Barrel assembly

Abstract

To provide a barrel assembly capable of obtaining a high firing speed at any distance between a muzzle and a shooting range.SOLUTION: A smoothbore barrel assembly 1 comprises a first segment 3 extending at a downstream of a gun powder chamber, a barrel 4 followed by a segment having a wider diameter and a final choke including a first final part 6 and a second final part 7. In the smoothbore barrel assembly 1, the barrel 1 has a divergence / convergence configuration in which the first segment 3 comprises a divergence part 31 and a convergence part 32, or a single convergence configuration or a single divergence configuration. Advantageously the barrel assembly 1 can be provided in a module type form and comprises three basic components, which are a barrel body, an extension part, an inside choke member and / or an outside choke member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a barrel assembly.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for firing a shotgun shell in a long-barreled firearm. Regarding smoothbore guns. [Background technology]

[0003] From a technical point of view, a wide variety of barrel configurations designed to improve the performance of firearms are known. It is being done.

[0004] Desirable characteristics are numerous and often contradictory.

[0005] For example, a desirable feature is a high rate of fire at any distance between the muzzle and the firing range. , which has the advantage of reducing guesswork and aiming directly at the target.

[0006] Another desirable feature is high penetration energy, which has the benefit of increasing stopping power. Brings points.

[0007] A further desirable feature is a long range, which has the advantage of increasing effective range. results.

[0008] Another desirable feature is optimum ballistic performance regardless of the ammunition used.

[0009] A further desirable feature is that there are no restrictions on the type of choke that can be used with the cartridge. That is the thing.

[0010] A further desirable feature is the relationship between material and choke ratio found in current standard barrels. The objective of this invention is to reduce manufacturing limitations caused by the relationship between the temperature and the material.

[0011] Another desirable feature is the ability to reduce pressure fluctuations at the barrel exit, reducing noise during firing. There is an advantage in that it can be reduced.

[0012] A further desirable feature is reduced recoil.

[0013] Some of the above features are only available in a limited way with prior art barrel assemblies. There are.

[0014] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a barrel assembly having a fixed bore diameter of various sizes. That is, The bore diameter D1 corresponds to the uniform gauge (standard conical section between the chamber and the bore), It is out of gauge, and D1' = D1 + 0.3mm (the cone between the chamber and the bore) The bore diameter D1' It is out of gauge (e.g., from 20.3mm in 12 gauge), especially the cartridge chamber 2 the bore diameter D1´´ (without any conical section between the chamber and the bore) equal to the smallest diameter of the An expanded chamber D4 between the bore and the barrel mouth with a diameter of +0.3 / 1 mm beyond the bore diameter; is.

[0015] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for pre-opening a shot pattern by using divergent segments at the ends. The barrel of the gun is revealed.

[0016] Webpage: https: / / www.mossberg.com / category / series / 835-ulti-mag / does not mention speed, but rather uniform shot It describes a 12-gauge barrel with a 10-gauge bore that allows for a 12-gauge pattern.

[0017] Patent Document 3 discloses multiple methods for minimizing recoil force without changing the exit velocity of the projectile. This document discloses the use of a conical section of 18.4 mm. The 18.8-18.9mm diameter ensures low recoil force and low bullet exit, while ensuring power. The multi-cone design combines the advantages of both solutions. should be.

[0018] The webpage https: / / www.beretta.com / en / 691 / , high penetration, low muzzle rise, and ultimately a fast and accurate second shot. The patent describes a barrel assembly that ensures high shot pattern density.

[0019] Patent Document 4 discloses a rifled gun having an inlet region that merges into a forward barrel section that ends in a muzzle region. The invention discloses a barrel with a gag, wherein the area between the entrance region and the muzzle region is equal to or greater than the diameter of the entrance region and the muzzle region. The acceleration channel has an enlarged diameter relative to the

[0020] Patent Document 5 discloses a proximal chamber end, a distal muzzle end, and an interior bounded by a barrel wall. A multiple rifled barrel having a bore is disclosed, the internal bore being located at the proximal chamber end of the barrel. a cartridge chamber and a first rifled bore cell distal to the cartridge chamber; a second rifled bore section at the distal muzzle end of the barrel; distal to the first rifled bore section and and a reduced section connecting the first rifled bore and the second rifled bore.

