Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver. A bolt carrier is moveable relative to the receiver between a firing position and a rearward position. A hand guard is coupled to the receiver. A gas tube is disposed at least partially within and fixed relative to the hand guard. A handle assembly is at least partially disposed in the hand guard and is moveable between a forward position and a charging position. The handle assembly has a body and an elongated member extending from the body toward the bolt carrier. The elongated member is disposed about the gas tube and is movable relative to the gas tube between the forward and charging positions. The elongated member engages the bolt carrier to move the bolt carrier from the firing position to the rearward position when the handle assembly moves from the forward position to the charging position.

Abstract: An enhanced charging handle for a firearm which has an elongated shaft having a forward end and a rear end. The forward end is formed into a bolt hook that engages the bolt carrier group within the firearm. Attached to the rear end is a latching assembly comprising an L-shaped latch, a vertical lever, and a compression spring where the latch and vertical lever are pivotably attached to the rear end. The latch and vertical lever operate together such that pivoting the vertical lever disengages the latch from the upper receiver of a firearm allowing the charging handle to be moved freely by the user independent of the upper receiver of the firearm.

Abstract: An ambidextrously operated charging handle for use with the M16 family of firearms is provided. The charging handle provides a latch mechanism consisting of two extended handles which are in operational communication with each other. Either handle may be independently retracted to disengage the latch mechanism of the charging handle from the host firearms receiver. The spring-biased mechanism of the charging handle is sheltered within the interior of the charging handle thereby protecting it from the elements. Further, an improved axial pin has been provided to secure the handles of the latch mechanism to the grasping portion of the charging handle.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a firearm actuation system is provided. The firearm actuation system, comprising a housing, a guide, a countoured actuation handle, and a bolt. The system provides an actuation mechanism for an AR-15 which is engagable by a shooter where the AR-15 is in a shouldered firing position. The contoured actuation handle may be retained in the retaining slot to provide an action-open-position. The housing may also comprise a mounting rail with a plurality of grooves, where each groove may be configured with a unique indicator.

Abstract: A bolt handle assembly for a firearm is disclosed. In one embodiment, the bolt handle assembly includes a bolt having an internal channel and a laterally extending slot, a bolt handle including a mounting tang insertable through the slot and having a locking aperture positioned in the internal channel, a firing pin striker slidably disposed in the internal channel, and a locking member mounted on the firing pin striker. The locking member is insertable through the locking aperture of the bolt handle and is configured for engaging the mounting tang of the bolt to removably secure the bolt handle to the bolt. The locking member is rotatable between locked and unlocked positions to secure and release the bolt handle from the bolt. A method for mounting the bolt handle to the bolt is also disclosed. In one embodiment, the firearm is a bolt-action rifle.

Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver defining a receiver bore and a bolt carrier disposed in the receiver bore. The bolt carrier is moveable relative to the receiver along a longitudinal axis between a firing position and a rearward position. A hand guard is coupled to the receiver and an elongated member is fixed relative to the bolt carrier in the hand guard. A handle assembly is slideably engaged with the elongated member in the hand guard and the handle assembly is moveable toward the receiver to define a charging motion. The bolt carrier presents a first surface and the handle assembly terminates at a terminal surface aligned with the first surface along the longitudinal axis. The terminal surface of the handle assembly abuts the first surface of the bolt carrier when the handle assembly is moved in the charging motion.

Abstract: A Picatinny mounted, left side charging handle system adapted for mounting on AR-15, M-4, or M-16 and similar rifles. The charging handle mounts on the foremost Picatinny mount of the upper receiver and replaces OEM charging handles provided with the rifle. Side mounting overcomes the problem of a shooter's finger being moved from the trigger and/or the shooter's cheek moving from the stock weld so that the shooter's eyes may remain on the intended target. The novel charging handle mounts on the upper receiver and readily accommodates mounting virtually any optical device in addition to the charging handle. The novel charging handle may be mounted to the rifle with no rifle modification required. Rifles may alternately be charged by pulling back a protruding rear portion of the charging handle. The apparatus may readily be transferred between rifles. The rifle equipped with novel charging handle remains fully field strippable without tools.

