U.S. patent application number 13/708735 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-19 for matched muzzle brake-weight system for firearms.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Todd Wilkinson.
Application Number | 20140165438 13/708735 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49083145 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140165438 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilkinson; Todd |
June 19, 2014 |
MATCHED MUZZLE BRAKE-WEIGHT SYSTEM FOR FIREARMS
Abstract
A matched muzzle brake and weight system mountable on a firearm
barrel is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the muzzle brake and
weight are configured to have the same predetermined weight and
center of gravity so that the point of aim of the firearm remains
substantially unchanged when a user deploys either the muzzle brake
or weight. The system permits convenient interchangeability between
the muzzle brake and weight without the need for re-sighting the
firearm thereby maintaining accuracy. In some embodiments, the
centers of gravity of the muzzle brake and weight are located at
the same position with respect to a common reference point defined
by the barrel. A method for using the system is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Wilkinson; Todd; (Goshen,
NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. |
Southport |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Sturm, Ruger & Company,
Inc.
Southport
CT
|
Family ID: |
49083145 |
Appl. No.: |
13/708735 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61569565 |
Dec 12, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/1.06 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/36 20130101;
F41C 27/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/1.06 |
International
Class: |
F41A 21/36 20060101
F41A021/36; F41C 27/22 20060101 F41C027/22 |
Claims
1. A matched muzzle brake and weight system for a firearm barrel
defining a longitudinal axis, the system comprising: a muzzle
weight configured for mounting on a distal muzzle end of the
firearm barrel, the muzzle weight having a weight and a generally
cylindrical body defining a first axial passageway configured for a
bullet Or slug to pass through; and a muzzle brake configured for
mounting on the distal muzzle end of the firearm barrel, the muzzle
brake having a weight and a generally cylindrical body defining a
second axial passageway configured for a bullet or slug to pass
through, the muzzle brake including a plurality of radially
oriented venting holes in fluid communication with the second axial
passageway for venting combustion gases; wherein the muzzle weight
and muzzle brake each have a respective center of gravity located
at an identical point m three dimensions with respect to the
firearm barrel to maintain a uniform point of aim for the firearm
when either the muzzle weight or brake are interchangeably mounted
on the firearm barrel.
2. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 1, wherein the
muzzle brake and muzzle weight have an identical predetermined
weight.
3. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 1, wherein the
muzzle weight and muzzle brake have the same length.
4. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 1, wherein the
firearm barrel defines a common axial reference point, the centers
of gravity of the muzzle brake and muzzle weight each being at a
same axial distance measured from the common axial reference
point.
5. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 4, wherein when
either the muzzle brake or muzzle weight are mounted on the firearm
barrel, the centers of gravity of the muzzle brake and muzzle
weight are each coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the firearm
barrel.
6. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 5, wherein the
muzzle brake and muzzle weight have an outside diameter that is the
same.
7. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 6, wherein the
muzzle weight has a smaller wall thickness than the muzzle
brake.
8. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 1, wherein the
muzzle brake and muzzle weight are each rotatably mountable on the
distal muzzle end of the firearm barrel.
9. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 8, wherein the
muzzle brake and muzzle weight include a pair of opposing flats
configured to engaged by a tool for mounting the muzzle brake and
muzzle weight on the firearm barrel.
10. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 1, wherein the
firearm is a rifle.
11. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 1, wherein the
firearm barrel includes a rifled bore, the first and second axial
passageways being coaxially aligned with the rifle bore when the
muzzle brake or muzzle weight are mounted on the firearm
barrel.