[0021] Patent Document 6 discloses a pattern control system for a shotgun, in which The mounting portion is detachably attached to the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel and the bore of the barrel, and the bore and A gradually narrowing choke constriction is present either at the choke attachment or at the attachment only. , to eliminate the buildup of tolerance between the choke mounting bore constriction and the barrel bore, is formed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0022] [Patent Document 1] IT1405143 [Patent Document 2] US5155291A [Patent Document 3] US6289620B1 [Patent Document 4] DE102014014401A1 [Patent Document 5] US11022394B1 [Patent Document 6] US4058925 Summary of the Invention

[0023] However, each of the above systems provides only a limited number of desirable features, None of the prior art barrels combine all the features into a single assembly. .

[0024] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel barrel assembly which overcomes the drawbacks of the cited prior art. is.

[0025] Within this spirit, the object of the present invention is to provide a high firing range at any distance between the muzzle and the firing distance. The object of the present invention is to provide a barrel assembly that allows for high velocity, thereby reducing the risk of fire. This reduces the damage and provides the advantage of being able to aim directly at the target.

[0026] The object of the present invention is to provide a high penetration energy and increase stopping power. The present invention provides a barrel assembly having advantages.

[0027] A further object of the present invention is to provide a gun barrel having a long firing range and therefore an increased effective range. The object is to provide an assembly.

[0028] A further object of the present invention is to provide a barrel assembly that provides optimal ballistic performance with any ammunition. That is the thing.

[0029] A further object of the present invention is to provide a choke cartridge that is free from restrictions on the type of choke that can be used. This allows for greater flexibility and reduces manufacturing limitations due to the relationship between materials and choke ratios. To provide a gun barrel assembly.

[0030] A further object of the present invention is to provide a barrel assembly which reduces pressure fluctuations at the barrel exit. This has the advantage of reducing noise when fired.

[0031] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a barrel assembly which reduces recoil forces.

[0032] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a hunting vehicle having a length that is variable depending on the type of sport or hunting application. The objective is to provide the user with a barrel assembly.

[0033] A further object of the present invention is to reduce the production, management, and purchasing costs of gun barrels.

[0034] A further object of the present invention is to provide a device which, due to its particular structural characteristics, is most reliable and safe in use. The object of the present invention is to provide an assembly that can provide a high level of assurance.

[0035] This intention, these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, are achieved by the appended claims. This is achieved by the barrel assembly as described in the range.

[0036] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which: This will become more apparent from the description of a few preferred, but non-exclusive, embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gun barrel according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of proportional dimensions of a barrel according to the present invention configured with a diverging-converging profile. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of proportional dimensions of a barrel according to the present invention configured with a converging profile. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of proportional dimensions of a barrel according to the present invention configured with a diverging profile. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of the test method and results obtained using a barrel according to the invention compared to a conventional system; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of the test method and results obtained using a barrel according to the invention compared to a conventional system; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a three-component barrel. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a gun barrel having an internal choke member. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a gun barrel with an arrangement having an extension and an internal choke member. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a gun barrel having an internal choke member. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a gun barrel with an arrangement having an extension and an outer choke member. [Figure 12] Partial cross-section of a double barrel gun with a 3.5-inch powder chamber. [Figure 13] Partial cross-section of a double barrel gun with a 3-inch powder chamber. [Figure 14] Partial cross-section of a double barrel with a 2 3 / 4 inch powder chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] With reference to the drawings cited, a barrel assembly according to the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, , has a first segment, indicated by the reference numeral 3, which extends after the chamber 2 and has a divergent-convergent configuration constituted by a divergent portion 31 and by a convergent portion 32, Alternatively, it may have a solely converging configuration or a solely diverging configuration.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment having a configuration with a diverging portion 31 and a converging portion 32 .

[0040] The barrel 1 has a bore 4 which may have a constant configuration as in FIG. 1 or a diverging configuration. The segment 5 has an increasing diameter, a first end 6 and a second end 7. and an end choke.

