Abstract: An example grip safety interlock can include a lower receiver with a trigger assembly, a safety selector having a detent channel, a grip having an internal recess, an extended detent pin having a detent point and an interference abutment surface, a grip safety lever having an interference ledge, and a lever bias spring positioned within the grip, extending between the grip and the grip safety lever. The grip safety lever can be positioned to pivot within the internal recess of the grip, and the extended detent pin can extend within the grip such that the detent point contacts the detent channel of the safety selector. The lever bias spring can push the grip safety lever to a first pivot position such that the interference ledge of the grip safety lever abuts the interference abutment surface of the extended detent pin to prevent movement and rotation of the safety selector.

Abstract: A magazine assembly for a firearm and a related method are disclosed. The assembly has a magazine housing defining a track, and a follower assembly. The magazine housing is configured to constrain a cartridge as the cartridge is moved within the magazine assembly such that majority of a proximal surface area of the cartridge does not contact the magazine housing, and a distal tip of the cartridge does not contact the magazine housing.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a fire control mechanism comprises a trigger arranged to pivot about an axis and a disconnector arranged to pivot about the axis with respect to the trigger. The disconnector comprises a first stop and a second stop. A distance between the axis and the second stop is greater than a distance between the axis and the first stop. The disconnector comprises a first orientation and a second orientation, and a disconnector spring is arranged to bias the disconnector to the first orientation. The first stop contacts a first interfering surface in the first orientation and the second stop contacts a second interfering surface in the second orientation.

Abstract: A magwell adapter is provided for use with a firearm. The firearm can include a firearm frame having a barrel section and a grip section. The grip section of the firearm can include a sear spring alignment plate, a magazine well, a sear spring, and a main spring cavity. The magwell adapter can be slidably coupled to the bottom end of the grip section of the firearm or coupled in another manner. The magwell adapter can include an aperture for receiving a tab of and holding the sear spring in place within the grip section. The magwell adapter can also include one or more pin receiving apertures adjacent to a rear end of the adapter. The pin receiving apertures can be configured to receive a mainspring housing pin to couple the mainspring housing to the magwell adapter when the mainspring housing is inserted into the grip section of the firearm.

Abstract: A magazine assembly for a firearm and a related method are disclosed. The assembly has a magazine housing defining a track, and a follower assembly. The magazine housing is configured to constrain a cartridge as the cartridge is moved within the magazine assembly such that majority of a proximal surface area of the cartridge does not contact the magazine housing, and a distal tip of the cartridge does not contact the magazine housing.

Abstract: A modification to a trigger assembly for an AK style firearm having a trigger with sear and a disconnector pivotally coupled to the trigger, includes a secondary disconnector pivotally coupled to the trigger rearward of the disconnector and movable between a limiting position toward the disconnector and a non-limiting position away from the disconnector. A selector bar is movable between a front position, engaging the trigger to prevent rotation thereof, a middle position allowing the secondary disconnector to be biased into the limiting position engaging the disconnector, and a back position engaging the secondary disconnector and retaining the secondary disconnector in the non-limiting position against the bias and spaced from the disconnector.

Abstract: A firearm includes a sear with a sear tip, the sear movable between a stop-fire position, wherein a discharge mechanism is held by the sear tip against movement that would result in firing of a round, and a fire position, wherein the discharge mechanism is released by the sear tip to permit movement of the discharge mechanism to fire a round. The firearm includes a sear return delay mechanism delaying the return of the sear tip to the stop-fire position from the fire position.

Abstract: A rotational safety device for a firearm is provided that replaces a traditional cross bar safety device. The safety device is easier to operate and easier for a firearm user to assess whether the firearm can be fired than previous safety systems. The safety device of the present technology involves setting a safety to “fire” or to a no fire or “safety on” position by causing a safety member installed within a trigger mechanism to rotate about an axis. The safety device may include a recessed portion that may be rotationally positioned to face a trigger to allow the trigger to be completely depressed. The safety device may also include one or more locking positions in a range of rotation, physical limits on the range of rotation such as pins that engage surfaces of a firearm, and may be used with a variety devices to provide rotation.