Abstract: An improved charging handle for a firearm, specifically for automatic and semi-automatic rifles, where the charging handle is provided with operator engagement sides generally parallel to the long axis of the charging handle rod. In certain embodiments, the charging handle includes a latch mechanism comprising a non-pivoting pin for engagement with a detent on a firearm exterior surface and a biasing mechanism biasing the pin toward the elongate member, such that when the charging handle assembly is inserted fully into the firearm the pin engages the detent and is held in engagement by the biasing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention involves techniques for rapid, flexible, partial and supplemental reloading of firearms using specialized actions, intermediate storage devices/feeds and multiple magazines, which may, in some embodiments, be simultaneously engaged with a firearm. The techniques disclosed include a feeding system, which may be a multiple-magazine feeding system, that allows a firearm to remain loaded and firing-ready with multiple loaded cartridges at all times, even during reloading operations. The invention also includes other techniques for flexible, non-wasteful, partially-empty reloading, to eliminate reloading paralysis, and allow the soldier or other user, not the size of a magazine, to determine when firing should continue and when and if it should pause.

Abstract: A latchless charging handle that allows for the charging of a rifle without the need to first release a charge handle latch is provided herein. The latchless charging handle contains a detent ball assembly that engages a latch pocket on the rifle's upper receiver and acts as the charging handle's latch mechanism. When a rifle operator charges the rifle, the operator exerts a pulling force on the latchless charging handle that causes the detent ball to depress thereby freeing the charging handle from the rifle's upper receiver. When the bolt returns to battery, the detent ball assembly re-engages the latch pocket on the rifle's upper receiver and secures the charging handle.

Abstract: A charging handle assembly for an assault rifle includes a bolt engagement arm having an axially elongated shaft extending between a forward end and a rear end, a manual operator adapted to be manipulated by a user for effecting sliding movement of the bolt engagement arm, an operator extension elongated in the axial direction, connecting the manual operator with the rear end of bolt engagement arm and holding the manual operator forwardly thereof and laterally separated from the bolt engagement arm, an engagement latch mounted to the manual operator so as to be movable between an engagement position and an disengagement position, a biasing element extending between the manual operator and the engagement latch and biasing the engagement latch into the engagement position. A latch retainer can be attached to a mounting rail for receiving the engagement latch.

Abstract: A charging handle for a firearm includes a fixture and a lever mounted for pivotal movement to the charging handle. The fixture is pivoted to the charging handle for movement between a first, locked position, and a second, unlocked position. The lever is pivoted to the fixture for movement between first and second positions. In the first position of the lever and the first position of the fixture, the lever is stored proximate to the firearm in a low-profile arrangement. In the second position of the lever and the first position of the fixture, the lever is coupled to the fixture to move the fixture into the second position. In the second position of the lever and the second position of the fixture, the lever is deployed outward from the firearm and is available to be retracted backward so as to cycle the charging handle.

Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver and a bolt carrier disposed in the receiver. The bolt carrier is moveable between a firing position and a rearward position. A rod is fixed relative to the bolt carrier and a hand guard is coupled to the receiver about the rod. A handle assembly is slideably supported by the hand guard and is moveable toward the receiver to define a charging motion and away from the receiver to define a forward assist motion. The handle assembly receives the rod during both of the charging and forward assist motions. An arm is coupled to the base and is moveable between a disengaged position spaced from the rod and an engaged position abutting the rod. When the arm is in the engaged position, the handle assembly is moved to move the rod and the bolt carrier in either of the charging and the forward assist motions.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a firearm actuation system is provided. The firearm actuation system, comprising a housing, a guide, a contoured actuation handle, and a bolt. The system provides an actuation mechanism for an AR-15 which is engagable by a shooter where the AR-15 is in a shouldered firing position. The contoured actuation handle may be retained in the retaining slot to provide an action-open-position. The housing may also comprise a mounting rail with a plurality of grooves, where each groove may be configured with a unique indicator.

Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver. A bolt carrier is moveable relative to the receiver between a firing position and a rearward position. A hand guard is coupled to the receiver. A gas tube is disposed at least partially within and fixed relative to the hand guard. A handle assembly is at least partially disposed in the hand guard and is moveable between a forward position and a charging position. The handle assembly has a body and an elongated member extending from the body toward the bolt carrier. The elongated member is disposed about the gas tube and is movable relative to the gas tube between the forward and charging positions. The elongated member engages the bolt carrier to move the bolt carrier from the firing position to the rearward position when the handle assembly moves from the forward position to the charging position.

