This disclosure relates to self-contained cartridges and launcher systems for discharging or launching payloads to downrange targets, and methods of attenuating or offsetting recoil when activating such cartridges. Examples of payloads that can be deployed with the disclosed launcher apparatus include chemical, biological, pyrotechnic, marker, tracer, signaling, non-lethal, explosive, smoke, and similar payloads.

A rifle has a receiver, a cartridge chamber connected to the receiver, and a bolt slideable longitudinally in the receiver, the bolt is engageable with a cartridge in the chamber. A bolt carrier is slideable longitudinally in the receiver to move the bolt into and out of engagement with a cartridge in the cartridge chamber, and a bolt handle is connected to the bolt carrier. The bolt handle is positionable in a manual position extending from one side of the rifle to permit manual firing of the rifle and in a semiautomatic position about 180 degrees different from the manual position and extending from the other side of the rifle to permit semiautomatic firing of the rifle. The position of the bolt carrier may be changed between the manual and semiautomatic positions without removing the bolt carrier from the rifle.

The invention disclosed herein provides a system and a method for a single-use firearm and personal defense system, with an imbedded electronic device for tracking and control of the firearm. The system includes a single-use firearm capable of firing a projectile. The single-use firearm capable of firing a projectile comprises a firearm frame, at least a first barrel, a trigger operable to actuate a striking of at least a first ammunition cartridge, and an ammunition locking system, wherein the ammunition locking system permanently locks the at least first ammunition cartridge within the firearm, whereby once locked, the at least a first ammunition cartridge may not be removed or reloaded without permanently damaging the firearm. The system also incorporates internal electronics for, among other things, tracking, notifying, and monitoring the firearm and its users.