The present disclosure generally relates to firearms, and more particularly to firearms in the form of handguns with integral silencers or suppressors that reduce muzzle noise or blast produced by discharging the firearm.
Silencers or suppressors generally comprise multiple combustion gas expansion chambers in which the high pressure gas is allowed to partially expand prior to leaving the firearm. The projectile such as a bullet is propelled through the barrel of the firearm and silencer by the combustion gas. In an unsuppressed discharge firearm, the rapid expansion and depressurization of the high pressure gas at the muzzle end of the barrel produces a loud sound referred to as muzzle blast or noise. The partial pre-expansion of gas inside the silencer acts to reduce muzzle noise which is desirable in some circumstances.
Silencers are typically configured as separate thread-on assemblies having an outer sleeve and internal sound suppression baffling which are screwed onto the muzzle end of the firearm barrel as a completely removable unit. Although some attempts have been made to integrate silencers into handguns such as a pistol, the end result is that these units may tend to be long, bulky, and cumbersome to handle. In addition, these designs may be difficult to disassemble for maintenance and cleaning of the silencer and/or firearm components. Accordingly, such prior integrated silencer designs may adversely affect the balance, aiming, and desired slim profile of the barrel creating a suppressed pistol uncharacteristic in dimensions and appearance from a more conventional pistol.
Improvements in integrally suppressed handguns are needed.
The present invention provides an integrally suppressed handgun that overcomes the shortcomings of the foregoing integrally suppressed handgun designs. The present suppressed handgun may be in the form of a semi-automatic pistol in one non-limiting configuration. The present integrally suppressed pistol has a silencer or suppressor design which advantageously is relatively compact with a slim profile characteristic of an unsuppressed pistol to facilitate aiming and holstering. The baffled front suppressor portion of the pistol can be readily assembled or disassembled for maintenance and cleaning of the suppressor components or other parts of the firearm via an easy-operating coupling system.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the integrally suppressed pistol generally comprises a suppressor assembly, which may be removably mounted to the pistol via a mounting adapter. The suppressor mounting adapter may be configured for direct coupling to a barrel insert fixedly attached to a receiver and the receiver. No discernable gap may exist between the rear end of the mounting adapter which abuts the front of the receiver for a uniform appearance and stability. The barrel insert provides support for the adapter and suppressor components coupled thereto in a cantilevered manner. In one embodiment, the barrel insert may be internally ported inside the suppressor mounting adapter to increase combustion gas retention time and improve sound suppression performance.
The suppressor components comprise a stack of sound suppression baffles removably affixed directly to and supported by the adapter. There is no outer silencer sleeve or tube that supports the baffles unlike many prior suppressor designs. The exterior walls of the baffles therefore form the exposed outer surfaces of the front suppressor portion of the firearm. The baffles may have a vertically oblong configuration in one embodiment defining a gas expansion chamber including an upper portion or volume aligned with the centerline of barrel bore and a lower portion or volume which extends below the barrel's normal cross section and centerline of the bore to provide additional volume for gas expansion, thereby advantageously improving sound suppression performance while minimizing the length of the silencer compared to conventional designs.
The stackable baffles of the suppressor may detachably attach to the mounting adapter via an axially elongated mounting rod which may be socket head cap screw that is threaded into a threaded steel insert disposed in the adapter. Tightening the cap screw places the baffles in compression, which seals the byproducts of combustion inside the suppressor. Unscrewing the socket head cap screw from the adapter allows for removal of the baffles from the suppressor for cleaning. The adapter may be removably affixed to the barrel insert of the firearm by means of a threaded retention or muzzle cap rotatably/threadably coupled to muzzle end of the barrel insert. The muzzle cap places the adapter in compression and acts as a positional locator for the blast baffle of the suppressor assembly.
A rearmost gas expansion chamber referred to as a “blast chamber” is defined by an upper portion of the blast baffle which is affixed to the mounting adapter. The blast chamber provides an initial volume that receives combustion gases from the barrel bore when the firearm is discharged to control the effects of 1st-round “pop” (secondary ignition of oxygen within the suppressor, which results in a louder than normal report from the firearm when first fired). The next and subsequent gas expansion chambers forward within the suppressor formed by baffles referred to as “primary baffles” herein fluidly communicate with the blast chamber of the blast baffle. The blast baffle includes additional gas expansion volume beneath the blast chamber to further ameliorate the muzzle blast. The primary baffles may utilize an obliquely angled pushed or skewed cone geometry in one embodiment, as further described herein.
The suppressor is length-configurable by a user or manufacturer advantageously without the need for additional components via the flexible length coupling system disclosed herein. When one or two of the baffles are removed from a long configuration, the mounting rod (e.g. socket head cap screw) can be threaded deeper through a double open-ended socket in the suppressor mounting adapter and into an extended length chamber to place the remainder of the baffle stack in compression, thereby forming a short configuration. The short configuration, having two baffles removed from the assembly for example without limitation, is still hearing-safe for the shooter (below 140 dB). In this configuration, the pistol has an overall length more appropriate easy holstering and on-person carry. The mounting rod has a sufficient length to allow for its use in both the short and long configurations, thereby advantageously negating the need to provide additional sets of mounting rods for the short and long suppressor and pistol configurations. In one embodiment, the mounting rod may be extendible and retractable into and out of a rear chamber of the mounting adapter to vary a projected length of the mounting rod from the mounting adapter for accommodating the different numbers of baffles in the baffle assembly for different configurations of the suppressor.