12. A matched muzzle brake and weight system for interchangeable
mounting on a firearm barrel having a bore and defining a
longitudinal axis, the system comprising: an elongated muzzle
weight configured for mounting on a distal muzzle end of the
firearm barrel, the muzzle weight having a center of gravity and
cylindrical body defining a first axial passageway coaxially
aligned with the bore of the firearm barrel when the muzzle weight
is mounted on the barrel; and an elongated muzzle brake configured
for mounting on the distal muzzle end of the firearm barrel, the
muzzle brake having a center of gravity and cylindrical body
defining a second axial passageway coaxially aligned with the bore
of the firearm barrel when the muzzle brake is mounted on the
barrel, the muzzle brake including a plurality of radially oriented
venting holes in fluid communication with the second axial
passageway for venting combustion gases; wherein when either the
muzzle weight or muzzle is mounted on the firearm barrel, their
respective centers of gravity are located at a same axial position
with respect to a common axial reference point defined by the
firearm barrel to maintain a consistent point of aim for the
firearm when either the muzzle weight or muzzle brake are
interchangeably mounted on the barrel.
13. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 12, wherein when
either the muzzle brake or muzzle weight are mounted on the firearm
barrel, the centers of gravity of the muzzle brake and muzzle
weight are each coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the firearm
barrel.
14. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 12, wherein the
muzzle brake and muzzle weight each have a weight that is
substantially the same.
15. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 14, wherein the
muzzle weight and muzzle brake each have a predetermined length
that is substantially the same.
16. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 15, wherein the
muzzle brake and muzzle weight each have an outside diameter that
is substantially the same.
17. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 16, wherein the
muzzle brake and muzzle weight each have a sidewall thickness, the
sidewall thickness of the muzzle brake being larger than the
sidewall thickness of the muzzle weight to provide substantially
the same weight of the muzzle brake and muzzle weight.
18. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 12, wherein the
muzzle brake is mounted on the muzzle end of the barrel via a
threaded engagement.
19. The muzzle brake and weight system of claim 18, wherein at
least some of the venting holes each define a central hole axis
that is offset by a distance from a transverse axis defined, by the
muzzle brake that intersects the longitudinal axis of the muzzle
brake and passes through the at least some of the venting holes to
tighten the threaded engagement upon discharging the firearm.
20. A method for using a matched muzzle brake and weight system for
a firearm, the method comprising: mounting, the muzzle brake having
a cylindrical body and first center of gravity on a muzzle end of a
firearm barrel having a bore, the muzzle brake including a
plurality of radially oriented venting holes; coaxially aligning a
first axial passageway defined by the muzzle brake with the bore of
the firearm barrel; locating the first center of gravity of the
muzzle brake at a first axial distance measured from a common
reference point defined by the firearm barrel; removing the muzzle
brake from the barrel; mounting the muzzle weight having a
cylindrical body and a second center of gravity on a muzzle end of
a firearm barrel; coaxially aligning a second axial passageway
defined by the muzzle weight with the bore of the firearm barrel;
and locating the second center of gravity of the muzzle weight at
the same first axial distance measured from the common reference
point defined by the firearm barrel; wherein a consistent point of
aim for the firearm is maintained when either the muzzle weight or
muzzle brake are interchangeably mounted on the barrel.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of:
coaxially aligning, the first center of gravity of the muzzle brake
with a longitudinal axis defining by the bore of the firearm barrel
after mounting the muzzle brake on the muzzle end of a firearm
barrel; and and coaxially aligning the second center of gravity of
the muzzle weight with the longitudinal axis defined by the bore of
the firearm barrel after mounting the muzzle weight on the muzzle
end of a firearm barrel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/569,565 filed Dec. 12, 2011,
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to firearms, and
more particularly to a muzzle brake and weight system for firearms
including rifles.
[0003] Muzzle brakes or recoil compensators counter both the recoil
effects and unwanted rising of the barrel upon firing a firearm by
laterally and radially venting, combustion gases from the barrel in
addition to axially through the forward open muzzle end of the
barrel. This provides greater shot-to-shot accuracy for the
marksman, which is essential particularly in the context of
competitive shooting when using rifles to shoot targets at long
distances where a slight deviation in point of aim typically
results in large inaccuracies at the target end.
[0004] Muzzle brakes are typically attached via a threaded or other
type connection to the muzzle end of the barrel. To compensate for
the added weight and effect on the balance and center of gravity or
mass of the barrel with the muzzle brake in place, the user may
make appropriate adjustments in the sighting system of the rifle to
recalibrate and improve accuracy.
