This application relates generally to firearms. In particular, this application relates to muzzle signature management device (MSMD), also known as flash suppressors, compensators, or muzzle brakes.
Many firearms, particularly automatic or semi-automatic rifles, use a muzzle signature management device to diffuse the force of the barrel discharge of firearms, which may allow for better control over the weapon and faster target reacquisition.
Generally, the majority of many automatic or semi-automatic rifles, such as AR-15/M4, AR-10/AR-308, AK-47, and many other semi-automatic platform rifles and carbines include a muzzle signature management device (muzzle brake, flash suppressor, and/or compensator). Large caliber and sniper rifles also frequently include a muzzle signature management device to reduce the flash and attempt to reduce the recoil from the rifle.
A muzzle signature management device for a firearm is provided for managing a firearm discharge event. In one example, the device includes a body having a bore through a central axis, where the body is generally tubular having a first end and a second end, and where the body comprises a muzzle attachment device disposed adjacent the first end. In another example, the device includes a plurality of longitudinal openings extending along the central axis, each of the plurality of longitudinal openings extending at an angle with reference to the central axis, from a region adjacent the muzzle attachment device to the second end. The device may also include a plurality of ports, where each of the plurality of ports intersects at least one of the plurality of longitudinal openings, and where each of the plurality of ports extends from the bore to an exterior surface of the body.
In another example, each of the plurality of ports may include a plurality of generally non-helical grooves formed on an interior surface of each port. Other surface features may also be included. These features may be scallops, serrations, and may be located in any of the plurality of linear ports. In some examples, there may be four generally coaxial linear ports and twelve linear ports intersecting the generally coaxially parallel linear ports (three for each generally coaxially parallel linear ports). The angle of the generally coaxially parallel linear ports may diverge from the bore axis by between 2 and 10 degrees.
In another example, each of the plurality of ports extends outward radially from the bore at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the central axis. The ports may extend outward at an angle in the range of between about 40 and 80 degrees, or between about 60 and 70 degrees. In another example, the body includes a bevel formed in the exterior surface of the body around each opening of the plurality of ports in the exterior surface.
The body, in yet another example, may include a plurality of troughs formed in the exterior surface of the body, where each trough extends in a longitudinal direction parallel to the central axis. Channels may extend from the bore to an area within one of the plurality of troughs. Additionally, a plurality of slots may be provided, where each of the plurality of slots extends from the second end of the body to a region adjacent the muzzle attachment device. In one example, each of the plurality of slots intersects at least two of the plurality of ports. Each of slots may include parallel grooves formed in interior surfaces of the slot.
A system may also be provided. In one example, the system includes a rifle having a muzzle, and the muzzle signature management device coupled to the muzzle.
A more particular description of the examples briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific examples that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only some examples and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of scope, the examples will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the figures, an exemplary muzzle signature management device with advanced features is provided to improve each of the desired features of a general muzzle signature management device. Exemplary muzzle signature management devices such as the one shown in the figures. and primarily described below provide an improved combination of flash suppression, recoil reduction, muzzle control, and gas venting over any other muzzle signature management device design. The described muzzle signature management devices of the present disclosure provide the advantages sought in a muzzle signature management device without negatively impacting the dynamics, performance, and consistency of rounds fired from the rifle. In the figures, some specific design and performance elements of the muzzle signature management device are provided in a configuration having 4-slots, twelve ports, and a vent forward design.
Each design feature has a specific purpose and will be explained below. However, the aggregate effect of the features is to not affect accuracy, to be quieter and direct both blast and sound out and forward, to be a highly effective flash hider, and to mitigate recoil and muzzle rise. The muzzle signature management device may be used with any rifle platform, but may be particularly useful in 3-gun and sniper comps, and practical/tactical applications where managing these muzzle signature elements is important.
Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one example,” “in an example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same example, but mean “one or more but not all examples” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the examples may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of examples. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that examples may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of an example.
