Abstract: A semi-automatic or fully automatic firearm (2) having a barrel (4), the rear end of which is in the form of a cartridge chamber (8), in which each round can be inserted from the rear; a breech body (6) that is movable in a longitudinal direction of the barrel between an open position for releasing the cartridge chamber (8) for reloading a round and a locking position that locks the cartridge chamber (8), wherein in the locking position the breech body (6) closes the cartridge chamber (8) at the rear and the cartridge casing acts as a thrust bearing, wherein the firearm (2) has a breech body locking device (20) that is designed to move a breech body lock from a breech body release position for releasing the breech body (6) to a breech body locking position for locking the breech body (6) and from the breech body locking position to the breech body release position, wherein the breech body locking device (20) has an electromagnet (24) for moving the breech body lock from the breech body release position to the

Abstract: An electronic firing rifle assembly includes a salvo rifle operable through electrical means to efficiently discharge a salvo of projectiles. The assembly includes a firearm receiver body that provides housing for internal action components. The firearm receiver body has an inner surface defined by cam slots. The assembly also includes a barrel subassembly having a barrel and a plurality of barrel guide cams extending radially within the cam slots formed in the firearm receiver body. The assembly also includes a reciprocating bolt defined by has an ammunition placement zone for retaining ammunition, such as a tround. A leaf spring ejects the ammunition after discharge of projectiles. The bolt is defined by a cam track that allows the bolt to rotatably and longitudinally reciprocate along a bolt translation path in a helical path. Data pertaining to the location and direction of projectile discharge is transmitted for identifying discharge locations and tracking.

Abstract: Methods to trigger the Hybrid primer cartridge in electro-mechanical and full electric mode using modified locking chamber with electric power contacts that can supply the modified bolt with very high-voltage electric power supply where the contacts are sufficiently insulated to avoid any leakage. Modified bolt with power contacts on the locking lugs such that when in locked position it can receive power from the chamber's power supply contacts and apply the electric power to the electrode pins of the hybrid primer through the contacts on the face of the bolt. An electric switch that is controlled by the movement of the hammer or striker converting the mechanical movement to simultaneously control the electrical triggering of the primer thereby eliminating need for microprocessor or microcontroller units.

Abstract: A firearm with a housing, a barrel fastened to the housing, a bolt for closure of a chamber provided in barrel, and a hammer mechanism to operate a firing pin arranged in the bolt. The hammer mechanism contains a hammer strut arranged between the firing pin and a cocking piece, offset parallel to the firing pin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of recoil mitigation for a gun mounted on a lightweight platform is disclosed.

Abstract: An gas supply system for use with an airsoft gun to power a pneumatic engine contained within a receiver of the airsoft gun. The gas supply system includes a bottle of pressurized gas that supplies pressurized gas at a first pressure to the receiver. A pressure regulator is located between the supply of pressurized gas and the pneumatic drive engine and operates to reduce the pressure of the gas from the first pressure to a second pressure. The pressure regulator is supported on the airsoft gun and allows the pressure of gas supplied to the pneumatic engine of the airsoft gun to be regulated. The pressure regulator includes an adjustment dial that allows an operator to change the pressure of gas supplied to the airsoft gun. The pressure regulator can be located between the bottle of pressurized gas and the receiver.

Abstract: A method of firing projectiles without the use of cartridge cases by electronically controlling the dynamics of internal ballistics created by combustion of Nitrous Oxide and a fuel injected under high pressure at oxygen rich or stoichiometric ratios. The shape of injector nozzles and the combustion chamber as well as a timed sequence of Nitrous Oxide injection, fuel injection and their ignition are used to create correct ballistics. The Timing of the injection and ignition sequence is automatically altered dynamically by an electronic control unit that obtains information from sensors and from an operator to tune the combustion for each firing so that the internal ballistic pressure versus time curve is favorable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring-loaded air rifle which includes a trigger that actuates a firing mechanism that controls an interconnection part, which exerts a force on a counter-pawl that releases a spring that actuates a piston, in which said firing mechanism is an electronic firing mechanism which includes a flexible rod for actuating a switch.

