Abstract: A stock mount assembly, which mounts a stock to a weapon, can include a base block including a longitudinal axis separating a first side and an opposing second side; a first lateral wedge opposing a second lateral wedge; a locking block slidably engaging the first lateral wedge and the second lateral wedge at a plurality of facets angled relative to one another; and a fastener aligned with the longitudinal axis. Rotation of the fastener can displace the locking block relative to the base block to urge the first lateral wedge and the second lateral wedge away from one another to forcibly engage first and second side surfaces of a cavity within the firearm to secure a stock to the firearm with the assembly. A related method of use is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a barrel sleeve assembly for a rifle. The barrel sleeve assembly includes a rifle barrel and a sleeve. The rifle barrel has a portion that has been turned down from standard sizes. The sleeve is fitted over the turned down portion of the rifle barrel.

Abstract: Devices and methods for chambering and releasing a high pressure cartridge case from a firearm. In some embodiments, a static chamber insert of high elastic modulus is disclosed. In some embodiments, a dynamic or adaptable chamber insert that radially expands in an out-of-battery configuration and radially contracts in a battery configuration is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described herein for producing a rifling in a barrel of a gun. The barrel defines an axis in a longitudinal direction and comprises an inner wall that defines a bore extending in the longitudinal direction. A tool includes a tool head having an outer contour that corresponds to a shape of the rifling to be produced. The tool head consists of an electrically conductive material. The outer contour of the tool head and the inner wall of the barrel define a gap. An electrolyte solution is pumped through the gap while the tool is guided through the bore, and a pulsed electrical voltage is applied to the barrel and the tool. The barrel is the anode and the tool head is the cathode. The tool is moved through the bore and rotated about the longitudinal axis while the pulsed voltage is applied to produce the riflings.

Abstract: A method for forming and a carbon fiber barrel sleeve resiliently bonded to steel liner includes providing a rifle barrel having thickened walls and a mandrel blank. Each of the barrel and blank are turned to form a barrel liner and a mandrel, respectively, such that each has a substantially identical contour. The barrel liner is stress relieved to eliminate stresses within the molecular structure of the barrel liner. A plurality of flutes are cut into an exterior surface of the barrel liner; the depth of each flute being at least equal to the depth of the flute. A plurality of layers of carbon fiber fabric are laid up on the mandrel to form a sheath which is cured and bonded to the barrel liner with a continuous bond of high temperature adhesive at tips of the fins. The bonded sheath and barrel liner forming a rifle barrel.

Abstract: A rifled barrel may have a rifling pattern formed along an internal surface of the barrel by forming a corresponding pattern on the external surface of the barrel. The rifling pattern includes one or more indentations or protrusions formed in a spiral pattern along a length of the barrel. The corresponding pattern includes indentations formed into the external surface. A method of manufacturing includes moving a length of tubing past a die or other tool having one or more protrusions configured to indent the external surface. Alternatively, the rifled pattern may be formed by drawing a tool through tubing before it is cut into individual barrel lengths. The tool or tubing is rotated to create one or more spiral indentations and/or protrusions in a rifling pattern along the internal diameter of the tubing. The tubing is then cut and provided with threading to form a rifled barrel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a noise attenuation device and in particular a device which provides an increased performance in the range of a mortar system. A noise attenuation device suitable for use on a munition barrel, said device comprising an barrel extension portion, wherein the barrel extension portion has a length in the range of from 10 cm to 60 cm, at a first end of said barrel extension portion there is a tapered portion which tapers outwardly from said barrel extension portion, wherein said tapered portion, is frustoconical and has a cone angle in the range of from 22° to 28°, at a second end of the barrel extension portion a connector to secure the device onto a munition barrel.

Abstract: A firearm accessory mount is described herein. The firearm accessory mount is manufactured by securing a raw amount of material, shaping the raw amount of material to generate receiving structures positioned on a mounting base along a common axis, forming apertures through the receiving structures to form accessory rings along a single axis from one direction and at least substantially dividing each of the accessory rings into receivers and caps.

Abstract: A composite projectile barrel is disclosed comprising a continuous fiber composite outer shell whose average effective coefficient of thermal expansion in the longitudinal direction approximately matches that of an inner liner. In one embodiment, the composite barrel comprises PAN precursor carbon fiber and a thermoset epoxy resin, with the carbon fiber wound at varying winding angles to form a plurality of regions within the outer shell. The finished barrel exhibits light weight, superior axial stiffness and strength, durability, and is reliably accurate.