Abstract: An ambidextrously operated charging handle for use with the M16 family of firearms is provided. The charging handle provides a latch mechanism consisting of two extended handles which are in operational communication with each other. Either handle may be independently retracted to disengage the latch mechanism of the charging handle from the host firearms receiver. The spring-biased mechanism of the charging handle is sheltered within the interior of the charging handle thereby protecting it from the elements. Further, an improved axial pin has been provided to secure the handles of the latch mechanism to the grasping portion of the charging handle.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a firearm actuation system is provided. The firearm actuation system, comprising a housing, a guide, a contoured actuation handle, and a bolt. The system provides an actuation mechanism for an AR-15 which is engagable by a shooter where the AR-15 is in a shouldered firing position. The contoured actuation handle may be retained in the retaining slot to provide an action-open-position. The housing may also comprise a mounting rail with a plurality of grooves, where each groove may be configured with a unique indicator.

Abstract: An improved charging handle for a firearm, specifically for automatic and semi-automatic rifles, where the charging handle is provided with operator engagement sides generally parallel to the long axis of the charging handle rod. In certain embodiments, the charging handle includes a latch mechanism comprising a non-pivoting pin for engagement with a detent on a firearm exterior surface and a biasing mechanism biasing the pin toward the elongate member, such that when the charging handle assembly is inserted fully into the firearm the pin engages the detent and is held in engagement by the biasing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic charge magazine (1) for storage and handling of propellent powder charges of the modular charges and/or powder bag charges type, also termed increment charges (4), for projectiles, for example shells, which are arranged in a fireable manner, together with the increment charges (4), in an artillery gun, preferably of the vehicle-mounted artillery gun type, wherein the charge magazine (1) comprises a plurality of charge containers (5, 5?, 5?) arranged in a drivable revolving track, which charge containers (5, 5?, 5?) are arranged to assume feed-in and feed-out positions (2, 11) for the feed-in and feed-out of at least one increment charge (4) to and from the charge containers (5, 5?, 5?).

Abstract: A charging handle for a firearm having a barrel, a stock, a receiver, a receiver trigger and a bolt reciprocating within the receiver. The firearm may include a gas tube for directing powder gases to cause operation of the bolt within the receiver. The charging handle comprising a generally elongated spar having a forward end portion in the direction of the firearm barrel and a rearward end portion in the direction of the firearm stock. The charging handle includes a latch engaging the receiver to hold the charging handle in a forward most position and, extending laterally from said rearward portion, an offset arm extending at least a portion of the length of the elongated shaft member in the direction of the firearm barrel.

Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver and a bolt carrier disposed in the receiver. The bolt carrier is moveable between a firing position and a rearward position. A rod is fixed relative to the bolt carrier and a hand guard is coupled to the receiver about the rod. A handle assembly is slideably supported by the hand guard and is moveable toward the receiver to define a charging motion and away from the receiver to define a forward assist motion. The handle assembly receives the rod during both of the charging and forward assist motions. An arm is coupled to the base and is moveable between a disengaged position spaced from the rod and an engaged position abutting the rod. When the arm is in the engaged position, the handle assembly is moved to move the rod and the bolt carrier in either of the charging and the forward assist motions.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a handgun. A body is frictionally fit over the slide of a handgun and placed against a hard surface. The grip of the handgun is depressed, thereby retracting the slide and ejecting any spent cartridge. As pressure on the grip is released, the recoil spring forces the slide forward relative to the frame of the handgun, stripping a cartridge from the magazine and inserting the cartridge into the barrel of the handgun. The body is then removed from the slide and the handgun may be fired. The body is configured to fit into frictional mating engagement with the slide and allow the barrel of the handgun to extend into a cavity in the body as the slide is retracted relative to the frame of the handgun.

