Abstract: A live ammunition shooting competition system comprises a target area having a first and a second set of targets for a first and a second shooter, respectively. The first set of targets and the second set of targets are arranged such that the first shooter can view a shooting progress of the second shooter as the first shooter shoots at the first set of targets and the second shooter can view a shooting progress of the first shooter as the second shooter shoots at the second set of targets. A first computing device is associated with the first shooter and a second computing device is associated with the second shooter. Each of the first computing device and the second computing device is configured to allow the first shooter and the second shooter to challenge shooters to a shooting competition and to negotiate a parameter for the shooting competition.

Abstract: Projectiles and methods of making and using same are disclosed herein. A projectile comprises a first portion having a first cylindrical portion having a first flat end surface, a first section extending from the first cylindrical portion at a first acute angle, a second section extending from the first section at a second acute angle, and a tip section extending from the second section and terminating in a pointed tip. The projectile includes a second portion having a second cylindrical portion having a second flat end surface and a trailing portion having a generally frustoconical shape. The trailing portion tapers towards a trailing end of the projectile. A post couples the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. The post is in contact with each of the first flat end surface and the second flat end surface.

Abstract: A single-use magazine for a firearm. The disposable magazine for a firearm has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises receiving members and the second portion comprises locking members. The first portion is configured to be permanently locked to the second portion via the receiving members and the locking members. A cavity formed between the first portion and the second portion comprises a plurality of bullets. The disposable magazine is configured for one-time use.

Abstract: A single-use magazine for a firearm. The disposable magazine for a firearm has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises receiving members and the second portion comprises locking members. The first portion is configured to be permanently locked to the second portion via the receiving members and the locking members. A cavity formed between the first portion and the second portion comprises a plurality of bullets. The disposable magazine is configured for one-time use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering metal from a solution comprising a metal-selective sorbent disposed in a column. Additional embodiments provide for using a metal-selective membrane configured for selective transport, isolation, retention, and recovery of metal ions and compounds; electrodialysis and forward osmosis apparatuses to recover metal from a solution. A modular system to process a solution at a remote field site is disclosed. The process is a green process and produces limited to no industrial waste.

Abstract: A single-use magazine for a firearm. A disposable magazine for a firearm comprises a first portion having a plurality of female locking members and a first segment of a spring retainer. The magazine includes a second portion having a plurality of male locking members and second segment of the spring retainer. The magazine comprises an opening configured for retention of cartridges that is formed when the first portion is lockingly engaged to the second portion by the mechanical interaction of the female locking members and the male locking members. The first segment of the spring retainer and the second segment of the spring retainer collectively form the spring retainer when the first portion is lockingly engaged with the second portion.

Abstract: A brace for modifying a stock firearm having a straight grip. The brace has an attachment portion configured for the attachment of the brace to the stock firearm. The brace includes a grip portion disposed behind the attachment portion. The grip portion has a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the bottom surface and the top surface is arced. The bottom surface is configured to be held by a shooter during a shooting operation. The brace includes a bracing portion disposed behind the attachment portion. The bracing portion has at least one slot and a saddle. Each of the at least one slot and the saddle is configured to allow for securement of the brace to a forearm of the shooter while the stock firearm is attached to the attachment portion.

Abstract: A method of making a projectile that tumbles upon impact. The projectile has a leading portion, a leading portion trailing end, and a leading portion side which forms a leading portion acute angle with the leading portion trailing end. A tip extends from the leading portion and has a tip trailing end and a tip side. The tip side forms a tip acute angle with the tip trailing end.

Abstract: A method of making a projectile that tumbles upon impact. The projectile has a leading portion, a leading portion trailing end, and a leading portion side which forms a leading portion acute angle with the leading portion trailing end. A tip extends from the leading portion and has a tip trailing end and a tip side. The tip side forms a tip acute angle with the tip trailing end.

Abstract: A projectile or bullet for a firearm. The projectile tumbles upon impact with a target. The projectile may be tailored to control the location of the tumbling.

