This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/369,398, titled EXTRACTOR FOR AN AUTOLOADING FIREARM and filed on Jul. 26, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present disclosure relates generally to firearms assemblies and components. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an extractor for an autoloading firearm.
Autoloading firearms use an extractor to remove a spent cartridge casing from the chamber prior to stripping a new round from the top of the magazine and moving the bolt into battery for the next shot. In some firearms, such as AR-15-type rifles, the extractor is pivotably attached to the bolt with a pin and has a hook that engages the cartridge casing by snapping over the rim and seating in the adjacent groove when the bolt chambers a round. As the bolt moves rearward after firing, the hook engaging the rim causes the extractor to draw the casing out of the chamber. As the casing is removed, an ejector on the bolt contacts the opposite side of the casing head to eject the spent casing through the ejection port.
One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an extractor for an autoloading rifle, where the extractor has an elongated pin opening. After engaging a cartridge, the elongated pin opening enables the extractor to shift downward and/or forward to a position where it is prevented from pivoting about the extractor pin. Accordingly, the likelihood of the extractor disengaging from the cartridge prior to ejection is reduced. Additional aspects of the present disclosure include a parts kit including the extractor, a bolt assembly with the extractor, a rifle subassembly (e.g., a rifle upper receiver assembly) including the extractor, and a rifle including the extractor. Numerous variations and embodiments will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.
The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been selected principally for readability and instructional purposes and not to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter.
The figures depict various embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. Numerous variations, configurations, and other embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed discussion.
Disclosed is an extractor for an autoloading firearm, such as a semi-automatic or automatic rifle, a machine gun, or a semiautomatic handgun. In one example embodiment, the extractor includes a hook on the distal end and the extractor is configured to be retained with a rifle bolt using a pin extending crosswise through a pin opening. Similar to traditional extractors, the extractor hook can snap over a cartridge rim when the bolt chambers a round. Unlike traditional extractors, however, the pin opening is elongated, such as having a slot or oval shape, rather than a circular shape. As the bolt travels rearward with the extractor hook engaged in the cartridge groove, the elongated pin opening allows the extractor to shift downward and/or forward with respect to the bolt so that part of the extractor contacts the bolt and prevents the extractor from pivoting to disengage from the casing prior to ejecting the casing.
In one such embodiment, the pin opening is elongated along an axis of about 100°-135° with respect to the bore axis, such as from 110°-120°, or about 115°. As the bolt travels rearward with the extractor hook engaged in the cartridge groove, the extractor shifts downward and slightly forward so that the rear end portion of the extractor contacts the bolt and the extractor cannot pivot to disengage from the casing. In another embodiment, the pin opening is elongated along an axis that is generally parallel to the bore axis, where the extractor shifts slightly forward so that laterally extending portions on the extractor's rear end portion engage sloped walls of a transverse slot defined in the bolt. This engagement with the slot's sloped walls prevents the extractor from pivoting. In yet another embodiment, a protrusion on the bottom and forward portion of the extractor engages a protrusion recess to produce a binding engagement that prevents the extractor from pivoting out of engagement with the cartridge casing. Advantageously, the elongated or non-circular pin opening can eliminate or significantly reduce the occurrence of failure-to-extract malfunctions (FTE) by allowing the extractor to shift to a position where it cannot pivot about the extractor pin.
An extractor in accordance with the present disclosure can be a stand-alone part or a component of a parts kit for a rifle or handgun. In other embodiment, an extractor can be part of a bolt assembly or bolt-carrier group. In yet other embodiments, an extractor can be part of a rifle subassembly (e.g., a rifle upper receiver) or a complete rifle.
In an autoloading firearm, such as a machine gun or semi-automatic rifle, the process of extracting a spent cartridge and reloading the rifle for the next shot occurs very quickly (e.g., within 10 milliseconds) and includes forceful or violent movements on the moving parts. At battery, for example, the cartridge is in the chamber with the bolt closed and locked against the cartridge head and with the extractor hook received in the casing groove. Upon firing, combustion gases propel the projectile out of the barrel. High-pressure gases in the barrel then cycle the action by passing through a gas tube to the gas key of the bolt carrier (known as direct impingement system), or by actuating a gas piston that in turn moves rearward to drive the bolt carrier rearward (known as a gas piston system). In either type of system, the bolt carrier is driven rearward by high pressure gases. After some initial rearward movement of the carrier, the bolt rotates to the unlocked position and is drawn rearward by the carrier. During this rearward movement, the extractor draws the spent casing out of the chamber due to the extractor hook being hooked over the cartridge rim. As the bolt continues to travel rearward, the spent casing is ejected through the ejection port, followed by the bolt and carrier returning forward by force of the recoil spring. As the bolt returns forward, the bolt strips a cartridge from the top of the magazine and pushes it into the chamber, then rotates to the locked position. During this process, the extractor contacts the casing head, causing the extractor to snap over the cartridge rim.
