Abstract: A muzzle device configured to be attached to the muzzle region of a barrel. The muzzle device has a compensator region positioned longitudinally rearward from a flash suppression region. The muzzle device further is provided with adjacent compensator ports in communication by a longitudinally extending access vent.

Abstract: This invention is in relation to a shotgun choke tube made of Aluminum in which sometimes this Aluminum choke tube may be coated with an anodize or hard coat of some sort to increase hardness, strength and lubricity. It is composed of a cylindrical tube having a sealing face, multiple clearance diameters, a body, outside diameter threads and on extended type choke tubes, a head diameter which extends outward lengthwise to extend beyond the muzzle face of the barrel of the shotgun. The inside diameters are comprised of different surface finishes, tapers, straights and geometries. The aluminum choke tube is held in place inside the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel by the threads and sealing face which depending on the shotgun manufacturer is machined to fit that specific shotgun barrel.

Abstract: A choke for use with a shotgun is provided. In accordance with one embodiment the choke has a body that defines a bore with a longitudinal axis therethrough. The body is configured for engagement with a shotgun, and the bore is positioned for traversal of a wad and shot therethrough and out of an end of the bore. The body has a circumference, an inner surface, and outer surface. The body defines at least one port for venting gas from the bore that extends from the inner surface to the outer surface. The shape of the port at the inner surface is asymmetrical.

Abstract: A choke for use with a shotgun is provided. In accordance with one embodiment the choke has a body that defines a bore with a longitudinal axis therethrough. The body is configured for engagement with a shotgun, and the bore is positioned for traversal of a wad and shot therethrough and out of an end of the bore. The body has a circumference, an inner surface, and outer surface. The body defines at least one port for venting gas from the bore that extends from the inner surface to the outer surface. The shape of the port at the inner surface is asymmetrical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silencer for reducing muzzle blast and noise of firearms or similar devices. The present silencer has a hollow cylindrical or other shape casing comprising front and rear end caps and an opening aligned along a longitudinal axis defining a passage for a projectile and propellant gases to emerge from the muzzle opening. A plurality of serially placed baffles of symmetrical or slanted orientation and intervening coaxial spacers are positioned within the casing and define a multitude of chambers among the baffles, spacers, and outer housing. The baffles shear propellant gases away from the projectile path and through openings or ports into additional chambers formed between the spacers and outer housing. The arrangement of baffles and spacers provides flow-impeding paths, dispersion, and controlled expansion of gases and lowers gas temperature to reduce audible noise and observable signature of the muzzle blast.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a shotgun that includes an assembly having an interchangeable choke and compensator, and a lock nut for securing the compensator in a selected alignment with the choke. The current invention allows for shotguns, chokes, and compensators to be used interchangeably while still maintaining the correct positioning of each part relative to the others.

Abstract: Exchangeable choke for a fire arm with a smooth gun barrel, whereby said choke is provided with mechanical coupling means to mount and dismount the choke, characterized in that the choke is equipped with additional sealing means so as to seal the choke, at least in one place, in relation to the gun barrel, as well as to prevent the choke from being unscrewed during the shooting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for easily, quickly and reliably attaching a noise suppressor or other auxiliary device to the muzzle end of a firearm barrel and for easily, quickly and reliably removing the noise suppressor or other auxiliary device there from. My invention also provides for adjusting the host firearms point of impact by changing the orientation of the noise suppressor in relation to the host firearms bore.