Abstract: In an automatic rifle which has been converted for non-military purposes to be semi-automatic by the removal of parts that allow its automatic function, additional suppressing elements are provided to ensure that the interruptor remains depressed until the bolt carrier fully passes the striker catch before the striker catch is engaged by the interruptor. This prevents premature connection of the striker catch and the interruptor, which could prevent sufficient striker spring pressure so that the next round can be fired. In one embodiment the trigger mechanism is fitted with an additional suppressing element (10) formed as a side push plate 7 on the bridge (6) of bolt carrier (5).

Abstract: A fire control mechanism provides semi-automatic, burst, fully automatic, and safe modes for a firearm. The fire control mechanism includes first, second and third shafts. A hammer is rotatably mounted on the first shaft and biased for rotation about the first shaft in a first direction. An auto sear is mounted on the second shaft and engageable with the hammer. A semi disconnect is mounted on the second shaft and engageable with the hammer. A primary sear is mounted on the third shaft and engageable with the hammer.

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: A 1911A1 model style handgun that includes a double action trigger assembly. The hammer of the handgun is cocked and released by a drawbar mounted internally to the frame. The handgun also includes a grip mounted safety device to prevent accidental discharging of the handgun and a device to de-cock the handgun without discharging a chambered round.

Abstract: A tubular weapon with a weapon tube (1) guided inside a cradle tube (2) which is mounted stationary in axial direction. In order to provide such a tubular weapon with a cooling system (12) between the weapon tube and the cradle tube (1, 2) and to avoid the occurrence of sealing problems in the transition region between the weapon tube and the cradle tube, the cooling system (12) has at least one cooling line (11), which is positioned spirally around the weapon tube (1), and which is connected rigidly to the cradle tube (2).

Abstract: A weapon comprising a combination lethal weapon and less lethal gas-powered weapon mounted below the lethal weapon. The less lethal weapon which fires projectiles is independently operable when dismounted and included bolt, gas supply and magazine features.

Abstract: A two-barrel gun for firing two types of ammunition includes a single breech locking mechanism for both barrels. The gun includes a selector lever for activating one of two bolts associated with the two barrels, and a single trigger for firing ammunition from a chamber associated with the activated bolt. The gun further includes two magazines for feeding ammunition to the chambers, and a pump-action forearm for ejecting spent ammunition and for loading a new round of ammunition into the chamber associated with the activated bolt. The single breech locking mechanism extends forwardly of the chambers, and the actual breech locking engagement occurs in front of the bolts. Therefore, the receiver section of the gun can be made more compact, and can more easily accommodate other essential components.

Abstract: A fully automatic self-loading weapon is disclosed. The weapon has a functional part that can be moved by the release of a round, and a connectable and disconnectable single-shot device which, when activated, causes release of one shot for every actuation of the weapon trigger. To restrict the number of rounds of a burst to only two rounds, after release of one round with the single-shot device disconnected, the movement of the functional part automatically activates the single-shot device so that only a single additional round is released.

Abstract: An automatic combination rifle with a large caliber automatic rifle system and a normal caliber automatic rifle system that include respective triggering arrangements which are connected with a single, movable trigger lever with the use of an activated change-over mechanism. Each triggering arrangement comprises a movable release mechanism to control the respective trigger function. The change-over mechanism establishes a selective connection with one of the release mechanisms for cooperative movement with the trigger lever.

Abstract: A substantially nonbonded composite/metallic gun barrel is disclosed. The gun barrel has a metallic liner and a composite casing disposed thereabout. Unlike composite/metallic gun barrels of the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention provide little if any bonding between the composite casing and the metallic liner so as to decrease the warping of the gun barrel caused by the differing thermal expansion coefficients of the composite material and the metallic liner. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a short binding layer is used to hold the composite casing to the metallic liner adjacent the chamber which holds a cartridge to be fired. The short layer prevents rotation of the casing and the liner with respect to one another, while preventing little risk of warping. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a holding pin is inserted in the gun barrel to prevent the metallic liner and the composite casing from rotating relative one another.