Abstract: A non-reciprocating, self-engaging charging handle is disclosed. It comprises a forward latch mounted upon a sliding body with a protruding handle. The latch positively engages the firearm's bolt carrier group when the handle is brought forward into contact therewith. A secondary latching system secures the charging handle to the upper receiver when not in use and disengages automatically when and only when a user desires to operate the handle. The charging handle's secondary latching system is also claimed as a stand-alone system.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator for a power cutting tool is disclosed. The pyrotechnic actuator comprises a housing defining a cavity therein, a piston positioned at least partially within the cavity, and an insert-molded unitary assembly positioned within the cavity. The unitary assembly comprises a piston engagement member and a base. A sealed void is defined intermediate the piston engagement member and the base. The unitary assembly comprises a breakable member extending intermediate the piston engagement member and the base and a pyrotechnic initiator positioned at least partially within the base. The pyrotechnic initiator, upon application of a current pulse thereto, is configured to generate a pressurized gas in the sealed void that exerts a force on the piston engagement member and breaks the breakable member thereby causing the piston engagement member and the piston to move relative to the base and the housing.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a bolt for a repeating firearm having a cylindrical bolt body and a bolt shaft that is detachably fastened on the bolt body. The bolt shaft is screwed to the bolt body by a fastening screw that protrudes into a sleeve-shaped rear section of the bolt body from the inner side of the bolt body through a radial through-opening and engages into a threaded bore of the bolt shaft.

Abstract: A non-reciprocating, self-engaging charging handle is disclosed. It comprises a forward latch mounted upon a sliding body with a protruding handle. The latch positively engages the firearm's bolt carrier group when the handle is brought forward into contact therewith. A secondary latching system secures the charging handle to the upper receiver when not in use and disengages automatically when and only when a user desires to operate the handle. The charging handle's secondary latching system is also claimed as a stand-alone system.

Abstract: At least one cam lock and an opposing structure form a compression channel for receiving and engaging a pistol slide. When the pistol is moved in a certain direction through the compression channel, the one or more cam locks and opposing structure engage the pistol's slide and translate some of the forward motion force into a compressive force on the sides of the slide. At a point where the compressive force overcomes the force of the main spring of the pistol, the pistol frame driven by the user moves forward relative to the slide, thereby racking the slide of the pistol.

Abstract: A telescopic charging handle incorporated into an upper receiver of an AR-15 type firearm includes a first stem portion integrally formed with a handle shaped head. A second stem portion terminates at a distal end in a projecting beak and is further telescopically engaged at a proximal end to the first stem portion. In this fashion, the charging handle is extended upon being rearwardly displaced in order to accommodate a modified length sub caliber action.

Abstract: A remotely operable machine gun charger is provided for selectively controlling the forward-to-rear movement of a machine gun bolt pin. When the bolt pin is released from its safe position the charger permits the bolt pin to be spring-driven back to its armed position substantially instantaneously by the bolt spring without waiting for pin engagement and drive structure portions of the gun to be returned to their forwardmost positions. The charger permits the gun to be fired during such movement of the engagement and drive structure back to their forwardmost positions, and the charger may be mounted on and removed from the machine gun without the use of tools, or the necessity of removing or adjusting any of the internal components of the machine gun.

Abstract: An accessory for a semi-automatic pistol having a slide, the accessory including a pair of protruding engaging members for engagement by a hand or fingers of a user, a mounting element coupled to each engaging member, for releasably mounting the engaging member on the slide of the pistol. Preferably, the accessory further includes a mounting plate slideably engagable in a rear slot of the slide, and the mounting elements are affixable to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A cocking system for a toy gun apparatus wherein a gun housing includes a grip portion with an outward extending tab and a cocking handle connected to the gun housing. The handle is structured to receive the tab of another gun apparatus being held in a user's other hand to allow play where a user is able to hold two gun apparatus, one in each hand, and fire each and then cock each gun apparatus without releasing either gun apparatus.

Abstract: A charging handle for a firearm which has a handle portion connected to a pull rod member. A bore hole collects exhaust gasses passing over the top of the rod member and directs the gasses to vent tunnel (s) which extend perpendicular to the rod member. In the preferred embodiment, a deflecting surface is used to further direct the exhaust gasses to the bore hole. Further embodiments provide seals to protect the user from any exhaust gas which has not been vented.

Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver defining a receiver bore and a bolt carrier disposed in the receiver bore. The bolt carrier is moveable relative to the receiver along a longitudinal axis between a firing position and a rearward position. A hand guard is coupled to the receiver and an elongated member is fixed relative to the bolt carrier in the hand guard. A handle assembly is slideably engaged with the elongated member in the hand guard and the handle assembly is moveable toward the receiver to define a charging motion. The bolt carrier presents a first surface and the handle assembly terminates at a terminal surface aligned with the first surface along the longitudinal axis. The terminal surface of the handle assembly abuts the first surface of the bolt carrier when the handle assembly is moved in the charging motion.