Abstract: A firearm for firing caseless ammunition, the firearm comprising a stock which is capable of receiving one or more magazines of caseless ammunition, a frame connected to the stock, one or more barrels, each barrel having a respective central axis and each of the barrels being connected to the frame, one firing chamber for each barrel in communication with each respective barrel, and one or more blocking plates wherein the one or more blocking plates each perform at least two functions, (1) it prevents more than one round of ammunition from being loaded into each respective firing chamber, and (2) at least one surface of the blocking plate is a surface of the firing chamber and wherein the blocking plate is movable in a plane orthogonal to each of the barrel central axes.

Abstract: A projectile for use in a barrel with stacked projectiles, particularly for a weapon which can be reloaded by a user in the field. The projectile comprises a tail assembly. The tail assembly comprises a casing and a closure in the tail assembly, the casing and closure forming a chamber containing a propellant charge, an exit from the casing for release of propellant gases into the barrel when the propellant is ignited to launch the projectile from the barrel, the closure closing the exit, wherein the closure is opened by ignition of the propellant within the chamber, a primer in a leading end of the casing, an inductor around the casing, and a signal detector at a leading end of the casing and inductor, wherein the signal detector triggers the primer and the signal detector receives a signal output from the inductor to trigger the primer.

Abstract: A gun with a wedge-type breechblock containing a single make-break junction assembly, located between the stationary mass of the cradle and the breechblock. The make-break junction assembly having a first set of contacts located along the bottom of the ramp structure affixed to the cradle and a second set of contacts housed in a shoe affixed to the bottom of the breechblock, at a location corresponding to the first set of contacts. Such that, when the breechblock is in-battery and the gun loaded, this shoe will be aligned with and adjacent to the first set of contacts, so that the make-break circuit will be completed.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical firearm trigger mechanism for controlling the rate of fire for a firearm in automatic firing mode. The controlling being achieved through the use of a solenoid directed by a computer processor. The computer processor being connected to multiple sensors to instruct the solenoid on a rate of fire or to disengage automatic fire if needed.

Abstract: A projectile for use in a barrel with stacked projectiles, particularly for a weapon which can be reloaded by a user in the field. The projectile includes a chamber containing a propellant charge, with an exit from the chamber for release of propulsion gases into the barrel. A seal blocks the exit and is opened by ignition of the propellant within the chamber but is resistant to gases produced by ignition of propellant in other projectiles in the barrel. The exit and seal are provided in a range of different forms. The exit may be an aperture in a wall of the chamber with the seal as a moveable barrier, such as a valve-like structure, for example. The seal may also include a rupturable or deformable barrier across the aperture. Alternatively the seal is a thin barrier around the charge such as a wax coating and the exit involves a disintegrable character of the barrier. The seal may also be an inherent property of the geometry of the chamber.

Abstract: Trigger apparatus for use with firearms are described herein. An example electronic trigger apparatus described herein includes a first actuation drive to move an actuation member between an initial position and an operating position at which the actuating member is to activate a trigger lever of the firearm to discharge the firearm. A clutch is movable between a first position to operatively couple the first actuation drive to the actuation member and a second position to releasably couple the first actuation drive from the actuation member. A second actuation drive is operatively coupled to the actuation member and biases the actuation member to the initial position when the first actuation drive is releasably coupled from the actuating member via the clutch.

Abstract: An electrically actuated weapon system is provided, which may be mounted in a robotic vehicle or device, and controlled remotely by a user. In particular, the electrically actuated weapon system is composed of an electrically actuated weapon, a weapon control means connected thereto, and a controller means remotely located therefrom. The controller means is in wireless communication with the weapon control means, which is operable to control three linear actuators which cycle the weapon. These linear actuator means are controlled electronically, based on communications received from the controller means. Accordingly, if the weapon is stolen, lost, or captured by an enemy combatant during combat, the weapon will cease to be functional. Further, the weapon can be reliably operated from remote locations, as the cycling of the weapon is not dependent upon recoil forces.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for controlling a firing rate of an automatic firing weapon having an actuator operating a trigger mechanism of the weapon, the weapon exhibiting a natural free-running firing rate when triggered. An output driver element provides a drive signal for the actuator, a first single pulse generator element having a single pulse output coupled to an input of the driver element and generating a single pulse of a duration shorter than a time period of the natural free-running firing rate in response to a single pulse generator element input, and a pulse train generator element having a single pulse output coupled to an input of the first single pulse generator element and providing the first single pulse generator element a train of pulses spaced in time a spacing period exceeding the time period of the natural free-running firing rate in response to a pulse train generator element input.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for controlling a firing rate of an automatic firing weapon having an actuator operating a trigger mechanism of the weapon, the weapon exhibiting a natural free-running firing rate when triggered. An output driver element provides a drive signal for the actuator, a first single pulse generator element having a single pulse output coupled to an input of the driver element and generating a single pulse of a duration shorter than a time period of the natural free-running firing rate in response to a single pulse generator element input, and a pulse train generator element having a single pulse output coupled to an input of the first single pulse generator element and providing the first single pulse generator element a train of pulses spaced in time a spacing period exceeding the time period of the natural free-running firing rate in response to a pulse train generator element input.

