Abstract: A novel indexing system for revolvers is disclosed in which a trigger-actuated finger grabs one of a plurality of circumferentially-spaced notches on the rim of the chambered cylinder and rotates the cylinder through the required arc, as the trigger is being pulled, to advance the next chamber to its proper firing position.The finger is part of a modular unit which fits into a complementary recess of the revolver's frame and takes the place of the standard "hand-and-ratchet" combination for rotating the cylinder. The module forms part of the recoil face and includes a stop for precisely registering the rotated chamber with the revolver's barrel just prior to firing.

Abstract: An improved cylinder and barrel configuration permits a reduction in the stress imposed on the throat of a revolver barrel thereby improving the strength and accuracy of the combination. The design employs some degree of sizing of the bullet directly in the cylinder thus permitting the barrel bore to be smaller and decreasing the jump distance from cylinder to barrel. The bullet sizing occurs at a lower velocity and over a greater distance thus providing better accuracy and permitting increased barrel stength.

Abstract: The hand gun has a barrel tht may threadedly be supported from the hand gun frame and which is covered by a shroud surrounding the barrel and extending substantially the entire length of the barrel from the frame to the barrel end. A barrel to shroud nut secures the shroud in place about the barrel and against the frame and has a conical or spherical surface in engaged cooperation with a like conical or spherical seat in the shroud to accurately concentrically align the barrel within the shroud to provide more accurate firing and in particular rapid firing.

Abstract: A firearm that is preferably a revolver has an improved gain bolt construction, particularly for use in larger caliber weapons such as a 44 Magnum revolver. The gain bolt design indirectly assists the hand in particular in the final indexing of the cylinder. The revolver comprises a frame, a hand grip, a trigger, a hammer, a cylinder, and a hand arrangement for operating the cylinder. The trigger is pivotally supported in the frame and has a front flange for operating the bolt which is selectively moveable upon operation of the trigger to permit rotation of the cylinder and lock the cylinder in predetermined positions. The bolt is supported in a compartment forward of the trigger. The bolt includes a forward pivot end, a rear end engaged by a flange of the trigger, and a top lug which is adapted to be selectively locked with a slot in the cylinder in predetermined positions of the cylinder.

Abstract: A revolver characterized by an improved hand, strut and transfer bar construction includes a frame, a cylinder and associated actuator for the cylinder supported in the frame, a trigger and a hammer also both mounted in the frame. The hand is pivotally supported from the trigger preferably by means of a pivot pin at the lower end of the hand. When the trigger is pulled, the hand is for operating the cylinder actuator to rotate the cylinder to the next position prior to firing. The transfer bar or connector as it is sometimes referred to is also pivotally supported at its lower end from the hand. The transfer bar is preferably supported about a mid-point of the hand intermediate the pivot support for the hand and the upper end thereof. The transfer bar cooperates with the hammer when the trigger is pulled to fire the firearm.

Abstract: A trigger guard assembly preferably for a revolver which is removable from the frame of the firearm includes a trigger guard frame for carrying a trigger, a trigger spring and actuating rod, a cylinder actuating hand and hammer transfer bar assembly and hammer pivot holes in the trigger guard frame. The trigger guard assembly is removably secured to the frame preferably by three support points whereby the trigger guard assembly may be removed from and returned to the revolver frame as a totally assembled unit. Lug and socket means at the front of the trigger guard frame provide a first support point and a second support point is provided by a spring-biased plunger at the rear of the trigger guard assembly having a wedged end coacting with the slot in the frame. The spring biased plunger is preferably operable from outside of the bottom of the frame to release the trigger guard assembly.

Abstract: A rear sight for a hand gun adapted to withstand high recoil forces associated with the use of magnum cartridges, in particular at the maximum elevation of the sight for long range shooting. The sight comprises a body pivoted at its front end and including, at its rear end a vertical slot and horizontal dovetail. A flat rear blade having a sighting slot is carried in the horizontal dovetail and is spring loaded at opposite ends. This blade is adjustable for windage and locked in position by means of a roller engaging detents in the head of the windage screw. A vertical slot in the body accommodates a hardened windage plate threaded to receive the windage screw and for entrapping the elevation screw. The elevation screw is of relatively substantial length accommodated in a tapped hole at the rear of the frame, rear of the cylinder and above the firing pin hole. The body of the sight lies in a slot in the top strap of the frame.

Abstract: A barrel and shroud construction for reducing recoil and jumping of the firearm. Gases are tapped from the rifled barrel through a plurality of radially arranged passages in the barrel into a circumferential expansion chamber defined between the barrel and shroud. The gases are vented from the circumferential expansion chamber via a pair of venting orifices disposed rearwardly of the radially arranged passages.

Abstract: A front gun sight for a firearm that is readily removable and yet easily locked in position. The sight comprises a top exposed section having an insert of contrasting color and a lower section received in a slot in the outer surface of the barrel or shroud. The lower section has a dovetail configuration that locks against a rod or bar extending across the slot and further receives a locking screw passing through the barrel or shroud and engaging the dovetail from a direction orthogonal to the rod.