Abstract: A rifle comprises a receiver, a trigger assembly operably coupled to the receiver, and a bottom metal coupled to the receiver. The bottom metal comprises a magazine well comprising a magazine well sidewall, and a front surface of a rear portion of the magazine well sidewall is aligned at or near a front surface of the trigger assembly. The rear portion of the magazine well sidewall can be disposed below the trigger assembly, and the front surface of the rear portion of the magazine well sidewall can be aligned with or behind the front surface of the trigger assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and construction of a novel ambidextrous charging handle designed to vent discharge gases in the operation of a gas impingement or piston driven firearm.

Abstract: An improved firearm having an Pivotally Articulated Bolt Train assembly consisting of a series of linked carriages, containing firing mechanisms, placed inside a compact ergonomic jaw articulated receiver, holding all the sub assemblies in the convenient location, synchronizing the movements of all the components, and controlling its alternating motion by displacing along divergent and converging paths and tracks, where the Bolt Train, moving through tracks, displaces to align, entirely horizontally, with the barrel axis, rapidly shifting into a curved and transverse path. Such motion forces the cocking, the partial displacement into a Handle Tunnel, and modifies the bearing of the recoil force, conveying a unique dynamic behavior. When displacing rearwards it generates a dual transient angular momentum vector helping to compensate the “barrel Torque” phenomenon caused by the bullet rifling when fired.

Abstract: The pistol comprises a frame (1) containing a barrel (4) slidably mounted. The pistol further comprises a firing mechanism comprising a hammer (11) mounted so that it can pivot at the rear of the pistol, and a trigger (10) secured to an actuating arm (15) that acts on means (19) of arming the hammer (11) and retaining it in the armed position. The means for arming and retaining the hammer (11) comprise a link (19) directly connected to the hammer (11) by an articulation (20) and which is actuated via a lever (40) pivot-mounted in the frame (1). The lever has a top end actuated by the barrel as the latter moves into its forward position in order to cause the lever (40) to pivot, and a bottom end acting like a cam on the link (19) by pushing it backwards in order to rearm the hammer (11).

Abstract: Devices and methods of converting semi-automatic firearms to a double-fire mode where a firearm fires a shot upon a single pull of a trigger, and fires a second shot upon a release of the trigger. A clip attachment can be constructed from a single component shaped to fit and mount onto the trigger and extend to protrude between and separate the foot of the safety-sear from the top of the trigger plate affecting the distance between the hammer engaging notch of the safety-sear and the hammer engaging notch of the trigger-sear which allows the firearm to discharge upon release of the trigger. Another version has a spacer pre-built onto a bottom portion of the pivotal safety sear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic bolt hold-open rotating assembly to convert a manual bolt hold-open function to an automatic bolt hold-open function in automatic and semi-automatic pistols and rifles, such as the Ruger 10/22 semi-automatic .22 caliber rifle. The components of the assembly readily replace standard factory components in the trigger assembly and replace the standard magazine. The assembly comprises a magazine with channel cutout, a bolt stop, a bolt stop handle for manual manipulation of the assembly, a bolt stop spring to apply clockwise pressure on assembly, a cartridge detecting lever which also serves as a cartridge ejector pivotably mounted on bolt stop with an extension which interfaces with channel cutout of magazine, a tab protruding from the ejector lever which rides in a slot on the bolt stop to limit pivoting of the cartridge detecting lever, and a lever spring allowing counter-clockwise pivoting of cartridge detecting lever to facilitate insertion of recharged magazine.