Abstract: A target of unitary construction comprises a self-supporting sign having a middle portion that has a first side, a second side, an upper side, and a lower side. A first foldable flap extends from the first side and is configured to be folded along the first side in a use configuration. A second foldable flap extends from the second side and is configured to be folded along the second side in the use configuration. A front foldable portion of the sign extends from the lower side and is configured to be folded along the lower side in the use configuration. The front foldable portion is configured to be secured to a surface when the self-supporting sign is being used as a target. In the use configuration, each of the first foldable flap directly and the second foldable flap directly touch only the middle portion and the surface.

Abstract: A projectile or bullet for a firearm. The projectile tumbles upon impact with a target. The projectile may be tailored to control the location of the tumbling.

Abstract: A slug for a firearm cartridge made of plastic. Alternative embodiments have a flat leading end or a stair-stepped leading end. Additional embodiments have a metal insert or a combination of metal and plastic portions. The length and diameter of the slugs vary depending on the caliber of the firearm. A preferred embodiment is made from acetal resin (polyoxymethylene).

Abstract: A target of unitary construction comprises a self-supporting sign having a middle portion that has a first side, a second side, an upper side, and a lower side. A first foldable flap extends from the first side and is configured to be folded along the first side in a use configuration. A second foldable flap extends from the second side and is configured to be folded along the second side in the use configuration. A front foldable portion of the sign extends from the lower side and is configured to be folded along the lower side in the use configuration. The front foldable portion is configured to be secured to a surface when the self-supporting sign is being used as a target. In the use configuration, each of the first foldable flap directly and the second foldable flap directly touch only the middle portion and the surface.

Abstract: A projectile for a firearm and a method of making the projectile. The projectile separates into fragments upon striking a target. The direction and paths of the fragment are determined by the dimensions and shape of the fragments.

Abstract: A facility and services are provided for the storage of firearms and other valuables. The facility includes a secure, theft proof and fire proof structure for the storage of firearms, gold, and other variables in containers. The facility also provides services for the valuables, including cleaning, polishing, repairs, and maintenance. Insurance, research, sale, trading, and information services may also be provided by the facility.

Abstract: A single release speed loader for firearms includes a light weight, elongated cylindrical body with a closure device at the bottom. Firearm cartridges are stacked inside the body and are prevented from sliding out of the elongated body by a closure at an end thereof. When the closure is removed, the elongated body is moved over the chambers of the cylinder of a firearm, and the cartridges slide out of the elongated body and into the chambers one at a time.

Abstract: Systems and methods of organizing and conducting games are set forth herein. One method of organizing and conducting a game comprises steps of arranging a plurality of contestants within a predefined adventurous area, and providing a plurality of items, each item having a distinct identifying characteristic. An ultralight with a programmable ejection system launches the plurality of items into the adventurous area through the air according to a predetermined routine. The contestants are allowed to search for and collect the items launched by the ultralight within the adventurous area before the game ends. Means are provided for correlating the identifying characteristic of each item to a prize, and each contestant is allowed to retain the prize correlating to the identifying characteristic of the item that was collected by the contestant.

Abstract: Several shot shell pellets are connected by a tether strung through a hole or pinched in center of each pellet. Several shot pellets are connected in this manner with only the pellets at the end of the tether being fixed to the tether. The tether may be string, twine, thread, or elastic material, or may be connected through various other means. Differently shaped and sized shot pellets may also be used, and different numbers of shot pellets may also be tethered in this fashion.

Abstract: Systems and methods of organizing and conducting games are set forth herein. One method of organizing and conducting a game comprises steps of arranging a plurality of contestants within a predefined adventurous area, and providing a plurality of items, each item having a distinct identifying characteristic. An ultralight with a programmable ejection system launches the plurality of items into the adventurous area through the air according to a predetermined routine. The contestants are allowed to search for and collect the items launched by the ultralight within the adventurous area before the game ends. Means are provided for correlating the identifying characteristic of each item to a prize, and each contestant is allowed to retain the prize correlating to the identifying characteristic of the item that was collected by the contestant.