Abstract: In some embodiments, a fire control assembly comprises a trigger rotatable about a trigger axis and a hammer rotatable about a hammer axis. A trigger spring is arranged to bias the trigger in a first direction about the trigger axis. A hammer spring is arranged to bias the hammer in a second direction about the hammer axis. The trigger comprises a trigger sear and a stop. The hammer comprises a hammer sear and a catch. The fire control assembly comprises a first orientation wherein the trigger sear contacts the hammer sear and impedes rotation of the hammer, and a second orientation wherein the stop contacts the catch and impedes rotation of the hammer.

Abstract: A firearm trigger lock assembly for inhibiting a firearm from being fired includes a sleeve that can be positioned around a grip of a firearm. A wedge is coupled to the sleeve thereby facilitating the wedge to be positioned behind a trigger of the firearm when the sleeve is positioned around the grip. A locking unit is coupled to the sleeve and the wedge is removably engaged to the locking unit. The wedge is locked behind the trigger when the locking unit is turned on to inhibit the firearm from being fired. Conversely, the wedge is removable from behind the trigger when the locking unit is turned off to facilitate the firearm to be fired.

Abstract: An apparatus to minimize short stroke in a revolver is provided wherein a first end of the transfer bar is pivotably disposed on the trigger adjacent to the first end of a hand, the second end of the transfer bar disposed adjacent to the firing pin of the hammer, wherein during a firing cycle, prior to the revolver being brought back to the ready-to-fire position, the trigger cannot be depressed until the trigger is first fully undepressed, wherein the second end of the transfer bar engages a transfer bar blocking surface of the hammer slot in the hammer to prevent the trigger from being fully depressed.

Abstract: A Ruger® revolver has a cylinder release button for loading/unloading that is stiff. It is difficult to push into the frame to release the cylinder. A spring force keeps the cylinder locking rod pushed rearward into a locking hole. When the cylinder release button is pushed into the frame, a short lever arm moves the release arm pin forward to overcome the spring bias force rearward. The present invention attaches to the face of the release button to extend the lever arm from the fulcrum of the cylinder release rod. A bolt and/or glue can attach the extension lever arm to the face of the cylinder release face. A factory model could provide a one piece cylinder release rod with an extended rearward projecting face.

Abstract: A non-projectile cartridge apparatus has a cartridge casing having a receiver positioned therein. Further, the non-projectile cartridge has a simulated primer positioned at the bottom of the cartridge casing. Moreover, the non-projectile cartridge has a rim positioned around at least a portion of a circumference of the cartridge casing. The rim is gripped by an extractor of a firearm after a firing pin of the firearm strikes the simulated primer. Additionally, the non-projectile member has a connector. The non-projectile member is in a closed position within the cartridge casing during a connection between the connector and the receiver. Further, the non-projectile member is in an open position during a disconnection between the connector and the receiver. The disconnection occurs as a result of the firing pin striking the simulated primer.

Abstract: A noise suppressor for a firearm is provided that can be disassembled and is able to withstand full automatic fire. In various embodiments, a noise suppressor might include an outer tube, a distal end cap, and a pin(s). The outer tube might include a plurality of first holes spaced apart from each other along a circumference of a distal end of the outer tube. The distal end cap might include a plurality of second holes spaced apart from each other along a circumference of the distal end cap. One of the distal end cap or the distal end might be threaded into the other. Each of the pin(s) might be releasably inserted and affixed to at least one first hole and at least one second hole. A blank firing adapter is also provided that can be coupled to the noise suppressor (and can withstand live rounds being fired into it).

Abstract: In some embodiments, a trigger group comprises a trigger arranged to pivot on a trigger axis and a hammer arranged to pivot on a hammer axis. The hammer includes a cam surface. The hammer is moveable from a first position to a second position upon break of the trigger, and the cam surface contacts the trigger in the second position. Desirably, the cam is arranged to bias the trigger.