Abstract: A porous barrel, projectile passageway, or tube as a type of supersonic nozzle for projectile propulsion therein and method for optimizing projectile velocity therethrough. The porous barrel features a barrel wall containing holes, passageways, or otherwise porous material through the barrel wall that allows gas, fluid, or other matter to exit or move in a direction away from the barrel interior. The flow of gas, fluid, or other matter away from the barrel interior allows gas within the barrel to expand in a direction transverse to the projectile path. The amount of transverse expansion of the gas in the barrel interior can be controlled by the porosity of the barrel wall to cause any desired amount of gas expansion. Transverse expansion allows axial gas velocities within the barrel to exceed the local speed of sound as if the gas had passed through a converging diverging nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to weapon systems that accelerate projectiles using gases generated by the rapid combustion of a solid propellant, in particular, such a weapon system is able to vary the barrel exiting velocity of the projectile through a barrel venting means. In one embodiment, a front venting means exhausts gas generated by combusting propellant from behind the accelerating projectile and redirects a portion of the exhausted gas either to at least one fixed volume, to the front of the projectile, or to a combination of at least one fixed volume and to the front of the projectile. Redirecting some of the exhausted gas to the front of the projectile restrains the projectile, thereby slowing the projectile, and thus further decreasing the muzzle velocity of the projectile. In another embodiment, gas from behind the projectile is exhausted into a fixed volume, thereby decreasing projectile acceleration, and thus, the muzzle velocity of the projectile.

Abstract: A tubular shaped collar (22) of predetermined mass having internal threads (23) and an internal tapered area (21) which is threaded onto a tubular shaped insert (26) of flexible composition that has threads (44) that match the threads (23) of the collar and is tapered in a manner to match the taper (21) of the collar. The insert has a plural of longitudinal slits (25) in the tapered area. The insert is threaded into the collar and the collar and insert are slid over the muzzle end of a firearm barrel where they are locked in place by tightening the collar onto the insert whereby the predetermined angle of the taper (21) of the collar compresses the insert tightly against a firearm barrel. The insert and collar are adjustably positioned on the firearm barrel and held in place while being tightened by a tubular shaped tool (32) which has means of mating with the insert and has a means of calibration to determine the relative position of the collar and insert on a firearm barrel.

Abstract: A muzzle-loading rifle having vents cut into the barrel near its muzzle. The rifling is timed with respect to the placement of the vents such that all vents are located within the rifling grooves. Depending on the number and size of the vents, the rifling grooves may be relatively wide and the rifling twist relatively slow to ensure that all vents remain in the rifling grooves.

Abstract: A shoulder fired semi-automatic rifle in the bullpup configuration including a housing, a barrel projecting forward from the housing, a bolt mechanism within the housing including but not limited to a firing pin having a system to prevent movement via inertia, a bolt mechanism that utilizes a slidable bolt locking plate and a magazine that works with the bolt mechanism. The trigger and pistol grip are mounted forward of the magazine and ahead of the bolt, the trigger is connected to the hammer sear via a transfer bar linkage.

Abstract: A modified barrel for an automatic weapon having a muzzle attachment including a gas expansion chamber to permit use of a short barrel while delivering the normal pressure to the gas drive mechanism. The attachment delivers the gas pressure via a conduit from the chamber to an exit port coupled to the gas drive mechanism of the weapon.

Abstract: A muzzle brake comprises a hollow inner sheath including forward, central and rear regions, the rear region adapted for attachment to a firearm and the central region including forwardly inclined apertures therein. The muzzle brake further comprises a hollow outer sheath including forward, central and rear regions, the forward and rear regions, respectively, of the outer sheath being adapted for attachment to the forward and rear regions of the inner sheath. The central region of the outer sheath includes forwardly inclined apertures therein and is spaced from the central region of the inner sheath so as to define a chamber therebetween. The apertures in the outer sheath preferably are staggered and misaligned with respect to the apertures of the inner sheath such that the apertures and chamber redirect the direction of sound waves and discharge gases exiting from the firearm so that the sound waves and discharge gases are redirected so as to move toward a target and away from a shooter.