[0005] In some instances, a user may elect not to use the muzzle
brake which are known to increase noise and concussive effects on
the shooter and others nearby. When the muzzle brake is removed,
the user must now make adjustments to re-sight the rifle to
compensate for the reduction in weight and effect on the balance or
center of gravity or mass of the barrel to regain accuracy.
[0006] An improved muzzle brake system for allowing a user to shoot
with either the brake mounted or dismounted without having to
re-sight the firearm each time when changing operating modes is
desired.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] A matched muzzle brake-weight system according to some
embodiments of the present disclosure includes a muzzle brake and a
muzzle weight. Both components are interchangeable and releasably
mountable to the muzzle end of a firearm barrel. The muzzle brake
and weight are each precisely configured, dimensioned, and weighted
to have the same weight and center of gravity or mass, thereby
allowing the interchangeable use of either component without having
to adjust and re-sight the firearm for accuracy.
[0008] In one embodiment, a matched muzzle brake and weight system
for a firearm barrel defining a longitudinal axis is provided. The
system includes a muzzle weight configured for mounting on a distal
muzzle end of the firearm barrel, the muzzle weight having a weight
and a generally cylindrical body defining a first axial passageway
configured for a bullet or slug to pass through; and a muzzle brake
configured for mounting on the distal muzzle end of the firearm
barrel, the muzzle brake having a weight and a generally
cylindrical body defining a second axial passageway configured for
a bullet or slug to pass through, the muzzle brake including a
plurality of radially oriented venting holes in fluid communication
with the second axial passageway for venting combustion gases. The
muzzle weight and muzzle brake each have a respective center of
gravity located at an identical point in three dimensions with
respect to the firearm barrel to maintain a uniform point of aim
for the firearm when either the muzzle weight or brake are
interchangeably mounted on the firearm barrel. In certain
embodiments, the muzzle brake and muzzle weight have an identical
predetermined weight.
[0009] In one embodiment, a matched muzzle brake and weight system
for interchangeable mounting on a firearm barrel having a bore and
defining a longitudinal axis is provided. The system includes an
elongated muzzle weight configured for mounting on a distal muzzle
end of the firearm barrel, the muzzle weight having a center of
gravity and cylindrical body defining a first axial passageway
coaxially aligned with the bore of the firearm barrel when the
muzzle weight is mounted on the barrel; and an elongated muzzle
brake configured for mounting, on the distal muzzle end of the
firearm barrel, the muzzle brake having a center of gravity and
cylindrical body defining a second axial passageway coaxially
aligned with the bore of the firearm barrel when the muzzle brake
is mounted on the barrel, the muzzle brake including a plurality of
radially oriented venting holes in fluid communication with the
second axial passageway for venting combustion gases. When either
the muzzle weight or muzzle is mounted on the firearm barrel, their
respective centers of gravity are located at a same axial position
with respect to a common axial reference point defined by the
firearm barrel to maintain a consistent point of aim for the
firearm when either the muzzle weight or muzzle brake are
interchangeably mounted on the barrel.