Abstract: A multi-purposes mechanism for shooting apparatus includes a gun body, a barrel, a shooting member, and a rear cap. The gun body comprises a hollow tube perpendicularly interconnecting with a first loading hole at a center portion of the hollow tube. A first stage is formed on an inner wall of the tube in front of the first loading hole. A second stage is formed on the inner wall of the tube in back of the first loading hole. The barrel is disposed in the tube before the first loading hole, and has a first engaging ring corresponding to the first stage of the tube. The shooting member is disposed in the tube after the first loading hole, and has a second engaging ring on an outer wall thereof corresponding to the second stage of the tube. The rear cap is connected to a rear end of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silencer for reducing muzzle blast and noise of firearms or similar devices. The present silencer has a hollow cylindrical or other shape casing comprising front and rear end caps and an opening aligned along a longitudinal axis defining a passage for a projectile and propellant gases to emerge from the muzzle opening. A plurality of serially placed baffles of symmetrical or slanted orientation and intervening coaxial spacers are positioned within the casing and define a multitude of chambers among the baffles, spacers, and outer housing. The baffles shear propellant gases away from the projectile path and through openings or ports into additional chambers formed between the spacers and outer housing. The arrangement of baffles and spacers provides flow-impeding paths, dispersion, and controlled expansion of gases and lowers gas temperature to reduce audible noise and observable signature of the muzzle blast.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems, methods and devices for controlling the dispersion of shot or other projectiles fired from a weapon such as a shotgun. Embodiments according to the invention employ an inner cylindrical chamber that is divided at a median transverse plane into forward and rear sections. The rear section of the chamber tapers toward the median transverse plane and includes a number of radial vents that open into an outer chamber that provides one or more gas bypass channels into the forward section of the tubular chamber. The forward section tapers toward a forward muzzle opening. When a multiple projectile load/wad is fired from the weapon, expanding gas is sealed behind the load until it has advanced past the radial vents at which point, gas is allowed to expand into the outer chamber resulting in a momentary pressure drop and reduced propulsion force behind the wad/load.

Abstract: A choke for use with a shotgun is provided. The choke includes a body that defines a bore with a longitudinal axis. The body is configured for engagement with a shotgun so that projectiles from the shotgun can traverse therethrough and out of an end of the bore. The body has a circumference and defines at least one port for venting gas from the bore through the circumference. The port is located within a first radial arc that extends 180° about the longitudinal axis. No ports are present for venting gas from the bore through the circumference that are located within a second radial arc that does not overlap the first radial arc and that extends 180° about the longitudinal axis. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Flash suppressors having novel expansion features are disclosed. In one embodiment, a suppressor apparatus includes an attachment portion adapted to attach to a gun barrel, and a suppressor portion coupled to the attachment portion. The suppressor portion has a suppressor bore therethrough that is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the gun barrel to allow a projectile from the gun barrel to pass therethrough. The suppressor bore is defined by at least one bore surface having at least one expansion groove disposed therein. The expansion groove may be partially-circumferentially disposed about the suppressor bore, or may include a plurality of expansion grooves. In another embodiment, a flash apparatus includes a suppressor portion having a plurality of longitudinally elongated members spaced apart about a circumference of the suppressor bore, each elongated member being separated from adjacent elongated members by a longitudinal slot, at least one longitudinal slot having non-parallel sidewalls.

Abstract: Different colors are prepared for inner shapes that define different design ballistic patterns. Wear resistant coatings of the different colors are applied over outer surfaces of tube bodies having the design ballistic patterns corresponding to the colors of the wear resistant coatings to allow the design ballistic patterns to be identified by the colors of the wear resistant coatings.

Abstract: A tube and ring assembly is provided for use with a shotgun barrel including a cylindrical tube, which may be a conventional choke tube or a carrier platform, with a first externally threaded portion at one end for threadingly engaging an internal thread in the shotgun barrel. A second externally threaded portion is provided on the tube which will remain exposed beyond the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel when the tube is fully threaded into engagement with the shotgun barrel. An internally threaded ring is also provided which is sized to be threadingly carried on an outside of the tube and to engage the second externally threaded portion of the tube such that the ring can be threaded onto the tube until it abuttingly engages the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel.

Abstract: An automatic choke system for automatically adjusting the amount of choke applied to a series of shots discharged from shotgun. The automatic choke system includes a tube assembly with a plurality of longitudinal slits within the distal end thereof, a collar unit attached about the tube assembly, and a swedge assembly slidably positioned between the tube assembly and the collar unit. A latch unit attached to the collar unit selectively allows the swedge assembly to move forwardly one position after each shot fired. The latch unit is operated by gas flow from the interior of the barrel of the shotgun during a shot.