[0041] The barrel profile of the present invention is optimized along the entire length of the barrel from the chamber 2 to the muzzle 8. A mathematical formula describing the internal profile, based on the CIP standards (D, H and L) and The length of the chamber, defined by the parameters (ε0, ε1, β0, β1, γ0, γ1, ρ), It is defined by a mathematical formula that includes only the diameter and the length.

[0042] This formula makes the diameters of the various segments explicit, as shown below with reference to Figure 1. It is applicable to all smoothbore calibers.

[0043] JPEG2023076395000002.jpg52165

[0044] According to the CIP standard, the parameters related to the cartridge chamber are as follows: Defined: D: diameter of the chamber opening, H: diameter of the chamber end, L: Chief of the drug room.

[0045] The other parameters mentioned in the above formula are defined as follows: ε0: the topological divergence coefficient, which can only take the values ​​"0" and "1", ε1: topological convergence coefficient, which can only take the values ​​“0” and “1”; β0: Convergence coefficient, which is the bore diameter (d b ) and the diameter of the end of the chamber (H) (for convergent and divergent-convergent cases), β1: Divergence coefficient, which is the bore diameter (d b ) to the diameter of the end of the chamber (H) (in the case of divergence), β1 is greater than β0, γ0: Expansion coefficient, which is the ratio of the increased diameter (d ob ) and the diameter of the segment is the ratio to the diameter (H) of the end of the chamber (for convergent and divergent-convergent cases), γ1: Expansion coefficient, which is the ratio of the increased diameter (d ob ) and the diameter of the segment The ratio of the diameter of the chamber end (H) (in the case of divergence), γ1 is greater than γ0. ρ: Choke coefficient, which is the ratio of the exit diameter to the bore diameter β0 or β1.

[0046] The internal profile of the barrel 1 according to the present invention is, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, When ε0 and ε1 are varied, three different shapes can be taken.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a profile with a divergent-convergent configuration, where ε0=1, ε1=1, x1≠x 2≠x3.

[0048] Figure 3 shows a profile with a convergent configuration, where ε0 = 0, ε1 = 1, and x1 = x2. do.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a profile with a divergent configuration, where ε0 = 1, ε1 = 0, and x2 = x3. do.

[0050] Advantageously, the above formula is valid for all smoothbore calibers.

[0051] The barrel assemblies of the present invention may each provide only some of the desired characteristics. It has significant advantages over the conventional barrel and allows obtaining all the advantageous features listed below. do.

[0052] The barrel assembly of the present invention allows for a high rate of fire at any distance between the muzzle and the firing range. This reduces the chance of a direct hit on the target.

[0053] A further feature of the present barrel assembly is the high penetration energy, which increases stopping power. This has the advantage that:

[0054] A further feature of the present barrel assembly is the extended range, thereby increasing the effective range. possible.

[0055] A further feature of the present barrel assembly is improved ballistic performance regardless of the ammunition used. It offers advantages over shot cartridges (leaded and "lead-free" materials) and ball cartridges. Improved ballistic performance due to both

[0056] A further feature of this barrel assembly is that it is not possible to exceed a 3-star choke in conventional firearms. Eliminates the limitations of "unleaded" cartridge chokes caused by standard chokes made of plain steel The novel profile of the barrel assembly according to the present invention is To overcome this limitation, for example, a full (1 star) choke with a standard 3 star choke Various shot patterns with different types of chokes, such as shot patterns corresponding to the chalk It may have a

[0057] The innovative expansion provided by the new barrel profile of this invention is To reduce the manufacturing limitations typical of standard barrels, i.e., the relationship between material and choke ratio, This brings the advantage of

[0058] A further feature of the present barrel assembly is that a novel internal profile increases velocity at the end of the barrel. This allows the local pressure to be reduced, thereby reducing pressure fluctuations at the barrel exit. This has the advantage of producing less noise when fired.

[0059] A further advantageous attribute of the barrel assembly of the present invention is reduced recoil force.

[0060] 5 and 6 show the results obtained with the barrel assembly according to the present invention compared to conventional systems. The test methods and results are outlined below.

[0061] Advantageously, the barrel assembly according to the present invention is modular in form, as will be explained below. can be made.

