Abstract: A modular barrel assembly for firearms that includes a breech section formed from a high-strength material and a barrel section. the barrel section generally is formed separately from the breech section and can be formed from a different, lighter-weight material. Once formed, the barrel and breech sections are attached together to form the complete barrel assembly.

Abstract: A modular barrel assembly for firearms that includes a breech section formed from a high-strength material and a barrel section. the barrel section generally is formed separately from the breech section and can be formed from a different, lighter-weight material. Once formed, the barrel and breech sections are attached together to form the complete barrel assembly.

Abstract: A composite receiver for a firearm having a skeletonized body formed from a metal and having a series of ports formed therein. A cover shell is applied over the receiver body to cover and substantially seal the ports.

Abstract: A composite receiver for a firearm having a skeletonized body formed from a metal and having a series of ports formed therein. A cover shell is applied over the receiver body to cover and substantially seal the ports.

Abstract: An action rate control system for a gas operated firearm that includes an action sleeve and an action rate control cylinder. The action sleeve moves in a rearward direction in response to a volume of combustion gases that are generated during firing of the firearm and diverted from the barrel of the firearm through gas ports. The action rate control cylinder is connected to the action sleeve by a linkage that controls movement and slowing of the action sleeve as it approaches a rear limit for its movement. The resistance force generated by the rate control cylinder is a function of the velocity of the action sleeve during its movement. In another aspect, a gas operated firearm includes a barrel, a bolt assembly, an action system coupled to the bolt assembly, and a rate control cylinder coupled to the action system. The action system includes a sleeve assembly that is driven by a volume of combustion gases that are diverted from the barrel when a round of ammunition is fired.

Abstract: A locking system for firearms including a locking ring rotatably mounted to a bolt. As the bolt is moved through a bolt slide, the locking ring engages a cam member, which causes the locking ring to rotate about the bolt, which can remain fixed against rotation.

Abstract: A roller sear/hammer interface for a firearm. The sear has a roller rotatably mounted between two side plates forming a portion of the sear body. As the trigger is moved, a linkage connecting the trigger and sear causes the sear to pivot rearward such that the roller engages a notched surface formed in the hammer. This rolling action releases the hammer to strike a firing pin to fire a round of ammunition. When the trigger is released, the sear roller rolls downward into an engaged and locked position within the notch formed in the hammer.

Abstract: A locking system for firearms including a locking ring rotatably mounted to a bolt. As the bolt is moved through a bolt slide, the locking ring engages a cam member, which causes the locking ring to rotate about the bolt, which can remain fixed against rotation.

Abstract: A composite receiver for a firearm having a skeletonized body formed from a metal and having a series of ports formed therein. A cover shell is applied over the receiver body to cover and substantially seal the ports.

Abstract: A barrel and receiver assembly providing an improved means of connecting the barrel assembly to the receiver wherein the improved means of connecting the barrel assembly to the receiver comprises a wedge that imparts a force in a direction perpendicular to the barrel, and a means for attaching the barrel assembly to the receiver that imparts a force in a direction parallel to the barrel, and wherein the combination imparts a bi-directional force to the barrel assembly.

Abstract: A substantially rectilinear magazine for use with rimmed ammunition that does not extend below the belly of the firearm.

Abstract: A firearm bolt prepared from an alloy of tungsten, nickel and iron having a density of about from 14.1 g/cc to 18.0 g/cc. The alloy preferably also contains at least one of molybdenum, cobalt, rhenium, tantalum and gold. The alloy is preferably manufactured by standard powder metallurgical techniques followed by a liquid phase sinter and vacuum anneal. The bolt can also be manufactured using solid state sintering. The bolt can also be manufactured by mechanically working the material after sintering, after annealing, or after both sintering and annealing.

Abstract: A trigger assembly which allows for recocking a semi-automatic firearm while the trigger is still depressed through a continuous linkage assembly.