Abstract: A composite projectile barrel having an inner barrel section and a composite outer barrel shell aligned coaxially with the inner barrel section is described. The inner barrel section may be made from a metal or metal alloy. The composite outer barrel shell may include two or more layers of carbon fiber prepreg and a layer of non-woven nanofiber web membrane disposed between adjacent layer of carbon fiber prepreg. The carbon fiber prepreg can include a weave of carbon fibers in a nanoparticle-reinforced resin matrix, with the resin content being less than or equal to 35 wt % of the carbon fiber content. The non-woven nanofiber web membrane can be Xantu.layr™.

Abstract: Described herein is a firearm barrel operable to manage gas pressure behind a projectile traveling through the firearm barrel. The design of the firearm barrel enables a firearm to be discharged at a low-report by managing gas pressure behind a bullet while the bullet is under compression from the barrel. In embodiments, the firearm barrel includes an inner barrel having at least one opening in its surface and an outer tube surrounding the inner barrel, such that a chamber is created between the inner barrel and outer tube, the chamber being operable to temporarily retain gases that are generated as a result of discharging a firearm. The gases may pass from the barrel into the chamber through the at least one opening, and the gases may be temporarily retained within the chamber before escaping back through the at least one opening and out of the barrel behind a discharged projectile.

Abstract: A method of forming a gun barrel is disclosed that includes applying one or more coatings to the gun barrel such as just a top coating, or a bond coating and then a top coating. The method may also include (before applying one or more coatings): threading an outer surface of the gun barrel proximate a first end of the gun barrel; threadedly coupling the first end of the gun barrel to a gun chamber; fixedly coupling the gun barrel to the gun chamber. The method may also include heat treating the coating layer(s), contouring the outer coating layer, applying a ceramic top coating to the contoured outer coating layer of the gun barrel, and/or sealing the gun barrel with a liquid metal sealer.

Abstract: A weapon barrel assembly including Silicon Nitride, Aluminum Oxide and/or Silicon Carbide combined with graphene.

Abstract: A method of forming a gun barrel from a gun liner is disclosed that includes applying one or more coatings to the gun barrel liner such as just a top coating or a bond coating and then a top coating. The method may also include (before applying one or more coatings): threading an outer surface of the gun barrel liner proximate a first end of the gun barrel liner; threadedly coupling the first end of the gun barrel liner to a gun chamber; fixedly coupling the gun barrel liner to the gun chamber. The method may also include heat treating the coating layer(s), contouring the outer coating layer, applying a ceramic top coating to the contoured outer coating layer of the gun barrel liner, and/or sealing the gun barrel with a liquid metal sealer.

Abstract: A method of forming a gun barrel includes machining a gun barrel to a desired wall thickness, spraying the gun barrel with a bonding coating to form a bonding layer, cold gas-dynamic spraying the gun barrel with a titanium powder to form an outer layer, contouring the outer layer, applying a ceramic top coating to the contoured outer layer of the gun barrel, sealing the gun barrel with a liquid metal sealer. Another method of manufacturing a gun barrel includes preparing a mandrel sized substantially equal to a bore of a gun barrel, spraying the mandrel with a first coating, spraying the mandrel with a second amorphous metal coating, cold gas-dynamic spraying the mandrel with a third titanium powder coating, removing the mandrel, and sealing the third coating with a liquid metal sealer.

Abstract: A gun barrel assembly includes an outer casing, an inner liner and a tubular breech insert, all of which extend longitudinally from a muzzle end to a breech end. The casing is composed of a polymeric material or resin matrix material filled with carbon fibers and the liner is composed of a metal material. A muzzle end portion of the insert is disposed within the breech end portion of the casing bore. One or more structures on the breech insert muzzle end portion are interlocked with the casing breech end portion.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing firearms and firearm components from bonded multi-metallic base materials comprising at least two dissimilar metallic materials having different properties, such as weight, density, wear resistance, durability, hardness, and the like, bonded to one another are provided. The bonded multi-metallic materials may be explosively bonded multi-metallic materials. The methods involve providing a bonded multi-metallic substrate material, cutting the rough shape of a component from the bonded multi-metallic substrate material, and machining the rough component shape to a desired three dimensional configuration of the component.