Abstract: A projectile for use in a barrel with stacked projectiles, particularly for a weapon which can be reloaded by a user in the field. The projectile includes a chamber containing a propellant charge, with an exit from the chamber for release of propulsion gases into the barrel. A seal blocks the exit and is opened by ignition of the propellant within the chamber but is resistant to gases produced by ignition of propellant in other projectiles in the barrel. The exit and seal are provided in a range of different forms. The exit may be an aperture in a wall of the chamber with the seal as a moveable barrier, such as a valve-like structure, for example. The seal may also include a rupturable or deformable barrier across the aperture. Alternatively the seal is a thin barrier around the charge such as a wax coating and the exit involves a disintegrable character of the barrier. The seal may also be an inherent property of the geometry of the chamber.

Abstract: A restraint for immobilizing a projectile with respect to its launch system is disclosed. When electromagnetic force is applied to the restraint, the restraint releases the projectile, thereby enabling its launch.

Abstract: A paintball marker with a barrel that is coupled to a receiver. The marker may include a grip assembly in which an electronic circuit is disposed. The electronic circuit is configured to actuate launching of a projectile responsive to the trigger moving to the firing position.

Abstract: A firearm for firing electrically ignitable cartridges is described. An example firearm includes an electric circuit, a breech block, and a firing pin held in the breech block. The firing pin includes an ignition tip. Furthermore, the example firearm includes a contact lever, wherein movement of the contact lever is coupled to movement of the breech block. In addition, the contact lever is couplable to at least one of the electric circuit or the firing pin, and the contact lever interrupts electrical contact between the electric circuit and the firing pin when the breech block is open.

Abstract: An electrical energy-insulating, preferably ceramic, insert (15) which is fitted in a barrel (2) is adapted in order to prevent electrical energy transmission (16) from an electric igniter (3) to a barrel body on firing of an ammunition unit (11) which can be initiated with the electric igniter (3). The insert is arranged in a position for firing of the ammunition unit. By means of the invention, a simple solution is obtained to the problem of electrical energy transmission by virtue of the fact that other measures do not have to be taken, for example the cases of the ammunition units do not have to be adapted by complicated and cost-increasing measures.

Abstract: A projectile for use in a barrel with stacked projectiles, particularly for a weapon which can be reloaded by a user in the field. The projectile includes a chamber containing a propellant charge, with an exit from the chamber for release of propulsion gases into the barrel. A seal blocks the exit and is opened by ignition of the propellant within the chamber but is resistant to gases produced by ignition of propellant in other projectiles in the barrel. The exit and seal are provided in a range of different forms. The exit may be an aperture in a wall of the chamber with the seal as a moveable barrier, such as a valve-like structure, for example. The seal may also include a rupturable or deformable barrier across the aperture. Alternatively the seal is a thin barrier around the charge such as a wax coating and the exit involves a disintegrable character of the barrier. The seal may also be an inherent property of the geometry of the chamber.

Abstract: A sub-caliber in-bore device placed within a launching structure of a larger caliber weapon system used to simulate the firing and ballistic trajectory of a larger and relatively more expensive weapons round. The said device essentially comprises a smaller caliber weapon subsystem with recoil suppression mounting subsystem, traverse and elevation adjustment subsystem, firing circuit delay timer, and an electrical connection subassembly to allow communications with the launching system. This invention provides an accurate, realistic, and cost-effective training experience to the operator.

