Abstract: In some embodiments, a fire control mechanism comprises a frame comprising a flange comprising a peak. A hammer is arranged to pivot about a hammer axis. A hammer spring is arranged to bias the hammer about the hammer axis. The hammer spring contacts the peak of the flange.

Abstract: A hammer usable with a firearm having a bolt carrier that is configured to travel forward and rearward within the firearm during a firing operation of the firearm. The hammer includes a mounting portion configured to rotatably constrain the hammer within the firearm and a firing pin contact portion configured to rotate upward to a vertical most position and contact a firing pin. The hammer further includes a sear notch configured to contact a trigger, and an extended surface that is configured to contact a bottom portion of the bolt carrier when the bolt carrier travels in a rearward direction after firing of the firearm. The extended surface allows for additional travel of a bolt carrier group of the firearm.

Abstract: Firing assemblies for use with firearms are described. A firing assembly for use with a firearm includes a hammer pivotably coupled to a hammer shaft. The hammer includes a hammer stop notch that at least partially engages a portion of a lever of a trigger assembly when the hammer is in a cocked position and a control curve section that engages a surface of the lever to retain the lever in an unlocked position as the hammer moves between the cocked position and a firing position. Additionally, the firing assembly includes a control element pivotably coupled to the hammer shaft and adjacent the hammer, wherein the control element includes a first control curve portion that at least partially adjoins the control curve section and wherein the hammer interacts with the control element to change a control curve region as the hammer moves between cocked position and the firing position.

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: An authorization system for a firearm (10) includes an authorizing device (32) worn by the authorized user, and a firearm (10) with a fire control system, a computer controller (28), and a piezo-electric disabler (60). The computer controller (28) communicates with the authorizing device (32), and if no authorizing signal is received from the authorizing device, sends an electric output signal to the disabler (60) to prevent the fire control system from allowing the firearm to fire. The disabler, upon application of the electrical signal from the computer controller, cams the rearward moving trigger bar (52) of the fire control system clear of the hammer link (54) to disrupt the fire control system. Consequently, the firearm (10) will not fire.

Abstract: In a firearm having a trigger assembly with a trigger nose, a hammer with a sear hook and a trigger notch, a disconnector and an automatic sear, an improvement including a notched bifurcating the sear hook of the hammer for receiving the disconnector in a past-cocked position. Further improvements include the trigger notch being offset rearwardly from a center of the pivot point resulting in a slightly changed angle away from an acute engagement angle with the trigger nose.

Abstract: A fire control system with a decocking lever that operates to decock the hammer and also as a safety. The fire control system also has a magazine safety to complement the decocking lever's dual functions. The magazine safety is in the “safety on” position when a magazine is not fully seated in the magazine well and in the “safety off” position when the magazine is fully seated. In one embodiment, rotating the decocking lever by lifting one of the thumb tabs applies the safety if the hammer is cocked and rotating the decocking lever in the other direction causes the sear to release the hammer but catch it before it reaches the firing pin. In an alternate embodiment, the decocking lever can be used as a safety regardless of whether the hammer is cocked or not. Further rotation lower a cocked hammer.

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

Abstract: 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 baffled muzzle brake and seal system for submerged gun operation includes a muzzle brake chamber mounted to the muzzle of a submerged gun barrel. A baffle assembly mounted within the chamber deflects the propellant gasses produced by operation of the gun and sabot fragments into an annular cher surrounding the baffle assembly while allowing passage of a projectile through the assembly. A valve seal in the muzzle end of the muzzle brake chamber cycles between a fully open condition, to allow passage of the projectile, and a fully closed position, to seal the muzzle brake chamber against the entry of water. At least one pressurized air input allows the muzzle brake chamber to be pressurized when the seal is not in the fully closed position, thereby preventing entry of water. A gas exhaust provides a means for removing propellant gasses from the chamber.

Abstract: A sabot separator includes a sabot separation cylinder equipped with a pair of rail electrodes extending axially and connected with a muzzle end of a barrel of a projectile accelerator. An electrical power source is connected between the rail electrodes and applies a voltage to the rail electrodes for producing a force in a direction for decelerating the accelerating sabot. When the sabot enters the sabot separation cylinder, an electric current flows through the sabot and the sabot is suddenly stopped by a braking force resulting from the flow of the electric current.

Abstract: An augmented service pistol weapons system and ammunition has an extended barrel and an adapter sleeve and mount which supports the barrel and partially surrounds a forward end of the service pistol. Two hinged flaps have inward extending clamps which engage an inside of the front of a trigger guard on the pistol. A turn-to-release locking pin holds the two flaps together as the flaps are closed on the trigger guard. An arm rest extends laterally rearwardly along sides of the pistol and terminates in a curved rearward extension to support the augmented service pistol on an arm of the user. A fifty round magazine replaces the standard pistol handle magazine. Scopes and aiming devices are mounted above the extended barrel. A foregrip is removable and positionable at opposite lateral sides of the extended barrel and below the barrel. A variable power function assembly surrounds the barrel and allows selected release of gas to slow projectiles. A shredding device near the muzzle shreds bands on the projectile.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an acceleration apparatus comprising an accelerator surrounding an acceleration path with the exception of at least its mouth-side end and an acceleration body which is configured for guided and accelerated motion along the acceleration path and is formed by a missile and preferably a propelling housing at least partially surrounding said missile and in engagement therewith.According to the invention, in the accelerator at least two rectilinear guide rails or guide grooves are formed which preferably have a mutual identical angular distance with respect to the bore axis and which are adapted to be brought into constrained engagement with the acceleration body directly and/or indirectly via at least one respective slide shoe on the acceleration body.