[0062] According to one aspect of the present invention, an adjustable barrel assembly includes a barrel body 1, as shown schematically in FIG. 01, extension 120, inner choke member 130 and / or outer choke member 140 It is composed of the following basic components:

[0063] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the barrel assembly is configured without a choke member, i.e., It is equipped with a choke attached to the body itself.

[0064] In this embodiment, the barrel assembly is detachable due to the absence of muzzle threads. It is not adapted to allow for adjustments over time, but it maintains a constant barrel length while allowing the shooter to adjust the length to suit their needs. Designed to provide ballistic performance / penetration.

[0065] The internal shape of the barrel is determined by acting on the following sections: 1. Length of chamber / bore cone mixer, 2. It may be constant, increasing, decreasing, or a combination (e.g., increasing + constant + decreasing). Bore diameter, 3. Fixed, increasing, decreasing, or "combined", e.g., increasing + constant + decreasing Fixed choke length and type.

[0066] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a barrel assembly includes an arrangement having an internal choke member, This barrel, designated 200, is shown in FIG.

[0067] In this case, the barrel 200 is configured to be adjustable via muzzle threads.

[0068] This configuration has two components: the barrel 101 and the inner choke member 130. A barrel length can be achieved.

[0069] Consider that the inner diameter of each component can be given in four ways: constant, increasing, decreasing, or a combination. Considering this, the total number of possible configurations with this type of barrel + internal choke is four barrels and four There are a total of 8 components for the inner choke, making 16.

[0070] JPEG2023076395000003.jpg115161

[0071] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a barrel assembly includes an arrangement having an outer choke member, This barrel assembly, designated 300, is shown in FIG.

[0072] This barrel assembly is designed to be adjustable via muzzle threads, and This is the same as the example above.

[0073] This configuration includes two components: a barrel 101 and an external choke 140, which are referred to herein as It can reach a medium barrel length called "medium type 1".

[0074] The inner diameter of each component can be given in four ways (constant, increasing, decreasing or combination). The total number of possible configurations with barrels equipped with different types of external chokes is four barrels and four external chokes. Using the yoke's total of 8 components, we get 16.

[0075] JPEG2023076395000004.jpg114160

[0076] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the barrel assembly includes an extension and an inner choke member. This barrel assembly, designated 400, is shown in FIG.

[0077] In this case, the barrel assembly is configured to be adjustable by means of a muzzle thread. This is the same as the previous example.

[0078] This configuration has three components: barrel 101, extension 120, and internal choke 130. It can reach a medium barrel length, referred to herein as "Medium Type 2."

[0079] The inner diameter of each component can be given in four ways (constant, increasing, decreasing or "combined"), so The total number of possible configurations of this type of assembly, barrel + extension + internal choke, is 12 in total. It is 64 in number, using components (four barrels, four extensions and four internal chokes). .

[0080] JPEG2023076395000005.jpg231160JPEG2023076395000006.jpg195162

[0081] By disassembling the extension part 120, the barrel length can be shortened from "medium type 2" to "minimum". This corresponds to the configuration shown above at 200 and may have 16 or more configurations. .

[0082] In summary, there are 12 components (4 barrels, 4 extensions and 4 internal chokes). With - 64 configurations with "medium type 2" barrel length, - 16 configurations with "minimum" barrel length.

[0083] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the barrel assembly includes an extension and an outer choke member. This barrel assembly, designated 500, is shown in FIG.

[0084] In this case, the barrel assembly is designed to be adjustable via the muzzle threads. This is the same as the previous example.

[0085] This configuration has three components: barrel 101, extension 120, and external choke 140. and can reach maximum barrel length.

[0086] Consider that the inner diameter of each component can be given in four ways: constant, increasing, decreasing, or a combination. Considering this, the total number of configurations that can be equipped with this type of barrel with extensions and external chokes is Using a total of 12 components (4 barrels, 4 extensions and 4 external chokes), The number is 64.

[0087] JPEG2023076395000007.jpg234160JPEG2023076395000008.jpg197161

[0088] Starting with the complete configuration, we replace the outer choke 140 with the inner choke 130. This allows the barrel length to be shortened from maximum to "medium type 2", which corresponds to the configuration described above. , 64 or more configurations.