Abstract: A viscoelastic barrel dampener operable to increase the accuracy of a weapon having a shroud, the shroud defining a shroud wall and a chamber within the shroud wall, a barrel, the barrel disposed within the chamber of the shroud and defining a barrel wall having an outer surface, and a viscoelastic dampening material, the viscoelastic dampening material disposed within and substantially filling a volume defined by the outer surface of the barrel and the shroud wall, wherein the barrel further includes one or more contour features adapted to disrupt the axial propagation of acoustic energy along the barrel wall. In at least one embodiment, the one or more contour features may include a plurality of parallel barrel walls, radial grooves, or steps formed in the outer surface.

Abstract: An improved barrel for use in a weapon includes a housing which is cast as one piece of a directionally solidified superalloy which is free of generally spherical, randomly oriented crystals. The housing has first properties in a direction extending parallel to its central axis and properties which are different than the first properties in a direction transverse to the central axis of the housing. The superalloy forming the housing may be directionally solidified with a columnar grain crystallographic structure. Alternatively, the superalloy of the housing may be directionally solidified with a plurality of single crystal sections, one or more of which extend between opposite end portions of the housing. As another alternative, the superalloy may be directionally solidified as a single crystal which extends between opposite end portions of the housing.

Abstract: Firearms and firearm components are constructed from bonded multi-metallic base materials comprising at least two dissimilar metallic materials having different properties, such as weight, density, wear resistance, durability, hardness, and the like, bonded to one another. The components are fabricated such that the metallic material having higher impact- and wear-resistance is positioned at areas that experience impact, or that include bearing points, wear points, and interfaces with other components, while a lighter weight metallic material is positioned at component locations that don't have rigorous material property requirements. The bonded multi-metallic materials may be explosively bonded multi-metallic materials.

Abstract: A firearm including an upper receiver having inner bearing surfaces, a barrel having an end coupled to the upper receiver, a reciprocating bolt carrier carried by the receiver and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a metal layer of lubricous material on the inner bearing surfaces. Surfaces of the upper receiver not covered by the metal layer are anodized.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a rifle barrel having a gas port for a gas operated weapon system comprising: an inner barrel; a gas redirection tube operably associated to the inner barrel so that expelled gas from a cartridge travels out of the gas port and into the gas redirection tube; a sleeve arranged around the inner rifle barrel defining a void between the rifle barrel and the sleeve surrounding the rifle barrel; and, filler material carried in the void defined between the inner barrel and the sleeve wherein the gas redirection tube is disposed within the filler material between the sleeve and the inner barrel.

Abstract: A method of producing a superalloy gun barrel includes providing a tubular workpiece made of a cobalt-based superalloy material, the workpiece having at least about 30% by weight of fcc phase and having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The method further includes placing the workpiece on a mandrel such that the inner diameter is adjacent to the mandrel and compressing the outer diameter of the workpiece at a temperature below a recrystallization temperature of the workpiece using a combination of axial and radial forces so that the mandrel contacts the inner diameter and imparts a compressive hoop stress to the inner diameter of the workpiece.

Abstract: A barrel for a firearm is formed of a tube surrounded by a shroud. The shroud is formed of a thixotropic alloy injection molded over the tube using a thixotropic molding process. The tube defines the firearm's bore and may be rifled.

Abstract: A chamber reinforcement for composite firearm barrel and method for forming the same. In one embodiment, the barrel includes an inner tube defining a bore that provides a bullet path and an outer sleeve preferably made of a material lighter in weight than the tube. In some embodiments, the inner tube is made of a material that preferably has a greater density and strength than the outer sleeve. The reinforcement in one embodiment may be in the form of an end cap disposed on a portion of the sleeve. The reinforcement preferably is made of a material comparable to the inner tube in density and strength to reinforce the area where a chamber is formed for receiving a cartridge. In the preferred fabrication, the reinforcement, tube, and sleeve are forged together to provide a strong and unitary structure for withstanding combustion pressures and forces associated with discharging the firearm.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a rifle barrel having a gas port for a gas operated weapon system comprising: a forward gas redirection tube operably associated to said rifle barrel so that expelled gas from a cartridge travels out of said gas port and into said forward gas redirection tube; a rear gas connector operably associated with said forward gas redirection tube for receiving expelled gas traveling in said forward gas redirection tube; a rear gas redirection tube removably connected to said rear gas connector for receiving expelled gas and transferring said gas to the action of the weapons system to assist with the cycling of the weapons system action; a sleeve arranged around said rifle barrel defining a void between said rifle barrel and said sleeve; and filler material carried in said void defined between said rifle barrel and said sleeve wherein said forward gas redirection tube is disposed within said filler material between said sleeve and said barrel.

