MUZZLE BRAKE FOR MUZZLE-LOADING FIREARM

Abstract

A muzzle brake for use with a firearm such as a muzzle-loading firearm, and including at least one access port in the muzzle brake that is large enough (for example at least about 0.5″ or more minimum dimension) for access by a user's fingertip to remove a cleaning patch from the muzzle brake. One or more vent ports that are relatively smaller than the access port may also be provided in the muzzle brake. An insert may be fitted within the muzzle brake to enhance wear resistance and extend its service life.

Claims

1. A muzzle brake for a firearm, the muzzle brake comprising a projectile bore extending axially therethrough, wherein a least a portion of the projectile bore comprises an insert fitted therearound, the insert reducing the wear and increasing the service life of the brake.

2. The muzzle brake of claim 1, further comprising at least one port extending generally transversely through the projectile bore.

3. The muzzle brake of claim 2, wherein the at least one port comprises at least one access port and at least one vent port separate from the at least one access port, wherein the at least one access port is larger than the at least one vent port.

4. The muzzle brake of claim 3, comprising one pair of larger access ports and one pair of smaller vent ports.

5. The muzzle brake of claim 4, wherein the larger access ports are positioned closer to a proximal end of the muzzle brake, and wherein the smaller vent ports are positioned closer to a distal end of the muzzle brake.

6. The muzzle brake of claim 5, wherein the larger access ports and the smaller vent ports are spaced axially from one another and separated by at least one baffle wall.

7. The muzzle brake of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a disc-shaped body comprising a central opening extending therethrough so as to permit the passage of a projectile moving along the projectile bore.

8. The muzzle brake of claim 5, wherein the disc-shaped body is seated within the brake and along at least a portion of the projectile bore, and wherein at least a portion of the disc-shaped body is configured to generally sit flush with a proximal end of the at least one baffle wall.

9. The muzzle brake of claim 7, wherein the projectile bore comprises a stepped bore configuration comprising a first bore segment and a second bore segment, the first bore segment being larger than the second bore segment.

10. The muzzle brake of claim 9, wherein the disc-shaped body is seated in the first bore segment and against the second bore segment.

11. The muzzle brake of claim 10, wherein the opening of the disc-shaped body defines a diameter that is substantially similar to a diameter defined by the second bore segment.

12. The muzzle brake of claim 10, wherein the opening of the disc-shaped body comprises a diameter that is at least partially smaller than a diameter defined by the second bore segment.

13. The muzzle brake of claim 10, wherein the opening of the disc-shaped body comprises a diameter that is at least partially larger than a diameter defined by the second bore segment.

14. The muzzle brake of claim 2, wherein the at least one port comprises at least one access port, the at least one access port having a minimum dimension of at least 0.5″ and being configured to allow access by a user's fingertip to remove a cleaning patch through the at least one access port.

15. An insert for a muzzle break to reduce wear and increase its service life, the muzzle break insert comprising a ring-like body comprising a central opening and being configured for seating within a portion of the break about a projectile bore extending axially therethrough, the opening of the ring-like body being in communication with the projectile bore so as to permit passage of the projectile along the bore, wherein combustion or propellant gasses from the projectile are configured to impact the insert such that wear is minimized and the service life of the brake is substantially improved.

16. The insert of claim 15, wherein the insert is constructed from a material offering superior heat resistance, high temperature corrosion resistance, toughness, and strength.

17. The insert of claim 16, wherein the material comprises a highly oxidation-resistant and/or highly corrosion-resistant material, or a high-temperature-resistant, high-hardness austenitic nickel-chromium based metal alloy.

18. The insert of claim 16, wherein the material comprises a nickel-chromium superalloy material providing for superior heat resistance, high temperature corrosion resistance, toughness, and strength.

19. A method of manufacturing a muzzle brake comprising: providing a muzzle brake comprising a projectile bore extending axially therethrough; providing an insert comprising a disc-shaped body comprising a central opening; heating the muzzle brake; fitting the insert within the muzzle brake about the projectile bore, wherein the disc-shaped body surrounds the projectile bore and the central opening permits the passage of a projectile therealong; and allowing the muzzle brake to cool such that the same at least partially shrinks to further engage with the insert fitted therein.

