a barrel to a firearm upper receiver. The barrel nut has an integral bushing on its exterior constructed to support either the gas tube or piston of the host firearm's operating system. The barrel nut is configured so that it may be independently and non-rotationally held within a vice or other fixture during installation of the barrel and while the locknut is tightened to a preset torque to hold the barrel in place while the barrel nut is independent of the torque applied to the locknut to properly secure the barrel to the upper receiver.

Abstract: An improved bolt and bolt carrier with integral gas key having an extension nozzle threadedly secured and pinned to the gas key for use with a direct gas operated firearm is provided. The extension nozzle is designed to receive a portion of the host firearm's gas operating system. The firing pin retaining pin is oriented so as to expose its widest profile to the firing pin's annular flange, increasing its service life. The bolt has a plurality of lugs extending from its forward end. The extractor recess is constructed so that the face of the bolt is round and the adjacent lugs fully supported. The extractor engages approximately 17% more of a seated ammunition cartridge's rim as compared to the prior art AR15/M16 extractor. The result is an improved bolt and bolt carrier which provides for increased operational reliability.

Abstract: A buttstock assembly configured to work in conjunction with a compact buffer assembly consisting of a buffer tube, spring and bolt carrier with an integral buffer is provided. The buttstock assembly, buffer tube and bolt carrier are configured to work with AR15/M16 type firearms and their derivatives. By incorporating the buffer onto the bolt carrier, which is used in conjunction with a buffer tube of reduced length, the overall length of the host firearm is reduced by approximately 3.2 inches. No permanent modification need be made to the host firearm in order to utilize the compact buffer assembly and buttstock assembly disclosed herein.

Abstract: An upper receiver assembly for a firearm having an upper receiver with an integral barrel nut, a assembly and a barrel nut assembly with a barrel and lock nut is provided. The barrel is received by the upper receiver and is secured directly to the upper receiver using the lock nut. The upper receiver also includes an integral mounting member to which the assembly may be directly attached. The upper receiver assembly allows the user to attach both the barrel and assemblies directly to the upper receiver, independently of one another.

Abstract: An ambidextrously operated charging handle for use with the M16 family of firearms is provided. The charging handle provides a latch mechanism consisting of two extended handles which are in operational communication with each other. Either handle may be independently retracted to disengage the latch mechanism of the charging handle from the host firearms receiver. The spring-biased mechanism of the charging handle is sheltered within the interior of the charging handle thereby protecting it from the elements. Further, an improved axial pin has been provided to secure the handles of the latch mechanism to the grasping portion of the charging handle.

Abstract: A firearm including a barrel, receiver, indirect gas system and an adjustable gas block designed to interface with the indirect gas system is provided. Four indexable positions of adjustment are provided for on the adjustable gas block. Positions of adjustment are selected based on the use of a silencer, use of under-powered ammunition, the presence of un-burnt powder and debris in the host firearms operating system, or if the weapon is being fired under “ideal” circumstances. The provided gas block is designed to function with an indirect gas operating system. Excess gas from the operating system is not vented from the gas block thereby generating excess flash and sound. No tool is required to manipulate the adjustment mechanism of the gas.

Abstract: An improved bolt and bolt carrier with integral gas key having an extension nozzle threadedly secured and pinned to the gas key for use with a direct gas operated firearm is provided. The extension nozzle is designed to receive a portion of the host firearms gas operating system. The firing pin retaining pin is oriented so as to expose its widest profile to the firing pins annular flange, increasing its service life. The bolt has a plurality of lugs extending from its forward end and an extractor recess. The extractor recess is constructed to accommodate an enlarged extractor claw while not undercutting the bolt lugs adjacent thereto. The extractor engages approximately 57% more of a seated ammunition cartridges rim as compared to some prior art AR15/M16 type extractors used with automatic firearms chambered in 6.8SPC. The result is an improved bolt and bolt carrier which provides for increased operational reliability.

Abstract: An upper receiver assembly for a firearm having an upper receiver with an integral barrel nut, a handguard assembly and a barrel nut assembly with a barrel and lock nut is provided. The barrel is received by the upper receiver and is secured directly to the upper receiver using the lock nut. The upper receiver also includes an integral handguard mounting member to which the handguard assembly may be directly attached. The upper receiver assembly allows the user to attach both the barrel and handguard assemblies directly to the upper receiver, independently of one another.

Abstract: A fixture for use with AR15/M16 type firearms is provided herein. The fixture is made up of several parts that when used in conjunction with one another mitigate the transfer of torque from the barrel nut to the firearms receiver during barrel installation. The fixture affords the user a method and apparatus that holds the barrel in alignment with the firearm receiver and secures the barrel against rotational movement during installation of a barrel nut or similar device. The fixture may be configured to work with the legacy AR15/M16 type barrel nut, as well as other designs as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A buttstock assembly configured to work in conjunction with a compact buffer assembly consisting of a buffer tube, spring and bolt carrier with an integral buffer is provided. The buttstock assembly, buffer tube and bolt carrier are configured to work with AR15/M16 type firearms and their derivatives. By incorporating the buffer onto the bolt carrier, which is used in conjunction with a buffer tube of reduced length, the overall length of the host firearm is reduced by approximately 3.2 inches. No permanent modification need be made to the host firearm in order to utilize the compact buffer assembly and buttstock assembly disclosed herein.