[0010] A method for using a matched muzzle brake and weight system
for a firearm is provided. The method includes: mounting the muzzle
brake having a cylindrical body and first center of gravity on a
muzzle end of a firearm barrel having a bore, the muzzle brake
including a plurality of radially oriented venting holes; coaxially
aligning a first axial passageway defined by the muzzle brake with
the bore of the firearm barrel; locating the first center of
gravity of the muzzle brake at a first axial distance measured from
a common reference point defined by the firearm barrel; removing
the muzzle brake from the barrel; mounting the muzzle weight having
a cylindrical body and a second center of gravity on a muzzle end
of a firearm barrel; coaxially aligning a second axial passageway
defined by the muzzle weight with the bore of the firearm barrel;
and locating the second center of gravity of the muzzle weight at
the same first axial distance measured from the common reference
point defined by the firearm barrel. A consistent point of aim for
the firearm is maintained when either the muzzle weight or muzzle
brake are interchangeably mounted on the barrel. In one, the method
further includes the steps of coaxially aligning the first center
of gravity of the muzzle brake with a longitudinal axis defining b
the bore of the firearm barrel after mounting the muzzle brake on
the muzzle end of a firearm barrel; and coaxially aligning the
second center of gravity of the muzzle weight with the longitudinal
axis defined by the bore of the firearm barrel after mounting the
muzzle weight on the muzzle end of a firearm barrel. The muzzle
weight may alternatively be mounted first on the muzzle end of the
firearm barrel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The features of the exemplary embodiments will be described
with reference to the following drawings where like elements are
labeled similarly, and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a matched
muzzle brake and weight system according to the present disclosure
installed on a firearm barrel;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view thereof;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view thereof with
the cross section of the brake being taken along Line A-A in FIG. 2
and the cross-section of the weight being taken along Line B-B in
FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the muzzle brake of the
foregoing system;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the muzzle weight of the
foregoing system;
[0017] FIG. 6A is an additional top plan view of the foregoing
muzzle brake;
[0018] FIG. 6B is a side elevation view of the foregoing muzzle
brake;
[0019] FIG. 6C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
foregoing muzzle brake taken along line 6C-6C in FIG. 6B;
[0020] FIG. 6D is a transverse cross-sectional side view of the
foregoing muzzle brake taken along line 6D-6D in FIG. 6B;
[0021] FIG. 6E is a transverse cross-sectional side view of the
foregoing muzzle brake taken along line 6E-6E in FIG. 6B;
[0022] FIG. 6F is a rear end view of the foregoing muzzle
brake;
[0023] FIG. 7A is an additional top plan view of the foregoing
muzzle weight;
[0024] FIG. 7B is a side elevation view of the foregoing muzzle
weight;
[0025] FIG. 7C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
foregoing muzzle weight taken along line 7C-7C in FIG. 7B;
[0026] FIG. 7D is a rear end view of the foregoing muzzle
weight;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the muzzle
brake taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 4;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the muzzle
weight taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 5; and
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the muzzle brake of FIG. 4
shown installed on a rifle.
[0030] All drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The features and benefits of the invention are illustrated
and described herein by reference to exemplary 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.
[0032] An exemplary embodiment of a combined and matched muzzle
brake-weight system will now be described for convenience with
initial reference and without limitation to FIGS. 1-9. A firearm 8
having a barrel 10, which may be a rifle barrel 10 in some
embodiments as shown in FIG. 10, includes a rifled bore 14 and a
threaded distal muzzle end 12 configured for threadably and
rotatably mounting a muzzle weight 20 or a muzzle brake 30. Distal
muzzle end 12 of barrel 10 may be stepped-down in diameter in some
embodiments as shown.
[0033] Muzzle weight 20 and muzzle brake 30 each may be considered
to define a longitudinal axis LA and transverse axis TA oriented 90
degrees thereto as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Longitudinal axis LA
defines an axial or longitudinal direction and transverse axis TA
defines a lateral or radial direction. When the brake or weight are
mounted on the firearm barrel, these two reference axes coincide
with the longitudinal axis LA and transverse axis TA defined by the
barrel for convenience of description herein.
[0034] With particular reference to FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 7, muzzle
weight 20 has a generally cylindrical or tubular elongated body 22
defining sidewalls 22a, a proximal end 21, a distal end 23, and an
axial passageway 24 extending between the ends. Passageway 24
extends completely through body 22 and is concentrically aligned
with axial bore 14 of barrel 10 when mounted thereon as shown to
allow a bullet or slug to pass completely through the muzzle weight
20 and outwards from distal end 23. Muzzle weight 20 includes an
internally threaded portion 26 disposed in passageway 24 which
mates with complementary-configured externally threaded distal
muzzle end 12 of barrel 10. In some embodiments, muzzle weight 20
may include a pair of opposing flats 25 in the form of
substantially planar flat surfaces on diametrically opposed sides
of the weight 20. Flats 25 are configured for engaging
complementary-configured tool surfaces (e.g. wrench, pliers, etc.)