Abstract: A firearm having a shroud attached to the spur of its hammer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a trigger assembly for initiating a firing of a firearm. The trigger assembly comprises a trigger blocking portion. A safety selector lever is configured for joining to the firearm. The safety selector lever has an on position with the safety selector generally in a downward position and accessible to a user's thumb of a hand gripping a grip of the firearm. The safety selector is rotatable by the user's thumb to an off position where the user operates the trigger assembly while maintaining the safety selector in the off position. A safety cam is in engagement with a pivot end of the safety selector. The safety cam is configured for engaging the trigger blocking portion in the on position to inhibit the firing and for engaging the trigger blocking portion in the off position to enable the firing.

Abstract: A shroud for covering the hammer of a firearm, requiring no alteration to the firearm, that may be easily removed or fall off when the firearm is used.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a trigger group comprises a trigger arranged to pivot on a trigger axis and a hammer arranged to pivot on a hammer axis. The hammer includes a cam surface. The hammer is moveable from a first position to a second position upon break of the trigger, and the cam surface contacts the trigger in the second position. Desirably, the cam is arranged to bias the trigger.

Abstract: A firearm utilizing a ratcheting system to rotate a cylinder containing ammunition is disclosed. The ratchet system is designed to accommodate the cylinder being in an initial safe (without a chamber centered over the barrel and hammer) and subsequent active positions. A ratchet arm protrudes through the breach plate and is supported thereon as it pushes ratchet pads on the cylinder from a starting point in either position to the next active position. Numerous designs for the ratchet pads and the ratchet arm are disclosed, as is a stepped drawbar to accommodate the workings of the firearm and a locking bar that interfaces with both the hammer and locking notches in the circumference of the cylinder so as to release and secure the cylinder in appropriate positions.

Abstract: A gun locking and unlocking device, which may be configured to be disposed adjacent the trigger of a gun to alternatively prevent or enable firing, includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same, or substantially the same, as data stored in the data memory. One or more separate electronic gun keys are provided to transmit gun lock/unlock data to the data receiver of the gun lock device. The logic device responds to a gun control signal transmitted by one of the gun key devices with priority over a gun control signal transmitted by another gun key device. The logic device automatically locks the gun when it is located in a prohibited area, such as a school. The logic device also locks the gun when the gun user is intoxicated or acting in an irrational manner. Once locked, the user must set a timer which allows the gun to be unlocked only after a specified “wait” time.

Abstract: The present invention is a spring-actuated, concealable revolver utilizing a flattened cylinder shape and a unique off-chamber placement of the cylinder when in a stowed safe mode. An extendable grip tag may also be employed to provide a further reduced profile. Various grip styles, unloading mechanisms and advancing actions may be employed with the revolver. Single and double action embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A safety for a firearm includes a blocking member that has a relieved portion adjacent to a relieved portion of a firing pin of the firearm. The blocking member is movable between a safe position wherein the relieved portions are not in registration and a fire position wherein the relieved portions are in registration. The blocking member moves from the safe to the fire position in response to a pull of the firearm's trigger. Movement of the blocking member is rotational in response to a pawl as would also be used to rotate the cylinder of a revolver.

Abstract: A firearm locking apparatus has a casing body which lodges within the chamber of a firearm, a rod which extends through the length of the barrel of the weapon, and a lock body which attaches to an outward end of the rod extending from the muzzle of the weapon. The lock body is attached such that there is not a sufficient length of exposed portion of the rod between the muzzle of the weapon and the lock body to allow attachment of any commonly known tool to the exposed portion of the rod. When the lock body is locked, it cannot be removed from the outward end of the rod, and the lock body freely spins on the rod. This configuration prevents removal of the rod and casing body from the weapon until the lock body is unlocked and removed, which allows removal of the rod and casing body from the weapon.

Abstract: The present invention is a spring-actuated, concealable revolver utilizing a flattened cylinder shape and a unique off-chamber placement of the cylinder when in a stowed safe mode. An extendable grip tag may also be employed to provide a further reduced profile. Various grip styles, unloading mechanisms and advancing actions may be employed with the revolver. Single and double action embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Revolvers with cylinder shrouds include first and second shroud portions, each having a cylindrical wall portion having a length at least as great as the length of a revolver cylinder and an interior surface shaped to be closely spaced apart from an exterior surface portion of the cylinder. The first and second shroud portions each include a fastening mechanism operable to removably connect the first shroud to a revolver frame. The first and second shroud portions each include a fastening element operable to removably connect the first and second shroud portions to the frame to cover the cylinder. The first and second shroud portions may have a major cylindrical wall portion having a radius of curvature centered on axis defined by the cylinder when the first and second shroud portions are connected to the frame.

