Abstract: Provided is a fast cycling/low recoil pistol caliber carbine assembly. The carbine assembly may include an upper receiver, a lower receiver, a feed ramp, a bolt stop, a magazine, a control mechanism comprising a control lever, a control base, a control pivot pin, and a control spring, an ejector, a gap filler member. The assembly provides last round bolt hold open, trigger finger actuated bolt release, short stroke cycle, barrel ramp, ambidextrous magazine release, and uses Glock magazines.

Abstract: A ballistic shield is detachably attachable to a weapon. The shield may be manipulated into a deployed configuration, a gun rest configuration, and a storage configuration. The shield has a shield body with a rigid upper portion, a flexible lower portion, and a quick release connector. That shield may also have a visor attachable to the shield that extends above the rigid upper portion of the shield. The quick release is secured to the shield body for removable connection of the weapon. The flexible lower portion drapes from the rigid upper portion when in the deployed configuration where the weapon is connected to the shield and the responder aims the weapon in a shooting position.

Abstract: A modified elongate ammunition magazine, the magazine being modified by modifying an elongate, single plane magazine by removing its end cap so as to provide an elongate modified magazine having an upper end for attaching to said magazine well of a firearm, a lower end, and a through passageway therebetween, and a clip leg base attached thereto and also attachable to a high capacity ammunition magazine housing, the clip leg base configured such that when it is attached to said modified magazine to construct a feed clip assembly, and when the clip leg base is also attached to a high capacity magazine, and when the upper end of the modified magazine is installed into a firearm, an ammunition passageway is defined from an ammunition outlet of a high capacity ammunition magazine housing, through the modified magazine, and to a firearm. Also provided is a last linked assembly including a loose or spreadable link.

Abstract: The invention is a monoblock submachine gun part that is housed within the upper body, that pushes the round in the magazine into the shell chamber, that houses the pin system which fires the round in the shell chamber by triggering the explosion of its capsule, that pulls the empty shell in the shell chamber with the lug on it, and that winds the cock which has the function of hitting the pin for a second shot as it moves back due to the power of the recoil.

Abstract: An improved bolt and bolt carrier with integral gas key having an extension nozzle threadedly secured and pinned to the gas key for use with a direct gas operated firearm is provided. The extension nozzle is designed to receive a portion of the host firearms gas operating system. The firing pin retaining pin is oriented so as to expose its widest profile to the firing pins annular flange, increasing its service life. The bolt has a plurality of lugs extending from its forward end and an extractor recess. The extractor recess is constructed to accommodate an enlarged extractor claw while not undercutting the bolt lugs adjacent thereto. The extractor engages approximately 57% more of a seated ammunition cartridges rim as compared to some prior art AR15/M16 type extractors used with automatic firearms chambered in 6.8 SPC. The result is an improved bolt and bolt carrier which provides for increased operational reliability.

Abstract: A combined breech and ammunition drive is provided for a breech of a weapon and/or for introducing ammunition by a feeding star using an external drive, wherein the respective drive is selectively engaged and disengaged. A selector drum that interacts with the drives has slots for the selective engagement and disengagement, and elements are guided in the slots, the slot moving component which engage into the drives in a form-fitted and force-closed manner and which can thereby engage and disengage same. The component being 3-way jaw clutches for example.

Abstract: RCWS (Remote Controlled Weapon System or Station) of the deck-penetrator type and a method for protected reloading of a weapon system that is fed by belt of rounds from an ammunition container that is positioned in the RCWS, wherein the RWCS includes a system for protected reloading of the weapons system, that comprises—a bracket, that on it the ammunition container is mounted, and the bracket is amenable to be propelled via an opening in the deck of the vehicle upon which the RCWS is positioned, unto an inner space of the carrier vehicle and back from this space to the RCWS; and means for movably positioning the bracket, in at least two states—a first state wherein the bracket is positioned inside the inner space of the carrier vehicle and for reloading anew the weapons system; and a second state wherein the bracket is a least substantially embedded in the RCWS for feeding the weapons system by a belt of rounds from inside of the ammunition container that is positioned on the bracket.