Abstract: A muzzle brake which may be integrally formed on the end of a gun barrel or it may be an adapter which is threadably attached to substantially the end of any gun barrel of choice. The muzzle is integrally formed and includes a first interior bore which is attachable to a gun barrel and a second interior bore which is of a size and shape to slidably receive a bullet therethrough, with the muzzle brake having multiple vent ports which are so designed as to direct exiting propellant gasses in a manner that will urge the brake and gun in a forward direction, so as to reduce recoil and also simutaneously urges the brake and the gun downward, so as to reduce vertical lift.

Abstract: The blast deflector may be used with a barrel and with a firearm. The blast deflector threads onto the end of a barrel of the type that has an outer tube and an inner tube defining a chamber thereinbetween. The blast deflector provides for a sealing connection between the outer tube and the inner tube. The blast deflector has a plurality of channels radially spaced around a central passage. Each of the channels is sized to define an axially aligned member that extends inwardly but is spaced away from the central passage to define a receiving chamber. The receiving chamber has length of about 2 to about 4 times the diameter of the projectile. The propellant gases enter the receiving chamber and are directed out through the transverse channels rearwardly which are formed at an angle of about 60.degree. relative to the axis of the central passage.

Abstract: An apparatus or apparatus system for vibration control, by harmonic optimization technology, of vibrations in the cantilever or barrel, portion of a device from which projectile is fired or launched along the centerline of the cantilever. More particularly this invention relates to rifles, where the rifle barrel is a cantilever portion, and methods and apparatus for increasing the accuracy of firing projectiles. The invention is principally directed to a method and apparatus including a mass device affixed to a flexible cylinder extension at the muzzle end, inertial mass devices, having combustion pressure reduction features, affixed intermediate the muzzle end and the cartridge chamber, and a spring suspension system between barrel and rifle stock affixed proximal to the cartridge chamber. This system decreases the angular dispersion of barrel vibrations at the muzzle resulting from the firing of projectiles through such barrels.

Abstract: The gun barrel stabilizer system of the present invention increases or optimizes the accuracy of guns including small arms and artillery. The invention consists of a device called a gun barrel stabilizer rigidly attached at the gun muzzle, and extending toward the gun breech, without further contact with the gun barrel or other gun components. The device responds to the same forces which cause recoil motion and, by virtue of its cantilever nature, resists angular deflection of the gun muzzle during firing. The stabilizer system, in an optimized state, serves to maintain the final segment of the gun barrel at the muzzle moving though a locus of parallel positions up to the time of projectile release. In the absence of angular deflection at the muzzle, gun accuracy is increased to a maximum allowed by the remaining limitations of cartridge performance and barrel bore quality.

Abstract: A ballistic weapon is disclosed having a barrel with a forward end to which a barrel extender is secured. The barrel extender includes a cylindrical outer body portion, a forward ring-like portion and a rearward wall portion, which together define a forward chamber in communication with the bore of the barrel of the weapon. A plurality of apertures extend through the rearward wall portion and are angularly spaced equidistances apart around a central longitudinal axis of the bore of the barrel. The apertures define central axes which are substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the bore of the barrel. The apertures connect the forward chamber to an interior annular space extending between the exterior of the barrel and a perforated shroud extending exteriorly around the barrel.

Abstract: A portable firearm employs a frame and an upper mechanism having a bolt and a sliding hammer. A barrel assembly is supported on the frame and has an axis, a muzzle and a breech. The sear transversely straddles the barrel assembly and can project above its axis for restraining the hammer. A trigger mechanism employs a reciprocatable member coupled to the sear for selectively operating the sear automatically or semi-automatically. An intervening member is mounted to reciprocate transversely to the axis of the barrel assembly. This intervening member can retract upon the hammer moving against the intervening member. The intervening member is bifurcated to straddle and reciprocate transversely to the axis of the barrel assembly.