Abstract: A hammer is adapted to receive a removable firing pin and includes an axial bore for receiving the firing pin and a transverse bore for receiving pins to secure the firing pin within the axial bore. The transverse bore includes a slave pin section for receiving a slave pin configured to mate with an annular groove or machined notch in the firing pin and a screw pin section for receiving a screw pin to secure the slave pin and the firing pin.

Abstract: Methods for disabling firearms and firearm safety devices designed to reduce the risk of accidental discharge are provided. Safety devices according to the present invention comprise a chamber-disabling component constructed of a flexible material. The chamber-disabling component is adapted to be inserted through an opening in the firearm into the firing chamber with partial retraction of the bolt.

Abstract: A firearm has a firing mechanism that includes a firing pin, a drop safety, a spring mounted to the drop safety and a trigger in mechanical communication with the firing pin and the drop safety. The drop safety includes a roller portion having an outer circumferential surface and an inner opposing wall. When the trigger is actuated, the opposing wall of the drop safety abuts and engages the firing pin in the forward-most axial position thereof, thereby allowing the firing pin to strike a primer of a chambered round of ammunition. In all other configurations, the spring rotationally biases the drop safety so that the outer circumferential surface of the roller portion of the drop safety blocks the forward axial reciprocation of the firing pin, preventing the firing pin from engaging the primer of a chambered round of ammunition.

Abstract: Firearm safety devices are described that enable the safe operation, training, storage, display, and transportation of firearms. The firearm safety devices, referred to herein as “safety casing” devices, are configured for easy insertion and removal from a firearm without risk of damage to the firearm. The safety casing devices clearly indicate to those handling and observing the host firearm that the firearm chamber is free or devoid of a live round and thus safe because the firearm cannot be fired. The safety casing devices permit the firearm to be used in training exercises, including dry fire practice, while preventing accidental discharge.

Abstract: A device and method for locking a firearm are provided, the device having a locking round, elongate locking rod, protective cylinder, and locking tool. The locking round has a radial flange, an internal thread, and a plurality of prongs associated therewith, wherein the prongs are disposed about a circumference of the locking round. The locking rod has a conical cam, an external thread, and a first engagement member, wherein the cam is operable to radially expand the prongs through engagement between the internal and external threads. A removable tool having a second engagement member is operable to be inserted into the protective cylinder that is rotatably coupled to the locking rod, wherein a rotation of the tool is operable to operable to engage the shoulder, prongs, and protective cylinder with the firearm, thus providing first, second, and third friction regions for locking the locking device in the firearm.

Abstract: A firearm comprising a frame, a barrel with a firing axis connected to the frame, a cylinder pivotally attached to the frame and positioned within an opening in the frame and having a plurality of firing chambers sized to receive a cartridge, and a firing mechanism including a trigger attached to the frame to actuate the firing mechanism, wherein the frame is substantially nonmetallic and includes at least one metal insert having a polymer over-molding. A cylinder retaining mechanism selectively retains the cylinder in a first position within a window in the frame and comprises a biasing pin operatively attached to a yoke and which is oriented in a direction substantially transverse to the bore axis when the cylinder is in the first position.

Abstract: A pawl retainer for a revolver operates to prevent the cylinder from advancing after decocking, thus allowing safe holstering while maintaining uncompromised fire power. The retainer may be automatically or manually “set” so that, when the gun is recocked, the cylinder does not advance, and, after firing or a misfire, the cylinder advances normally. A cocked revolver can discharge accidentally. This is because Andrew Fyrberg's 1891 safety transfer bar invention cannot function to prevent an accidental discharge while a revolver is cocked. Nonetheless, shooters in pursuit, for example, are tempted to holster a cocked revolver to avoid skipping a live round that may be needed for the kill.

Abstract: A method for producing a hammer lock includes the steps of forming a hammer lock base having a threaded recess formed therein, a thumb grip and a hammer blocking rail for blocking an actuation of a hammer, forming a threaded shaft having a head for receiving a key for turning the threaded shaft and threading the threaded shaft into the threaded recess. The thread shaft is capable of being moved out of the threaded recess and extending below a surface of the hammer lock base. A method for engaging a hammer lock and a hammer lock to be inserted in a gun are also provided.