[0089] Starting with a complete configuration, the barrel length can be shortened to the maximum by disassembling only the center extension 120. It can be shortened from large to "medium type 1", which corresponds to the configuration described above, and has 16 or more configurations. It may have a composition.

[0090] Starting with the complete assembly, disassemble the extension 120 and replace the outer choke 140 with the inner choke. By replacing it with a 130, the barrel length can be shortened from maximum to minimum, as explained above. It may have 16 or more configurations, corresponding to the configurations.

[0091] In summary, there are 16 components (4 barrels, 4 extensions, 4 internal chokes and With four outer chokes) you have: - 64 configurations with maximum barrel length, - 64 configurations with "medium type 2" barrel length, - 16 configurations with "medium type 1" barrel length, - 16 configurations with minimum barrel length.

[0092] Advantageously, the barrel assembly according to the invention is constructed in accordance with the teachings of EP 2 541 187 B1. It may be provided in a lithographic or dual configuration.

[0093] A key advantage of the double barrel is that all standard lengths are manufactured using the same tube 102. This provides significant manufacturing advantages.

[0094] For example, Figures 12, 13, and 14 show 3.5-inch, 3-inch, 2-inch, and 3-inch diameter plates, respectively. Although a 1 / 4 inch powder chamber is shown, other lengths, e.g., 1.75 inches, may also be used to advantage. It can be used.

[0095] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the barrel assembly advantageously includes an additional modular member. To enable easy and fast aiming without the need for a separate aiming element, various solutions are provided. obtain.

[0096] The barrel assembly includes a sight holder and a muzzle sight, made of metal, carbon fiber, or other material. It may have ribs, sight notches, and secondary ribs.

[0097] In fact, the invention achieves its intended aims and objectives, with speeds measured at 20 meters. Degree, shot penetration, and ballistic testing using both shot and ball cartridges A novel combination of advantageous functional properties confirmed by numerous experimental tests on It has been found that a barrel assembly is provided.

[0098] The novel internal profile of the barrel assembly according to the present invention is: -Subsonic / transonic / supersonic flow inside the barrel depending on the type of bullet used ( For example, subsonic flow accelerates in a converging duct, and supersonic flow accelerates in a diverging duct). - Bernoulli's principle and minimizing the distributed and local load losses within the barrel; -Maximized barrel bore (12 gauge) far beyond what competitors are currently considering / offering (The page is about 19.6mm compared to the standard 18.4-18.8mm.) -A segment with an increased diameter that significantly exceeds what competitors are currently considering / offering Maximizing the volume of the muzzle (increasing the volume of the muzzle) (for 12 gauge, see IT1405143) The maximum value of number 3, 21.3 mm, may be exceeded, but without providing an initial conical mixing section. stomach), By taking these aspects into consideration, the present invention aims to maximize the aforementioned advantages. This is the result of fluid dynamics research.

[0099] A barrel assembly according to the present invention may not provide a combination of all the above-mentioned advantages. Unlike conventional barrels, it offers a number of important advantages.

[0100] The barrel assembly of the present invention allows for a high rate of fire at any distance between the muzzle and the firing range. This reduces guesswork and allows for direct targeting.

[0101] The barrel according to the present invention provides high penetration energy and increased stopping power.

[0102] The barrel of the present invention provides a long firing distance and increases the effective range.

[0103] The barrel of the present invention can be used with shot cartridges (lead and "Lead-free" materials) and ball cartridges, resulting in improved ballistic performance. Improve road performance.

[0104] The barrel of the present invention eliminates the limitations of current chokes for "lead-free" cartridges. Currently, "standard" chokes made from ordinary steel cannot exceed a 3-star choke. However, the new barrel profile overcomes this limitation and allows for a standard 3-star choke. This allows the player to have a shot pattern that corresponds to a full (1 star) choke. Thanks to the innovative widening provided by the barrel profile, The existing manufacturing limitations (relationship between materials and choke ratio) can be reduced.

[0105] The barrel of the present invention reduces pressure fluctuations at the barrel exit through a novel internal profile; This allows for an increased velocity at the end of the barrel, resulting in a localized pressure drop. This reduces noise when fired.