The description of elements in each FIG. may refer to elements of proceeding figures. Like numbers refer to like elements in all figures, including alternate examples of like elements. In the figures, the thickness and configuration of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
A series of ports 108 may be formed in the muzzle signature management device 100, and extend substantially radially from the bore 102 to an outer surface 110 of the muzzle signature management device 100. In other words, each port 108 may extend from a central axis (that extends longitudinally through the bore 102) to the outer surface 110, and accordingly, form a series of openings between the bore 102 and the outer surface 110 through which gasses, blast, sound, and flash may escape. As will be described in greater detail below, ports 108 may be angled 25 degrees forward (toward second end 106) and may create more bearing area and direct gasses, blast, sound and flash forward away from the shooter and bystanders. Alternatively, the forward angle may be in the range of between about 15 and 40 degrees with reference to a perpendicular line that extends outward from the central axis (see
A very critical and overlooked negative effect of most conventional muzzle brakes is that they tend to create potential safety issues. Many muzzle brakes direct the blast overpressure back (toward the first end 104) at the shooter. This blast overpressure can startle and affect the shooter's nervous system causing them to pull a shot and/or create microsecond delays in follow up shots, etc. It may also increase the risk of hearing damage. Reducing backward directed overpressure may also be an advantage when shooting from behind barricades or other cover where a neutral or backward directed blast signature is undesirable and may be harmful to the shooter.
Also depicted in
When the muzzle signature management device 100 is installed on a rifle and held level, the ports 108 may be evenly spaced at the 10 o'clock, 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock 8 o'clock, for example. When combined with the 5-degree forward port 108 and slot elements, creates a wide dispersion area of blast, flash, and sound signatures to reduce potential harm to the shooter and bystanders.
Bevels 304 at the mouth of the ports 306 may function to equalize the pressure in the ports during a shooting event with outside air as the gasses exit the port 108 by allowing expansion and diffusion of the blast signature. Testing has found that the bevels 304 serve to drop the pressure wave by about 40%. This affects two signature elements. First, the lower pressure and greater diffusion of the gasses means that when shooting prone, etc., there is less blast signature and disruption. Second, the lower and more diffused the pressure wave, the quieter the report, and subsequently the safety of the shooter is increased.
Also depicted in
The four linear ports (openings 306) that run form the end of the muzzle signature management device 100 to the muzzle of the rifle may increase the overall flow of gasses in the muzzle signature management device 100, and aid the design in several important ways. First, the openings 306 increase the gas volume and flow through the muzzle signature management device 100. Second, the openings 306 help to pull the gasses that are chasing the base of the bullet off the centerline of the bore and out, reducing accuracy robbing turbulence at the muzzle.
The more gasses pulled off the centerline and away from the base of the bullet the better the ballistic performance of the round. This helps to make the muzzle signature management device “bullet agnostic”, where many designs with open baffles tend to like longer or shorter bullets depending on baffle spacing, as the gasses and overpressure on the baffle area create turbulence that affects bullet flight. Next, it allows all of the ports and openings to be active at once and additional gasses to be vented out the end and away from the bullets flight path.
As the bullet passes the first set of ports, the openings 306 direct gasses out to the other two ports on each slot/channel 112 and out. This helps drop the pressure level of the gasses that are vented out of each port, which reduces blast and sound signature. Dropping the port pressure may slightly decrease the effectiveness as a recoil reducing muzzle brake, but improves a balanced design that deals more with controlling the muzzle movement and working in conjunction with a properly timed and tuned AR or other firearm and most AR cartridges don't need a lot or recoil mitigation if tuned right.
The muzzle signature management device is configured to couple to the muzzle of the rifle, and as described above, may be threaded or otherwise coupled. For example, different quick-release coupling mechanisms may be utilized.
A series of openings may be formed in the raised portions 804 and extend inward towards the bore of the device 800. The openings 808, as will be discussed in greater detail below, may extend outward from the bore at different angles. Additionally, the diameter of the openings may vary.
Of course, any suitable material may be used for the components listed above, such as various steels, aluminum alloys, and other alloys. In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, examples are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
This application claims the benefit of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/964,090 entitled “MUZZLE SIGNATURE MANAGEMENT DEVICE” and filed on Jan. 21, 2020 for Ernest R. Bray, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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10012464 | Bray | Jul 2018 | B2 |
20100229713 | Heath | Sep 2010 | A1 |
20170191782 | Bray | Jul 2017 | A1 |
20170343311 | Deras | Nov 2017 | A1 |
Entry |
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PCT/US2021/023155, “Notification of transmittal of the international search report and the written opinion of the international searching authority or the declaration”, ISA, dated Oct. 26, 2021, pp. 1-11. |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20210389075 A1 | Dec 2021 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62964090 | Jan 2020 | US |