Abstract: A safety device for a revolver including an assembly adapted to be affixed to the revolver on opposite sides of the trigger guard, and a cylinder block connected to the assembly having a rigid leg for extending into a chamber to secure the revolver. The cylinder block includes a base having an aperture and a bent portion disposed between the aperture and the base. One or more pins extend from at least one of the side members for extending through the aperture for attaching the cylinder block to the assembly.

Abstract: A handgun has a reliable, integrated, lockable safety/hammer lock which is easy to operate and inexpensive to manufacture. The handgun contains a frame having shaft receiving recesses, a hammer supported in the frame, and a lockable safety/hammer lock disposed in a slidable fashion in the frame. The safety/hammer lock has a locking shaft for engaging in the shaft receiving recesses and a hammer locking rail for preventing the hammer from actuating or cocking.

Abstract: The invention is aimed at preventing apparatus damage, loss of data, accidental firing of a firearm due to dropping or subjection to an impact, and other mishaps caused by accidental dropping or improper handling of the apparatus, firearm, etc. due to carelessness on the side of users. To achieve this, a drop detecting means is provided that detects the dropping of the apparatus when the apparatus is dropped, and control is performed so as to set the apparatus in a safe condition in response to a drop detection signal supplied by the drop detecting means.

Abstract: A gun-lock device includes a tubular assembly that fits within the bore and a chamber plug member that fits within the chamber of a firearm. The tubular assembly is partially received into the chamber plug member, wherein spring-loaded expandable arrangement at the end thereof engages with the recess within the chamber plug member to lock the tubular assembly within the barrel. The lock subassembly includes a tumbler cylinder arranged to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the tubular assembly and a set of lock-pins which are disposed parallel to, and in a circular formation about, the longitudinal axis of the tumbler cylinder. The resulting overall arrangement yields a compactly packaged gun-lock device suitable for use in combination with a holster-worn firearm, and the key, with such small size and ornate shape, suitable for being mounted on a ring to be worn by the user at all times. A spring loaded plunger mechanism enhances the speed and ease of operation by adding a self-eject feature to the device.

Abstract: The hammer of a gun has a channel in its front face, making direct contact between the hammer and the gun's firing pin impossible. The tip of a transfer bar retained within the channel moves to fill the channel and thus permit firing of the gun, only when the trigger is pulled. This construction avoids certain types of accidental discharge.

Abstract: Safety device for guns which can be activated by a special key, which is incorporated to the hammer in gun models in which the hammer just protrudes from its lodging slot in the frame, being constituted by a safety acting by direct obstruction of the movement of the gun hammer, with the purpose to avoid accidents when the gun is handled by other persons than the owner which has a special key.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing unauthorized or accidental use of a gun. The safety device includes a solid body of material, a muzzle end plug and an elongate threaded rod inter-connecting the same. The solid body is sized and shaped to simulate a live cartridge. It has an outwardly directed flange at one end for engaging an end wall surrounding entry into the cartridge chamber of the gun and a threaded bore extending inwardly a selected distance from the opposite end. An O-ring fits into a groove it the solid body and projects outwardly frictionally to engage the inner wall surface-of the gun barrel in the cartridge chamber. The muzzle plug has an outwardly directed flange at one end thereof that engages an outer end of the gun barrel.

Abstract: Improvements in the sensor array are disclosed for an array used in a module for preventing unauthorized use of a firearm or other device. The module to which the invention is applicable of the type including a plurality of pressure sensors for sensing a user's handgrip on the device; comparator means for comparing a pressure signature profile compiled from an output from said pressure sensors with at least one pressure signature profile in storage; and means for preventing operation of the device when the compared profiles do not match. The improved sensor array comprises a first set of spaced electrically conductive lines formed on the gripping surface; a thin layer of (preferably) piezoresistive material overlying the first set of conductive lines; and a second set of spaced electrically conductive lines formed over the piezoresistive layer.