The front-most baffle may be machined to accept a standard, 1911 dovetailed pistol front sight, which allows end users to install off the shelf components for further customization. Other types of sights may be mounted to the front-most baffle.
In one embodiment, the pistol may include a tilting barrel-receiver assembly pivotably mounted to the grip frame of the firearm for ease of maintenance. The barrel-receiver assembly is movable between a closed position axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the firearm and an open position obliquely angled thereto. In other possible embodiments, the barrel-receiver assembly may be fixed in position and non-tilting.
A plastic or metal accessory rail may be provided in some embodiments and attached via socket head cap screws to the underside of the mounting adapter. The accessory rail, besides being designed to accept Picatinny-rail-mounted accessories or other available type rail mounting accessories, may be configured to allow for the pistol grip frame to rotate down far enough for the bolt assembly to be removed from the receiver for cleaning.
In one implementation of the present invention, an integrally-suppressible pistol is provided having a stock configuration and components as provided by the manufacturer which are amenable for conversion to an integrally suppressed firearm by the purchaser or end user via use of an available integral suppressor conversion kit. Advantageously, the conversion may be accomplished without resort to a gunsmith. In addition, the user may easily switch back and forth between the unsuppressed and integrally suppressed firing platforms in a matter of minutes to suit changing needs and circumstances.
In one aspect, an integrally suppressed handgun comprises: a longitudinal axis; a frame; a receiver attached to the frame; an elongated barrel insert comprising a rearward mounting portion fixedly coupled to the receiver and a forward retention portion, the barrel insert comprising a rear breech end defining a chamber configured for holding an ammunition cartridge, a front end, and a longitudinally-extending barrel bore defining a projectile pathway; the barrel insert further comprising a plurality of radial gas ports in fluid communication with the barrel bore; a suppressor mounting adapter at least partially surrounding and removably coupled to the barrel insert, the mounting adapter comprising an upper through passage receiving the barrel insert at least partially therein and a lower through passage; an annular gas expansion chamber formed between the barrel insert and the mounting adapter in the upper through passage; a threaded muzzle cap removably coupling the mounting adapter to the barrel insert; a baffle assembly removably coupled to the mounting adapter and defining a front end of the handgun including a projectile exit aperture, the baffle assembly comprising a plurality of sound suppression baffles arranged in longitudinally stacked relationship, each baffle defining an internal baffle gas expansion chamber; and an elongated mounting rod extending from the front end of the baffle assembly rearward to the mounting adapter, a threaded rear end of the mounting rod threadably coupled to the mounting adapter to retain the baffle assembly; wherein when the handgun is discharged, the annular gas expansion chamber fills with combustion gas vented from the gas ports of the barrel insert.
In another aspect, an integrally suppressed handgun comprises: a longitudinal axis; a frame; a receiver supported by the frame; an elongated barrel insert comprising a rearward mounting portion fixedly coupled to a front end of receiver, a forward retention portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween; the barrel insert comprising a rear breech end defining a chamber configured for holding an ammunition cartridge, a front end, and a longitudinally-extending barrel bore defining a projectile pathway; the barrel insert further comprising a plurality of radial gas ports in fluid communication with the barrel bore; a mounting adapter configured for attaching a suppressor baffle assembly thereto, the mounting adapter at least partially surrounding the barrel insert and abuttingly engaging the receiver; a muzzle cap threadably coupled to the forward retention portion of the barrel insert to secure the mounting adapter to the receiver; the muzzle cap comprising a forward tooling portion configured for engaging a tool used to couple the muzzle cap to the barrel insert, and a rear shield portion defining a rearwardly open inlet gas chamber in fluid communication with the radial gas ports of the barrel insert; the mounting adapter further defining an internal annular gas expansion chamber surrounding the barrel insert, the annular gas expansion chamber in fluid communication with the radial gas ports of the barrel insert via the inlet gas chamber of the muzzle cap; wherein when the handgun is discharged, combustion gas is vented from the barrel bore into the gas inlet chamber of the muzzle cap through the radial gas ports, and then fills the annular gas expansion chamber.
In another aspect, an integrally suppressed handgun comprises: a longitudinal axis; a frame; a receiver attached to the frame and including a front end; an elongated barrel insert comprising a rearward mounting portion fixedly coupled to the front end of receiver and a forward retention portion, the barrel insert comprising a rear breech end defining a chamber configured for holding an ammunition cartridge, a front end, and a longitudinally-extending barrel bore defining a projectile pathway; the barrel insert further comprising a plurality of radial gas ports in fluid communication with the barrel bore; a suppressor mounting adapter at least partially surrounding and removably coupled to the barrel insert, the mounting adapter comprising an upper through passage receiving the barrel insert at least partially therein and a lower through passage; the upper through passage defining an annular gas expansion chamber formed between the barrel insert and the mounting adapter; the mounting adapter further comprising a rear end abuttingly engaging the front end of the receiver, and an internal first annular protrusion engaging and compressing an annular flange on the barrel insert against the front end of the receiver; a muzzle cap threadably engaging the front end of the barrel insert and having a rear end abuttingly engaging an internal second annular protrusion of the mounting adapter to secure the mounting adapter to the receiver; the mounting adapter being configured for mounting a baffle assembly to the firearm; wherein when the handgun is discharged, the annular gas expansion chamber fills with combustion gas vented from the gas ports of the barrel insert.