Abstract: A weapon system is provided. The weapon system includes a receiver and an operating group. The operating group includes a barrel extension at least partially housed within the receiver and arranged to axially translate relative to the receiver; an operating rod (op-rod) assembly arranged to axially translate within the barrel extension; and a bolt assembly arranged to axially translate within the barrel extension. The system further includes a gas accelerator coupled to the barrel and the op-rod assembly; a buffer assembly including a self-centering spring and a hydraulic piston assembly having a first end coupled to the receiver and a second end coupled to the barrel extension; and a feeder coupled to the receiver and configured to provide the round to the operating group.

Abstract: A fixed-barrel, gas-operated firearm having its barrel concentrically mounted within a pressure tube enclosing substantially all of the moving parts of the firearm's action. A gas cup reciprocates under the influence of propellant gas pressure when the firearm is fired, driving slide members that link the pressure cup to the firearm's bolt rearward within the pressure tube, unlocking the breech, rotating and retracting the bolt, discharging the spent cartridge casing and then advancing the bolt to chamber a new cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention is a firearm cartridge feeding system to automatically feed firearm cartridges in a successive order one diameter of a firearm cartridge at a time, to the chamber of a bolt action, semi-automatic, or fully automatic firearm until all firearm cartridges in the system are expended. The firearm cartridges are stored in a tight spiral channel side by side to maximize the use of the peripheral space surrounding the area of a magazine well or feed point of a firearm. The housing or body of the firearm feeding system consists of a multiple segment body or housing. The housing contains a spiral channel, clutch mechanism pocket and a spring drive compartment which supports the storage of firearm cartridges and the arrangement of a drive system for feeding the firearm cartridges to the feed lips.

Abstract: A breech ammunition drive for the breech of a weapon using an external drive is provided. A long connecting rod converts the rotational movement into a linear breech movement, and a short connecting rod moves the breech. The rear end or pin of the long connecting rod is fixed on or in the drive, and the front end engages onto a rack that is fixed to the weapon and onto a slider of the breech support or the breech via a toothing. The short connecting rod is retained in the slider and guided by same, and the connecting rod engages into a transverse slot introduced above the connecting rod and below the breech support. The short connecting rod is guided in the slot fixed to the weapon, the slot having a rear end point into which the connecting rod is inserted.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a weapons mounting system, which may include a gun mount that may be used independent of a swing mount or with the swing mount. The gun mount may include a Picatinny rail assembly and be attached to an ammunition container. The swing mount may include a positive locking system and a friction locking system. The present disclosure also provides a travel lock assembly, which partially connects the gun mount to the swing mount.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a weapons mounting system, which may include a gun mount that may be used independent of a swing mount or with the swing mount. The gun mount may include a Picatinny rail assembly and be attached to an ammunition container. The swing mount may include a positive locking system and a friction locking system. The present disclosure also provides a travel lock assembly, which partially connects the gun mount to the swing mount.

Abstract: A weapon mounting system for a vehicle, such as a helicopter. The weapon mounting system illustratively includes a weapon cradle supporting a machine gun for pivoting movement about a generally horizontal elevational axis. A carriage supports the weapon cradle and is supported by a pintle for rotation about a generally vertical azimuth axis. An ejection collection device is supported by the carriage and collects spent shell casings and links ejected from the machine gun for discharge through the pintle. A trigger assembly illustratively provides for manual operation by a gunner and for remote electrical operation by a pilot.

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

Abstract: A weapon system comprising a weapon for firing ammunition bodies, and at least one scanner for examining the structure of one of the ammunition bodies. A method for firing ammunition bodies by means of a weapon includes the step of scanning one of the ammunition bodies prior to firing thereof. A method of detecting ammunition bodies includes the step of scanning the structure of one of the ammunition bodies.

Abstract: A single-feed magazine adapter used with automatic or semi-automatic firearms and a twin-drum magazine, which converts the dual-feed arrangement of rounds created thereby into a single-feed arrangement that permits dual-feed twin-drum magazine use with automatic and semi-automatic rifles and pistols of differing caliber requiring a single-feed system. The easily-installed adapter can be separately manufactured for attachment to an existing dual-feed twin-drum magazine, or attached to a new dual-feed twin-drum magazine during manufacture. In an empty adapter prior to magazine reload, three specialty rounds are located adjacent to the feed opening, with numerous standard filler/dummy rounds behind them.

