A small lightweight weapon system for integration into an unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a weapon operating group which utilizes blowback operation to fire a full-powered centerfire rifle ammunition. An operating rod of the weapon operating group has an axis of translation offset from the longitudinal axis of the barrel thereby creating a moment couple on the system. A motor assembly controls the operation of the weapon operating group. Through a gear train, actuation of the motor assembly lifts a sear against a return torsion spring, which holds the operating group back when not firing. The gear train comprises a one way flywheel disconnect to increase the torque of the direct current motor and overcome the force of the torsion spring. Intelligent motor commutation and burst control are achieved through an encoder and software package.

One aspect of the invention is directed to shooting rests for supporting a firearm having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. In one embodiment, a shooting rest includes a frame, a front support for supporting the first portion of the firearm, a support member for carrying one or more weights, and a stop for inhibiting rearward movement of the firearm relative to the shooting rest. The front support is coupled to the frame, and the support member is positioned at least proximate to the frame. The stop includes a flexible portion and is also coupled to the frame.

One aspect of the invention is directed to shooting rests for supporting a firearm having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. In one embodiment, a shooting rest includes a frame, a front support for supporting the first portion of the firearm, a support member for carrying one or more weights, and a stop for inhibiting rearward movement of the firearm relative to the shooting rest. The front support is coupled to the frame, and the support member is positioned at least proximate to the frame. The stop includes a flexible portion and is also coupled to the frame.

Securing mechanisms are provided for various applications. As consistent with one or more embodiments, first and second securing mechanisms respectively couple to a surface and an object to be secured. The first securing mechanism includes a device interface that secures a first portion of a device, and includes a rigid protrusion having a concave surface and a flexible structure coupled to the rigid protrusion and configured and arranged to flexibly secure the device via the concave surface. A first surface interface mitigates movement of the first securing mechanism and the first portion of the securable device relative to a surface. The second securing mechanism includes a device interface that secures a second portion of the securable device relative to the second securing mechanism, and a second surface interface that mitigates movement of the second securing mechanism and the second portion of the securable device, relative to the surface.

A portable, quick-release shooting stabilization assist clamp designed for quick and easy, single-handed attachment and detachment on to a shooting rail or similar solid object. Once attached to an object, the clamp supports a firearm fore-stock, forend, frame, stock, or barrel allowing the user a steadier aim for more accurate shot placement. The clamp provides the capacity of a rapid attachment and detachment by using a spring clamp design. In its preferred embodiment, the clamp provides a rest with two angled prongs, above the pivot of the spring clamp, to help to easily place and retain the gun on the clamp. In alternative embodiments, multiple rests are provided as well as movable, pivoting rests. In addition to assisting shooters and hunters, the clamp could also be used to stabilize a camera, telescope, small video camera, or other device that is enhanced by stabilization.

A portable, quick-release shooting stabilization assist clamp designed for quick and easy, single-handed attachment and detachment on to a shooting rail or similar solid object. Once attached to an object, the clamp supports a firearm fore-stock, forend, frame, stock, or barrel allowing the user a steadier aim for more accurate shot placement. The clamp provides the capacity of a rapid attachment and detachment by using a spring clamp design. In its preferred embodiment, the clamp provides a rest with two angled prongs, above the pivot of the spring clamp, to help to easily place and retain the gun on the clamp. In alternative embodiments, multiple rests are provided as well as movable, pivoting rests. In addition to assisting shooters and hunters, the clamp could also be used to stabilize a camera, telescope, small video camera, or other device that is enhanced by stabilization.

A firearm sling includes a shooting rest. The shooting rest may include a bifurcated cavity filled with deformable media. The bifurcated cavity defines a trough along at least a portion of a length of the shooting rest. The firearm sling may be coupled to a firearm to facilitate carrying the firearm over a shoulder or across a torso, the shooting rest providing padding for comfort in carrying the firearm as well as a support for the firearm to improve marksmanship.

A firearm sling includes a shooting rest. The shooting rest may include a bifurcated cavity filled with deformable media. The bifurcated cavity defines a trough along at least a portion of a length of the shooting rest. The firearm sling may be coupled to a firearm to facilitate carrying the firearm over a shoulder or across a torso, the shooting rest providing padding for comfort in carrying the firearm as well as a support for the firearm to improve marksmanship.

A magazine mount includes a mechanism to releasably hold a weapon magazine in a substantially upright orientation, wherein the mechanism to releasably hold the magazine includes a rectangular housing having an open top and sidewalls, and an axle pin that is fit through a spool, allowing the spool to freely rotate on the axle pin, the axle pin is fit at opposite ends into longitudinal slots through each respective sidewall of the housing. At least one spring backed up by a portion of the housing, exerts a resilient force on the axle pin, urging the axle pin and the spool forwardly in the housing to press on a back end of a weapon magazine held in the housing. The housing has a retainer at a forward end having an underlying clearance to receive a forward side lip of a weapon magazine.

A magazine mount includes a mechanism to releasably hold a weapon magazine in a substantially upright orientation, wherein the mechanism to releasably hold the magazine includes a rectangular housing having an open top and sidewalls, and an axle pin that is fit through a spool, allowing the spool to freely rotate on the axle pin, the axle pin is fit at opposite ends into longitudinal slots through each respective sidewall of the housing. At least one spring backed up by a portion of the housing, exerts a resilient force on the axle pin, urging the axle pin and the spool forwardly in the housing to press on a back end of a weapon magazine held in the housing. The housing has a retainer at a forward end having an underlying clearance to receive a forward side lip of a weapon magazine.