Adjustable gas block for an indirect gas operated firearm

Abstract

A firearm including a barrel, receiver, indirect gas system and an adjustable gas block. Four positions of adjustment are provided for on the adjustable gas block, each of which provides a different setting to regulate gas flow into the host firearm's operating system. A position of adjustment is selected based on how the firearm is being used. The provided positions of adjustment are calibrated for the standard use of the host firearm, use of a silencer, use of the firearm under hard or adverse conditions or when it is necessary to increase the firearm's rate of fire, and to block the flow of gas into the operating system. The provided gas block is designed to function with an indirect gas operating system, but could be adapted for use with a direct gas impingement system as well. Excess gas from the operating system is not vented from the gas block thereby eliminating the generation of additional muzzle flash and sound. No tool is required to manipulate the adjustment mechanism of the gas block.

Description

[0001]This is a continuation application of co-pending application, U.S. Ser. No. 12 / 220,725 filed Jul. 28, 2008 now abandoned, and hereby claims the priority thereof to which it is entitled.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This present invention generally relates to self-loading firearms, specifically to gas blocks for self-loading firearms which facilitate user adjustment of the gas flow from the barrel into the operating system.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]The need to regulate the gas flow between the barrel and operating system of a firearm has been a concern since the introduction of autoloading firearms. Gas is generated during the combustion of gun powder present in the cartridges used in modern firearms. This gas expands violently to push the bullet out of the firearm's barrel. These expanding gases are utilized as a means to operate the action of the host firearm. In modern firearms the preferred method of facilitating the func...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately due to varying lengths of barrels, ammunition variance, and other factors it is very difficult to choose a gas port size which universally works under all conditions.

Unfortunately due to varying lengths of barrels, ammunition variance, and other factors it is very difficult to choose a gas port size which universally works under all conditions.

Further, adjustment of the gas system typically requires a special tool and offers no way for the user to index the system and make adjustments due to mitigating circumstances quickly.

This extra gas, or back pressure increases the firing rate of a weapon during its full auto function, fouls the weapon leading to premature malfunction and to a variety of feeding and extraction problems.

While designs with an adjustable gas block mitigate the potential problems associated with the increase of back pressure and fouling a noise suppressor generate, gases are still vented out of the gas block thus generating flash and sound.

Generating flash and sound from the gas block is counterproductive to the function of the silencer which is attempting to reduce the flash and sound from the muzzle of the host firearm.