Abstract: A rigid composite structure has a bore formed in a metallic material and a super hard interior segment or segments disposed within the bore. Each segment may be lined adjacent to one another and held under compression within the bore. The segments may be made of super hard materials such as natural diamond, synthetic diamond, polycrystalline diamond, single crystalline diamond, cubic boron nitrate or other superhard composite materials which exhibit low thermal expansion rates and are generally chemically inert. The resultant rigid composite structure may possess higher tolerances to high pressures and high temperatures.

Abstract: A firearm having a stock and an enhanced life barrel attached to the stock. The enhanced life barrel has a tapered bore and either parabolic or 5R rifling. The barrel includes a chamber and a throat. Each of the tapered bore, the chamber, and the throat are lapped and polished to a finish of about 15Ra of better. The enhanced life barrel includes a ferritic nitrocarburizing finish of greater than about 0.0003 inches thick.

Abstract: A method for producing a gun barrel, in which the barrel is formed from a pipe blank (1) in which barrel rifles (2) are formed against a mandrel (3) having grooves (2b) shaped as the rifles.

Abstract: Firearms and firearm components are constructed from bonded multi-metallic base materials comprising at least two dissimilar metallic materials having different properties, such as weight, density, wear resistance, durability, hardness, and the like, bonded to one another. The components are fabricated such that the metallic material having higher impact- and wear-resistance is positioned at areas that experience impact, or that include bearing points, wear points, and interfaces with other components, while a lighter weight metallic material is positioned at component locations that don't have rigorous material property requirements. The bonded multi-metallic materials may be explosively bonded multi-metallic materials.

Abstract: This invention encompasses articles, compositions, and methods that provide enhanced corrosion resistance and wear resistance to firearms, firearm components, and firearm accessories. In one aspect, for example, a substrate comprising a firearm component is coated with a first layer of a corrosion-resistant material such as a first metal, followed by a second thin film layer of an abrasion-resistant material such as a second metal, a ceramic material such as a metal nitride, diamond-like carbon material, or other materials.

Abstract: A rigid composite structure has a first bore formed in a metallic material and a second bore formed by a super hard interior segment or segments disposed within the first bore. Each segment may be lined adjacent to one another and held under compression within the first bore. The segments may be made of super hard materials such as natural diamond, synthetic diamond, polycrystalline diamond, single crystalline diamond, cubic boron nitrate or other superhard composite materials which exhibit low thermal expansion rates and are generally chemically inert. The resultant rigid composite structure may possess higher tolerances to high pressures and high temperatures within the second bore.

Abstract: A firearm barrel having barrel flutes on the outer surface of the barrel where the barrel flutes are undercut relative to an outward radial vector from the center of the barrel at an arcuate radial distance that exceeds the arcuate radial distance of an undercut produced by a straight walled flute cutter such that the barrel flutes are hyper-undercut.

Abstract: A rigid composite structure includes a tubular body made from a metallic material and having a first bore formed therein along a longitudinal axis, and one or more segments formed from a super hard material disposed within the first bore. Each segment has a hole formed in the center thereof, and the segments may be positioned end-to-end and adjacent to one another to align the center holes about the longitudinal axis and form a second bore. The segments can be held under compression within the first bore of the tubular body. The segments may be made of super hard materials such as natural diamond, synthetic diamond, polycrystalline diamond, single crystalline 10 diamond, cubic boron nitrate or other superhard composite materials which exhibit low thermal expansion rates and are generally chemically inert. The resultant rigid composite structure may possess higher tolerances to high pressures and high temperatures within the second bore.

Abstract: A substantially noiseless firearm and ammunition therefor, in which the projectile of the ammunition is attached to the front end of a sabot which fills the cross-sectional area of the barrel and is fired with the projectile. The barrel is provided with lands designed to catch the sabot at the front end of the barrel in such manner that the barrel is sealed off in a gas-proof fashion by the sabot.