Abstract: A breaching tool assembly is provided for use with a shotgun barrel including a cylindrical carrier tube with a first externally threaded portion at one end for threadingly engaging an internal thread in the shotgun barrel. A second externally threaded portion is provided on the carrier tube which will remain exposed beyond the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel when the carrier tube is fully threaded into engagement with the shotgun barrel. An internally threaded stand-off tube is also provided which is sized to be threadingly carried on an outside of the carrier tube and to engage the second externally threaded portion of the carrier tube such that the stand-off tube can be threaded onto the carrier tube until the stand-off tube abuttingly engages the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel.

Abstract: A tube and ring assembly is provided for use with a shotgun barrel including a cylindrical tube, which may be a conventional choke tube or a carrier platform, with a first externally threaded portion at one end for threadingly engaging an internal thread in the shotgun barrel. A second externally threaded portion is provided on the tube which will remain exposed beyond the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel when the tube is fully threaded into engagement with the shotgun barrel. An internally threaded ring is also provided which is sized to be threadingly carried on an outside of the tube and to engage the second externally threaded portion of the tube such that the ring can be threaded onto the tube until it abuttingly engages the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel.

Abstract: A breeching tool assembly is provided for use with a shotgun barrel including a cylindrical carrier tube with a first externally threaded portion at one end for threadingly engaging an internal thread in the shotgun barrel. A second externally threaded portion is provided on the carrier tube which will remain exposed beyond the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel when the carrier tube is fully threaded into engagement with the shotgun barrel. An internally threaded stand-off tube is also provided which is sized to be threadingly carried on an outside of the carrier tube and to engage the second externally threaded portion of the carrier tube such that the stand-off tube can be threaded onto the carrier tube until the stand-off tube abuttingly engages the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel.

Abstract: A barrel with an adjustable bore diameter for use with a paint ball gun allowing the gun to fire paint ball pellets of different sizes. The barrel need not be removed from the gun in order to adjust the bore diameter, but rather an outer sleeve of the barrel is rotated to facilitate the change in the bore diameter. In one embodiment, the barrel includes an inner-bore sleeve, a barrel body having openings and force elements received in the openings. The barrel body and force elements are located between the inner-bore sleeve and outer sleeve. One embodiment includes recesses on an inner surface of the outer sleeve to rotationally index the force elements in the outer sleeve.

Abstract: An adjustable shotgun choke device for allowing the user to change the choke constrictions without unscrewing one choke and screwing another choke into the barrel of the shotgun. The adjustable shotgun choke device includes a tubular member having open ends and a bore extending therethrough with the tubular member being adapted to be threaded in a barrel of a shotgun; and also includes a sleeve member having a first end, a second end, and a bore extending therethrough with the sleeve member being removably attached to the tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention is a light weight low profile variable shotgun bore choke that is easily manually adjusted by the user. To minimize the choke profile, the choke is connected to the shotgun through a threaded connection within the muzzle bore. External threads on a choke inner sleeve are configured to mate with standard threads found in existing prior shotgun barrel muzzles or with custom threads specifically formed. By using a threaded connection internal to the gun barrel, the overall radial dimensions of the choke are minimized thereby reducing the profile visible to the user. Weight is also reduced by a design which reduces radial dimensions and by use of light weight materials. The choke is adjusted by the user by manually rotating an outer adjustment sleeve with respect to an inner bore sleeve which is fixed to the shotgun barrel. The adjustment sleeve rotates through a range of choke conditions between two physical stops.

Abstract: A video scope assembly (10) for mounting on a firearm (F) for imaging, displaying, and recording a user's view when the user is aiming and/or shooting the firearm at a target in a line of sight is disclosed. The video scope assembly (10) includes a housing (12) mounted on firearm (F), and housing a lens assembly (14), a display (16), and a recorder (18). The lens assembly (14) includes at least one lens operable to capture an image of the area surrounding and including the line of sight. The display (16) communicates with the lens assembly (14) and is operable to display the image captured thereby. The recorder (18) communicates with the lens assembly (14) and is operable to record the image captured thereby.