Abstract: An ambidextrous receiver and bolt operating assembly for use in combination with a standard bolt for a Ruger® 10/22® rim-fire firearm action. A receiver housing is configured to function with the original Ruger® 10/22® firearm bolt and has an ejection port which is smaller than the ejection port of the original Ruger® 10/22® receiver and which does not include a bolt handle reciprocation opening. The receiver housing also includes a longitudinally extending upper guide channel and an opening at an aft end of said channel. A bolt closure mechanism is adapted to bias the original Ruger® 10/22® firearm bolt into battery and to be received in a seat of the original firearm bolt. The engagement member does not include a laterally extending bolt operating handle. An ambidextrous charging handle is positioned in the channel and has a forward portion including a hook portion adapted to retract the original firearm bolt during rearward movement of said handle.

Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver and a bolt carrier disposed in the receiver. The bolt carrier is moveable between a firing position and a rearward position. A rod is fixed relative to the bolt carrier and a hand guard is coupled to the receiver about the rod. A handle assembly is slideably supported by the hand guard and is moveable toward the receiver to define a charging motion and away from the receiver to define a forward assist motion. The handle assembly receives the rod during both of the charging and forward assist motions. An arm is coupled to the base and is moveable between a disengaged position spaced from the rod and an engaged position abutting the rod. When the arm is in the engaged position, the handle assembly is moved to move the rod and the bolt carrier in either of the charging and the forward assist motions.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a firearm actuation system is provided. The firearm actuation system, comprising a housing, a guide, a contoured actuation handle, and a bolt. The system provides an actuation mechanism for an AR-15 which is engagable by a shooter where the AR-15 is in a shouldered firing position. The contoured actuation handle may be retained in the retaining slot to provide an action-open-position. The housing may also comprise a mounting rail with a plurality of grooves, where each groove may be configured with a unique indicator.

Abstract: A charging handle for a firearm which can be used by either a right-handed or a left handed operator. The charging handle uses a rod member which engages the action of the firearm and is secured to the action via a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is release when the handle is pulled by either the left hand or the right hand of the operator by pressing a first pressure surface when the left hand is used, and by pressing a second pressure surface when the right hand is used by the operator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slide pull apparatus for aiding in pulling a slide on a semi-automatic pistol. The slide pull apparatus includes a shell configured to partially enclose a rear portion of a slide on a semi-automatic pistol, the shell including: a plate having an aperture of a size configured to surround at least a portion of a rear aim sight on the semi-automatic pistol. The slide pull apparatus additionally includes at least one finger tab projecting from the slide pull, the finger projection having a size configured to accommodate at least one finger of a human hand, wherein pulling on the at least one finger tab in a rearward direction causes the slide to move in a rearward direction, thereby facilitating loading of the semi-automatic pistol.

Abstract: A non-reciprocating, self-engaging charging handle is disclosed. It comprises a spring biased forward latch mounted upon a sliding body with a protruding handle. The spring bias causes the latch to positively engage the firearm's bolt carrier group when the handle is brought forward into contact therewith. A secondary latching system secures the charging handle to the upper receiver when not in use and disengages automatically when and only when a user desires to operate the handle.

Abstract: A reciprocally-cycled, externally-powered weapon may include a rotative driver connected via a crank and connecting rod to the operating group of the weapon. The connecting rod may be connected to a pinion that meshes with a translating rack and a stationary rack. The translating rack may be connected to the operating group, and the stationary rack may be fixed to the receiver of the weapon. The energy needed to fire the weapon may be supplied by an energy generator. The minimum amount of energy supplied by the energy generator may be independent of the speed of translation of the operating group and may be sufficient to reliably result in cartridge ignition, thereby providing an infinitely adjustable firing rate.