Abstract: A convertible ballistic optimizing system includes a main body portion adjustably secured to the muzzle end of a firearm. A retainer, such as a lock nut, is utilized to secure the main body portion in a particular axially position to change vibrational characteristics of the firearm barrel so that the bullet exits the muzzle end of the firearm when the barrel is undergoing the least amount of transverse movement. The main body portion includes a plurality of apertures that function as a muzzle brake when a weight element is attached to the outlet end of the main body portion. Alternatively, in place of the weight, a sleeved end piece can be secured to the outlet end of the main body portion to cover the apertures, thereby disabling the muzzle brake feature, without adversely affecting the inherent accuracy of the firearm.

Abstract: A muzzle brake for a large or medium caliber barrel. The muzzle brake has a body whose inner dimensions are substantially greater than those of the barrel and which is fitted with at least one stage of two openings prolonged by vanes upon which the propellant gases are applied to create a force in the opposite direction to that generated by these gases. The muzzle brake comprises a tubular component prolonging the free end of the barrel, that is engaged in the body and pierced with several vents directing the propellant gases towards the vanes. The diameter of the tubular component is roughly between the caliber of the barrel and the diameter at the bottom of the rifling grooves of the barrel.

Abstract: A damper device comprising a first and second assembly suitable for guided relative displacement. The first assembly is supported stationarily with respect to a reference. The second assembly is supported for guided relative displacement with respect to the first assembly and the reference. A driving connection connects the second assembly and a system to be damped. A shoe rests against the first assembly and a resilient control that works in buckling is interposed between the shoe and the second assembly. The resilient control exerts a force on the shoe tending to urge the shoe against the first assembly during an active stage of damper device loading, corresponding to relative displacement in a first direction between the first and second assemblies and to reduce the force exerted by the shoe during a passive stage of damper device loading corresponding to relative displacement in a second direction between the first and second assemblies.

Abstract: A muzzle brake for reducing gun recoil comprises a hollow cylindrical tube (7) having an open forward end and having at least two apertures in the cylinder wall (4) each which is provided with closure means (6) mounted on the tube so as to be movable between a closed position and a fully open position. Each closure means (6) has at least one associated biasing member (22) to bias it into the closed position, which is preferably preloaded to introduce an inertia into the movement of the closure means (6) which is of such a degree that the rapid blast pressure wave passes with little effect, but the longer exhaust wave effects opening. The brake further comprises at least one rearwardly directed gas deflecting surface (13, 30) to deflect the exhaust wave gases rearwards and produce a braking effect.

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

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for precision aim control of a gun barrel muzzle of a turreted gun system for improved projectile accuracy of fired projectiles. Improved projectile accuracy is defined as minimizing the distance between a projectile's point of impact and the point of aim thereof. The invention includes an actuator assembly mounted to a flexible gun barrel that act in combination with elevation and azimuth actuators located in the gun's turret. The device also includes a muzzle sensory feedback subsystem for continuous sensing of the gun muzzle's i) displacement, ii) azimuth and iii) elevation angles as the gun is fired. The barrel mounted actuator assembly along with the muzzle sensory feedback subsystem significantly improves the muzzle's aim performance.

Abstract: A muzzle brake for a rifle or firearm serves to dissipate the forces generated by the weapon during firing which, if not dissipated, could affect the intended trajectory of the projectile. The present muzzle brake is a cylindrical member having a plurality of slots formed therein. The slots permit the egress of the gases formed during firing. The slots are formed in an arrangement such that the gases are equally dispelled in all directions. The cylindrical member may be formed such that the diameter thereof lessens.

Abstract: A firearm muzzle flash suppressor comprising a cylindrical body for attachment to the firearm barrel, having a plurality of open-ended helical flutes angled and offset in the direction of rotation of the exiting projectile.