The process described above can occur many times in rapid succession. During each cycle, forces of 500-700 lbf are applied to the extractor and other components of the action. Despite the extractor hooking over the cartridge rim, the extractor may fail to extract the spent cartridge casing for a variety of reasons. Even when the extractor is made of steel or other durable metals, the forces exerted on the extractor (and/or other components) cause the extractor to flex or bend temporarily. This flexing may be sufficient in itself to disengage the extractor hook from the cartridge rim. Another factor that affects case extraction is the casing geometry and fit within the chamber. For example, a cartridge casing that is slightly tapered from the head to the projectile mouth is typically easier to remove from the chamber. A casing of more true cylindrical geometry can be more difficult to remove from the chamber due to frictional forces. Also, since the extractor engages one side of the cartridge rim, forces are not applied evenly to the casing along the bore axis, but instead the casing is drawn out from one side, which biases the casing against the chamber wall and increases friction. In addition, the chamber wall may have defects or a surface finish (e.g., chrome lining) that increases friction on the casing. Alone or in combination, force involved in firing the rifle and cycling the action can result in a failure to extract the spent casing (a “FTE malfunction”).
To clear an FTE malfunction, the operator typically removes the magazine, followed by cycling the action using the charging handle and bolt release so as to reengage the extractor with the casing and eject the spent casing. In some cases, however, this procedure still fails to remove the spent casing and other actions are needed to remove the casing. Although an FTE malfunction is relatively infrequent under ordinary circumstances, the FTE is, at minimum, an inconvenience. In a combat situation, for example, an FTE malfunction can expose the operator to enemy fire while the operator rexolves the malfunction. Thus, a need exists for improvements to an extractor for autoloading firearms.
Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in the context of an extractor for a rifle based on the AR-15 platform, the concepts of an extractor disclosed herein can be applied to other firearms, including semiautomatic or automatic rifles based on other platforms, machine guns, and semiautomatic handguns.
Further, embodiments of a bolt assembly and extractor are illustrated in the figures with the extractor positioned along the top of the bolt; however, it is appreciated that the extractor may typically occupy other positions (e.g., at about the 10 o'clock position as viewed looking into the barrel) and that the bolt rotates between locked and unlocked positions during the firing cycle. Accordingly, the rotational position of the bolt and extractor is shown in the figures for ease of discussion and is not indicative of any particular required position. Numerous variations and embodiments will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.
In some embodiments, the pin opening 8 has an elongated shape that is oriented along an opening axis 13 defining an angle α from 30° to 85° with respect to the central axis 25 (and which is substantially parallel to the bore axis 15 when the extractor 1 is in the resting position as shown, e.g., in
The pin opening 8 is sized so that the extractor 1 can move with respect to the pin 2 (shown in
An extractor spring 3 is positioned between the proximal end portion 1b of the extractor 1 and the bolt 4 (shown in
In
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In
The bolt assembly 60 includes a bolt 4, extractor 1, extractor pin 2, and extractor spring 3. The distal end portion 4a of the bolt 4 includes lugs 10 arranged around a recessed breech face The extractor pin 2 extends crosswise through the bolt and retains the extractor 1 in a recess defined in the bolt 4. The recess 30 includes a longitudinal portion 30a that is sized and configured to house the extractor 1 in addition to a transverse portion 30b positioned to receive lateral extensions 1c on the proximal end portion 1b of the extractor 1. For example, each lateral extension 1c protrudes laterally away from the proximal end portion 1b to define a T shape.
As can be seen in
In this embodiment, the pin opening 8 is elongated along a central axis 25 of the extractor 1, which is parallel to or substantially parallel to the bore axis 15 when the extractor 1 is in the resting position, such as shown in
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The following examples pertain to further embodiments, from which numerous permutations and configurations will be apparent.