Abstract: An ambidextrously operated charging handle for use with the M16 family of firearms is provided. The charging handle provides a latch mechanism consisting of two extended handles which are in operational communication with each other. Either handle may be independently retracted to disengage the latch mechanism of the charging handle from the host firearms receiver. The spring-biased mechanism of the charging handle is sheltered within the interior of the charging handle thereby protecting it from the elements. Further, an improved axial pin has been provided to secure the handles of the latch mechanism to the grasping portion of the charging handle.

Abstract: A fixture for use with AR15/M16 type firearms is provided herein. The fixture is made up of several parts that when used in conjunction with one another mitigate the transfer of torque from the barrel nut to the firearms receiver during barrel installation. The fixture affords the user a method and apparatus that holds the barrel in alignment with the firearm receiver and secures the barrel against rotational movement during installation of a barrel nut or similar device. The fixture may be configured to work with the legacy AR15/M16 type barrel nut, as well as other designs as disclosed herein.

Abstract: An adjustable gas block for a gas operated firearm is provided that offers the user a means by which the volume of gas being directed to the host rifle's operating system can be adjusted. The adjustable gas block provides two positions of adjustment, with the position of use being selected based on whether or not a back pressure increasing device, such as a noise suppressor or a silencer, is mounted on the firearm. A first position provides the optimal volume of gas into the gas operating system for it to operate properly based on its factory configuration and in the absence of a back pressure increasing device. A second position is available for use when the back pressure is increased due to the presence of a back pressure increasing device. The second position exposes a port through which a portion of the volume of gas from the barrel is vented into a secondary chamber prior to being released into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An ambidextrously operated bolt catch assembly for a firearm facilitates ease of use by either right handed or left handed shooters. The ambidextrous bolt catch assembly includes two levers, one on each side of the firearm, that interact with each other. Each lever has a primary contact surface and a secondary contact surface. By depressing the primary contact surface of either lever, both levers rotate to move the bolt catch assembly from a displaced position to a static position. Conversely, by depressing the secondary contact surface of either lever, both levers rotate to move the bolt catch assembly from a static position to a displaced position.

Abstract: A buttstock assembly configured to work in conjunction with a compact buffer assembly consisting of a buffer tube, spring and bolt carrier with an integral buffer is provided. The buttstock assembly, buffer tube and bolt carrier are configured to work with AR15/M16 type firearms and their derivatives. By incorporating the buffer onto the bolt carrier, which is used in conjunction with a buffer tube of reduced length, the overall length of the host firearm is reduced by approximately 3.2 inches. No permanent modification need be made to the host firearm in order to utilize the compact buffer assembly and buttstock assembly disclosed herein.

Abstract: A firearm including a barrel, receiver, indirect gas system and an adjustable gas block designed to interface with the indirect gas system is provided. Four indexable positions of adjustment are provided for on the adjustable gas block. Positions of adjustment are selected based on the use of a silencer, use of under-powered ammunition, the presence of un-burnt powder and debris in the host firearms operating system, or if the weapon is being fired under “ideal” circumstances. The provided gas block is designed to function with an indirect gas operating system. Excess gas from the operating system is not vented from the gas block thereby generating excess flash and sound. No tool is required to manipulate the adjustment mechanism of the gas.

Abstract: An ambidextrously operated charging handle for use with the M16 family of firearms is provided. The charging handle provides a latch mechanism consisting of two extended handles which are in operational communication with each other. Either handle may be independently retracted to disengage the latch mechanism of the charging handle from the host firearms receiver. The spring-biased mechanism of the charging handle is sheltered within the interior of the charging handle thereby protecting it from the elements. Further, an improved axial pin has been provided to secure the handles of the latch mechanism to the grasping portion of the charging handle.

Abstract: An improved bolt and bolt carrier with integral gas key having an extension nozzle threadedly secured and pinned to the gas key for use with a direct gas operated firearm is provided. The extension nozzle is designed to receive a portion of the host firearms gas operating system. The firing pin retaining pin is oriented so as to expose its widest profile to the firing pins annular flange, increasing its service life. The bolt has a plurality of lugs extending from its forward end and an extractor recess. The extractor recess is constructed to accommodate an enlarged extractor claw while not undercutting the bolt lugs adjacent thereto. The extractor engages approximately 57% more of a seated ammunition cartridges rim as compared to some prior art AR15/M16 type extractors used with automatic firearms chambered in 6.8SPC. The result is an improved bolt and bolt carrier which provides for increased operational reliability.