Abstract: A chamber reinforcement for composite firearm barrel and method for forming the same. In one embodiment, the barrel includes an inner tube defining a bore that provides a bullet path and an outer sleeve preferably made of a material lighter in weight than the tube. In some embodiments, the inner tube is made of a material that preferably has a greater density and strength than the outer sleeve. The reinforcement in one embodiment may be in the form of an end cap disposed on a portion of the sleeve. The reinforcement preferably is made of a material comparable to the inner tube in density and strength to reinforce the area where a chamber is formed for receiving a cartridge. In the preferred fabrication, the reinforcement, tube, and sleeve are forged together to provide a strong and unitary structure for withstanding combustion pressures and forces associated with discharging the firearm.

Abstract: A rifle with an upper receiver and a barrel attached to the upper receiver and including a bolt carrier, and operating, buffer, and cooling systems. The operating system includes a cylinder and a piston coupled to receive propelling gases from the barrel. As the piston moves between retracted and extended positions the bolt carrier is moved between closed and open positions. The bolt carrier includes a weight movable within a guide frame between rearward and forward limits. The buffer system includes a compression spring in a tube attached to the upper receiver in abutting engagement with the bolt carrier. A partially fluid filled cylinder is attached to a coil of the spring and includes a piston and shaft. The piston is formed so that fluid in the cylinder restricts movement in one direction and allows free movement in a second direction.

Abstract: A composite barrel for a firearm and method for forming by forging. The barrel includes at least two materials joined together by forging. In a preferred embodiment, at least one material is preferably lighter in weight than the other material. The barrel may include an inner tube and an outer sleeve. The inner tube defines a bore that provides a bullet path and in one embodiment may be made of steel or alloys thereof. The outer sleeve surrounds the inner tube and in some embodiments may be made of aluminum, titanium, or alloys of either thereof. The tube preferably includes an exterior surface containing recessed areas therein for receiving material displaced from the outer sleeve by the forging process. The preferred barrel forming method generally may include inserting the tube into the sleeve, striking an outer surface of the sleeve, and deforming the sleeve to force material to flow into the recessed exterior surface of the tube to bond the tube and sleeve together.

Abstract: A revolver for firing high velocity ammunition includes a frame, a cylinder, a barrel, and a firing mechanism. The revolver may include one or more of the following, each of which is especially adapted for use in the context of firing high velocity ammunition: spacers for adjusting a barrel-cylinder gap, for eliminating broaching of the rearward surface(s) of the barrel; a forcing cone formed in the rearward opening of the barrel for accommodating deformed projectiles; a reflective surface (e.g., mirrored surface) provided on the cone and/or barrel rearward surfaces, for reducing erosion resulting from using high velocity ammunition; gain-twist rifling in the barrel for a smoother transition to full projectile velocity; a larger diameter, hardened firing pin bushing for minimizing brass flow in the rearward direction; and a front sight assembly that minimizes lateral shift or drift of the sight pin during firing.

Abstract: A chamber reinforcement for composite firearm barrel and method for forming the same. In one embodiment, the barrel includes an inner tube defining a bore that provides a bullet path and an outer sleeve preferably made of a material lighter in weight than the tube. In some embodiments, the inner tube is made of a material that preferably has a greater density and strength than the outer sleeve. The reinforcement in one embodiment may be in the form of an end cap disposed on a portion of the sleeve. The reinforcement preferably is made of a material comparable to the inner tube in density and strength to reinforce the area where a chamber is formed for receiving a cartridge. In the preferred fabrication, the reinforcement, tube, and sleeve are forged together to provide a strong and unitary structure for withstanding combustion pressures and forces associated with discharging the firearm.