Abstract: A trigger arrangement for an automatic weapon with switch-over between continuous firing and single-shot modes includes a hammer, a breechblock, a latch, a pivotably mounted trigger, and a firing lever. In the single-shot mode, the firing lever engages the hammer and retains it in tension while the trigger is depressed. When the continuous firing mode is selected, the firing lever is moved to an inactive position and retained by an engaging element. The engaging element is preferably a slider which is controlled by a safety and firing cessation roller that is actuated by an operating lever.

Abstract: A barrel assembly (10) includes barrel (12), projectile assemblies (14) axially disposed within the barrel, propellant charges (16), ignition means (18), and control means (20). Projectile assemblies (14) are sequentially fired from the barrel. Also disclosed is an arming system, a barrel construction, means for preventing compression of the propellant charges and means for ensuring sealing between the projectile assembly and the barrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal firearm system characterized by the fact that it comprises at least two launch barrels (300, 500) and damper means (400) associated with at least a main barrel (300) and adapted to limit the recoil force generated thereby on firing.

Abstract: A composite gun barrel 10 with active cooling having a breech end and a dharge end. The barrel includes an outer jacket 11 having radially inwardly projecting ports 15 proximate the breech end 25 extending inwardly from the outer diameter of the jacket, and an inner liner 13 inside the jacket and extending beyond the discharge end of the jacket prestressed by autofrettage to form a permanent integral assembly. The inner liner has a circumferentially located annular space 17, the ports being in operable communication with the annular space. A plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinal channels 19 on the liner extend from the annular space to a location 21 beyond the discharge end of the jacket. The liner includes a shoulder 23 located between the breech end of the barrel and the inwardly projecting ports for locating the jacket on the liner.

Abstract: A gun barrel shrouding system is capable of significantly reducing the infrared signature of a gun barrel, without directly cooling the gun barrel. A shroud is placed around the gun barrel, but the shroud does not contact the gun barrel. Air is circulated through the shroud to cool the shroud itself, but the very hot gun barrel is only partially cooled by the air as the air exits from the shroud. Since the shroud does not contact the gun barrel, the shroud may be manufactured of a lightweight and simple design, and the recoil action of the gun barrel upon firing do not need to be compensated for by the shroud.

Abstract: A gun mount system is described which is capable of firing long range protiles under rapid firing conditions with gun tube and recoil system replaceability under field conditions.

Abstract: A substantially nonbonded composite/metallic gun barrel is disclosed. The gun barrel has a metallic liner and a composite casing disposed thereabout. Unlike composite/metallic gun barrels of the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention provide little if any bonding between the composite casing and the metallic liner so as to decrease the warping of the gun barrel caused by the differing thermal expansion coefficients of the composite material and the metallic liner. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a short binding layer is used to hold the composite casing to the metallic liner adjacent the chamber which holds a cartridge to be fired. The short layer prevents rotation of the casing and the liner with respect to one another, while preventing little risk of warping. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a holding pin is inserted in the gun barrel to prevent the metallic liner and the composite casing from rotating relative one another.

Abstract: A firing abort and hang fire safety system for a small or medium caliber multi-barrel automatic weapon includes a device to immobilize the revolving assembly (100) of the weapon in rotation. This device includes a shock-absorbing device mounted coaxially to the revolving unit of the weapon, a control device integral in rotation with the revolving unit and able to translate, further to the misfire of a round of ammunition or to the activation of an external control, to compress the shock-absorbing means device and absorb the rotational kinetic energy of the revolving unit of the weapon. The backspring of the shock-absorbing means device thereafter causing the revolving unit of the weapon to rotate in the opposite direction before stopping.

Abstract: Described is a system (10) for protecting a target such as an armoured vehicle, a bunker or the like from missiles. The protective system (10) has a launching container (12) with at least one launching tube (36) for an associated fragmentation projectile (38), mounted adjustably on a base portion (14). A sensor arrangement (26, 28) is provided for detecting the target to be combatted and aligning the launching container (12) with the target to be combatted. A control device (32) for a drive arrangement (24) is connected together with the sensor arrangement (26, 28) by way of a signal processing device (30). The drive arrangement (24) serves for aligning the launching container (12) with respect to the base portion (14). The/each fragmentation projectile has a special fragmentation filling (40) and a fuse device (44) for controlling the time of detonation.