20. The method of manufacturing the muzzle brake of claim 19, wherein the insert is constructed from a material offering superior heat resistance, high temperature corrosion resistance, toughness, and strength.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm with a muzzle brake according to an example embodiment of the present invention mounted on the muzzle of the firearm.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a muzzle brake according to an example embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the muzzle brake of FIG. 2, taken along section lines 3-3 in FIG. 2.

[0019] FIGS. 4A and 4B (collectively, FIG. 4) are assembly views showing an example method of installation of a muzzle brake onto the muzzle end of a barrel of a muzzle-loading firearm.

[0020] FIG. 5 is an end view of the muzzle brake of FIG. 2.

[0021] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C (collectively, FIG. 6) show an example sequence or method of use of a muzzle brake in connection with the cleaning of the bore of a barrel of a muzzle-loading firearm with a cleaning patch.

[0022] FIG. 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of a muzzle brake according to another example embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective assembly view of a muzzle brake according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of the muzzle brake of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

[0026] Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

[0027] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a muzzle brake 10 according to an example embodiment of the present invention, mounted to the muzzle end of the barrel B of a firearm F. In example embodiments, the muzzle brake 10 is machined as a unitary integral component from a single continuous piece of steel bar or rod stock. In alternate embodiments, the muzzle brake can be formed as an assembly, and or comprised of other metals, ceramic, composite and/or other materials of construction. In example forms, the muzzle brake generally comprises an elongate body having a projectile bore extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis, and sidewalls at least partially surrounding the projectile bore and transversely offset therefrom. In the depicted embodiment, the firearm F to which the muzzle brake 10 is attached is a modern muzzle-loading rifle. In alternate uses, the muzzle brake 10 may be mounted to modern or primitive muzzle-loading rifles, pistols, shotguns, cannons, or alternatively may be utilized with breech-loading firearms or firearms of various formats.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the muzzle brake 10 has a female or internally threaded attachment bore 20 at its proximal end, configured for detachably coupling with a corresponding or cooperatively configured male or externally threaded extension at the muzzle end of the barrel B of the firearm. In alternate embodiments, the muzzle brake is integrally formed with or permanently affixed or coupled to the barrel of the firearm, for example by welding, adhesive, compression fit, screws or other attachment or coupling means. The muzzle brake 10 also includes an axial projectile bore 22 extending lengthwise through the entire brake from its proximal end to its distal end. The attachment bore 20 and the projectile bore 22 are coaxially configured, so that when the muzzle brake 10 is installed onto the firearm for use (FIG. 4B), the projectile bore is precisely and coaxially aligned with the internal longitudinal bore axis of the barrel B. The projectile bore 22 preferably has a diameter slightly larger than the bore of the barrel B of the firearm F to which the muzzle brake 10 is configured for use in connection with (for example, a diameter of about 0.43″ for a .40 caliber firearm, 0.48″ for a .45 caliber firearm, or 0.53″ diameter for a .50 caliber firearm) to allow free passage of a fired projectile of the intended caliber with a sufficiently close fit to partially deflect propellant combustion gasses to an offset angle relative to the bore axis when the firearm is fired. Optionally, the muzzle brake 10 may be marked on an external surface with the caliber of the firearm for which it is configured, and/or with branding indicia, safety warnings, use instructions, and/or other information or indicia, for example by printing, stamping, labeling, indentation, etching, engraving, embossing, molding, or otherwise. Further optionally, the attachment end or coupling of the muzzle brake may be indexed or otherwise configured to allow attachment of the brake only to firearms of the intended caliber and/or type.