Example 1 is an extractor for an autoloading firearm, the extractor comprising an extractor body extending longitudinally along a central axis from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion; a stop surface on the proximal end portion; an extractor hook on the distal end portion; and a knuckle between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the knuckle defining a pin opening extending crosswise through the extractor, wherein the pin opening has an elongated shape.
Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the pin opening is elongated along an opening axis that defines an angle with the central axis, the angle from 30° to 85°.
Example 3 includes the subject matter of Example 2, wherein the angle is from 45° to 75°.
Example 4 includes the subject matter of Example 2, wherein the angle is from 60° to 70°.
Example 5 includes the subject matter of Example 2, wherein the angle is about 65°.
Example 6 includes the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the pin opening is elongated along an opening axis that defines an angle with the central axis, the angle from 0° to 30°.
Example 7 includes the subject matter of Example 6, wherein the proximal end portion includes one or more laterally extending protrusions.
Example 8 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the pin opening has a length along the opening axis that is from 110% to 120% of a width perpendicular to the opening axis.
Example 9 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the pin opening has a length along the opening axis that is at least 120% of a width perpendicular to the opening axis.
Example 10 includes the subject matter of Example 9, wherein the length is at least 130% of the width.
Example 11 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-10, wherein the pin opening has a slot shape.
Example 12 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-10, wherein the pin opening has an oval shape.
Example 13 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-10, wherein the pin opening has an arcuate shape.
Example 14 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-13, wherein the extractor body defines a spring pocket between the stop surface and the knuckle.
Example 15 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-14, further comprising a lug on the distal end portion.
Example 16 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-15, wherein the extractor is configured for use with an autoloading rifle.
Example 17 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-15, wherein the extractor is configured for use with a semiautomatic handgun.
Example 18 is a bolt assembly comprising the extractor of any one of Examples 1-15.
Example 19 is an autoloading rifle comprising the bolt assembly of Example 18.
Example 20 includes the subject matter of Example 19, the rifle configured for semiautomatic fire and/or automatic fire.
Example 21 includes the subject matter of Example 19, wherein the rifle is an AR-15-type or M16-type rifle.
Example 22 is a parts kit comprising the extractor of any one of Examples 1-17.
Example 23 includes the subject matter of Example 22, and further comprises an extractor spring and a pin.
Example 24 includes the subject matter of Example 23, wherein the parts kit is configured for use with an AR-15-type or M16-type rifle.
Example 25 is an extractor for an autoloading firearm, the extractor comprising an extractor body extending from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion, the distal end portion having an extractor hook configured to engage a firearm cartridge; a knuckle between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the knuckle defining a pin opening extending crosswise through the extractor, wherein the pin opening has an elongated shape; and a protrusion on the extractor body between the knuckle and the extractor hook.
Example 26 includes the subject matter of Example 25, wherein a distal surface of the protrusion has a forward slope.
Example 27 includes the subject matter of Example 25 or 26, wherein the distal end portion of the extractor body extends along a central axis and wherein the pin opening is elongated along an opening axis that defines an angle with the central axis, the angle from 0° to 20°.
Example 28 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-27, wherein the pin opening has a length along the opening axis that is from 110% to 130% of a width perpendicular to the opening axis.
Example 29 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-27, wherein the pin opening has a length along the opening axis that is at least 120% of a width perpendicular to the opening axis.
Example 30 includes the subject matter of Example 29, wherein the length is at least 130% of the width.
Example 31 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-30, wherein the pin opening has a slot shape.
Example 32 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-30, wherein the pin opening has an oval shape.
Example 33 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-30, wherein the pin opening has an arcuate shape.
Example 34 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-33, wherein the extractor body defines a spring pocket between the proximal end portion and the knuckle.
Example 35 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-34, further comprising a lug on the distal end portion.
Example 36 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-35, wherein the extractor is configured for use with a machine gun.
Example 37 is a bolt assembly comprising the extractor of any one of Examples 25-36.
Example 28 is a machine gun comprising the bolt assembly of Example 37.
Example 39 is a parts kit comprising the extractor of any one of Examples 25-36.
Example 40 includes the subject matter of Example 39 and further comprises an extractor spring and a pin.
Example 41 includes the subject matter of Example 40 and further comprises a bolt for a machine gun.
The foregoing description of example embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Future-filed applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in a different manner and generally may include any set of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63369398 | Jul 2022 | US |