In another aspect, a method for converting an unsuppressed firearm to an integrally suppressed firearm comprises: providing a firearm having a first unsuppressed configuration with no muzzle blast reduction provisions, the unsuppressed firearm including a frame, a receiver supported by the frame, a barrel insert attached to the receiver, and a barrel shroud at least partially surrounding the barrel insert; removing the barrel shroud from the barrel insert; sliding a suppressor mounting adapter over the barrel insert; securing the mounting adapter to the barrel insert; and coupling a baffle assembly comprising a plurality of sound suppression baffles to the mounting adapter; wherein the firearm has a second suppressed configuration operable to reduce muzzle blast.
The features of the exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings where like elements are labeled similarly, and in which:
All drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale. Parts shown and/or given a reference numerical designation in one figure may be considered to be the same parts where they appear in other figures without a numerical designation for brevity unless specifically labeled with a different part number and described herein. References herein to a whole figure number (e.g.
The features and benefits of the invention are illustrated and described herein by reference to exemplary (i.e. “example”) embodiments. This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Accordingly, the disclosure expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features.
Pistol 10 defines a longitudinal axis LA and includes a grip frame 12 having a front trigger guard portion 12a and a barrel-receiver assembly 20/30 supported by the grip frame. The barrel-receiver assembly includes barrel assembly 20 coupled to and supported by receiver 30. The rear of the frame 12 defines a vertically elongated grip 16 for holding pistol 10. The frame 12 includes an at least partially open interior space 11 extending longitudinally and vertically for housing the firing mechanism components (see, e.g.
Receiver 30 may be an axially elongated and generally hollow cylindrical structure defining a longitudinally-extending internal cavity 38. Other receiver configurations may be used and are not limiting of the invention. Receiver 30 is fixedly mounted to the grip frame 12 and does not move relative thereto when firing the pistol 10. Receiver 30 includes an open front end 31, opposing open rear end 33, and an ejection port 18 (see
With particular reference to
Barrel assembly 20 includes a rear firing portion configured to hold a cartridge and coupled to receiver 30, and a front suppressor portion removably coupled thereto and configured to deaden the muzzle blast or noise associated with firing the pistol 10. Referring to
Barrel insert 60 further includes a full diameter rearward mounting portion 63, a forward retention portion 64, and an intermediate portion 65 extending therebetween. Mounting portion 63 is configured for insertion through the open front end 31 of receiver 30 into its internal cavity 38, as best shown in
With continuing reference to
Forward retention portion 64 of barrel insert 60 is configured to mount the front suppressor portion of barrel assembly 20 to the pistol 10. The forward retention portion is positioned at least partially inside suppressor mounting adapter 210 and may have a diameter smaller than the rear mounting portion 63 of barrel insert 60 (see, e.g.
Muzzle cap 200 may be generally configured as a modified lock nut with some notable and distinct gas flow related features.
Referring to
The larger rear shield portion 205 of muzzle cap 200 may comprise a cylindrical sidewall 201-5 which defines a rearwardly open internal gas inlet chamber 204 which receives combustion gas vented by radial gas ports 67a formed in barrel insert 60 (see, e.g.
An internal middle transitional chamber 201-7 may be formed between the rear gas inlet chamber 204 and forward part of the through passage 201-4 inside the tooling front portion 206 of the muzzle cap 200. Transitional chamber 201-7 may have a diameter falling between the larger diameter of adjacent gas inlet chamber 204 and smaller diameter of the adjacent forward part of the through passage inside the tooling end as shown. This forms a pair of axially spaced shoulders 201-6 and 201-8 at the rear and front of the transitional chamber (best shown in
Referring to
In operation with reference to
As seen in the non-limiting embodiment shown in
In one embodiment, the entirety of the portion of barrel insert 60 forward of the rear mounting portion 63 disposed inside receiver 30 is completely enclosed by the suppressor mounting adapter 210 (excluding the threaded front mounting extension 69 engaged by muzzle cap 200). In one embodiment, the entire intermediate portion 65 of barrel insert 60 may be located inside the adapter 210. In one embodiment, frustoconical transition sections 211 may be provided to form a smooth transition between the smaller diameter intermediate portion 65 and the larger diameter rear mounting and front retention portions 63, 64 of the insert 60 for aesthetic considerations. The reduced diameter intermediate portion 65 beneficially reduces the weight of the pistol in addition to providing added volume for the gas expansion chamber 67 of the mounting adapter 210.
Referring now to
Referring to
In one non-limiting embodiment, barrel-receiver assembly 20/30 may be mounted in a pivotable and tilting manner to grip frame 12 via a suitable rotational coupling. Commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,791,223, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a pivotable mounting systems for use with the present pistol 10. The barrel-receiver assembly 20/30 is angularly movable between a closed operating (i.e. ready-to-fire) position (see, e.g.
With additional reference to
With continuing reference to
In the present embodiment being described, the pivot protuberance 452 of the frame pivot insert 450 may be barrel-shaped defining a part-circular convexly curved configuration which defines a transversely elongated arcuate pivot surface 455 that engages the complementary concavely curved closed top end of barrel-receiver assembly mounting slot 402 defined by the receiver body. The mutually engaged curved surfaces of the hooked mounting protrusion 408 within slot 402 and pivot protuberance 452 provide smooth titling action of the barrel-receiver assembly 20/30 on frame 12. It bears noting that in embodiments described above in which the hooked lug 400 directly engages the cross pin 293, the arcuately curved pivot surface is defined by the pin instead of the pivot protuberance.