to facilitate rotatably mounting and dismounting muzzle weight 20
from barrel 10.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, 4, and 6, muzzle brake 30 has a
generally cylindrical or tubular elongated body 32 defining
sidewalls 32a, a proximal end 31, a distal end 33, and an axial
passageway 34 extending between the ends. Passageway 34 extends
completely through body 32 and is concentrically aligned with axial
bore 14 of barrel 10 when mounted thereon as shown to allow a
bullet or slug to pass completely through the muzzle brake 30 and
outwards from distal end 33. Muzzle brake 30 includes an internally
threaded portion 36 disposed in passageway 34 which mates with
complementary-configured threaded distal muzzle end 12 of barrel
10. In some embodiments, muzzle brake 30 may include a pair of
opposing flats 35 in the form of substantially planar flat surfaces
on diametrically opposed sides of the brake 30, similarly to muzzle
weight 20.
[0036] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-3, 4, and 6, muzzle
brake 30 further includes a plurality of venting holes 38 for
discharging and exhausting combustion gases outwards from the
brake. In one embodiment, as shown, the venting holes 38 may have a
circular cross-sectional shape or configuration. Venting holes 38
are disposed circumferentially around and pass through the body 32
of the muzzle brake 30. In some embodiments, venting holes 38
extend in a radial direction outwards from axial passageway 34 and
are in fluid communication with the passageway for forming a gas
flow path through the sidewalls of the muzzle brake body 32 to the
exterior. The venting holes 38 may be oriented perpendicular (i.e.
at approximately a 90 degree angle) to the longitudinal axis LA of
the muzzle brake 30, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. In other
embodiments, the venting holes may be disposed at other angles
greater than or less than 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis LA. A
plurality of venting holes 38 may be provided that are disposed at
a combination of different angles.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 6, each venting hole 38 may be
considered to define a central hole axis 39 which passes through
the centerline of the hole (see, e.g. cross-sections in FIGS. 6D
and 6E). In some embodiments, venting holes 38 may be configured
and arranged so that the each hole axis 39 is aligned with a
corresponding transverse axis TA of the muzzle brake 30 passing
through the hole and intersecting the longitudinal axis LA at the
convergence of the axes LA and TA (see, e.g. FIG. 8). In other
embodiments, each hole axis 39 may be radially off from the
transverse axis TA by an offset distance 37 (see, e.g.
cross-sections in FIGS. 6D and 6E). In one representative example,
without limitation, the offset distance may be about +/-0.020
inches. Combustion gases exiting these offset venting holes 38 will
create a rotational force or torque on the muzzle brake 30 acting
in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the
brake that will tend to tighten the threaded engagement between the
muzzle brake and barrel 10. Preferably, the offset direction is
selected in consideration of the threading direction used (i.e.
left-handed or right-handed) such that the torque effect acts in
the same rotational direction as used to tighten the threaded
muzzle brake 30 onto the barrel 10. Each time the rifle is
discharged, the muzzle brake will retain a tight connection and not
unthread.
[0038] The venting holes 38 are axially spaced apart along the
longitudinal axis LA preferably in annular groups of holes spaced
circumferentially around the sidewalls 32a of the muzzle brake 30,
as shown in FIGS. 6A-C. In the embodiment shown, there are five
annular groups of venting holes 38 shown; however, more or less
groups may be provided. Each venting hole 38 within in an annular
group of venting holes may be angularly offset from an adjacent
venting hole in the same group (located at the same axial point
along the longitudinal axis LA.). As shown in FIGS. 6D-E, each
venting hole in the groups depicted are angularly disposed at an
angle A1 from the next adjacent venting hole as measured between
each hole access 37. In one embodiment, without limitation, angle
A1 may be about 60 degrees. Other angles A1 greater or less than 60
degrees may be used in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the
venting holes 38 between adjacent annular groups of venting holes
as shown in FIGS. 6A-C may be located in a staggered arrangement
such that the venting holes in one group (e.g. group closest to end
33 in FIG. 6A) are circumferentially offset from venting holes in
the next adjacent group (e.g. second group in from end 33 to the
left of the end group). Accordingly, the venting holes in one group
will not be axially aligned with the venting holes in the next
adjacent group as shown. This arrangement maximizes the amount of
material disposed between each venting hole 38 to maximize the
mechanical strength of the muzzle brake 30. Other suitable
arrangements of venting holes 38, however, may be provided.