Abstract: A muzzleloading shotgun has a barrel with a constant inside diameter that flares outwardly a short distance from the muzzle to a constant diameter. The muzzle end of the barrel has exterior threads which receive the interior threads of a choke. The choke has an internal diameter that tapers inwardly as it progresses from the end of the barrel to the end of the choke. The flared portion of the shotgun barrel allows the shot pattern to expand as it approaches the discharge end of the barrel. The shot within the constant diameter portion of the barrel becomes condensed as it moves outwardly through the choke to achieve the desired concentrated shot pattern. Because the choke is tapered from the enlarged diameter created by the flared portion of the barrel, to a narrower portion at the discharge end thereof, the effective internal diameter of the choke at its discharge end is still large enough to permit the shotgun to be reloaded through that end without the removal of the choke from the shotgun barrel.

Abstract: The present invention is a light weight low profile variable shotgun bore choke that is easily manually adjusted by the user. To minimize the choke profile, the choke is connected to the shotgun through a threaded connection within the muzzle bore. External threads on a choke inner sleeve are configured to mate with standard threads found in existing prior shotgun barrel muzzles or with custom threads specifically formed. By using a threaded connection internal to the gun barrel, the overall radial dimensions of the choke are minimized thereby reducing the profile visible to the user. Weight is also reduced by a design which reduces radial dimensions and by use of light weight materials. The choke is adjusted by the user by manually rotating an outer adjustment sleeve with respect to an inner bore sleeve which is fixed to the shotgun barrel. The adjustment sleeve rotates through a range of choke conditions between two physical stops.

Abstract: A muzzleloading shotgun has a barrel with a constant inside diameter that flares outwardly a short distance from the muzzle to a constant diameter. The muzzle end of the barrel has exterior threads which receive the interior threads of a choke. The choke has an internal diameter that tapers inwardly as it progresses from the end of the barrel to the end of the choke. The flared portion of the shotgun barrel allows the shot pattern to expand as it approaches the discharge end of the barrel. The shot within the constant diameter portion of the barrel becomes condensed as it moves outwardly through the choke to achieve the desired concentrated shot pattern. Because the choke is tapered from the enlarged diameter created by the flared portion of the barrel, to a narrower portion at the discharge end thereof, the effective internal diameter of the choke at its discharge end is still large enough to permit the shotgun to be reloaded through that end without the removal of the choke from the shotgun barrel.

Abstract: An adapter for attaching sound suppressors or other auxiliary attachments, such as a grenade launcher, to a weapon having a flash suppressor mounted on the end of a gun barrel. The adapter includes an adapter pilot specific to the caliber of weapon. Interchangeable adapter pilots allow a single adapter system to be utilized on various weapons having different calibers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a small charge blasting system that provides a relief volume for a pressurized working fluid in the bore of a barrel that is inserted into a hole in the material to be broken, an end cap on the barrel to inhibit the entry of water and detritus into the bore, a stepped downhole end of the barrel to pressurize both the sidewall and bottom of the hole, and/or a thin barrel wall that flexes outwardly in response to pressure exerted on the wall by the pressurized working fluid to provide improved sealing of the fluid in the bottom of the hole.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for suppressing muzzle blast and/or muzzle crack in a weapon. An apparatus for reducing muzzle blast upon discharge of one or more projectiles from a gun includes an outer shell and a first end cap adapted to be secured to a muzzle of a weapon and including provisions for detachably coupling to a first end of the outer shell. The apparatus further includes a second end cap adapted to be secured to a distal end of the outer shell and a plurality of baffles disposed between the first end cap and the second end cap. The plurality of baffles each comprise a bore section having an inner diameter no smaller than a bore of the muzzle and a baffle section coupled to the bore section, the baffle section extending from the bore section to the outer shell.

Abstract: A noise and recoil suppressor that is intended to be mounted within the terminal portion of a firearm barrel. The suppressor is a unitary structure having a cylindrical body and a plurality of chambers extending transversely therethrough and spaced-apart in the longitudinal direction of the device. The chambers are configured so as to restrain and slow the passage of the exhausting gases resulting from a bullet that has discharged and passing therethrough so as to suppress both the resulting noise and recoil from the discharging firearm. The suppressor is provided with external threads adjacent its outer end, and a firearm barrel into which the device is to be slidably inserted is suitably drilled-out and provided with internal threads for threadable securement of the device within the end of a firearm barrel. A second and shorter embodiment of the suppressor is disclosed that primarily functions as a recoil suppressor.