Abstract: A stacked ordnance device provides a disposable and non reusable projectile weapon for passive area defense or denial. A stacked ordnance device has multiple projectiles and charges positioned sequentially in a barrel. A sensing module triggers a control module to enter a firing sequence. The firing sequence is the order and timing by which an electronic ignition system ignites firing charges and thereby shoots the projectiles. A mount positions the stacked ordnance device. The controller can also trigger a disabler that renders the stacked ordnance device unfit for subsequent use.

Abstract: A restraint for immobilizing a projectile with respect to its launch system is disclosed. When electromagnetic force is applied to the restraint, the restraint releases the projectile, thereby enabling its launch.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a weapon, said barrel assembly including a barrel; a plurality of projectile assemblies axially disposed in end to end abutting relationship within said barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, each projectile including a projectile head and an integral cylindrical spacer portion extending axially and rearwardly from said projectile head; discrete propellant charges accommodated within said cylindrical spacer portion for propelling respective projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; ignition means for igniting said discrete propellant charges; and control means for selectively and sequentially actuating the ignition means.

Abstract: A cocking system for light cannons and machine guns providing an electrical actuation option to an otherwise manual actuation mechanism. The mechanism of the invention employs a pivot of a pulley that engages a cocking handle engaging tongue slidable along a grooved slider. The pulley, around which a cocking cable is wrapped, is pulled by either an auxiliary manual cocking handle, or by an electrical motor. As the engaging tongue is pulled backwards, in a certain point it inclines forwards allowing the forward movement of the cocking handle. The cocking assembly is adapted to both left hand and right hand cocking handle applications. In some embodiments the engaging tongue returns the coking handles to its forward position.

Abstract: A projectile sealing arrangement for a barrel assembly of a weapon wherein a plurality of projectile assemblies (10) are axially disposed in abutting relationship within a barrel (20), each projectile assembly (10) including a body (11) associated with a discrete propellant charge (15); said sealing arrangement comprising rearward opening (13) communicating with cavity (14) provided in said projectile assembly (10) for retaining the discrete propellant charge (15) and a forward portion (16) of an abutting projectile arranged for operative sealing engagement with a complementary portion (17) of the rearward opening (13). The sealing arrangement suitably includes surface portions of complementary shapes such that, during application of a compressive load (L) to abutting projectile assemblies (10), discrete propellant charge (15) is scaled within the cavity (14). There is also disclosed and claimed a chain of individual projectiles connected head to tail by complementary spigot and socket members.

Abstract: A rapid-fire weapon has a barrel with a projectile insertable into the barrel, which comprises several sub-projectiles disposed one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the barrel and supporting each other. A propellant charge and an ignition means are provided behind each sub-projectile for the sequential ignition of the propellant charges so that the sub-projectiles are successively ejected from the barrel. The sub-projectiles (4) are firmly connected with each other in the area of the propellant charges (6, 6?) in each case by means of a mechanical connection and the connections have in each case at least one rated break point (7, 7?) which is broken in a defined fashion after the ignition of the respective propellant by the pressure of the propellant gases.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a weapon, said barrel assembly including a barrel; a plurality of projectile assemblies axially disposed in end to end abutting relationship within said barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, each projectile including a projectile head and an integral cylindrical spacer portion extending axially and rearwardly from said projectile head; discrete propellant charges accommodated within said cylindrical spacer portion for propelling respective projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; ignition means for igniting said discrete propellant charges; and control means for selectively and sequentially actuating the ignition means.

Abstract: A barrel assembly with a barrel is provided. The barrel comprises a plurality of external chambers containing respective propellant charges, a plurality of projectiles stacked nose to tail within the barrel and comprising respective expansion spaces for propellant gases, and a control system configured to ignite the propellant charges to create the propellant gases and propel the projectiles sequentially from the barrel. Each projectile has a corresponding external chamber and an expansion space and each chamber comprises a port that conveys propellant gas from the chamber into the expansion space for propulsion of the respective projectile.

Abstract: A trigger actuator having a substantially unitary structure with a measuring device mounted thereon to detect the application of force to the trigger. In response, the measuring device generates a trigger signal. A compensating system detects additional or undesirable effects applied to the actuator and generates a compensating signal to modify and compensate for such effects on the actuator.