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving and loading cartridges in bulk are disclosed herein. A device described herein includes multiple parallel partition walls configured to couple with cartridge carriers and segregate, group and single file line the cartridges removed from the cartridge carriers and placed onto a receiving surface. An alignment wall on the receiving surface works in conjunction with the partition walls in aligning groups of cartridges into single files on the receiving surface. A loading rod slideably engaged with the receiving surface urges single filed groups of cartridges from the receiving surface into a magazine coupled with the receiving surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a firearm cartridge feeding system to automatically feed firearm cartridges in a successive order one diameter of a firearm cartridge at a time, to the chamber of a bolt action, semi-automatic, or fully automatic firearm until all firearm cartridges in the system are expended. The firearm cartridges are stored in a tight spiral channel side by side to maximize the use of the peripheral space surrounding the area of a magazine well or feed point of a firearm. The housing or body of the firearm feeding system consists of a multiple segment body or housing. The housing contains a spiral channel, clutch mechanism pocket and a spring drive compartment which supports the storage of firearm cartridges and the arrangement of a drive system for feeding the firearm cartridges to the feed lips.

Abstract: A weapon system is provided. The weapon system includes a receiver and an operating group. The operating group includes a barrel extension at least partially housed within the receiver and arranged to axially translate relative to the receiver; an operating rod (op-rod) assembly arranged to axially translate within the barrel extension; and a bolt assembly arranged to axially translate within the barrel extension. The system further includes a gas accelerator coupled to the barrel and the op-rod assembly; a buffer assembly including a self-centering spring and a hydraulic piston assembly having a first end coupled to the receiver and a second end coupled to the barrel extension; and a feeder coupled to the receiver and configured to provide the round to the operating group.

Abstract: A gun mount for spanning an opening, such as a door or window, may include a generally tubular bar having a pivot and lock structure on one end. The bar may include a pair of slots formed on opposing sides of the bar. A locking sleeve may be slidable on the bar. A fastener may be fixed to the locking sleeve and translatable in the pair of slots in the bar. A second generally tubular bar may include a yoke at one end and a hinge assembly at another end. The yoke may be rotatably engaged with the pivot and lock structure. The pivot and lock structure may include a locking groove. A spring-loaded locking plunger may be translatably disposed in the yoke and may include a protrusion that is selectively engagable with the locking groove.

Abstract: A breech ammunition drive for the breech of a weapon using an external drive is provided. A long connecting rod converts the rotational movement into a linear breech movement, and a short connecting rod moves the breech. The rear end or pin of the long connecting rod is fixed on or in the drive, and the front end engages onto a rack that is fixed to the weapon and onto a slider of the breech support or the breech via a toothing. The short connecting rod is retained in the slider and guided by same, and the connecting rod engages into a transverse slot introduced above the connecting rod and below the breech support. The short connecting rod is guided in the slot fixed to the weapon, the slot having a rear end point into which the connecting rod is inserted.

Abstract: RCWS (Remote Controlled Weapon System or Station) of the deck-penetrator type and a method for protected reloading of a weapon system that is fed by belt of rounds from an ammunition container that is positioned in the RCWS, wherein the RWCS includes a system for protected reloading of the weapons system, that comprises—a bracket, that on it the ammunition container is mounted, and the bracket is amenable to be propelled via an opening in the deck of the vehicle upon which the RCWS is positioned, unto an inner space of the carrier vehicle and back from this space to the RCWS; and means for movably positioning the bracket, in at least two states—a first state wherein the bracket is positioned inside the inner space of the carrier vehicle and for reloading anew the weapons system; and a second state wherein the bracket is a least substantially embedded in the RCWS for feeding the weapons system by a belt of rounds from inside of the ammunition container that is positioned on the bracket.