[0106] A further advantage of the barrel according to the invention is provided by recoil reduction.

[0107] The modular construction of the barrel according to the present invention is different from the conventional type produced by forging or drilling. This offers the advantage of eliminating or at least significantly reducing the technical limitations of current gun barrels of this type. vinegar.

[0108] A further benefit of modular barrels is that they allow for variable barrel lengths depending on the type of sporting / hunting application. The aim is to provide users with

[0109] A further benefit of modular barrels is that they can reduce barrel production / management and purchasing costs. is.

[0110] This application is based on Italian Patent Application No. 102,021, filed on November 11, 2021. This application claims priority to US Pat. No. 6,000,028,739, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. can be.

Claims

1. 1. A barrel assembly comprising: a first segment extending downstream of a powder chamber; a bore; a segment of increased diameter following the bore; and a final choke defined by a first final section and a second final section, wherein the first segment has a diverging-converging configuration defined by a diverging section and a converging section, or a solely converging configuration or a solely diverging configuration.

2. 10. The barrel assembly of claim 1, wherein the segment having an increased diameter has a constant configuration, a diverging configuration, or a combination configuration.

3. The barrel profile is defined by a mathematical equation that describes an optimized internal profile along the entire length of the barrel from the chamber to the bore, the equation being based on CIP specifications (D, H, and L) and parameters (ε ０ , ε １ , β ０ , β １ , γ ０ , γ １ ρ) and including only the diameter and length of the chamber defined by where: D: diameter of the chamber opening, H: diameter of the chamber end, L: Pharmacist, ε ０ : a topological divergence coefficient that can only take the values ​​"0" and "1" ε １ : a topological convergence coefficient, which can only take the values ​​"0" and "1" β ０ : Convergence coefficient, gun bore diameter (d ｂ ) to the diameter of the end of the chamber (H) (for convergent and divergent-convergent cases), β １ : divergence coefficient, gun bore diameter (d ｂ ) to the diameter of the end of the chamber (H) (for divergence), and β １ is β ０ Greater than gamma ０ : expansion coefficient, increased diameter (d ｏｂ ) to the diameter of the end of the chamber (H) (for convergent and divergent-convergent cases), gamma １ : expansion coefficient, increased diameter (d ｏｂ ) to the diameter of the end of the chamber (H) (in the case of divergence), and γ １ is γ ０ Greater than ρ: Choke coefficient, which is the ratio of the exit diameter to the bore diameter β ０ or β １ is the ratio of 2. The barrel assembly of claim 1.

4. The internal profile of the barrel is determined by a parameter ε ０ , ε １ The variation of ε ０ = 1, ε １ = 1, x １ ≠x ２ ≠x ３ and a profile with a divergence-convergence configuration where ε ０ = 0, ε １ = 1, x １ = x ２ and a profile with a convergence configuration where ε ０ = 1, ε １ = 1, x ２ = x ３ 4. The barrel assembly of claim 3, wherein the barrel assembly has three shapes depending on a profile having a diverging configuration where

5. 2. The barrel assembly of claim 1, comprising a combination of one or more of three basic components: a barrel body, an extension, an inner choke member, and an outer choke member.

6. 2. The barrel assembly of claim 1, wherein said barrel body has a choke disposed inside said barrel body, and said barrel body does not have a muzzle thread.

7. 2. The barrel assembly of claim 1, wherein the barrel body has an internal geometry defined by a length of the chamber / bore cone blend, a bore diameter which may be constant, increasing, decreasing, or a combination thereof, and a fixed choke length and type which may be constant, increasing, decreasing, or a combination thereof.

8. 2. The barrel assembly of claim 1, further comprising an internal choke member.

9. 10. The barrel assembly of claim 1, further comprising an outer choke member.

10. 10. A barrel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising an extension and an inner choke member.

11. 10. The barrel assembly of claim 1, further comprising an extension and an outer choke member.

12. 2. The barrel assembly of claim 1, having a dual configuration with a tube associated with the powder chamber, the powder chamber having a variable length to provide barrel assemblies of different lengths by using the same tube.

13. 4. The barrel assembly of claim 3, wherein said formula is valid for all smoothbore barrel calibers.

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