Abstract: A device for controlling an automatic weapon is provided. Disposed on or in a housing detachably mounted on the weapon is an electric drive motor, controlled by an electric control device, that drives a threaded spindle having a spindle nut on which is disposed a driver. A cocking bolt is guided on the housing and is coupled with a safety catch of the weapon, and is disposed in the path of movement of the driver and is movable out of a starting position, counter to the spring force acting on a safety catch, back to a cocking position in an end position of the spindle nut. In the cocking position, the cocking bolt is arrested by an arresting lever in the end position of the spindle nut, corresponding to the safety condition of the weapon. The cocking bolt is released by the spindle nut during its advancement in the starting position thereof, which corresponds to the released safety catch position of the weapon and leads to advancement of the cocking bolt and safety catch.

Abstract: A method of preventing trigger bounce during the launching of a projectile by a projectile launcher includes the step of first providing a projectile launcher having a trigger capable of actuating between a full non-firing position and a full firing position. An amount of time is determined for the trigger to normally transition from a full non-firing position to a full firing position. A sensor, such as an analog optical sensor, is used to sense position of the trigger. If the time for the trigger to transition from a non-firing position to a firing position exceeds the time for the trigger to normally transition from a full non-firing position to a full firing position, launch of the projectile is delayed period of time requiring the trigger to be release to a full non-firing position.

Abstract: A device providing an electrical connection between the recoiling mass of a weapon and a fixed cradle. The device incorporates at least one connector formed of a plug and socket, one of which is integral with the cradle and the other with the recoiling mass, the elements being disconnected during the recoil of the recoiling mass.

Abstract: A device to provide an electrical connection between a power generator integral with a weapon and a first contact area integral with a piece of ammunition, said device comprising a conductive rod carried by a breech of the weapon and able to translate with respect to said breech in order to come into contact with said first contact area of said ammunition, said rod incorporating a pointed end ensuring the deformation of said area wherein said rod has a rack onto which meshes a pinion integral with said breech, said pinion being driven in rotation by drive means actuated when said breech is closed.

Abstract: A firing mechanism includes a hammer, an electrical solid-state full auto sear positioned to engage the hammer in a first electrical state and to disengage from the hammer in a second electrical state, and a controller connected to the electrical solid-state full auto sear for causing the electrical solid-state full auto sear to change from the first electrical state to the second electrical state. The controller may include circuitry for causing the electrical solid-state full auto sear to change from the first electrical state to the second electrical state at a predetermined rate, a predetermined number of times, or for a predetermined period of time. The hammer may include a retractable hammer bent for engagement with the electrical solid-state full auto sear, and the electrical solid-state full auto sear may include a piezoelectric device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trigger mechanism of an electronic weapon. The trigger mechanism eliminates the need of a shooter having to master the pulling of the trigger of a rifle with the tip of his index finger and also minimizes the importance of proper breathing techniques when firing the rifle. The trigger mechanism of the electronic weapon has two major components. The first is a mouth operated switch that facilitates the firing of the electronic rifle. The second piece is the electronic rifle. The two pieces might be connected using an electrical cord or a radio frequency.

Abstract: A paintball gun is disclosed which includes a data link for transferring data to and/or from a remote terminal. The link may be a contact or contactless one. A removable data carrier may be used.

Abstract: An authorization control system controlling who may use a device, includes a device for storing personal code data, a signal provider for outputting signals representing the personal code data, a signal delivery interface for receiving signals representing the personal code data, and adapted for wear by a user in proximity to a body of the user, a signal receive interface means, connected to the device, for receiving the signal from the signal delivery interface, a signal processing device, connected to the signal receive delivery interface, for determining a user's authorization for using the device by evaluating the signals and outputting a signal indicative of an evaluation result, a control device connected to the signal processing device, and an actuator for the device coupled to the control device, for allowing the user to use the device based on an output of the control device. Thus, the system allows a person to use the device only after the person has completed a successful authorization check.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a weapon, said barrel assembly including a barrel; a plurality of projectile assemblies axially disposed in end to end abutting relationship within said barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, each projectile including a projectile head and an integral cylindrical spacer portion extending axially and rearwardly from said projectile head; discrete propellant charges accommodated within said cylindrical spacer portion for propelling respective projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; ignition means for igniting said discrete propellant charges; and control means for selectively and sequentially actuating the ignition means.