Abstract: A barrel porting system for firearms, preferably shotguns, comprises a pair of rows of spaced apart ventilating orifices. The inclined, oblong porting orifices have radiused ends. They extend through the barrel to vent exhaust gases exteriorly. The porting orifices are defined in the barrel with an EDM machine adjacent the muzzle for ventilating hot gases to effectuate muzzle control. Preferably the orifices are angularly oriented such that each orifice axis forms an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. Preferably the latter angle is between 40 and 50 degrees. The preferred system orients the orifices in a pair of rows that are radially spaced apart between 50 and 70 degrees. Angular placement of the orifices vents gases both upwardly and rearwardly, so that resultant vector forces generated by escaping gases are translated into downwardly and forwardly directed components. Resultant downward force minimizes muzzle jump.

Abstract: A compensator attachment for a pistol which is formed of an elongated housing within which is included a box-like internal chamber that is open to the bottom surface of the housing. The barrel and slide of the pistol is to be locatable within the internal chamber with the barrel connecting with a compensating chamber mounted in the front end of the housing. A gas discharge port arrangement connects with the compensating chamber with this port arrangement to eject gas expelled from the barrel to reduce the recoil of the pistol. The back end of the housing includes a threaded fastener which is to be used to tightly secure the housing to the aft end of the slide. The housing is to be quickly removable from the slide.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved integrally recoil-compensated slide action pistol having a frame, a barrel having a bore on a barrel axis, the bore having a caliber diameter, a feed slide connected to the frame for movement parallel to the barrel axis between open and closed positions, the barrel being substantially enclosed between the slide and the frame in the closed position thereof. The improvement provides lateral front enlargement of the barrel and having a front sight mount; and a pair of compensator ports in fluid communication with the bore that exit at upper shoulder surfaces of the enlargement, the slide being formed for lateral exposure of the enlargement in the closed position.

Abstract: A tubular adapter (12) is clamped onto the muzzle (16) of a firearm (18). The adapter (12) is axially split where it surrounds the muzzle (16). A clamp ring (38) surrounds fingers (44) which are between the splits (28) and squeezes the fingers (44) diametrically inwardly into tight clamping engagement with the muzzle (16). The clamp ring (38) is made from a material that shrinks when it is heated. The adapter (12) includes external threads (20) and axial grooves (64) formed in the threads (20) which are spaced circumferentially about the adapter (12). A tubular weight member (14) is attached to the adapter (12) by internal threads (26) which mate with the external threads (20) on the adapter. One or more detent balls (46, 48) carried by the weight (14) enter into the grooves (64) and serve to lock the weight (14) into set positions on the adapter (12). The detent bails (46, 48) and grooves (64) provide for an axial position adjustment of the tubular weight (14) in discreet increments.

Abstract: A damping device for a gun barrel (1) having a muzzle brake (2) comprises a recoil brake (3) and a vibration damper (9) to prevent natural vibrations in the gun barrel when firing a shot, from propagation to the recoil brake. The connection of the vibration damper to the recoil brake (3) and the gun barrel breech (5) is such that the force transfer coupling between the breech and the recoil brake is reduced with respect to said natural vibrations. The vibration damper (9), which may take the form of a column of Belleville springs (10) is dimensioned so that the damping device as a whole has a rigidity substantially less than the recoil brake alone and forms a vibratory system with a natural frequency substantially lower than the frequency of said natural vibrations of the gun barrel when firing a shot.

Abstract: The invention consists of four components: a diverter assembly, a blocking plate assembly, a blast deflector and an exhaust duct. The diverter attaches to the gun barrel clamp and rotates and recoils with the gun; as gases leave the gun barrels and enter the diverter they are redirected by it from axial flow to radial and tangential flow, thereby imparting a forward force and a torque to the barrel cluster. The blocking plate assembly does not rotate within the diverter and acts to limit the egress gas and the gas that flows into the non-firing gun barrels. The blast deflector has a collector that surrounds the diverter and collects the diverted gases. The duct receives the collected gases and conducts them to the desired exhaust ports.