Abstract: An anti-buckle fitting for a large caliber gun barrel, the fitting being constituted by an envelope that surrounds the barrel at a distance therefrom and of a length that is substantially equal to the outside portion of the barrel, the fitting comprising a front ring fixed near the free end of the barrel and a back ring fixed near the fume extractor of the barrel, and wherein the envelope is in the form of two half-shells assembled together by link means.

Abstract: An improved trigger mechanism for weapons having full automatic fire capability. Exertion of a first predetermined trigger pressure enables the disconnector to engage the hammer in a semi-automatic fire mode. Exertion of a second, greater trigger pressure disables the disconnector, enabling a full automatic mode of fire.

Abstract: A plurality of magazines each receive an array of pyrotechnic devices. The magazines are latched to a fire control and support assembly which automatically engages the fire control circuit to each device of each magazine. The circuit ignites all devices of all the magazines in a given serial sequence. The system, under control of an operator, when turned off, may be restarted at the beginning of a selected sequence, at the point where the last device was ignited and continue the sequence or at selected different portions of devices. Different size devices can be ignited by one circuit using different magazines all coupled to one unit. Safety features also include delay ignition after startup and sounding an alarm before any device is ignited. A CPU is enabled by a fire command signal and disabled by internal programmed instructions. The CPU is periodically enabled in a device ignition cycle by external timing signals initiated by the CPU when enabled.

Abstract: A safety for the defensive weapon set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,352,046 is disclosed. The safety incorporates an elongated lever which moves between safe and firing positions. The lever is mounted on a pivot pin. A pair of dished areas serve as locking detents. A spring loaded hemispheric member rides against the lever and locks the levers so that the lever is prevented from movement accidentally and can only be moved by hand operation of the lever between safe and firing positions.

Abstract: A firearm. The rear end of the barrel is directly adjacent to the frontmost point traveled by a slide. The slide travels back and forth inside the weapon's housing. The outside of the barrel is fastened directly or by way of an intermediary to a housing. The area inside the housing (12) and immediately behind the rear end (22) of the barrel (16) communicates with the atmosphere through at least one gas-escape port (26 or 26' & 20).

Abstract: A plurality of magazines each receive an array of pyrotechnic devices. The magazines are latched to a fire control and support assembly which automatically engages the fire control circuit to each device of each magazine. The circuit ignites all devices of all the magazines in a given serial sequence. The system, under control of an operator, when turned off, may be restarted at the beginning of a selected sequence, at the point where the last device was ignited and continue the sequence or at selected different portions of devices. Different size devices can be ignited by one circuit using different magazines all coupled to one unit. Safety features also include delay ignition after startup and sounding an alarm before any device is ignited. A CPU is enabled by a fire command signal and disabled by internal programmed instructions. The CPU is periodically enabled in a device ignition cycle by external timing signals initiated by the CPU when enabled.

Abstract: A bolt assembly is provided for a double-barrel firearm, such as a rifle or a shotgun. The bolt assembly is adapted to fit in the receiver of the double-barrel firearm. The bolt assembly comprises a bolt body which connects to first and second breech bolts, and which also couples to a bolt collar. The bolt collar has a bolt handle for operating the bolt assembly. The bolt body and breech bolts have recesses for accepting first and second firing pin assemblies. The firing pin assemblies include first and second cocking pieces, which are both cocked by means included in the bolt collar. Once cocked, the cocking pieces can be released independently of each other for firing using trigger means. Pulling the bolt assembly rearwards ejects the fired cartridges through an ejection port on the receiver. The receiver also includes a cartridge injector port which couples to a magazine capable of storing additional cartridges.