Abstract: The present invention is a firearm cartridge feeding system to automatically feed firearm cartridges in a successive order one diameter of a firearm cartridge at a time, to the chamber of a bolt action, semi-automatic, or fully automatic firearm until all firearm cartridges in the system are expended. The firearm cartridges are stored in a tight spiral channel side by side to maximize the use of the peripheral space surrounding the area of a magazine well or feed point of a firearm. The housing or body of the firearm feeding system consists of a multiple segment body or housing. The housing contains a spiral channel, clutch mechanism pocket and a spring drive compartment which supports the storage of firearm cartridges and the arrangement of a drive system for feeding the firearm cartridges to the feed lips.

Abstract: An air, land, or sea vehicle may include a gun and a rotatable turret ring. An autoloader may be disposed in a basket fixed to the turret ring. The autoloader may include a turntable that rotates independently of the turret ring. An elevator having a track may rotate with the turntable. A carriage may be linearly translatable on the track of the elevator in directions toward and away from the plane of the turntable. A transfer device may be rotatably fixed to a pivot of the carriage. The transfer device may include a rail and a gripper that is linearly translatable on the rail.

Abstract: An weapon system comprising: a plurality of barrels, wherein the barrels are disposed coaxially around a main shaft and wherein the barrels are held in place by at least one barrel rack; and a plurality of intermeshing, counter rotating cylinders, wherein the cylinders include a central hole for the main shaft or a lower shaft and a plurality of coaxial half-holes disposed around the central hole at the edge of the cylindrical shape to form a chamber when the cylinders mesh. An ammunition belt comprising: a first and second ammunition case, wherein each ammunition case comprises: a casing having a first and second end, wherein the first end is adapted to receive and hold a primer and the second end is adapted to receive and hold propellant and a projectile, wherein the first ammunition case is attached to the second ammunition case.

Abstract: A field gun comprising: a chassis, a barrel defining a barrel axis and having a traverse range and an elevation range, a cradle supporting the barrel, a joint for enabling pivoting in at least two axes, the joint connecting the cradle to the chassis, a first linear actuator, extensible along a first linear actuator axis, pivotally attached to a first point on the chassis and pivotally attached to a first point on the cradle, a second linear actuator, extensible along a first linear actuator axis, pivotally attached to a second point on the chassis and pivotally attached to a second point on the cradle, such that a first combination of first linear actuator and second linear actuator actuation varies the traverse a second combination of first linear actuator and second linear actuator actuation varies the elevation.

Abstract: A firearm comprising a frame, a barrel joined to the frame, and a cartridge magazine selectively joinable to the frame; at least one cartridge contained within the cartridge magazine with the cartridge having a casing and at least one projectile, the casing having a cartridge case flange at one end and a mouth on the opposite end; and mechanism for lifting in selective communication with the cartridge and the barrel, with the mechanism for lifting having a ramp that is located adjacent to the end of the cartridge at the cartridge case flange, where the ramp acts selectively on the flange and casing; an extractor rib and barrel rib cooperating to keep extractor locked during cartridge ignition and unlocked substantially after ignition.

Abstract: A drum style magazine for a firearm is disclosed. The magazine has a tower and a magazine body. The magazine body contains a cartridge gear for holding and carrying cartridges of ammunition. The cartridge gear has two rows of teeth, separated by a channel. Cartridges can be held between the teeth of the rows. The gear has a unique shape that makes it relatively easy to manufacture.

Abstract: A semi-automatic firing carbine anti-jamming cartridge loading system is provided wherein no feed lips or a portion of said feed lips are removed, wherein the cartridge to be loaded is fed to the carbine breech along a feed ramp. A bolt enclosing the firing pin includes a pivot plate mounted on the bolt nose, rotating about an axle. A recess formed in the bolt nose provides spacing for the pivot plate to rotate about said axle. If the firing pin protrudes through an aperture formed in the pivot plate, while the pivot plate is still in its collapsed state, then the weapon will jam by the firing pin hanging on the top part of a rim portion of the next loading round, thereby thwarting attempts at reconfiguring the weapon, that employs my novel system, to be re-converted as a fully-automatic weapon.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of mounting ammunition holders for side loading machine guns and weapons that downwardly eject spent cartridges. The ammunition holders include a side plate that both moves the center of gravity of the left side supported ammunition holder to move in a right direction underneath the machine gun until the ammunition holder is balanced relative to the machine gun. The side plate further deflects the spent cartridges from being directly ejected downward from the machine gun and instead deflect the spent cartridges to one side of the machine gun away from both the machine gun and an operator of the gun. The ammunition containers can be ammunition belt boxes. The ammunition containers can be ammunition pouch bags.