Abstract: A remotely operable machine gun charger is provided for selectively controlling the forward-to-rear movement of a machine gun bolt pin. When the bolt pin is released from its safe position the charger permits the bolt pin to be spring-driven back to its armed position substantially instantaneously by the bolt spring without waiting for pin engagement and drive structure portions of the gun to be returned to their forwardmost positions. The charger permits the gun to be fired during such movement of the engagement and drive structure back to their forwardmost positions, and the charger may be mounted on and removed from the machine gun without the use of tools, or the necessity of removing or adjusting any of the internal components of the machine gun.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in the design and operating mechanisms in a KRISS-type firearm, or a firearm employing a mobile mass. In one aspect, the invention is an improved cocking lever assembly comprising a main pin provided with a tenon (9) at one end (E), with a supporting compression spring (5), a cocking button (3), and a retention means (4), attached to a mobile mass (1). This assembly allows direct activation of the mobile mass (1) by the action of the operator's force on the cocking lever. Advantageously, this cocking lever assembly can be mounted indiscriminately on the right or the left of the mobile mass (1) and therefore of the firearm, according to the user's preference. This cocking lever assembly combines certain safety criteria with the option of ambidextrous use often preferred in modern firearms.

Abstract: A kit, system and method for modifying an AK-variant firearm to permit bolt carrier pull back by the right or left hand. The kit, system and method includes a receiver cover including an arch-shaped crown and a pair of opposing retaining fins affixed to the bottom of the crown. One retaining fin has a slot that extends along the length of its upper portion. A guide track is affixed to the retaining fin having the slot. A charging handle assembly is secured to the guide track and is slidably engaged with retaining flanges and adapted to move along the guide track. An auxiliary charging handle is affixed to, and projects from, the slide. An engagement pin affixed to the slide projects inwardly to extend through the slot to engage the bolt carrier and move it when the charging handle is pulled.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cocking device for a bolt mechanism with a cocking slider (13, 14), which can be displaced, on a breech housing (2), between a rear uncocking position and a front cocking position, for the cocking and uncocking of a striker spring and a catch (21), located on the cocking slider (13, 14), which works together with a mating catch (23) to hold the cocking slider (13, 14) in the front cocking position. In order to attain an improved safety with respect to an unintended release of a shot, an uncocking mechanism (25, 29) for the automatic uncocking of the striker spring (48), when the magazine (5) has been removed, is correlated with the cocking slider (13, 14).

Abstract: The present invention is a charging handle for an automatic, bolt actuated rifle. The handle features a ratcheting retraction assist and blowback diversion structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand gun with a tensioning lever (cocking lever), connected with the lock, with a handle for cocking the weapon, for which at least two alternative fastening positions are provided for the handle for actuating the tensioning lever. The relative position of the handle for actuating the tensioning lever is changeable on the weapon, so that one can engage for cocking in various positions on either the right hand or left hand side, so that the tensioning lever can be adjusted to fit and be operated by a right-handed or a left-handed person.

Abstract: The present invention is a battery assist devise to aid in the locking and unlocking of the bolt in a long firearm. The battery assist devise attaches to the both catch button of the firearm and thereafter acts as an extension thereof. The battery assist device comprises an interface head and attachment plate, which secure about the bolt catch button, and a curved lever that protrudes from the head and projects around the underside of the firearm, through the trigger guard area, until it projects slightly on the opposite side of the firearm. The lever then is capable of ambidextrous operation.

Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver and a bolt carrier disposed in the receiver. The bolt carrier is moveable between a firing position and a rearward position. A rod is fixed relative to the bolt carrier and a hand guard is coupled to the receiver about the rod. A handle assembly is slideably supported by the hand guard and is moveable toward the receiver to define a charging motion and away from the receiver to define a forward assist motion. The handle assembly receives the rod during both of the charging and forward assist motions. An arm is coupled to the base and is moveable between a disengaged position spaced from the rod and an engaged position abutting the rod. When the arm is in the engaged position, the handle assembly is moved to move the rod and the bolt carrier in either of the charging and the forward assist motions.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for charging a gas powered firearm, especially with regard to the Kalashnikov variants of rifles known as AK-47s, comprising a modified gas tube having a lateral aperture formed into its left side, a semi-cylindrical sleeve suitably adapted to fit within the modified gas tube over the shaft of the operating rod, and a modified charging handle suitably adapted to connect to the sleeve and to extend from the firearm through the lateral aperture, such that the firearm may be manually charged from the left side by drawing the charging handle rearward; and providing safety improvements and a method of retrofitting firearms.

Abstract: A non-reciprocating, self-engaging charging handle is disclosed. It comprises a spring biased forward latch mounted upon a sliding body with a protruding handle. The spring bias causes the latch to positively engage the firearm's bolt carrier group when the handle is brought forward into contact therewith. A secondary latching system secures the charging handle to the upper receiver when not in use and disengages automatically when and only when a user desires to operate the handle.