Abstract: A rigid thermal sleeve 5 mountable over at least part of a gun barrel 3 in such a way that it is symmetrical about a longitudinal plane A--A to provide a reduced thermal image and radar cross section. The sleeve 5 comprises thermally insulating material 13 between an inner skin 15 and an outer skin 17. The outer skin 17 is arranged to have two mutually convergent planar faces 7,9, each one of which makes up at least 15% of the outer surface of the sleeve 5 and which have a mutual line of convergence extending externally and longitudinally of the sleeve 5.

Abstract: A release unit for launching countermeasures from a vehicle. A first module in the form of a central body mounted on the vehicle. The first module includes at least three openings: a first opening facing the vehicle when the first module is mounted on the vehicle, and second and third openings directed obliquely with respect to the first opening in substantially opposite directions from each other. The directions the second and third openings face are separated by 60.degree.-120.degree.. A second module and a third module in the form of release cassettes are received respectively by the second and third openings and removably fixed by with a locking member. A plurality of countermeasures are launched from the release units. Each release cassette includes a plurality of countermeasure openings for receiving the countermeasures. The countermeasure openings in each cassette are aimed substantially in the same direction.

Abstract: A select fire automatic pistol comprising: a frame; a slide with a breech-block in the rear which slides on the frame over the barrel to form a cartridge receiving chamber; a floating barrel in the slide having a cartridge receiving rear; a trigger safety lever for preventing the movement of the trigger to the activating position; a magazine drop safety to stop the trigger moving to the activated position when the magazine is not fully seated; a trigger bar connected to the trigger including an ledge for displacement of the firing pin backwards to the rear position; a firing pin including a foot on its rear for engagement with the trigger bar ledge and having a spring threadled on the rear of the firing pin for propelling same forward into the cartridge chamber to fire a cartridge and a spring threadled on the front of the firing pin urging same backwards to stop it entering the cartridge chamber if the pistol is dropped; an ejector plate to eject the empty shells, create a safety zone and stabilize the ledge

Abstract: A weapons system (10) with at least one barrel (12) is provided, wherein the barrel is arranged on a weapon carrier (14) which is mounted by trunnions (16) between cradle supports (18), and its elevation is adjustable. A separate ammunition container (26, 28), which is connected to the corresponding barrel (12) by an ammunition feed canal (22, 24), is associated with the barrel (12). The ammunition feed canal (22, 24) has a rigid first canal partial section (36, 44) and a rigid second canal partial section (38, 46), which are connected to one another via arc-shaped connection end sections (40, 42; 48, 50). The connection end sections (40, 42; 48, 50) are provided at the corresponding trunnion (16) such that the connection between the barrel (12) and the associated ammunition container (26, 28), and consequently excellent ammunition feed, are guaranteed in any desired elevation position.

Abstract: A projector assembly of a defensive projecting device for containing a plurality of projectiles for defending a given object, the assembly including a plurality of projectors combined into a unitary magazine block which can be slid into a magazine carrier having a bottom plate and a magazine shoe, and locked in place. The magazine carrier is mounted on the object to be defended.

Abstract: A munitions launcher comprising a plurality of ejector assemblies each suitable for receiving a munition, and a base made of thermoplastic material molded over a portion of the periphery of the various ejector assemblies and over the rear thereof.

Abstract: A continuous bore evacuation system for aspirating the noxious gas products associated with the firing of tank rounds and for cooling all or part of the gun barrel between rounds. The bore evacuator employs an annular container which is fixed to the exterior surface of the gun barrel, preferably just ahead of the powder chamber. A plurality of canted ports lead from the container into the bore so that gas products can fill the container after a projectile passes the ports, and a compressed gas can be pumped in through check-valves to continuously clear the bore of gas products after launch. The ports may be arranged in a cochlear manner so that the flow of gas is substantially helical. In another embodiment, an aerosol solvent is injected into the compressed gas to prevent accumulation of propellant residue within the container, check-valves, and bore evacuator holes.