A latching system is provided for locking and unlocking the tilting barrel-receiver assembly 20/30 to/from grip frame 12. The latching system includes a manually-operated latch 350 slideably mounted on the rear of the grip frame beneath the receiver. Latch 350 is configured to selectively engage and disengage the barrel-receiver assembly 20/30 or an appurtenance thereof to (1) lock the pivoting barrel-receiver assembly 20/30 in the closed position to the grip frame 12 during firing operation of the pistol (see, e.g.
In operation, initially, the latch 350 is in the rearward locked position and barrel-receiver assembly 20/30 is in the closed position. Next, latch 350 is pushed in a longitudinal axial direction to the forward unlocked position. This unlocks the barrel-receiver assembly from the frame 12 and allows the assembly to be pivotably tilted forward and downward, thereby raising the rear end of the receiver 30 upwards to the tilted open position as shown in
Referring to
In operation, pulling the trigger 14 releases the hammer 40 which strikes and drives the firing pin 54 forward to detonate the cartridge in the manner described above. This in turn drives the bolt 50 rearward (within the receiver 30 which remains axially fixed in position on grip frame 12) under the recoil forces to extract and eject the cartridge casing through an ejection port 18 in the side of the receiver 30. The bolt 50 is returned forward under the biasing force of a recoil spring 58. The foregoing type of bolt firing mechanism may be found, for example without limitation, in a Ruger Mark IV pistol available from Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. of Southport, Conn. However, it will be noted that embodiments of a barrel system and bolt mechanism according to the present disclosure are expressly not limited in use to this particular pistol and may be applied with equal benefit to other type pistols and rifles.
Referring to
The suppressor mounting adapter 210 is shown in further detail in
Upper section 110 of mounting adapter 210 defines a front opening 230 and opposing rear opening 231. An internal upper through passage 115 extends between the openings of the upper section 110 and is coaxially aligned with longitudinal axis LA. Through passage 115 may circular in transverse cross section in one embodiment. Through passage 115 is configured to receive the barrel insert 60 therein when the mounting adapter 210 is secured to the receiver 30. When the barrel insert 60 is completely coupled to the adapter 210 via muzzle cap 200 as seen in
The front annular protrusion 219 of mounting adapter 210 defines a forward facing annular seating surface 234 which engages a mating rear facing surface formed on the annular rear end 201-2 of the muzzle cap 200 when mounted to the barrel insert 60. The protrusions 218, 219 act as radial spacers which prevent the intermediate portion 65 of barrel insert 60 from contacting interior surface 217 of the upper through passage 115 in the adapter, thereby contributing to formation of the annular space 67 therebetween as previously described to minimize heat transfer between the barrel insert and mounting adapter 210. The annular protrusions 218, 219 further provide a mounting function, as further described herein.
The lower section 111 of mounting adapter 210 similarly defines a front opening 232, rear opening 233, and lower through passage 260 extending therebetween. Lower through passage 260 is physically and fluidly separated from upper through passage 115 by a horizontal partition wall 238. Lower through passage 260 comprises in communication (without threaded insert 261 or mounting rod 262 in place as explained below) a rear chamber 235, intermediate chamber 236, and front chamber 239. Front chamber 239 is in fluid communication with the lower rear chamber 249 of blast baffle 240. Intermediate chamber 236 defines a threaded socket which engages the threaded rear end 263 of baffle mounting rod 262. In one embodiment, the threaded socket may be provided by an internally threaded insert 261 mounted in intermediate chamber 236. When in place, threaded insert 261 fluidly isolates the front chamber 239 from the rear chamber 235 with mounting rod 261 engaged with the insert to prevent fouling of the rear chamber from combustion gas. Insert 261 defines threaded through bore 264 having open front and rear ends which allows the threaded rear end of the mounting rod 262 to project rearwardly beyond the threaded insert 261 into the rear chamber 235 to varying degrees for length adjustment of the rod. The mounting rod is selectively adjustable in length by rotating the mounting rod between a first long configuration in which the rear end of the mounting rod does not extend rearward past the through socket of insert 261, and a second short configuration in which the rear end of the mounting rod projects rearward beyond the through socket into the rear chamber 235 of the lower through passage 235 of the mounting adapter 210. The short configuration is used for short configuration of the suppressor assembly shown in
In one non-limiting embodiment, the mounting adapter 210 is configured to be supported by the barrel insert 60 and locked into position on the receiver 30 independently of the receiver 30 or grip frame 12 (see, e.g.
With additional reference to
An upper exit aperture 267 in front end cap 270 is in fluid communication with the internal passageway P of the suppressor. Aperture 267 is sized to allow a fired projectile such as a bullet or slug to pass therethrough. Exit aperture 267 is coaxially and concentrically aligned with the longitudinal axis LA and longitudinal bore 62 of barrel insert 60. In one non-limiting embodiment, the exit aperture 267 continues and opens rearward into a tubular extension 268 disposed in passageway P inside the end cap. The tubular extension may be integrally formed with end wall 273 in one embodiment and extends rearwardly from the wall towards the breech end of barrel assembly 20.
In one embodiment, front end cap 43 further includes a rear facing raised lip 269 protruding rearwards from a rear side 272 of the end cap. The lip 269 is configured and dimensioned for engageable insertion into the foremost front primary baffle 301 (see, e.g.
Mounting rod 262 (best shown in
The blast baffle 240 and primary baffles 300 including the foremost baffle designated by reference numeral 301 will be described next. It bears noting that the front baffle 301 has a slightly different configuration than baffles 300 rearward of it, as explained below.