Abstract: An automatic clutch is integrated in a weapon system between an ammunition feed system and a cannon. A feeder feeds ammunition into the cannon. The clutch mechanism includes an actuator, a locking pin with an assisting spring or the like, and locking cams. The clutch mechanism allows the drum shaft of the cannon to be disengaged from the gear of the feeder between the cannon and the ammunition supply system and thus from the conveyance mechanism of the feeder.

Abstract: Clips for use with projectiles and projectile stacking systems in which individual projectiles are clipped together to form a stack are disclosed. The projectiles may be joined individually by a user before loading in a barrel, or during a loading process assisted by features on the breech of the barrel. The tail of each projectile includes a set of clips which engage the nose of a trailing projectile in the stack. Projectiles may be withdrawn from barrel and unclipped as required by the user.

Abstract: An access door for a gatling gun.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining an object in a gun tube of a weapon system, the gun tube having a longitudinal axis, a chamber and a breech ring with an opening therein, the apparatus including a plunger that reciprocates in the opening in the breech ring and the chamber; a housing fixed in the opening in the breech ring, the housing holding the plunger; and means for reciprocating the plunger in the opening in the breech ring and the chamber. The object to be retained is propellant. The reciprocating means is automatically operated via electrical and/or mechanical connections to the weapon system.

Abstract: A shell stripper assembly includes a shell stripper, a stripper guide, a stripper guide plate, and a magazine insert. The shell stripper strips the top round from the firearm magazine so that it can be picked up by the firearm breech bolt. The shell stripper slides between guide rails of the stripper guide, and its motion is controlled by the stripper guide plate.

Abstract: A smooth-bore barrel semi-automatic shotgun include a frame comprising a breech. A barrel is slidingly mounted on the frame relative to the breech. A slide-bolt assembly, which slides relative to the breech, is adapted to close the barrel. A friction spring opposes the barrel's sliding movement relative to the frame.

Abstract: A cartridge feeding attachment for a firearm generally consisting of a housing attachable to the firearm having means for guiding a stack of cartridges into the cartridge chamber of the firearm along a first line of travel, a follower engageable with one of such cartridges and means disposed between the housing and the follower for biasing the follower along the first line of travel to feed a cartridge into the cartridge chamber; a sprocket supported on the housing having circumferentially spaced recesses each receiving a cartridge of a cartridge belt trained over the sprocket, and a rotational axis positioned so that upon rotational indexing thereof, a cartridge of the belt will be positioned along a second line of travel extending between the follower and a cartridge of the stack of cartridges; means displaceable along the second line of travel extending between the follower and a rearwardmost cartridge of the stack of cartridges; means displaceable along the second line of travel between a retracted positi

Abstract: A transfer device for pushing a projectile (3) into the barrel of a weapon in the direction of the barrel (1) of the weapon along a transfer trough (2). The transfer device has two turning wheels (5, 6), a flexible power transmission element (7) forming a closed loop, and two transfer elements (8, 10) mounted to push the projectile (3) in consecutive steps towards the barrel (1) of the weapon.

Abstract: An improved bolt carrier for a firearm is provided that improves the overall reliability and performance of the firearm bolt assembly. The bolt carrier includes a bolt with a body having a number of lugs extending therefrom. The bolt includes an extractor recess sized and configured to avoid any undercut of the lugs adjacent the recess. The bolt also includes an extractor pivotably engaged in a recess formed in the bolt. The extractor has a pair nipples on flanges configured to engage a pair of integrally buffered springs disposed on a tapered spring well on either side of a firing pin bore extending through the bolt.

Abstract: A make-break device includes a first component having at least one engaging member, the engaging member presenting first and second orthogonally disposed edges, each edge being defined at the intersection of a respective pair of chamfered face and a second component having at least one engaging member, the engaging member presenting first and second orthogonally disposed edges, each edge being defined at the intersection of a respective pair of chamfered faces, where the first component first edge and the second component first edge cooperatively act to assist in facilitating radial meshing engagement of the first and second components and where the first component second edge and the second component second edge cooperatively act to assist in facilitating axial meshing engagement of the first and second components. A cannon employing the make-break device and a method of selectively coupling/decoupling stationary electric drive assemblies from associated shiftable driven assemblies are included.