Abstract: A light armor piercing weapon, which is hand carried by a single man, is provided for firing or launching armor piercing rocket propelled projectiles. A propellent pack is worn or carried by the soldier along with a launching rifle. Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine is provided as a propellent and inhibited red fuming nitric acid, Type IIIa, is provided as an oxidant in a combustion chamber in the rifle. The explosive combination of the propellent and oxidant propels the projectile out of a smooth bore barrel and simultaneously ignites the solid propellent in the projectile. The projectile is provided with a disposable sabot which seals the projectile within the smooth bore. The projectile is provided from a spiral drum magazine which is gear driven by a mechanical coupling with a reciprocating breech block within the rifle. The reciprocating breech block in turn is gear driven by a gas driven piston communicated with the barrel.

Abstract: A mount for rifles is provided, located under the barrel to allow the rifles to carry accessories such as lights, lasers, grenade and flare launchers thereon which mount fits existing rifle configurations without modification to the basic rifle components.

Abstract: A thermally and mechanically stable muzzle reference system collimator asbly. The assembly comprises a muzzle reference system collimator and an adaptor plate to adapt the muzzle reference system collimator to the muzzle of a gun. The muzzle reference system collimator and adaptor plate are made up of materials having a low coefficient of thermal expansion. The adaptor plate is bonded to the gun barrel through materials which are capable of absorbing, rather than transmitting, the shock of firing to the muzzle reference system collimator and its fragile internal optical components.

Abstract: A rifle bore cooler is disclosed which is designed to be removably attachable to the end of a rifle barrel. The device includes a ventilating fan which may be battery powered and which may be selectively activated to either blow ambient air into the rifle bore or, alternatively, to pull hot air therefrom.

Abstract: The heat protective covering comprises at least two concentric and cylindrical plate layers (6, 7) fixedly mounted round for instance a gun barrel (1). Rows of holes (12, 13, 14, 15) are shaped along and in, respectively, the upper and lower lines of generatrix of each plate layer (6, 7). The heat protective covering ensures that the bore or the central axis of for instance the gun is completely parallel to the line of sight irrespective of wind and weather from one side, such as a strong sunlight, wind or a heavy shower from one side.

Abstract: A rail gun (10) comprising two spaced apart elongate co-extensive rail electrodes (11,12) having confronting surfaces which are of toothed cross-section configuration. Alternate tooth flanks (21) have the outlets of a plurality of nozzles (24) located therein. The nozzles (24) direct helium into the gap (14) between the rail electrodes (11,12). The helium provides electrode (11,12) cooling as well as providing less resistance to armature (15) acceleration than would be the case with air.

Abstract: An arrangement for cooling the gun barrel of a combat tank wherein the gun barrel is provided with helical cooling channels on its outer surface, and an insulation layer on at least the inner circumferential surfaces of the cooling channels. This reduces the IR signature of the gun barrel during combat and avoids deformation of the barrel under the influence of radiation from the sun.

Abstract: The trigger mechanism of a hand-held automatic firearm comprises a catch lever, which is pivoted on a transverse axis and is provided at its forward end with a pivoted catch pawl, which in a catching position engages a catching lug of a slider to arrest the slider as it moves forwardly from a rear position, to which the slider, which constitutes a part of a firing mechanism of the firearm, has moved against spring force when a round has been discharged. In order to provide such a firearm which has a trigger mechanism which is reliable in operation and can be made at low cost, the catch lever is adapted to be locked in its catching position against the force of a catch lever spring, the catch pawl is pivoted to the catch lever by means which permit a longitudinal movement of the catch pawl and the catch pawl is pivotally supported at its other end on an abutment, which is fixed to the receiver of the firearm.

Abstract: In order to cool the barrel inner wall of a weapon barrel of a firing weapon at a predetermined location, typically at the rear end region of the weapon barrel, one or more cooling fluid channels are arranged at the barrel wall of the weapon barrel. The cooling fluid channels open at the barrel inner wall. By means of an apparatus which can be actuated by the gas pressure of the propellant gases, there is injected into the interior of the weapon barrel a dosed quantity of cooling fluid after the firing of each cartridge or ammunition round. This apparatus preferably comprises a piston arrangement having a first piston of larger diameter and which is subjected to the gas pressure of the propellant gases and a second piston of smaller diameter at which impinges the cooling fluid.