[0029] The muzzle brake 10 also comprises at least one larger access port 40 extending generally crosswise (i.e., transversely) to the axis of the projectile bore 22. In the depicted embodiment, the larger access ports 40 extend generally perpendicular (90°) to the axis of the projectile bore 22, but in alternate embodiments may be obliquely oriented. In the depicted embodiment, an opposed pair of two larger access ports 40 are provided, aligned across from one another and extending transversely continuously through the muzzle brake 10, with a first larger access port exiting or venting in a first transverse direction from one side of the muzzle brake, and a second larger access port exiting or venting in an opposite second transverse direction from the opposite side of the muzzle brake. The larger access ports 40 extend in fluid communication with the projectile bore 22 to allow passage of propellant combustion gasses therefrom. The one or more larger access port(s) 40 are preferably configured with a minimum dimension (e.g., length or width) that is at least large enough to allow insertion of an average person's fingertip (e.g., pinkie or index finger), for access to remove a cleaning patch or other objects as will be described herein. In example embodiments, the larger access port(s) 40 have a minimum opening dimension of at least about 0.5″, more preferably at least about 0.6″ to 0.8″, and in particular embodiments at least about 0.65″ or 0.75″, for example about 0.65″ long (L.sub.L) and about 0.900 wide (W.sub.L). In example embodiments, the external opening of the larger access port(s) 40 may be beveled or rounded for ease of access, and all internal and external edges may be rounded or radiused to remove sharp edges.

[0030] The muzzle brake 10 optionally also comprises at least one smaller vent port 60 in fluid communication with the projectile bore 22, for venting propellant combustion gasses when the firearm is fired. In the depicted embodiment, two axially spaced, transversely opposed pairs 60a, 60b of smaller vent ports are provided. The smaller vent ports 60 preferably have at least one dimension (e.g., length and/or width) that is smaller than the minimum dimension of the larger access ports 40. In this manner, the smaller vent port(s) 60 are relatively smaller in at least one aspect than the relatively larger vent port(s) 40. In example embodiments, the smaller vent port(s) 60 has/have an opening dimension in at least one dimension that is equal to or less than the corresponding dimension of the larger access port(s). For example, in example embodiments the smaller vent port(s) 60 may have opening dimensions of about 0.55″, 0.50″ or less long (L.sub.S) and about 0.90″ wide (W.sub.S).

[0031] In the depicted embodiment, three opposed pairs of ports (one pair of larger access ports 40 and two pairs of smaller vent ports 60) are provided. The larger access ports 40 are preferably positioned toward the proximal end of the muzzle brake 10 (adjacent or proximal to the attachment end 20), and the smaller vent ports 60 are preferably positioned toward the distal end of the muzzle brake 10 (opposite or distal from the attachment end 20). Thus, when the muzzle brake 10 is installed on the firearm F, the larger access ports 40 are closer to the muzzle end of the barrel than the smaller vent ports 60, and when used in connection with cleaning of the barrel bore the larger access ports catch the cleaning patch as it exits the barrel for easy removal by the user.

[0032] The at least one larger access port(s) 40 and the at least one smaller vent port(s) 60 are spaced axially a distance from one another along the length of the muzzle brake 10 and are separated from one other by transversely extending baffle walls 70, comprising webs or flanges of structural material through which the projectile bore 22 passes. In example embodiments, the baffle walls 70 have a minimum thickness of at least about ⅓ the bore diameter or caliber of the firearm F with which the muzzle brake 10 will be used. For example, a muzzle brake 10 for a .50 caliber firearm will have baffle walls 70 at least about 0.166″ thick, for a .45 caliber firearm baffle walls at least about 0.15″ thick, and for a .40 caliber firearm baffle walls at least about 0.133 thick. In further example embodiments, the baffle walls 70 have a thickness of at least about 0.125″, for example about 0.200″.

[0033] FIGS. 4A and 4B show an example manner or method of installation or mounting of a muzzle brake 10, according to an example form of the invention. The muzzle end of the barrel B of the firearm F may be provided with male threads T. Cooperatively configured female threads of the attachment or coupling end 20 of the muzzle brake 10 are threaded onto the male threads T of the firearm muzzle and tightened to securely attach the muzzle brake 10 to the barrel B. Optionally, a clamping slot 90 may be provided at the coupling end 20 of the muzzle brake 10, and a clamping screw 92 may be inserted into a threaded clamping bore 94 to draw the clamping slot together and further tighten and secure the muzzle brake to the barrel. Optionally, the muzzle brake 10 may have an octagonal or other polygonal external profile in plan or end view, as shown in FIG. 5, to assist the user in gripping the brake when installing and removing the brake from the barrel B.

