Abstract: A method for releasably attaching a compensator assembly adjacent a muzzle end of a barrel of a firearm. The compensator assembly includes an attachment means on its rear end. The barrel has a firing axis and includes a threaded end opposite the muzzle end and defines a recess formed adjacent the muzzle end. The firearm itself has a frame defining a threaded aperture. The method includes moving the attachment means into engagement with the recess; tensioning the attachment means within the recess in a direction substantially parallel to the firing axis; inserting a mating tool into the muzzle end of the barrel; rotating the barrel via the mating tool, thereby causing the threaded end of the barrel to threadedly engage with the threaded aperture; and halting the rotation of the barrel via the mating tool when a predetermined torque is achieved.

Abstract: A method for releasably attaching a compensator assembly adjacent a muzzle end of a barrel of a firearm. The compensator assembly includes an attachment means on its rear end. The barrel has a firing axis and includes a threaded end opposite the muzzle end and defines a recess formed adjacent the muzzle end. The firearm itself has a frame defining a threaded aperture. The method includes moving the attachment means into engagement with the recess; tensioning the attachment means within the recess in a direction substantially parallel to the firing axis; inserting a mating tool into the muzzle end of the barrel; rotating the barrel via the mating tool, thereby causing the threaded end of the barrel to threadedly engage with the threaded aperture; and halting the rotation of the barrel via the mating tool when a predetermined torque is achieved.

Abstract: A compensation system for a firearm includes a barrel having a longitudinal bore that defines a firing axis. A compensator assembly is also included and has an attaching mechanism for releasably attaching the compensator assembly adjacent a muzzle end of the barrel. A gas discharge port is formed in the compensator assembly that is not aligned with the longitudinal bore. The gas discharge port communicates with an inner bore of the compensator assembly.

Abstract: A revolver includes a cylinder pivotally attached within an opening of a frame. The cylinder has a plurality of firing chambers sized to receive electrically fired cartridges. Each firing chamber is indexable to a carry-up position. A firing mechanism includes a trigger to actuate the firing mechanism from a recovered position to a fired position. A hand is attached to the trigger and engages the cylinder to index the chambers to their carry-up positions during actuation of the firing mechanism. A hammer is pivotally attached to the frame. A latch mechanism is pivotally attached to the frame wherein the latch mechanism engages the hammer in a set position during actuation of the firing mechanism. When the chambers reach their carry-up positions, the latch releases the hammer from the set position to displace the firing mechanism to the fired position to fire the revolver.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an electronic sight assembly for sighting a revolver under various ambient lighting conditions comprises an elongated sight frame having front and rear sights, and means for illuminating the sights according to a measured level of ambient light. A front light guide transmits light from a light source to the front sight, and a pair of rear light guides transmit light from the light source to the rear sight. The sight frame encloses a pair of ambient light guides which transmit ambient light to a photosensitive cell that produces a signal corresponding to the ambient level of light. The light source is then energized according to the ambient level of light.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a security apparatus for use in authorizing the discharge of a firearm having a firing apparatus includes a sensor assembly for receiving a plurality of operational parameters of the firearm and determining if the operational parameters are consistent with an intent to discharge said firearm therefrom. The security apparatus authorizes the firing apparatus to produce and send a check signal to an ammunition cartridge only if the operational parameters are consistent with an intent to discharge the firearm. The firing apparatus further generates a firing signal and provides the firing signal to the cartridge only if the check signal indicates that the cartridge is properly loaded in the firearm.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a firearm having an electronic firing apparatus adapted to produce a firing signal includes a frame with a firing chamber to receive a percussively fired cartridge, a barrel with a firing axis attached to the frame in alignment with the firing chamber and a trigger member. A linearly displaceable firing probe is disposed within the frame for linear reciprocal movement from a probe recovered position, wherein the firing probe is retracted away from said cartridge, to a probe contacting position, wherein the firing probe is disposed forwardly in contact with the cartridge. A security apparatus is in electrical communication with the firing probe and is capable of determining an operational mode of the firearm. The firearm further includes an identification assembly for determining whether an operator of the firearm is an authorized operator and is in electrical communication with the security apparatus.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a firing probe assembly adapted to deliver an electric firing signal from a firing apparatus to a non-impact fired ammunition cartridge in a firearm comprises a probe shaft, a probe spring, a probe tip, and an actuator bushing. The probe shaft is secured to a frame of the firearm and in communication with the firing apparatus. The probe spring is mounted between the probe shaft and probe tip, thereby urging the probe tip forwardly against the actuator bushing. The actuator bushing is biased rearwardly by an actuator bushing spring and is positioned and configured to be displaced forwardly by momentum of a firing mechanism of the firearm. The actuator bushing is further configured and positioned to bring the probe tip into contact with the cartridge when the firing mechanism drives the actuator bushing in the forward direction.

Abstract: A multi-chambered firearm for firing a non-impact primer ammunition includes an electrically-conductive firing probe adapted to deliver a firing charge to ignite the primer and cause firing. The firing signal is controlled by a computer control system located in the firearm that determines firing ready conditions, including operator identification, and causes the firing signal to be delivered in response thereto.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a firing mechanism adapted to discharge a non-impact fired ammunition cartridge in a revolver comprises a trigger, a hammer, a stirrup, a transfer bar, a link, and a rebound. The trigger is hung conventionally on a frame of the revolver and adapted for rotation to and from a firing position. The transfer bar is engaged with the trigger and configured for movement into and out of engagement with a firing probe during actuation of the firing mechanism. The hammer is coupled to the stirrup via the link such that the hammer and stirrup rotate in opposite directions. The rebound has a front end coupled to the trigger and a rear end which receives a main spring. The main spring is captured between the stirrup and the rebound to bias the trigger toward recovery and the stirrup and hammer toward their respective firing positions.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a backstrap module is utilized in conjunction with a firearm having a security apparatus and a firing apparatus. The security apparatus authorizes operation of the firearm and generation of an electronic firing signal which is communicated to a firing probe of the firing apparatus. The backstrap module includes a molded shell which removably affixes the backstrap module to a frame of the firearm and houses the security apparatus. The backstrap module further includes a device for communicating the firing signal to the firing probe and provides for the energizing of the security apparatus and the firing apparatus.

Abstract: A firearm for firing non-impact primer ammunition includes an electrically-conductive firing probe adapted to deliver a firing charge to ignite the primer and cause firing. The firing signal is controlled by a computer control system located in the firearm that determines firing ready conditions, including operator identification, and causes the firing signal to be delivered in response thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gun sight elevation adjusting apparatus having an adjusting screw threaded into the sight elevation body for adjusting the elevation of the sight. The screw has an annular groove and a plurality of circumferentially spaced indentations thereabout below the groove. A generally U-shaped clip is retained on the screw as its legs straddle the screw about the groove. A tang is bent out of the plane of the clip and its point rides on the screw to engage in the indentations upon rotation of the screw and registration of the indentations with the tip. The clip prevents the screw from being removed from the sight body and provides an audible click to click and a positive snap-like feel adjustment for the sight.