The charging handle assembly uses a magnetic latching mechanism to replace the spring loaded latch mechanism common on conventional M16/AR-15 style weapons. The magnetic latching mechanism consists of magnetically attracting plugs mounted to or within the upper receiver and the charging handle. The magnetic attraction between the adjacent plugs provides the locking force to secure the charging handle in the closed position while still allowing the user to manually pull the handle to the open position when necessary.

The present invention discloses a personal protection device for multiple less-lethal ammunition options. The device is comprised of a lightweight carbon-composite forearm sleeve assembly having one or more externally mounted light-weight multi-layer composite barrels of various calibers for dispensing less-lethal ammunition at controlled muzzle velocities. In addition, Picatinny Rail attachment points are provided for mounting external tactical gear. The invention thus provides the user with multiple selectable less-lethal ammunition options in a single device while protecting the operating arm. Internally, the gauntlet contains a pistol grip with an electronic control system for selecting and firing individual less-lethal ammunition.

The present invention discloses a personal protection device for multiple less-lethal ammunition options. The device is comprised of a lightweight carbon-composite forearm sleeve assembly having one or more externally mounted light-weight multi-layer composite barrels of various calibers for dispensing less-lethal ammunition at controlled muzzle velocities. In addition, Picatinny Rail attachment points are provided for mounting external tactical gear. The invention thus provides the user with multiple selectable less-lethal ammunition options in a single device while protecting the operating arm. Internally, the gauntlet contains a pistol grip with an electronic control system for selecting and firing individual less-lethal ammunition.

Disclosed is a lower receiver that defines an aperture extending between a bolt stop well and an actuator well, the lower receiver including a bolts stop and a first actuator lever on one side of the lower receiver and a bolt stop actuator that includes a tooth that extends through the aperture, a second bolt release lever on the other side of the lower receiver and a rod connecting the tooth and the second bolt release lever, wherein the tooth engages the bolt stop so that actuation of the second bolt release lever moves the bolt stop and where the first and second release levers move in unison.

Disclosed is a lower receiver that defines an aperture extending between a bolt stop well and an actuator well, the lower receiver including a bolts stop and a first actuator lever on one side of the lower receiver and a bolt stop actuator that includes a tooth that extends through the aperture, a second bolt release lever on the other side of the lower receiver and a rod connecting the tooth and the second bolt release lever, wherein the tooth engages the bolt stop so that actuation of the second bolt release lever moves the bolt stop and where the first and second release levers move in unison.

An example grip safety interlock can include a lower receiver with a trigger assembly, a safety selector having a detent channel, a grip having an internal recess, an extended detent pin having a detent point and an interference abutment surface, a grip safety lever having an interference ledge, and a lever bias spring positioned within the grip, extending between the grip and the grip safety lever. The grip safety lever can be positioned to pivot within the internal recess of the grip, and the extended detent pin can extend within the grip such that the detent point contacts the detent channel of the safety selector. The lever bias spring can push the grip safety lever to a first pivot position such that the interference ledge of the grip safety lever abuts the interference abutment surface of the extended detent pin to prevent movement and rotation of the safety selector.

Firearms with improved systems and methods of controlling which side of the firearm shell casings are ejected from, with ejection port covers on both sides of the firearm that open to provide cross ventilation, or both. In some embodiments, the bolt can be installed in one of two different orientations to select whether shell casings are ejected from the left or the right ejection port without a need to replace any parts. In a number of embodiments, spring loaded ejection port covers on both sides open when the firearm is fired or when the bolt or carrier of the firearm moves to provide cross ventilation through a passageway through the firearm to cool the firearm. The covers can be manually closed by the operator when the weapon is not being fired to keep dirt and debris out of the firearm.

Firearms with improved systems and methods of controlling which side of the firearm shell casings are ejected from, with ejection port covers on both sides of the firearm that open to provide cross ventilation, or both. In some embodiments, the bolt can be installed in one of two different orientations to select whether shell casings are ejected from the left or the right ejection port without a need to replace any parts. In a number of embodiments, spring loaded ejection port covers on both sides open when the firearm is fired or when the bolt or carrier of the firearm moves to provide cross ventilation through a passageway through the firearm to cool the firearm. The covers can be manually closed by the operator when the weapon is not being fired to keep dirt and debris out of the firearm.

A modular charging handle assembly that includes a charging handle body that extends between a bolt engagement end and a pull end. The charging handle body is oriented along a longitudinal axis. The charging handle assembly also includes a base disposed at the pull end of the charging handle body and operatively connected thereto. The base includes a pair of mounting guides set on either side of the longitudinal axis to provide thereby a modular structure. The charging handle assembly also includes a pair of pull grips mateably and releasably secured to the pair of mounting guides to provide ambidextrous operating means.

A modular charging handle assembly that includes a charging handle body that extends between a bolt engagement end and a pull end. The charging handle body is oriented along a longitudinal axis. The charging handle assembly also includes a base disposed at the pull end of the charging handle body and operatively connected thereto. The base includes a pair of mounting guides set on either side of the longitudinal axis to provide thereby a modular structure. The charging handle assembly also includes a pair of pull grips mateably and releasably secured to the pair of mounting guides to provide ambidextrous operating means.