[0034] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show example modes of use or operation of a muzzle brake 10 during cleaning of the barrel B of a muzzle-loading firearm. A cleaning patch P is inserted through the projectile bore 22 of the muzzle brake and into the muzzle end of the barrel B of the firearm F using a ramrod or other elongate tool, for example a cleaning rod R having a cleaning jag attached at the end of the tool for engaging the cleaning patch. The patch P may have a cleaning solvent or other material applied thereon. The patch is inserted and moved through the bore of the barrel B by advancing and retracting the rod R, to clean and remove powder residue, and/or to lubricate the bore. As the rod R is withdrawn from the barrel B after cleaning, the cleaning patch P tends to expand away from the cleaning jag on the end of the rod, contacts the first baffle wall 70, and is caught or lodges in or around the larger access ports 40 of the muzzle brake 10 (FIG. 6A). The user may then push (FIG. 6B) and/or pull (FIG. 6C) the patch P out of the larger access port 40 using their finger(s) to remove the patch P.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows additional details of a further embodiment of a muzzle brake 10′ according to another example form of the invention. The projectile bore 22′ through the first or proximal baffle 70′ optionally has an enlarged bore dimension or diameter D.sub.B that is substantially greater than the diameter of the bore of the barrel B of the firearm and greater than the dimension of the projectile bores through the other (medial and distal) baffles. For example, the projectile bore 22′ through the first or proximal baffle 70′ may have a diameter of about 0.55″ to about 0.75″, or about 0.625″ to about 0.675″. Additionally, a chamfer, bevel, radius, or other relief feature 75 may optionally be provided around the projectile bore 22′ on the proximal face of the first baffle 70′. In example embodiments, a 45° chamfer 75 of about 0.030″ to about 0.050″ is provided. The enlarged projectile bore 22′ and chamfer 75, if provided, may reduce wear due to combustion or propellant gasses, powder burning or abrasion from particles such as plastic particles from gas-check or sabot components of projectiles, and increase the service life of the brake 10. In this manner, at least a portion of the gas and debris passes through the larger bore in the proximal baffle and impacts the medial and/or distal baffle(s), allowing the baffles to share the load of wear during use, and the chamfer may help funnel at least a portion of the gasses and particles through the brake rather than impacting the baffle squarely, also reducing or minimizing wear and extending the brake's useful life.

[0036] FIGS. 8-9 show a muzzle brake 10″ according to another example embodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, the brake 10″ comprises a ring or insert 100 comprising a disc or generally cylindrical ring-like component for press fitting within the brake 10″, and a locking sleeve or nut 200 may be provided for assisting in securing the brake 10″ to the muzzle end of the barrel B of the firearm F. In example embodiments, cooperatively configured female threads of the locking nut 200 are threaded onto male threads of the attachment or coupling end of the muzzle brake 10″, and cooperatively configured female threads of the coupling end of the muzzle brake 10″ are threaded onto the male threads T of the firearm muzzle. To securely attach the brake 10″ to the muzzle end of the barrel B of the firearm F, the brake 10″ is screwed on the barrel B to its fullest extent, and then backed off or at least partially unscrewed until it is level. The locking nut 200 is then backed off or unscrewed from the male threads of the brake 10″ until it bears against the barrel shoulder B.sub.S (see FIG. 4A), thereby providing for a secure attachment of the brake 10″ to the muzzle end of the barrel B of the firearm F.

[0037] In example embodiments, the insert 100 is formed in whole or in part of a highly oxidation-resistant and/or highly corrosion-resistant material, such as for example a high-temperature-resistant, high-hardness austenitic nickel-chromium based metal alloy, and/or other hardened steel, alloy, or other metallic or ceramic material(s). In particular example embodiments, the insert 100 comprises a nickel-chromium superalloy material such as an Inconel® alloy (Special Metals Corp.) or the like which may further enhance wear reduction of the brake 10″ and provide for superior heat resistance, high temperature corrosion resistance, toughness, and strength. In example embodiments, the insert 100 may improve the service life of the brake 10″, and combustion or propellant gasses, powder burning or abrasion from particles such as plastic particles from gas-check or sabot components of projectiles, may be less impactful and wearing on the brake 10″. According to example embodiments, the insert 100 comprises at least some amount of nickel and chromium, and for example other elements as desired.