Abstract: Ammunition feeder with a handle portion and a head portion. The handle portion is integrally attached to the head portion. The handle portion is a flat elongate shape having raised portions to help the user maintain his grip on the handle. The head portion is shaped to accept the front end of a standard ammunition belt. The head is flattened longitudinally on one side and includes a longitudinal recess so that the feed pawl on a standard machine gun is not activated by the head. A preferred embodiment includes that the feeder fits with the M 60 machine gun and the 240 Golf machine gun.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for artillery intended to ram a projectile (7) into the chamber of a weapon barrel, such device comprising an impulse jack (12) incorporating a mobile rod (25) driving a carriage (10) mounted able to slide with respect to a chute (11), the carriage (10) being able to drive the projectile towards the weapon chamber using drive means (9). This device comprises a loading tray (5) intended to receive the projectile, such loading tray with respect to which the carriage (10) may translate to drive the projectile (7) and wherein the impulse jack (12) is a dual-acting jack and it is the withdrawal movement of the mobile rod (25) that is used to drive the projectile.

Abstract: A catcher for receiving expended shell casings from a firearm having an ejection port as the firearm is discharged, the catcher includes a hollow housing and a lining. The hollow housing having a plurality of rigid walls, wherein one of the walls has an opening in communication with the ejection port when the catcher is mounted to the firearm for receiving the shell casings. The lining is fixed inside the rigid walls, wherein the lining includes an acoustic foam having a plurality of wedges and the wedges are configured to deflect the shell casings into the catcher.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-aligning device for aiding the engagement of a munition into a rifled gun barrel on loading of the munition, absent the use of a driving band, as, for example, in the case of a munition which is fitted with aerodynamic tail fins. The device comprises at least one annular ring to surround the munition, and which, if desired, can be seated on a surface of the munition which allows the ring(s) to rotate. One or more of the rings has a number of elements which are capable of lying within the outline of the ring or rings to allow the munition to be readily loaded into a gun barrel but which can take the form of projections extending radially outwards from the ring(s) when they become coincident with the internal rifling of the gun barrel on further movement of the munition along with barrel or when the munition is rotated. The projections then engage in the rifling grooves and provide a sealing effect.

Abstract: A soft magazine or pouch for belted machine gun ammunition is disclosed. The pouch has a metal or plastic top with flexible sides and bottom made of woven fabric. The sides have internal pockets that carry plastic panels for structural support. One side also has an external pocket that carries a link injector. The bottom is held to the sides by a circumferential zipper that wraps around a majority of the perimeter of the sides, leaving a fabric hinge. Then by unzipping the zipper, the bottom swings open to permit filling the pouch with ammunition.

Abstract: A carrier lock for use in semi-automatic firearms.

Abstract: An ammunition feed assembly for a military weapon system includes a feed chute housing and an ammunition support bracket for supporting ammunition adjacent to the feed chute housing. The feed chute housing is adapted to be connected to an ammunition guide for a weapon mounted on the weapon system and includes a flanged portion for guiding ammunition into the chute housing. The ammunition support bracket is adapted to be connected to the weapon system and includes a support portion for supporting ammunition adjacent to the feed chute housing. Ammunition is fed from the ammunition box, through the feed chute housing and the ammunition guide, and into the weapon mounted on the weapon system.

Abstract: A carrier lock for use in semi-automatic firearms.

Abstract: A dual action retention pawl for securing ammunition in a breech loading gun having a bore along a longitudinal axis of a barrel of the gun and a breech opening with a moveable breech block at a rear of the bore. The dual action retention pawl includes a base, a pawl arm, and an activation arm operably attached to the base. The pawl arm pivots to a retracted position in response to ammunition engaging the activation arm when the ammunition is loaded into the breech opening and returns to a retention position once the ammunition is loaded to retain the ammunition within the barrel of the gun. The pawl arm pivots to the retracted position in response to the breech block engaging the activation arm when the breech block is moved to close the breech opening.