Abstract: Safety device for guns which can be activated by a special key, which is incorporated to the hammer in gun models in which the hammer just protrudes from its lodging slot in the frame, being constituted by a safety acting by direct obstruction of the movement of the gun hammer, with the purpose to avoid accidents when the gun is handled by other persons than the owner which has a special key.

Abstract: The present invention features a firearm safety mechanism with an improved trigger pull, wherein the weight of the safety mechanism is not on the trigger when the hammer is in the “full cock” position. The advancement presented in the present invention serves to separate the trigger from the trigger bar during the period when the trigger is pulled. As a result, the weight of the safety mechanism is not borne by the trigger while the hammer is fully cocked. This is accomplished by providing means for positioning the transfer bar into the extended position free from contact with the trigger. The present invention further features means, dependent upon the trigger, for facilitating the relocation of the transfer bar from its extended position into a retracted position upon release of the trigger subsequent to discharge of the firearm.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a safety device for a firearm such as a revolver, which includes a flexible, elastic element (24) fixed to the hammer and having a free end (26) interacting with the tail of a cylinder blocking lever (13) to move the latter from an active block position to an inactive release position of the cylinder consequent to a rotation of the hammer from a rest position to a cocked position passing through an intermediate, safety half-cocked position.

Abstract: The present invention features a firearm safety mechanism with an improved trigger pull, wherein the weight of the safety mechanism is not on the trigger when the hammer is in the “full cock” position. The advancement presented in the present invention serves to separate the trigger from the trigger bar during the period when the trigger is pulled. As a result, the weight of the safety mechanism is not borne by the trigger while the hammer is fully cocked. This is accomplished by providing means for positioning the transfer bar into the extended position free from contact with the trigger. The present invention further features means, dependent upon the trigger, for facilitating the relocation of the transfer bar from its extended position into a retracted position upon release of the trigger subsequent to discharge of the firearm.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a firearm which includes a rod which is threaded at both ends and extends into the bore of a barrel of a firearm and into the firing chamber. At its proximate end, the rod engages a nut which expands the fingers of a collet that engages the chamber interior wall. At the distal end of the rod a lock is engaged. As the rod is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the fingers are expanded to engage the chamber wall.

Abstract: A revolver is provided that includes a frame, a barrel, a cylinder, a hammer, a trigger, and a safety lock mechanism. The safety lock mechanism includes a lockarm and a lockarm actuator. The hammer includes a normal slot and a lock slot. The lockarm includes a cam surface and hammer post, and is pivotally mounted relative to the frame. The lockarm actuator is disposed in the frame. The lockarm actuator includes a head and a cam, and the cam is aligned with the cam surface of the lockarm so as to be engageable with the cam surface. The lockarm actuator can be positioned in a safety-off condition in which the hammer post of the lockarm is received within the normal slot of the hammer and the hammer is operable. The lockarm actuator can also be positioned in a safety-on condition in which the hammer post is received within the lock slot and the hammer is inoperable.

Abstract: A revolver is provided that includes a frame, a barrel, a cylinder, a hammer, a trigger, and a safety lock mechanism. The safety lock mechanism includes a lockarm and a lockarm actuator. The hammer includes a normal slot and a lock slot. The lockarm includes a cam surface and hammer post, and is pivotally mounted relative to the frame. The lockarm actuator is disposed in the frame. The lockarm actuator includes a head and a cam, and the cam is aligned with the cam surface of the lockarm so as to be engageable with the cam surface. The lockarm actuator can be positioned in a safety-off condition in which the hammer post of the lockarm is received within the normal slot of the hammer and the hammer is operable. The lockarm actuator can also be positioned in a safety-on condition in which the hammer post is received within the lock slot and the hammer is inoperable.

Abstract: My invention is a new and improved hammer mechanism which reduces the strength of the hammer mainspring without also reducing the hammer's strike force. My invention comprises a link mechanism integrally assembled to the hammer of a firearm. The link mechanism moves at a positive velocity relative to the hammer as the hammer itself moves from the “cocked” position to the striking position. Both the hammer and the link mechanism are biased into the striking position by the hammer mainspring with a section of the link mechanism protruding from the front surface of the hammer and impacting the firing element of the firearm or primer. The link mechanism thus impacts the firing element or primer at a velocity and force roughly equal to the aggregate velocities and forces of the hammer and the link mechanism.