Abstract: A spotting rifle barrel is aligned and retained relative to a launch tube and a spotting rifle receiver housing. A first annular lug is coupled to an outer portion of a breech end of the spotting rifle barrel. A second annular lug is coupled to an inner portion of the spotting rifle receiver housing. The spotting rifle barrel extends through the second annular lug so that a forward end of the first annular lug abuts an aft end of the second annular lug. The forward end of the first annular lug and the aft end of the second annular lug meet at a complementary radius of curvature. The first annular lug is retained in an abutting relationship with the second annular lug. A boresight adjustment assembly cooperates with a muzzle end of the spotting rifle barrel to adjust the boresight of the spotting rifle barrel while allowing for axial movement of the barrel.

Abstract: A smooth bore rifle barrel (10) comprising an initial portion or cartridge chamber (11), an intermediate portion or bore (12), a final portion, composed of a muzzle section (15, 16) and a terminal portion (13, 14) with a fixed choke or built in a manner to provide a series of interchangeable chokes. The muzzle section (15, 16) is provided with a conical fitting (15) connected to a portion (16) of the barrel (10) of a cylindrical shape, so as to attain, at a predetermined ratio between the lengths and diameters of the conical fitting (15) and of the cylindrical portion (16), a reduction of the recoiling force with respect to that of known rifle barrels, without changing the exit velocity and spreading angle of the gunshot.

Abstract: An improved shotgun choke tube or fixed shotgun shot choking system is provided in which the 3-dimensional tightness or compactness of the pattern is achieved by the placement of radial projections within the choke tube at a selected distance from the muzzle, dependent upon the length of the shotgun shell being used, in conjunction with varying the dimensions of the projections depending on the nature of the components used in the manufacture of the particular shotgun shell used and the pattern results desired. Widest patterns (which are narrower or tighter than without the use of the choke tube) are achieved when the projections are positioned adjacent to the muzzle and/or with radial projections of minimal area contacting the walls of the wad/cup to retard its exit from the muzzle.

Abstract: A shotgun choke characterized by multiple, radially-arranged, longitudinal blades having blade edges of selected size and shape for contacting and scoring a wad containing the shot in a shotgun shell, causing the wad panels to open upon expulsion from the shotgun barrel and fall short of the shot string. The shotgun choke of this invention can be built integrally with or detachable from the shotgun barrel, typically by means of threads. The displacement blades constrict the wad containing the shot to effect random constriction forces on the encapsulated shot, define linear gas relief passageways and score the wad linearly to facilitate rapid opening of the wad panels upon ejection of the wad and the shot string from the shotgun choke, such that the wad does not interfere with the shot string as the latter continues to the target. Ports are provided in the shotgun choke and connect to the gas relief passageways to reduce recoil.

Abstract: A noise and recoil suppressor that is intended to be mounted within the terminal portion of a firearm barrel. The suppressor is a unitary structure having a cylindrical body and a plurality of chambers extending transversely therethrough and spaced-apart in the longitudinal direction of the device. The chambers are configured so as to restrain and slow the passage of the exhausting gases resulting from a bullet that has discharged and passing therethrough so as to suppress both the resulting noise and recoil from the discharging firearm. The suppressor is provided with external threads adjacent its outer end, and a firearm barrel into which the device is to be slidably inserted is suitably drilled-out and provided with internal threads for threadable securement of the device within the end of a firearm barrel. A second and shorter embodiment of the suppressor is disclosed that primarily functions as a recoil suppressor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shotgun choke tube including a cylindrical body having an interrupted thread section located on its outside surface. A continuous thread section made up of at least one continuous full thread circumscribing the cylindrical body outside surface is provided adjacent the interrupted thread section. The continuous thread section may comprise between about two and about five continuous threads. The choke tube interrupted threads engage corresponding interrupted threads located on the interior surface of a shotgun barrel muzzle internal surface. The choke tube may be secured in a shotgun barrel with only a fraction of the turns required to secure well-known choke tubes having a long section of continuous threads.