Abstract: A semi-automatic piston construction of blow-back type configuration to effect directing of projectiles from within includes construction of the pistol to employ application of the breech bolt within the upper receiver, with a return spring arrangement mounted to the breech bolt in an axially spaced and parallel relationship relative to the firing pin. The upper receiver includes a generally U-shaped trough projecting from the receiver into the handle portion of the lower receiver to accommodate the main spring and magazine holder structure.

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

Abstract: The sear is rotatably supported in the frame of the firearm to rotate around an axis of rotation. The hammer is pivotally mounted in the frame to pivot around a pivot axis. The hammer includes a striking surface. The sear includes a blocking surface which cooperates with a resting surface of the hammer. The position of the blocking surface of the sear which is determined by its axis of rotation, the position of the striking surface of the hammer, which is determined by the location of the pivot axis of the hammer, and the position of the rear end of the firing pin are selected in such a manner that when the hammer is in its decocked position, in which position the resting surface contacts the blocking surface, the striking surface of the hammer is at a distance from the rear end of the firing pin. Accordingly, the hammer does not contact in its decocked state the firing pin such that eg upon a dropping of the firearm a shot may inadvertently be fired.

Abstract: An anti-conversion block for use with a semi-automatic firearm and a method of manufacturing a semi-automatic firearm. The anti-conversion block prevents the conversion of the firearm into a fully automatic firearm. The block is fixedly mounted in the lower receiver of the firearm with pins press fit through the lower receiver into blind holes in the block. The block has a first section for preventing operational installation of a trigger other than a predetermined type of trigger into the firearm, a second section for preventing operational installation of a hammer other than a predetermined type of hammer into the firearm, and a third section for preventing operational installation of a bolt assembly other than a predetermined type of bolt assembly into the firearm.

Abstract: A structure for a weapon apparatus that can be made of polymer materials is provided. In addition to many novel features, including a counter-torque muzzle cap, an operating handle and gas-operated link, this weapon apparatus has a unique firing mechanism as specifically claimed herein. The firing mechanism comprises a trigger bar having a cantilever-shaped release spring for biasing the trigger bar forward and an upwardly extending disconnector protruding into the path of the hammer. A rotating safety to lock the sear mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: A semiautomatic gun which can be used to fire two types of ammunition comprises first and second bolts and a selector assembly operated by a user of the gun. The selector assembly selectively permits loading and firing of one type of ammunition. The gun has only a single trigger for firing either of the bolts selected by the selector assembly and the gun may be a combination of a shotgun and rifle or any other desired configuration. Each of the bolts are movable in a forward and rearward direction when fired and have bolt lock-up bearings for preventing such movement at other times. A reciprocable forestock is provided with a forestock lock release. The forestock can be pumped by the operator to initially load a round of ammunition into the chamber selected by the selector assembly.

Abstract: A projectile suitable for use with an electromagnetic launcher or railgun. he projectile has a detachable conductive header portion which mates closely with and is restrained by one of the rails of a railgun. The header eliminates arcing and rail damage. The remainder of the projectile is ejected through a hole in the header toward a target.

Abstract: To brake a sabot accelerated in a launcher of a recoiless rifle tube a mandrel shaped braking sleeve is disposed in the tube and an intermediate space is provided between a tapered surface of the mandrel and the tube into which the material of the front edge of the sabot expanded. In this way when the sabot is accelerated against the mandrel, its front edge slides along the tapered surface, radially outwardly into the intermediate space. This functions to deform and positively stop the movement of the sabot before it leaves the tube.

Abstract: An improved sabot fragment and gun gas diverter of particular utility in conjunction with a rotatable multiple barrel gun is described, which comprises, a diverter member mounted forward of the barrels for rotation therewith and defining a generally conical, radially outwardly divergent impact surface from which sabot fragments are diverted outwardly upon impact thereon; a plurality of axial bores through and spaced around the diverter member correspond in number to and are respectively coaxial with the rotatable gun barrels; an impact surface is attached to the gun forward of the diverter member for diverting the fragments from the gun in a predetermined direction relative to the gun; a housing around the diverter member defining an internal chamber into which the fragments are diverted from the diverter member may include the impact surface as a forward end wall thereof, and may include an exit port for passage of fired projectiles and discharge ports for discharging diverted sabot fragments.

Abstract: The device is a very low noise, no muzzle flash howitzer round and matching tube. It comprises a case, a propellant, a projectile, and a plunger which launches the projectile from the case. With a mount and breech it provides a way of firing projectiles so the enemy cannot discern their source. Rockets may also be launched by this device so their own propellants are ignited well away from the launcher. The device is near silent at muzzle velocities below the speed of sound and it has good range.

Abstract: A sabot fragment diverter deflects selected sabot fragments discarded by ot type ammunition in a directionally controlled manner to prevent direct fragment impact with the firing platform or impact of a deflected fragment with the projectile from which it is discarded. A fragment diverter cone which includes a deflecting surface, a fragment cutter and a barrier dam is connected to the muzzle end of a gun system by an extender cage and a mounting section.

Abstract: A muzzle ejecting sabot cartridge firearm system for use in a weapon having an elongated gun barrel, an action mechanism, and an elongated bolt mounted within the bore of the action mechanism. The bore of the action mechanism and the bore of the gun barrel are in co-axial alignment and the forward end of the action mechanism is in communication with the rear end of the gun barrel. The bolt has an elongated bore extending inwardly from its base end that communicates with a relieved portion in the front face of the bolt to allow passage of gases released from a cartridge that has been fired. The diameter of the bore of the action mechanism is greater than the diameter of the bore of the gun barrel thereby forming a shoulder at the front end of the action mechanism that functions to capture the peripheral rim along the back end of a sabot cartridge at the initial stage of firing the cartridge.