The present invention generally relates to gas generant compositions for inflators of occupant restraint systems, for example. An extrudable pyrotechnic composition includes polyvinylazoles for use within an airbag gas generator. The fuel may be selected from exemplary polyvinylazoles including 5-amino-1-vinyltetrazole, poly(5-vinyltetrazole), poly(2-methyl-5-vinyl) tetrazole, poly(1-vinyl) tetrazole, poly(3-vinyl) 1,2,5 oxadiazole, and poly(3-vinyl) 1,2,4-triazole. An oxidizer is combined with the fuel and preferably contains phase stabilized ammonium nitrate. A novel method of forming the compositions is also presented wherein the various constituents are wetted and/or dissolved, and then cured within the polyvinylazole matrix thereby forming a more intimate combination within the gas generant composition. A vehicle occupant protection system 180, and other gas generating systems, incorporate the compositions of the present invention.