Abstract: A firearm including a body, barrel, trigger, trigger guard and firing pin, including a mechanism configured to operate the firing pin, and a safety mechanism including electronic circuitry and push buttons to operate the electronic circuitry and associated timing device including automatic time delay re-locking, the firearm also having a blocker that is controlled by an electromechanical device operated by electronic circuitry to prevent movement of the mechanism.

Abstract: A rotary activated gun locking mechanism is provided for is a revolver type handgun with an integral pick-proof lock. The lock functions by restraining the bullet chamber cylinder. A cylindrical type lock, similar to that used on vending machines, is located on the rear of the gun, right above the trigger. The lock, when engaged, allows for a pin to be extended into the bullet chamber cylinder or special lock receiving cavity where it extends into a matching hole. With the cylinder thus immobilized, it is impossible for the gun to fire as there are no bullets in the line with the firing pin. When an authorized user inserts the key into the lock, the pin can quickly be retraced to allow the gun to operate.

Abstract: Handgun safety devices may prevent the loading of ammunition into a handgun. The safety devices may be inserted into a barrel of a handgun. The safety devices may extend into a firing chamber of the handgun to prevent a bullet from entering the chamber, or to prevent cylinder from rotating in a revolver. An end of the safety device may be configured to resemble the end of the barrel of the handgun. The safety devices may prevent a child, or someone unfamiliar with a handgun, from accidentally loading and discharging a gun. The safety devices may also allow a user of the gun who is familiar with the safety devices the ability to quickly remove the safety device and use the gun.

Abstract: A safety lock is disclosed for use with an automatic weapon such as a pistol. The automatic weapon has a hammer which is connected to a spring guide rod on which a striker spring is supported. This rod enters a removable insert during cocking of the hammer. A detent is arranged in the insert. The detent is preferably releasable and designed to prevent entry of the spring guide rod into the insert. The insert is replaceable with an ordinary insert and can accept a lock or a magazine safety or can be designed as an unreleasable detent.

Abstract: A rotary activated gun locking mechanism is provided for is a revolver type handgun with an integral pick-proof lock. The lock functions by restraining the bullet chamber cylinder. A cylindrical type lock, similar to that used on vending machines, is located on the rear of the gun, right above the trigger. The lock, when engaged, allows for a pin to be extended into the bullet chamber cylinder or special lock receiving cavity where it extends into a matching hole. With the cylinder thus immobilized, it is impossible for the gun to fire as there are no bullets in the line with the firing pin. When an authorized user inserts the key into the lock, the pin can quickly be retraced to allow the gun to operate.

Abstract: This invention is a firearm automatic locking system and method using an emitter that produces an alternating electromagnetic field to induce an eddy current in an encoder presented by an authorized user of the firearm. A sensor in the firearm detects a unique signature of the eddy current, which unique signature is based on any combination of the size, weight, composition and shape of the encoder, which is typically a ring worn by the authorized user. The eddy current signature is then compared electronically to a pre-determined value. If the signature and value are equivalent, a power circuit is closed providing an electrical current to an electrical device, thereby mechanically enabling the firing mechanism of the firearm. As long as the encoder is in adequate proximity to the automatic locking system, the weapon can be fired. To conserve battery power, the automatic locking system is activated only when a magnetic reed switch is activated.

Abstract: An automatic safety device for the firing hammer of revolvers, which includes a safety bolt (22) arranged within the profile of the firing hammer, contained and sliding in a cavity (21) which is provided in the firing hammer proper, connected to the trigger in response to the movements of the firing hammer and of the trigger between an inactive position of noninterference with the movement of the firing hammer from the arming position to the position of percussion, and an active position of stopping the firing hammer to inhibit its percussion action.

Abstract: A device for automatically putting revolvers on safety is provided. The device includes a trigger (16) in a mounting position and a percussion or firing position for the control of the hammer. The hammer is stressed by a release spring (15). A spring-loaded (22) safety piston (20) is arranged between the hammer (14) and the stock (11) of the gun, and is intended for spacing the hammer with the firing pin in the case of a percussion, automatically placing it in a neutral position, after each firing action and with the trigger released.