[0039] The muzzle weight 20 and muzzle brake 30 may be made of any
suitable material used in the art for such applications. In one
non-limiting exemplary embodiment, for example, the weight and
brake may be made of 416 stainless steel.. The weight and brake may
be made of the same or different materials. Preferably, in the
embodiments disclosed herein, the weight 20 and brake 30 should be
made of a material or lined with a material capable of sustaining
combustion forces from detonating a cartridge since these
components form the end portion of the bullet pathway as shown in
FIG. 3.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the muzzle weight 20 and muzzle
brake 30 are cooperatively designed to have substantially the same
predetermined weight or mass and substantially the same
three-dimensional location of the center of gravity COG. In this
manner, a precisely matched set of a muzzle weight and brake
beneficially is provided that allows the user to interchangeably
use either component without changing and adversely affecting the
point of aim and accuracy of the firearm. Advantageously, this
eliminates the need for the user to readjust the sighting and point
of aim of the firearm each time when either the muzzle brake or
weight is used.
[0041] In one illustrative example, without limitation, the weight
or mass and center of gravity COG for the muzzle weight 20 and
brake 30 may be 1.36 oz. located at an axial distance CL measured
along the longitudinal axis LA of approximately 0.86 inches from a
common axial reference point Ra such as proximal ends 21, 31 of the
weight and brake, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0042] In a radial direction transverse to the longitudinal axis LA
along the transverse axis TA, the centers of gravity COG of the
muzzle weight 20 and brake 30 in this exemplary embodiment
preferably is concentrically aligned and coaxial with the
longitudinal axis LA of the firearm barrel 10 (and muzzle weight 20
and brake 30) falling on the longitudinal axis LA located at the
geometric center of each component (best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9)
due to the fact that the weight and brake are configured
symmetrically about the longitudinal axis LA. Accordingly, the
radial distance CR of the COG of the weight 20 and brake 30 in this
embodiment is essentially zero inches since radially the COG falls
directly on the longitudinal axis LA as shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 8-9.
Longitudinal axis LA therefore may be considered to define a common
radial reference point Rr for measuring and locating the center of
gravity COG radially for the muzzle weight 20 and brake 30.
[0043] In the embodiment described above and shown in FIGS. 8 and
9, the proximal ends 21, 31 of muzzle weight 20 and brake 30
respectively will fall and be disposed at the same location on
distal muzzle end 12 of barrel 10 when either the weight 20 or
brake 30 are mounted to the barrel (see, e.g. FIG. 3). Therefore,
the proximal ends 21, 31 coincide with and may further be
considered to define a common axial reference point Rr on the
distal muzzle end 12 of the barrel 10 from which the center of
gravity COG may be axially measured, as shown in FIG. 3. In some
embodiments, the terminal muzzle end surface 9 of barrel 10 may
alternatively be used to define a common axial reference point Rr'
for measuring a distance CL to the center of gravity COG of the
barrel weight 20 and brake 30 (see FIG. 3). The exact location of
reference point Rr from which to axially measure and locate the
center of gravity COG may be defined at any suitable location on
barrel 10 so long as the same reference point is used for both the
muzzle weight 20 and brake 30 measurements. In preferred
embodiments, it is desirable that the location of center of gravity
COG be the same in three dimensions for both the weight 20 and
brake 30 with respect to an axial and radial position so as not to
adversely affect the point of aim when interchanging the weight and
brake.