Abstract: A concave surface at the front end of a gun facing the gun muzzle is tilted upwardly to redirect propelling gas rays to a venting port or ports adjacent the gun muzzle for virtual recoil neutralization. In the case of a single port at the top of the expansion chamber, not only axial recoil but also vertical recoil are virtually neutralized. In a dual-port arrangement, two ports (one on each side of a vertical plane through the axis of the expansion chamber) are provided with two concave surfaces tilted upwardly and outwardly to separately redirect rays of propellant gas through each of the two ports which are positioned with the extent of the area of each port above a horizontal plane through the axis of the expansion chamber determined empirically to provide neutralization of both vertical and horizontal recoil as well as axial recoil. Each concave surface for the dual-port arrangement is thus tilted up and to one side of the expansion chamber axis.

Abstract: A weapon for firing practice ammunition includes a barrel having a frontal length portion terminating in a muzzle; an ammunition loading chamber at a barrel end opposite the muzzle; and a plurality of first gas outlet bores provided in the frontal length portion. The first gas outlet bores are arranged in a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial rows. There is further provided a muzzle brake sleeve coaxially surrounding the frontal length portion and having a frontal end situated close to the muzzle. The muzzle brake sleeve includes a plurality of second gas outlet bores arranged in a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial rows. The first gas outlet bores are staggered with respect to the second gas outlet bores as viewed along the barrel. The frontal end of the muzzle brake sleeve is closed off by a plug.

Abstract: A rifled muzzle loader barrel having a cylindrical counterbored muzzle end with the counterbore having a diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter defined by the rifling and substantially equal to an outer diameter of a slug of the desired calibre for that barrel and also being of a length sufficient to facilitate proper alignment of an appropriate calibre slug as it is inserted into the muzzle end of the barrel. The invention also relates to a slug loading tool for facilitating loading the muzzle loader and gas exhaust holes for creating a force opposing a recoil force of the barrel upon being discharged.

Abstract: A rifle has an adjustable muzzle brake attached to a muzzle end of the rifle, the muzzle brake including an inner sleeve surrounded by an outer sleeve. The two sleeves are rotatable with respect to each other and have a pattern of holes formed in each. A pair of detent mechanisms formed in the inner and outer sleeves allow the outer sleeve to rotate to a first position with respect to the inner sleeve where the holes of both sleeves are aligned with each other. In this position the gases of combustion can escape through the aligned holes in both sleeves in a substantially transverse direction to the axis of the gun barrel. This provides for a significant reduction in the amount of recoil force on the shooter of the rifle. The detent mechanisms also allow the outer sleeve to be rotatable to a second position where the holes of the inner and outer sleeves are totally out of alignment with each other.

Abstract: Thrust from a plurality of nozzles disposed between the chamber and nozzle of a gun provide a vertical component of force to counter muzzle jump and gun rise and a horizontal component of force to compensate for asymmetric support of the gun to increase the accuracy of subsequent shots and to reduce the time necessary to return the gun on target.

Abstract: A recoil reducer (70) attachable to the muzzle end of a rifle (71), handgun (73, 75), or shotgun to reduce the recoil force produced when the weapon is discharged. An elongate, hollow recoil tube (74, 102) attaches either directly to the muzzle (recoil tube 102) or with an adapter tube (72). The recoil tube has a uniform inner diameter along its length which at least corresponds to the bore of the weapon. The recoil reducer tube has a plurality of slots (90) extending longitudinally of the recoil reducer tube and spaced circumferentially thereabout. Outwardly extending gas deflectors (94) are formed at one end of the recoil reducer tube for discharge gases expelled through the slots to impact curved rear walls (98) of the deflectors. The discharge gasses are directed rearwardly by the deflectors to reduce the weapon's recoil.

Abstract: A vortices-activated muzzle stabilizer (2) for a gun, which muzzle stabiliser (2) comprises a cylindrical body (4) having a main vent slot (6) which defines a main gas deflection area and which deflects the gases in the form of gas vortices, a balancing slot (12) which extends at 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the body (4) and which is positioned opposite the main vent (6), a barrel connecting bore (14) for affording a connecting passage between the muzzle stabilizer (2) and the barrel of the and a gas exhaust aperture (20) which is positioned at a downstream end (22) of the body (4).