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 method for making a gun barrel for soft projectiles includes providing a mandrel for the bore of the barrel. The mandrel is inserted into a barrel base that can be connected in use to the receiver of a soft-projectile gun. The connected barrel base and mandrel are inserted into a tube. A resin, preferably reinforced, is poured into the space between the inside of the tube and the mandrel. The barrel base, mandrel and tube are surrounded by a pressure chamber. A vacuum is applied to the pressure chamber to de-gas the resin. Then a positive pressure is applied to the pressure chamber to force the tube against the mandrel and resin to form the desired barrel. The mandrel may have rifling impressions. The tube may have a mold shape for forming an ornamental design in the outside of the barrel. Barrels made by the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A barrel system for a paintball marker including a breach removably connected to the paintball marker and a composite front detachably connected to the breach. The composite front of the barrel system includes a hollow bore through which a paintball is propelled, a non-metallic inner layer surrounding the bore, and a non-metallic outer layer surrounding the inner layer. The non-metallic inner layer is preferably manufactured from a plurality of unidirectional graphite fibers embedded within an epoxy resin. The non-metallic outer layer is preferably manufactured from a plurality of graphite fibers that are woven together and embedded with an epoxy resin for surrounding and reinforcing the inner layer. The non-metallic inner layer of the composite front is smoothly and continuously tapered to cause the hollow bore to be tapered from a relatively narrow diameter to a relatively wide diameter in the direction of travel of the paintball.

Abstract: A method for setting a protective coating on the inner wall of a tube includes providing a cylindrical sleeve, then setting on the outer surface of the sleeve a layer of a thermo fusible material, then machining the sleeve to provide it with an external diameter corresponding to the tube internal diameter, positioning the sleeve in the tube, and finally soldering the sleeve on the tube by applying heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of decreasing barrel resonance of a firearm upon firing, which greatly increases the accuracy thereof, produces tighter groupings, and reduces flash, report, and recoil. In order to achieve improved firearm accuracy, the firearm barrel is coated with a sound barrel resonance dampening material in the form of a tough, energy absorbing elastomeric coating.

Abstract: A fabrication technique is described for producing lighter weight and improved wear and erosion resistant gun barrels. The barrels are produced in an unconventional manner from the inside bore to the outside diameter of the barrel and combine a refractory metal, metal alloy, or ceramic composite inner liner with a metal matrix composite (MMC) or titanium or other suitable high strength, lightweight metal or metal alloy outer shell. A unique aspect of the invention is that there is a compositional gradation from the liner at the inside bore to the overwrap which extends to the outside diameter of the barrel. A process is also described to produce barrels with a refractory metal liner with improved wear and erosion resistance by depositing the refractory metal on the ID of a pre-fabricated barrel.

Abstract: A body of iron, steel or other such ferrous material is protected from thermochemical erosion by a layer of an iron nitride having a relatively low nitrogen content. The atomic percentage of nitrogen in the iron nitride layer is no greater than 20%, and in specific embodiments is in the range of 10-15%. The nitride layer may have a layer of a refractory material deposited thereatop. Some refractory materials include metals such as chromium. The invention has specific utility for protecting gun barrels, turbines, internal combustion engines, drilling equipment, machine tools, aerospace systems and chemical reactors which are exposed to extreme conditions of temperature and pressure. Specifically disclosed is a gun barrel which incorporates the invention.

Abstract: A barrel system for a paintball marker that utilizes a carbon or fiberglass outer layer surrounding a hollow aluminum inner layer. The barrel can be manufactured with a woven carbon or fiberglass. The barrel may also use a unidirectional carbon or fiberglass. The unidirectional material utilizes a number of fibers longitudinally oriented along the aluminum bore and a number of fibers biased to the longitudinally oriented fibers. The barrel includes a built in silencer at the muzzle end. The barrel also includes a built in barrel connection at the breech end.

Abstract: Gun barrels made from advanced materials have the potential to provide a significant increase in barrel life as well as a reduction in weight (for advanced ceramic materials) for small caliber systems. The potential use of advanced materials as gun barrels is severely limited due to the difficulty in introducing the rifling pattern on the inner diameter. Most projectiles coming out of the guns are spin stabilized (for aerodynamic flight stability). This spin is imparted by a rifling pattern (lands and grooves) in the inner surface of the gun barrel. The processing of gun barrels made from advanced materials with internal rifling pattern poses a tremendous processing challenge to the materials community. The rifling lands and grooves and desired twist rate coupled with the difficulty of machining some of the advanced materials (ceramics, cermets, hardmetals, etc.) makes the economic manufacturing of such gun barrels extremely difficult.

Abstract: A method for lubricating gun barrel bores comprises burnishing dry lubricating ceramic particulate into the metal surface of the bore such that the particles of particulate substantially fill grain boundaries in the metal. The burnishing of the particulate may be done manually or mechanically. Mechanically burnishing the particulate includes firing particulate-coated ammunition projectiles or other ammunition-firing pieces coated with particulate.