Blast baffle 240 further includes a partially open front end 241, partially open rear end 242, upper section 244, and lower section 245 formed by outer wall 243. Upper section 244 may include an arcuately and convexly curved top wall portion on top transitioning on each lateral side into opposing vertical flat wall portions of the upper section. Lower section 245 may be polygonal shaped formed by opposing vertical flat wall portions, opposing angled wall portions obliquely angled to the flat portions, and a horizontal bottom wall portion. Upper section 244 has a greater lateral or transverse width than lower section 245. The front and rear ends 241, 242 of the blast baffle outer wall 243 are configured to abuttingly engage the outer wall 280 of mounting adapter 210 and the rearmost primary baffle 300 creating mutually flush outer surfaces when mounted thereto for a uniform streamlined appearance, as noted above.
A vertical partition wall 246 spaced between the ends 241 and 242 extends downwards from the top wall portion of outer wall 243 for about one-half the height of blast baffle 240. Wall 246 separates the interior 257 of the blast baffle 240 into a plurality of front and rear gas expansion chambers, including an upper rear gas expansion chamber 250 (i.e. blast chamber), a lower rear gas expansion chamber 249 rearward of the wall, and a common front gas expansion chamber 251 forward of the wall. The upper and lower rear gas expansion chambers each may be defined as occupying approximately one-half of the height of the blast baffle 240 and are in open fluid communication with each other. Common front gas expansion chamber 251 may extend for the full height of the interior of blast baffle 240. The rear gas expansion chambers 249, 250 each extend for a portion of the height of the baffle, such as approximately one-half the height in one implementation. Rear expansion chambers 249, 250 collectively extend for the full height of the baffle and are not physically separated from each other defining a common full height space. Rear upper gas expansion chamber 250 has a generally tubular configuration and related round cross section corresponding to the shape of upper section 244 of the baffle body. Lower rear gas expansion chamber 249 has a generally polygonal configuration and related polygonal cross section corresponding to the shape of the lower section 245 of the baffle body. The common front gas expansion chamber 251 has a combination of these two configurations.
The partition wall 246 is axially spaced apart from the muzzle cap 200 by a predetermined axial distance D1 carefully selected to balance competing interests of maximizing muzzle blast sound suppression and optimizing combustion gas distribution within the blast baffle 240. The upper rear gas expansion chamber 250 or “blast chamber” acts to reduce 1st-round “pop” noise (secondary ignition of oxygen within the suppressor, which results in a louder than normal report from the firearm when first fired), as noted above. Accordingly, the axial separation distance between the partition wall 246 and muzzle cap 200 might be optimized based on criteria to maximize first round pop reduction. However, this may result in a placement of partition wall 246 that is not ideal to effectively distribute and force gas downwards into the lower rear gas expansion chamber 249 of the blast baffle 240 to improve overall muzzle blast noise suppression. Accordingly, the placement of partition wall 246 is tuned by adjusting and selecting axial distance D1 to balance reduction of 1st round “pop” noise to a maximum while optimizing gas flow distribution within the blast baffle 240 upon the projectile exiting muzzle cap 200. Placement of partition wall 246 is therefore not arbitrary. The combustion gas flow distribution within blast baffle 240 is shown by directional flow arrows F in
Common front gas expansion chamber 251 is in fluid communication with both rear gas expansion chambers 249, 250 creating maximum volume for partial expansion of the combustion gases to suppress the muzzle blast or noise. A vertical circular aperture 247 in partition wall 246 coaxially aligned with longitudinal axis LA and projectile passageway P fluidly connects upper rear gas expansion chamber 250 with front gas expansion chamber 251. A relatively large axial flow aperture 252 is formed beneath the partition wall 246 to allow gas to flow forward from the lower rear gas expansion chamber 249 into the lower half of the common front gas expansion chamber 251. Flow aperture 252 may extend for a majority of the height of the blast baffle 240.
Blast baffle 240 includes a vertical rear wall 255 defining a non-polygonal larger upper aperture 256 and a non-polygonal smaller lower aperture 253. Both apertures 256 and 253 allow gas to flow forward from the blast baffle into the primary baffles 300. Lower aperture 253 allows mounting rod 262 to pass through the blast baffle 240 to the mounting adapter 210 for threaded securement. Lower aperture 253 may optionally include a semi-circular and centered rod locating edge 253-1 complementary configured to the diameter of the mounting rod 262 which may pass immediately below and optionally engage the semi-circular edge portion. This facilitates locating and aligning the rear end of the mounting rod 262 with the threaded through bore 264 of threaded insert 261 mounted in the mounting adapter 210 when assembling the baffle assembly to the firearm.
The lower rear gas expansion chamber 249 of blast baffle 240 creates additional internal volume for combustion gas expansion below the upper rear gas expansion chamber 250. When pistol 10 is fired, the combustion gas circulates between the gas expansion chambers 249-251. High velocity gas emitted from the muzzle will expand in a roughly conical shape as it travels forward. As this gas encounters wall 246, a portion of it is forced to expand to the next lowest pressure area, which is the lower volume created by lower rear gas expansion chamber 249. As this occurs, gasses that are able to pass through upper aperture 247 expand conically and encounter the first primary baffle, thereby partially trapping a portion of the gas. The gas that has expanded into the lower volume of lower gas expansion chamber 249 then travels forward through lower aperture 253 and mixes with the gas trapped by the primary baffle immediately forward of the blast baffle 240 in the gas expansion chamber of the rearmost primary baffle 300. It bears noting that front chamber 239 of mounting adapter 210 is contiguous with and in fluid communication with the lower rear gas expansion chamber 249 of the blast baffle, thereby advantageously creating additional gas retention volume and delay.