Abstract: A combined muzzle brake and noise redirector is effective to reduce recoil in the range of 25-35% and redirect noise away from the shooter in the range of 35-50%. An outer shell is threaded onto the muzzle end of a firearm and provides a series of inclined openings directed away from the breech end of the firearm. An inner shell provides a central passage for the bullet and a series of openings perpendicular to the central passage. These openings are out of registry and act to redirect noise substantially. Another series of openings in the inner and outer shells are in registry and face upwardly and reduce muzzle climb by directing some propellant gases upwardly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flash suppressor for guns which controlledly vents ignited high pressure gas exiting a gun muzzle. The gas is vented essentially radially outward through coils or rings of the suppressor in a 360 flow degree pattern away from a longitudinal axis of the suppressor.

Abstract: A recoil reducing device for use with firearms including handguns and rifles which includes a core and a sleeve that surrounds the core. The core and the sleeve each have a plurality of radially directed openings along their lengths that are cooperatively aligned with respect to each other. The openings are oriented with respect to a central bore of the core such that combustion gases generated by firing the firearm, noise and any unburnt gunpowder are directed away from a shooter, and recoil and muzzle rise of a firearm are substantially reduced.

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

Abstract: A system for changing the barrel of a firearm includes a firearm that has a stock having a trigger mounted thereon and a housing part removably attached to the stock in a fixed operative position. The housing part has a sighting mechanism on its upper side. A barrel is mounted in the housing part and a breech block is disposed in the housing part, which travels rearward on firing and cooperates with a locking system mounted in the housing part. A closing spring surrounds the barrel and means are provided for connecting the closing spring to the breech block. A firing pin is reciprocally received within the breech block. Also provided is means for removably retaining the barrel, closing spring, breech block, connecting means, and locking system within the housing part. A releasable key means, which holds the housing part in the fixed operative position, has a release position to remove the housing part in a direction substantially transverse thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flash suppressor for guns which controlledly vents ignited high pressure gas exiting a gun muzzle. The gas is vented essentially radially outward through coils or rings of the suppressor in a 360 flow degree pattern away from a longitudinal axis of the suppressor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing the recoil and muzzle climb from the discharge of a firearm. A hollow cylinder member having a front end with a restricted opening forming a gas chamber is attached to the muzzle end of a firearm and serves to rearwardly divert the highly pressurized gas produced from the combustion of gunpowder. The cylinder member is provided with rearwardly angled holes along both its top and bottom surface which act as jets to create a forward propulsive force from the expelled gas. This forward force counteracts and reduces the backward force of the firearm's recoil. By providing a greater ratio of top holes to bottom holes, thereby effecting a downward force greater than the upward force, muzzle climb can also be effectively reduced. The apparatus can be constructed for quick attachment to the muzzle of the firearm.

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

Abstract: A firearm with muzzle noise reducer is disclosed with one or more barrels in which the bullets reach their final velocity in front of the barrel and a muzzle noise reducer constructed such that it can divert propellant gas upon reaching the final bullet velocity. This construction for diverting the propellant generally is in form of openings located length-wise in a barrel. The openings may have different forms and arrangements, e.g. an electronic and/or inertia-activated time-control element that controls the divergence of propellent gas. A method of reducing the muzzle noise is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ballistic optimizing system for use on a preferably bedded rifle comprising a movable weight element secured to the end of a rifle barrel such that said weight element can be moved axially along said barrel to change the effective weight applied for .Iadd.vibration .Iaddend.dampening purposes and having an indicator for indicating the relative position of said weight element on said barrel and further including an additional weight releasably secured to said movable weight element and ports through said weight element to allow gas escape.