Abstract: A choke tube wrench for installation and removal of a choke tube in a shotgun barrel, such tool utilizable for a plurality of different gauge shotguns, such tool having an expandable section that fits within the choke tube and is expanded by squeezing the tool's handles together to tightly engage the inside of the choke tube so that upon rotation of the handles, the choke tube can be rotated for either installation in, or removal from, a shotgun barrel.

Abstract: A tubular insert for a shotgun such as an over/under shotgun provides a chamber end portion with a smooth outer surface. In order to achieve a good fit between the tubular insert at the chamber end portion and the shotgun barrel at its breech, a polymeric disk member is mounted in a correspondingly sized and shaped socket milled into outer surface of the chamber end portion of the tubular insert. The polymeric disk member extends a distance away from the outer surface of the chamber end portion to create a slight interference fit between the shotgun barrel bore at the breech and the tubular insert at its chamber end portion.

Abstract: A barrel for a muzzle loading firearm. The inner cylindrical surface which defines the bore of the barrel has a main portion which is provided with rifling and a muzzle portion which is integral with the main portion which extends from the main portion to the muzzle opening. The muzzle potion of the inner cylindrical surface has a diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the main portion of the inner cylindrical surface. The barrel of the present invention is made by drilling a cylindrical bore along a longitudinal axis of a solid barrel stock and forming rifling along the inner cylindrical surface which defines the bore with the use of a traditional rifling tool. A counterboring tool is then inserted to the muzzle opening to enlarge the muzzle end of the bore to form the muzzle portion of the inner cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A gas pressure deflector system mounted on the exterior of a muzzle brake for a firearm barrel. The gas pressure deflector system comprises two deflectors adjustably positioned along the longitudinal axis of the brake to bracket the muzzle brake vent apertures. The deflectors create a pressure equalizing trap serving to smooth out the pressure pulse differential occurring along the muzzle brake gas venting region when a bullet is fired, thereby enhancing bullet accuracy and reducing recoil.

Abstract: A shot cup retardation device including circumferentially spaced and radially protruding ridges, pins, studs, or set screws; or an applied grit around an inner circumference of a barrel; or a plurality of continuous circumferential ribs arranged axially spaced apart within the barrel, all for retarding the velocity of a shot cup so as to inhibit interference between shot and cup downstream of the shotgun muzzle. Additionally, the invention provides that a shot cup retardation device and a downstream choke or pattern conditioner can be utilized in combination to produce a fine tuned and selective pattern without the random influence of shot cup and shot interference.

Abstract: A cylindrical alongated extender element (20,60,72,80) of various incremental lengths has a bore (22) and a first end portion formed with a sleeve portion (24) and threaded portion (26) adapted to be received in the choke receiving seat (14) formed in the bore of a shotgun barrel. A sight (46) is mounted on a rib (40, 68, 76) which is coextensive in length with the extender elements to provide an improved sight picture. The extender elements are adapted for use with a single barrel gun or a double barrel over-and-under and side-by-side arrangements. With the over-and-under arrangement a rib assembly having a single tubular portion mounting the rib is mounted on an adaptor seat of one of the extender elements and with the side-by-side arrangement a rib assembly has first and second tubular portions mounting the rib and received on adaptor seats of two extender elements. The extender elements can optionally, in turn, be provided with choke receiving seats.

Abstract: A short length shotgun barrel exhibiting high accuracy and reduced felt recoil, and providing for interchangeability of loads containing shot pellets and slugs. The barrel includes an elongated and tapered forcing cone, a backbored region between the muzzle and the forcing cone, and a muzzle region of smaller diameter than the backbored region. The nominal inside diameter of the barrel from the forcing cone to a point adjacent the muzzle is greater than the muzzle diameter, and the backbored region is roughened at the in proximity to the muzzle. The forcing cone is elongated and tapered down from the chamber toward the muzzle end of the barrel.