[0044] The weight or mass and center of gravity COG for both the
muzzle weight 20 and brake 30 may be balanced and matched by
mutually configuring each component to adjust the various design
parameters such as the length L1/L2, inner diameters D1/D2 and
outer diameters D3/D4, and transverse wall thickness through the
sidewalls of the weight 20 and brake 30 (measure between diameters
D1/D2 and D3/D4 respectively), and the number, diameter, and
placement of venting holes 38 for the brake (see, e.g. FIGS. 6A-F,
7A-D, 8, and 9). In the exemplary embodiments described and shown
herein, the muzzle weight 20 and muzzle brake 30 may have
substantially the same outside diameter of 0.70 inches and
substantially same length of 1.650 inches (see FIGS. 6 and 7). This
provides a consistent appearance to the user regardless of whether
the muzzle weight or brake is presently being used. The center of
gravity COG and weights are balanced by adjusting the thickness of
the sidewalls 22a and 32a measured between the inner surfaces of
the passageways 24, 34 and outer surfaces of the bodies 22 and 32.
As shown in cross sections (FIGS. 6D-E) and end views of FIGS. 6F,
7D, 8, and 9, in contrast to the muzzle weight 20, the muzzle brake
30 has a larger sidewall 32a thickness and corresponding smaller
inside diameter D2; the smallest diameter of which is 0.328 inches
where the venting holes 38 are located in one representative
non-limiting example for illustration. The venting holes 38 remove
material and mass from the muzzle brake 30, so that a greater wall
thickness is needed to balance the mass or weight of the muzzle
weight 20. The muzzle weight 20 correspondingly has a smaller
sidewall 22a thickness and corresponding larger inside diameter D1;
the smallest diameter being 0.438 inches measured at the distal end
23 portion and 0.550 measured in the central portion of the muzzle
weight body 22 in one representative non-limiting example for
illustration.
[0045] In other possible embodiments, the length and/or outside
diameters of muzzle weight 20 and brake 30 may be different so long
as the location of the center of gravity COG remains at the same
axial and radial position with respect to reference points Ra and
Rr (i.e. axial distance CL and radial distance CR, shown in FIGS.
4-5 and 8-9) when either component is mounted on barrel 10 of the
firearm 8. This will ensure that the point of balance and aim does
not change when interchanging the muzzle weight and brake.
[0046] It will be appreciated that it is well within the ambit of
one skilled in the art, using conventional engineering design
techniques and computer-aided modeling, to balance the weights and
achieve the same center of gravity of the muzzle weight 20 and
muzzle brake 30 without undue experimentation. In other possible
embodiments, the muzzle brake and weight may have different lengths
or diameters to achieve a matched set. In yet further embodiments,
the muzzle brake and weight may be constructed of different
materials having different densities to achieve a balance and same
center of gravity.
[0047] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a rifle 8 usable with the
matched muzzle weight and brake system disclosed herein. Muzzle
brake 30 is shown mounted on the distal muzzle end 12 of barrel 10.
As discussed elsewhere herein, the distal muzzle end 12 provides a
common axial reference point Ra for measuring and determining a
common location for the center of gravity COG of both the muzzle
brake 30 and weight 20 depending on which of these components
happens to be mounted on the end of the rifle barrel 10. Rifle 8
further shows a stock having a forestock or forward portion 11
supporting the barrel 10 and a rear butt portion 13. A firing
control mechanism such as the bolt action mechanism 15 in one
possible embodiment is also depicted including a moveable bolt
configured for loading/ejecting cartridges into the chamber and a
trigger mechanism for discharging, the rifle as are all well known
to those skilled in the art. It will be appreciated that the muzzle
weight and brake system disclosed herein is useable with any type
firearm, including other rifles or pistols and is not limited in
application to the firearm embodiments disclosed herein.
[0048] An exemplary method for using the muzzle brake and weight
system described herein is provided. In one embodiment, the method
includes: (1) mounting the muzzle brake 30 on a distal muzzle end
12 of the firearm barrel 10, the muzzle brake having a
predetermined weight and center of gravity COG at a location
measured from a common reference point Ra on the brake or barrel;
(2) removing the muzzle brake from the barrel; and (3) mounting the
muzzle weight 20 on the muzzle end of the barrel, the muzzle weight
having a predetermined weight and center of gravity COG at a
location measured from the common reference point Ra that is
identical in location to the center of gravity of the muzzle brake.
In other embodiments, the muzzle weight may be mounted first.
[0049] 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 disclosed herein may be made. 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.
* * * * *