The primary baffles 300 will now be described in greater detail. In one non-limiting embodiment illustrated herein, baffles 300 are stackable, press-fit frictionally interlocking, and may be configured with similar features to the pushed or skewed cone baffles disclosed in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,835,400, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the present invention and adaptation for hand-held firearms, however, an outer sleeve is not required to support the stack of baffles via the new self-supporting removable baffle and mounting adapter assemblies disclosed herein which forms the outermost pressure boundary of the barrel assembly. Accordingly, the shape of the outer wall of the present primary baffles 300 is different than the primary baffles disclosed in the foregoing Patent. The present baffles further do not include a distinct upper and lower tubular gas expansion chamber but rather a single open chamber, as further described herein.
Outer wall 302 of primary baffle 300 circumscribes an interior 303 defining an internal gas expansion chamber 73 that extends a full height of baffle 300 from top to bottom. Gas expansion chamber 73 extends from the front end 160 to rear end 161. A lower portion of gas expansion chamber 73 advantageously creates additional internal volume for combustion gas expansion below the longitudinal axis LA of the pistol and the projectile pathway P. The outer walls 302 of each primary baffle 300 (including front baffle 301) have a complementary cross sectional shape and dimensions to the outer wall cross sectional shapes of the blast baffle 240 and mounting adapter 210 that collectively form the visible front barrel portion of the pistol 10.
Primary baffles 300 each include a rear extension 169 that defines rear wall 167 of the baffle body. In one embodiment, the rear wall 167 may be configured to define an asymmetrically shaped and curved upper hollow cone 72 protruding rearwardly from outer wall 302 of the baffle and a lower mounting portion 170 protruding rearwardly from the baffle. Cone 72 is formed by a complexly-curved concave wall segment 78 of the upper portion of the rear wall 167. The interior open upper gas expansion chamber 73 extends from the outer wall 302 rearwards inside both the cone 72 and lower mounting portion 170. In one embodiment, the cone 72 is formed integrally with the baffle body and tubular upper section 71 of the baffle 70 as a unitary structural part thereof. In other embodiments, the cone may be a separate component attached to sleeve via any suitable means such as welding, brazing, soldering, adhesives, fasteners, etc. in part depending on the material selected for the baffle.
The lower mounting portion 170 of rear wall 167 defines a mounting aperture 168. The lower mounting aperture 168 fluidly communicates with the lower portion of gas expansion chamber 73. Rear wall 167 may be vertically flat in one embodiment which contrasts with the arcuately concave shape of the rear wall concave wall segment 78 surrounding the flat face and central aperture 75. Aperture 168 may be smaller in cross-sectional area than the central aperture 75 of baffle cone 72. Aperture 168 may have a smooth bore in one embodiment for allowing the baffle mounting rod 262 to slide therethrough, as further described herein. Aperture 168 may be round and sized slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the mounting rod.
Gas expansion chamber 73 is configured and sized for insertion of the rear extension 169 (including upper cone 72 and lower mounting portion 170 of the next adjacent forward primary baffle 300 at least partially therein through open front end 160 of the baffle, as best shown in
Cone 72 includes an internally open base end 81 connected to outer wall 302 and a free terminal end 82 defining a rear prominence. Cone 72 has a complex asymmetrical and skewed compound shape in one embodiment defined by the arcuately curved concave wall segment 78 formed on the upper portion of rear extension 169. The concave wall segment 78 of cone 72 extends obliquely to longitudinal axis LA from outer wall 302 of the baffle (see, e.g.
The central aperture 75 of primary baffle 70 is obliquely arranged and oriented to the longitudinal axis LA of the pistol 10 (see, e.g.
Central aperture 75 of cone 72 includes an upper minor portion 75a and a larger lower minor portion 75b in fluid communication with the minor portion. In some embodiments, upper lower minor portion 75a of the central aperture 75 may have a smaller lateral width which is less than the diameter of the bore 62 of barrel insert 60 because the projectile does not pass through this portion of the aperture. Conversely, the larger lower major portion 75b of the central aperture 75 having a lateral width larger than the minor portion 75a. Major portion 75b has a lateral width the same as or larger than the barrel insert bore 62 to allow passage of a projectile therethrough. The purpose of the upper minor portion 75a is to add extra open space above the projectile as it is passing through the central aperture 75 to permit combustion gas cross-jetting to initiate simultaneously which enhances sound suppression performance.
The cone 72 of each primary baffle 70 may be considered to be essentially shaped like an asymmetrical forced or skewed cone. The upper half section of the baffle cone segment 78 of rear wall 167 is designed to ramp the combustion gas pressure away from and around the central aperture 75 to gather at the lowest point on the upper half section of the cone segment against the baffle face. As the combustion gas pressure builds enough to “spill” over the oblong rim of the cone segment that defines the aperture 75 and flows into the aperture through the upper minor portion 75a, this causes gas cross-jetting into the next forward baffle upper gas expansion chamber 73.