Abstract: A trigger actuator having a substantially unitary structure with a measuring device mounted thereon to detect the application of force to the trigger. In response, the measuring device generates a trigger signal. A compensating system detects additional or undesirable effects applied to the actuator and generates a compensating signal to modify and compensate for such effects on the actuator.

Abstract: A trigger actuator having a substantially unitary structure with a measuring device mounted thereon to detect the application of force to the trigger. In response, the measuring device generates a trigger signal. A compensating system detects additional or undesirable effects applied to the actuator and generates a compensating signal to modify and compensate for such effects on the actuator.

Abstract: This invention provides a handgun assembly such as a rifle (9) which has a barrel assembly (24) including a cluster of barrels each supporting a longitudinal arrangement of aerodynamically shaped, directional projectiles (15) and interposed propellant charges (16) whereby the barrel assembly has longitudinal arrays or layers or projectiles and interposed propellant charges. Ignition means is provided for selectively igniting the propellant charges (16) including for simultaneously igniting the propellant charges in the leading layer of projectiles to provide a shotgun-like blast.

Abstract: An electric charging system for a firearm includes a port in operable communication with a chamber adapted to receive an amount of expanding gas created by an ignited charge, and a cavity in operable communication with the port and adapted to receive an amount of the expanding gas therefrom. The charging system also includes a charging assembly in operable communication with the cavity, wherein the charging assembly creates an electric charge when impinged by the expanding gas located within the cavity, and a conductor in electrical communication with the charging assembly, wherein the conductor receives the electrical charge from the charging assembly. The charging system further includes a power storage unit in electrical communication with the conductor, wherein the storage unit stores the electrical charge received from the conductor.

Abstract: An electric firing controller for a lacquer bullet gun, comprising a power circuit, a lighting circuit indicating power turned on, a closing circuit having a single triggering switch and a capacitor, and an electromagnetic control unit. By operating the single triggering switch, the electromagnetic control unit is connected with the capacitor, discharging the capacitor and causing the electromagnetic control unit to trigger firing of a single lacquer bullet. In an extension of the present invention, automatic firing of lacquer bullets is controlled by repeated charging and discharging of the capacitor, as controlled by a pulse generator and a relay. Thus precise firing of lacquer bullets with little physical effort is controlled in an inexpensive way.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a weapon, said barrel assembly including a barrel; a plurality of projectile assemblies axially disposed in end to end abutting relationship within said barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, each projectile including a projectile head and an integral cylindrical spacer portion extending axially and rearwardly from said projectile head; discrete propellant charges accommodated within said cylindrical spacer portion for propelling respective projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; ignition means for igniting said discrete propellant charges; and control means for selectively and sequentially actuating the ignition means.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive ignition system, in particular for infantry weapons, having a primary coil (2) which cooperates inductively with a secondary coil (3) in the ignition system of cartridge (4) and which transmits the firing energy that is required for the ignition. For the necessary firing energy to be produced and made available internally, that is with additional supply, the invention proposes fitting a weapon breechblock component (5), displaceable from a cocked position to a firing position, in the weapon housing (1) in which is located the primary coil (2), and that, for production of the ignition energy, an inductive power generator (6) is provided whose coil system (7) is fitted in the weapon breechblock component (5) and whose magnet system (8) is fitted in the weapon housing (1).

Abstract: A projectile firing weapon for firing rounds of the type having a projectile and an associated bore seal which is radially expanded by relative axial displacement between the projectile and the bore seal. The weapon includes a barrel assembly having a barrel bore, a barrel chamber for the round to be fired through the barrel bore, and an associated breech chamber for the next round to be fired. A propellant chamber is formed in the barrel assembly between the barrel chamber and the breech chamber, and a feeder feeds propellant into the propellant chamber. Rounds may be fed axially and sequentially through a loading opening to the barrel assembly and into the breech chamber, thereby forcing the existing round therein into the barrel chamber. Holding means cooperable with the round fed into the breech chamber effect a sealing relationship between the breech chamber and the round therein, causing an operative closure of the barrel chamber. An igniter ignites propellant in the propellant chamber.