Abstract: A firearm muzzle brake having an outer sleeve with holes alignable with corresponding openings in a member telescoped in the sleeve to jointly conduit discharge gases in a direction to oppose the recoil in the firearm. The sleeve is rotatably mounted on the inner member so that it is movable to a position blocking the gases from flowing in the recoil opposing direction. A detent releasably locks the sleeve in either position.

Abstract: A choke assembly (10) is attachable to the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel (G) to produce a tightened shot pattern when the shotgun is fired. A shotgun shell includes shot (S) and a wading (W). The wading is spun through the barrel by discharge gases created when the shell is fired, and this spinning motion tends to increase the size of the shot pattern. The choke comprises an elongate hollow tube (12) having an inner end (14) receivable in the muzzle end (M) of the barrel. An inner diameter (D1) of the tube corresponds to that of the barrel at its muzzle end. An outer end (24) of the tube extends beyond the muzzle. The inner diameter of the tube decreases from the inner to the outer end of the tube to effect a choke. The outer end of the tube also has a plurality of longitudinally extending slots (28) formed therein, these being spaced circumferentially about the tube. Discharge gases propelling the wading through the barrel tends to force the wading radially outwardly through the slots.

Abstract: Gases of combustion vented from the bore of a shotgun barrel in spaced relation to the muzzle travel along one or more passageways externally of the barrel and are discharged externally of the barrel and ahead of the muzzle in a generally transverse direction relative to the barrel axis to create turbulence immediately forward of the muzzle and exert lateral forces on a shot charge after the charge leaves the muzzle whereby the short range shot pattern produced by the barrel is substantially enlarged. A finite, moveable mechanical obstruction projecting into the bore retards the advance of a wad to reduce influence of the wad on the shot charge.

Abstract: A short length shotgun barrel exhibiting high accuracy and reduced felt recoil, and providing for interchangeability of loads containing shot pellets and slugs. The barrel includes an elongated and tapered forcing cone, a backbored region between the muzzle and the forcing cone, venting ports positioned in the area of the muzzle, and a muzzle region of smaller diameter than the backbored region. The nominal inside diameter of the barrel from the forcing cone to a point adjacent the muzzle is greater than the muzzle diameter. Radially projecting ports are provided in the transition area of the backbored region near the muzzle end of the barrel, and the area surrounding the venting ports is roughened. The forcing cone is elongated and tapered down from the chamber toward the muzzle end of the barrel.

Abstract: A short length shotgun barrel exhibiting high accuracy and reduced felt recoil, and providing for interchangeability of loads containing shot pellets and slugs. The barrel includes an elongated and tapered forcing cone, a backbored region between the muzzle and the forcing cone, venting ports positioned in the area of the muzzle, and a muzzle region of smaller diameter than the backbored region. The nominal inside diameter of the barrel from the forcing cone to a point adjacent the muzzle is greater than the muzzle diameter. Radially projecting ports are provided in the transition area of the backbored region near the muzzle end of the barrel, and the area surrounding the venting ports is roughened. The forcing cone is elongated and tapered down from the chamber toward the muzzle end of the barrel.

Abstract: A compensated barrel shroud that encloses and supports a firearm barrel provides a first portion of the shroud for receiving the barrel that extends from the firearm frame to an end of the barrel. There is a second larger diameter portion extending from the end of the barrel to a forwardmost outer end of the shroud. A securing nut engages threads at the end of the barrel and secures the barrel shroud to the barrel. An end cap is positioned at the forwardmost end of the shroud. The end cap has an outer hole with an inner diameter substantially equal to an inner of the barrel thereby forming an expansion chamber within the second portion. A plurality of slots are formed along a top surface of the second portion to allow expanding propellant gas from within the second portion to escape out of the slots. These slots are sized and arranged to provide a downward thrust to the barrel shroud to compensate recoil forces generated in firing a round.

Abstract: A choke tube assembly having a rear part and a front part selected from a plurality of front parts is releasably retained within a stepped cylindrical bore in the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel. The front and rear parts cooperate to define a forwardly converging forcing cone contiguous to a cylindrical choke bore which opens through the forward end of the front part. Each of the front parts define a choke bore of a different diameter. The shot pattern characteristics of the gun barrel may be altered by substituting one front part for another having a different choke characteristic.