Cross-jetting is extremely effective at disrupting the high speed combustion gasses traveling along the bore-line (i.e. longitudinal axis LA coaxial with central aperture 75), which if left alone would escape out of the suppressor at high pressures, thus creating a loud report. The gasses need to be slowed down to give them time to expand and cool. The cross-jetting of the rearmost primary baffle 300 causes the gasses to divert from the bore-line, get caught in the next downstream baffle gas expansion chamber 73 (of the next forward baffle), and then add to the cross-jetting flow of that baffle. Thus, the efficacy of each baffle 300 progressively improves closer to the distal front end of the barrel assembly 20. The asymmetrically skewed shape of the primary baffle 300 encourages this cross-jetting to occur faster than normal cone shapes. It is advantageous for this cross-jetting effect to occur quickly in order to slow as much escaping gas as possible for improving sound suppression.
In one embodiment, each primary baffle 300 (including front primary baffle 301) includes a semi-circular gas deflection shroud 310 as best shown in
Primary baffles 300 may be made of any suitable preferably metallic or non-metallic material. The baffles 300 can be formed by any suitable method. In some fabrication processes, this compound baffle shape may be machined from a single piece of metal bar stock or investment cast to net shape and then finished by appropriate machining techniques. The invention is not limited by the production method(s) used.
Although primary baffles 300 have been described which incorporate the foregoing skewed cone design in the projectile pathway of the sound suppression device, the invention is not limited in its applicability to such baffle configurations alone. In other embodiments, numerous baffle variations and alternative shapes may be used including as some examples without limitation plain baffle apertures in a straight or angled baffle face, symmetrical cone designs on the baffle face, and others. Such other designs may be used in the integrally suppressed barrel system and mounting mechanism with equal benefit.
The foremost or front primary baffle 301 of baffles 300 has the same configuration as the rearward primary baffles previously described herein, with exception that it may be configured for mounting a front sight 281 thereto (see, e.g.
It is notable that when the pistol 20 is fired, the internal vertical walls of the blast and primary baffles 240 and 300 (including front primary baffle 301) will repetitiously deflect or flex back and forth for several cycles each time when impinged by the high velocity combustion gases flowing through the baffles. This causes the baffles to vibrate at a resonant high frequency creating an audible bell-like pinging noise which is undesirable. The inventors have discovered that this high frequency noise can be effectively attenuated by selectively shaping and configuring the lower sections of the baffles to create angled sound reflection surfaces. According to one aspect of the invention, the multi-faceted polygonal configuration of the lower sections 245 and 163 of respective blast baffle 240 and primary baffles 300 already described above has been specifically designed to act as frequency modulators to advantageously ameliorate the resonant high frequency pinging noise. The polygonal lower sections of the baffles 240 and 300 therefore configured with the multiple angled flat surfaces within their respective gas expansion chambers 257 and 73 as shown in the figures, which reflect the sound waves internally within the baffles. This shifts the frequency of the audible resonant high frequency noise attributed to baffle vibration either higher or lower than can be heard by a user to eliminate or minimize the objectionable noise. In sum, the polygonal lower sections of the blast and primary baffle outer walls 243, 302 are configured to eliminate noise associated with the vibration of the baffles when the firearm is discharged. It therefore bears noting that the purpose of the polygonal shape of the lower sections has been engineered to serve an important sound reduction function, and is not simply one of aesthetics.
An example method for assembling the barrel assembly 20 will now be generally described. The method described herein is one of several possible sequential approaches for assembling the integrally suppressed barrel. Accordingly, numerous sequential variations are possible and the invention is not limited to any one approach.
The present method comprises initially providing the following unassembled major components of the integrally suppressed barrel system: the barrel insert 60, front end cap 270, blast baffle 240, a plurality of primary baffles 300 including one front primary baffle 301, rear mounting adapter 210, and baffle mounting rod 262.
As an initial step with respect to
In one embodiment, the blast baffle 240 and primary baffles 300 (including front primary baffle 301) may first be press-fitted and frictionally interlocked together as previously described herein to form a self-supporting baffle unit. The front end cap 270 may be press-fitted to the front primary baffle 301. The pre-assembled baffle unit with end cap may then be axially aligned with the mounting adapter 210 and moved rearward to engage the latter. The rear end 242 of blast baffle 240 is abuttingly engaged with the front end 112 of the mounting adapter 210 already emplaced on the barrel insert 60. While holding the baffle unit against the mounting adapter, the mounting rod 262 is inserted through the end cap 270 and baffles 240, 300 to engage the threaded rear end 263 of the rod with the threaded socket 264 of threaded insert 261 in the mounting adapter 210. The mounting rod 262 is rotated using tooling socket 172 and a complementary shaped tool to tighten the rod. This applies an axially-acting compression force on the stack of baffles 240, 300 and front end cap 270, thereby compressing and locking the assembly to the pistol 10 as shown in
To remove the baffle assembly from the pistol, the foregoing process is simply reversed. This allows the entire stack of baffles 240 and 300 to be removed from the sleeve 41 intact with the front end cap 270 as a unit. Optionally, the mounting adapter 210 may be removed from the receiver and barrel insert 60 if desired by unthreading the muzzle cap 200 from the barrel insert, and sliding the adapter forward.
Optional accessory rail 215 may be mounted to the mounting adapter 210 either before installation of the foregoing baffle assembly or unit, or afterwards. If already in place, the accessory rail 215 facilitates installation of the baffle assembly unit by providing support for the baffle assembly unit until the mounting rod 265 can be fully tightened. Referring to
Accessory rail 215 may be mounted to the mounting adapter by at least one threaded fastener 216. In one embodiment, preferably at least two axially spaced mounting fasteners are provided. The threaded fasteners 216 are each screwed through the bottom wall 283 of the accessory rail and into corresponding downwardly open threaded sockets 237 formed in the bottom of the mounting adapter 210 (see also
Accessory rail 215 defines a plurality of axially spaced apart mounting protrusions 284 formed on the bottom wall 283 of the rail. In one embodiment, protrusions 284 may define a section of a dovetail Picatinny rail for mounting firearm accessories. Other types and shapes of mounting protrusions 284 however may be used. Any type of firearm accessory may be mounted to accessory rail 215, such as tactical lights, laser sights, etc.