[0038] As depicted in FIG. 9, the projectile bore 22″ through the first or proximal baffle 70″ optionally has a stepped bore configuration, for example, comprising a first bore segment defining a first dimension or diameter D.sub.B1 that is substantially greater than the diameter of the bore of the barrel B of the firearm and greater than the dimension of the projectile bore through the other (distal) baffle, and for example, greater than a second bore segment that defines a second dimension or diameter D.sub.B2. In example embodiments, the insert 100 is fitted within the brake 10″ and seatingly engaged within the first bore segment. In example embodiments, a chamfer, bevel, radius or other relief feature 110 may optionally be provided on an inner surface of the insert 100, so as to be positioned around a proximal portion of the projectile bore 22″ and on the proximal face of the first baffle 70″. In example embodiments, the insert 100 is positioned within the first bore segment and configured to be flush with the proximal face of the first baffle 70″. In example embodiments, a 45° chamfer 110 is provided on the inner surface of the insert 100, sloping inwardly and defining an opening defining a third dimension or diameter D.sub.R.

[0039] For example, the diameter D.sub.B1 of the first bore segment is larger than the diameter D.sub.B2 of the second bore segment and the diameter D.sub.R of the opening of the insert 100, and the diameter D.sub.B2 of the second bore segment is generally larger than the diameter D.sub.R of the opening of the insert 100. In example embodiments, the diameter D.sub.B1 is generally between about 0.60″ to about 0.90″, or about 0.650″ to about 0.791″. The diameter D.sub.B2 is generally between about 0.55″ to about 0.75″, or about 0.625″ to about 0.675″, and the diameter D.sub.R is generally between about 0.43″ to about 0.75″, or about 0.450″ to about 0.675″. Thus, according to some example embodiments, the diameter D.sub.R is at least partially smaller than the diameter D.sub.B2 of the second bore segment so as to slightly overhang within the projectile bore 22″, and for example, comprise a substantially similar diameter to that of the projectile bore of the distal baffle. However, according to one example embodiment, the diameter D.sub.R of the opening of the insert 100 is less than the diameter D.sub.B2 of the second bore segment, but is larger than the diameter of the projectile bore of the distal baffle, thereby providing a larger bore in the proximal baffle such that at least a portion of the gas and debris passes through the larger bore in the proximal baffle and impacts the distal baffle, allowing the baffles to share the load of wear during use, and the chamfer 110 may help funnel at least a portion of the gasses and particles through the brake rather than impacting the baffle squarely, also reducing or minimizing wear and extending the brake's useful life. According to alternative example embodiments, the diameter D.sub.R of the opening of the insert 100 is substantially similar to the diameter D.sub.B2 of the second bore segment, or for example, the diameter D.sub.R of the opening of the insert 100 is greater than the diameter D.sub.B2 of the second bore segment. A proximal end of the projectile bore of the medial baffle may comprise a relief feature as desired to further enhance wear resistance.

[0040] According to example embodiments, the insert 100 may be affixed to the brake 10″ in various ways. According to one method, the baffle 70″ is heated to provide expansion to the opening or bore thereof (e.g. the first bore segment), the insert 100 is fitted or pressed within the first bore segment of the baffle 70″, and the brake 10″ (and baffle 70″ thereof) is allowed to cool such that the first bore segment shrinks for tight fitting engagement around the insert 100. According to some example embodiments, the insert 100 may be affixed within the brake 10″ using a cooperative threaded attachment, for example where threads formed along the outer periphery of the insert 100 may cooperatively engage threads formed along the first bore segment of the projectile bore 22″. Optionally, a press-in, friction fit engagement can be provided for installing the insert 100 without the use of heat treatment.

[0041] While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.