To accommodate a tilting barrel-receiver assembly 20/30 as disclosed herein, accessory rail 215 may include a rearwardly open slot 287 formed in bottom wall 283 of the accessory rail. The slot 287 avoids interference with the trigger guard 12a when the barrel-receiver assembly is pivotably moved to the open position, as shown in
Any suitable materials may be used for the integrally suppressed barrel assembly and its components described herein. Preferably, the components are formed of an appropriate metal including alloys (with exception of any seals as needed) such as aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, or other. In some representative but non-limiting examples, the front end cap 270 may be formed of aluminum or stainless steel. The mounting adapter 210 for example may be formed of carbon or stainless steel, or alternatively aluminum for weight reduction. The threaded muzzle cap 200 may preferably be formed of steel (e.g. stainless). The barrel insert 60 may be formed of steel (stainless or other alloy). The blast and primary baffles 240, 300 may be formed of stainless steel or aluminum as examples. Numerous metallic materials may be substituted.
As noted herein, the degree of sound suppression provided by the integrally suppressed barrel assembly 20 is easily customizable by adding or removing primary baffles 300.
By contrast,
According to another aspect of the invention, an unsuppressed pistol is provided having a specialized OEM (original equipment manufacturer) firearm design and components which can be easily converted to an integrally suppressed firearm by the purchaser or end user using a conversion kit that includes the forgoing mounting and suppression components described herein. The OEM pistol and kit collectively define a firearm suppression conversion system and related method, to now be described.
Barrel shroud 502 has an axially elongated and tubular body including an open front end 501, open rear end 503, and circumferentially-extending sidewall extending therebetween. An internal axial bore 507, which extends between the ends, is configured to receive barrel 60 therein. Proximate to the rear end 503 is an internal annular shoulder 509 configured to engage annular mounting flange 66 of barrel insert 60 which is abuttingly engaged with the front end 31 of receiver 30. The shroud 502 may include one or more threaded sockets 510 for mounting the front sight 581 thereto via threaded fasteners. Front sight 581 differs in configuration from front sight 281 previously described and shown which is adapted for mounting to the foremost baffle 301. Barrel shroud 502 is preferably made of a suitable metal, such as for example without limitation steel, aluminum, titanium, or other.
An alternate muzzle cap 504 may be provided as shown to removably secure the barrel shroud 502 to the barrel insert 60 as shown. The muzzle cap 504 is threadably coupled to threaded extension 69 of the barrel insert 60. Muzzle cap 504 may be more aesthetically pleasing to the user than muzzle cap 200 since it remains visible unlike the functionally configured muzzle cap 200 which is enclosed inside silencer mounting adapter 210 and concealed from view in the integrally suppressed pistol 10. In some embodiments, muzzle cap 210 may instead be used or muzzle cap 504 can be used with the suppressed pistol. A washer 506 may be provided to assist with securement of muzzle cap 504 to the threaded extension 69 of the barrel insert 60.
When the barrel shroud 502 is mounted to the unsuppressed pistol 500, and particularly to barrel insert 60, it bears noting that the radial gas ports 67a are blocked off by the shroud and are inactive. The interior surface of the barrel shroud 502 occludes the ports 67a, which causes the combustion gas to follow the path of least resistance through the open front muzzle end of the barrel insert when the pistol is fired.
A method for converting unsuppressed pistol 500 into an integrally suppressed pistol 10 using the firearm suppression conversion system with conversion kit will now be described. The method begins by providing pistol 500 as originally supplied by the firearm OEM in its first unsuppressed configuration with barrel shroud 500 intact. The user first unthreads/unscrews and removes muzzle cap 504 from barrel insert 60. Barrel shroud 502 is next removed by axially sliding it forward and disengaging the barrel insert. The removed parts may be retained for use at a later time to return pistol 500 to its original condition.
Using the suppression conversion kit which has been provided, the user next mounts the suppressor mounting adapter 210 on the barrel insert 60 by sliding it axially rearward over the insert. Muzzle cap 200 is threaded onto the barrel insert 60. Alternatively, muzzle cap 504 may instead be used. The mounting adapter 210 is now secured to the receiver 30 and barrel insert. Next, the baffle assembly comprising the blast baffle 240 and primary baffles 300 are mounted to the mounting adapter in the same manner previously described herein using the threaded mounting rod 262 to secure the baffles to the adapter. It bears noting that with mounting adapter 210 in place in lieu of the barrel shroud 502, the radial gas ports 67a are now uncovered and active. A portion of the combustion gas will therefore be exhausted through the ports 67a when the pistol is fired and follow the flow path previously described herein. The same pistol used to start the conversion process is now in a second integrally suppressed configuration.
Advantageously, the foregoing conversion is easily accomplished without resort to a gunsmith. In addition, the user may return the firearm to the original unsuppressed configuration by simply reversing the foregoing process or method.
While the foregoing description and drawings represent exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope and range of equivalents of the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. In addition, numerous variations in the methods/processes described herein may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the embodiments may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the disclosure, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles described herein. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the disclosure, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/626,450 filed Feb. 5, 2018; the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62626450 | Feb 2018 | US |