CA1056631A - Magazine loaded repeating gun - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The invention disclosed is a man-portable multi-shot weapon capable of firing relatively large calibre projectiles eg. 38-40mm at a rapid rate and to the conversion of a similar existing single-shot weapon to multi-shot capability. The multi-shot weapon comprises a barrel, a breech assembly, the breech assembly including a frame on which the barrel is mounted and a lateral opening through opposite sides of the frame for receiving a magazine, the magazine having a plurality of aligned chambers to accomodate relatively large calibre projectiles, magazine advance means for laterally advancing the magazine through the breech opening in such a manner that the chambers are successively brought into a firing position in alignment with the barrel, and a firing means associated with the breech assembly for firing a projectile when in the firing position.

Description

~Sti~ci.3~
This invention rel~stes to a man-portable multi-sllot weapon capable o~ firing relatively Largc calibre projectiles at a rapid rate ancl to a conversion unit for use in providing single-shot weapons with multi-shot ~`~
capa bi l i ty At present, the only large calibre man-portabLe weapons are single~
shot, breech loading types such as the American 40mm M79 grenade launcher and the 38mm Fecleral Gas Gun. These weapons have relatively slow rates cif fire which is a drawback due to the short range of the weapon. This means that a moving target can cover the engagement distance or retreat out of ` `
range in a relatively short period of time. Single-shot, breech loading weapons also have disadvantages insofar as the "zeroing-in" aspect is ;
concerned. In other words, by observation of the point of impact of a shot, ~
one can make corrections to the line of sight so as to bring the next shot ~ ;;
on target. More specifically, the weapon must be taken from the shc~ulder ~;
to reload between each shot, thus taking the eye of the user off the target. ~;
Secondly, the re-loading time is considerably longer. These two aspects combine to reduce the abili~y to effectively use the informatlon~gained from `~
the obse~rvation of the point of impact of one shot for zeroing-in the succeeding-shots.

2~0 Thus, a rapid rate of fire would considerably increase the effective~
ness of the weapon, especially when dealing with highly mobile targets. A -~
rapid rate of fire combined with the ability to fire a numbe~ of rounds with-out removing the line of sight from the traget greatly improves the effectiveness of the correction mentioned above, thereby considerably improving the hit probability of succeeding rounds. This is especia]ly true when engaging moving tragets where an estimation of lead is required. Moreover, when employing gas, smoke or illuminating munitions, rapid fire capability ;~
would enable the production in minimum time of the intensity of gas, smoke or light required in a particular situation.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a man-portable multi-shot weapon capable of firing relatively large calibre ;
projectiles at a rapid rate.

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It is another object of tSle invention to prQvide a conversion unit lor l)rovidin~ r~ ly lar~c cal;brc singk~-sllot wcal)ons with multi-sllot capability.
Thus, according to one aspect of the invention, a man-portable multi-shot weapon is provided whicll is capable oE firing relatively ]arge calibre projectiles at a rapld rate, comprising a barrel, a breech assembly, the breech assembly including a frame on which the barrel i9 moun~ed and a ~;;
lateral opening through opposite sides of the frame for receiving a magazine, the magazine having a plurality of aligned chambers to accomodate relatively large calibre projectiles, magazine aclvance means for laterally advancing the magaæine through the breech opening in such a manner that the chambers are successively brought into a firing position in alignrnent with the barrel, and ~;;
a firing means for firing a projectile when in the firing position. `
According to another aspect of the invention, a conversion unit for use in providing relatively large calibre single-shot weapons with multi-shot capability is contemplated, said single-shot weapon comprising a barrel to be removed and discarded and a stock and firing means to be modified for use with ;
said conversion unit, said conversion unit comprising a barrel, a breech assembly including a frame on which the barrel is mounted, and a lateral open~

ing through opposite sides of the -frame for receiving a magazine having a plurality of aligned charnbers to accornmodate relatively ~arge calibre project-iles, magazine advance means associated with the breech assembly, and means for connecting said conversion unit to said modified stock and firing means, ~ -said magazine being adapted to be received in and to be laterally advanced through the breech opening by said magazine advance means, in such a manner that the chambers are successively brought into a firing position in alignment with the barrel. ~- -In the drawings which serve to illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 1 is a side elevation of the invention, illustrating the ~`~
.
operation of the advancing mechanism and the assembly thereof;

Figure 2 is a top view of the invention, depicting a magazine engaged in the weapon;

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I`igure 3 i9 <I fr-)rlt view 0~ the invention depLcting a magazlne engagccl in tllc weapon;
Figure 4a is a side elevation oE the invention with pistol grip, illustrating ~he deLails of the construction of the weapon, including a . . , loaded magazine engaged therein;
Figure 4b is a simllar side elevation of the invention with pump type grip;
Figure 5 is a side elevation of the invention which illustrates the field stripping procedure;

Figure 6 ls a rear view of a magazine according to the invention, , i : ~
which illustrates the cartridge cover;

Figure 7 is a top view of a magazine according to the invention .... .
- illustrating the cam track; and , . ~
Figure 8 is a series of side elevations which illustrate the , ~ `
conversion of an existing single-shot weapon to a multi-shot weapon. `
Referring specifically to the drawings wherein like reference ~-:
numerals denote like parts, the weapon is seen to comprise a barrel 4, ;
including a bore 4a, a breech assembly 31, the breech assembly 31 including `
a breech frame 14 on which the barrel 4 is mounted and a lateral breech ~ ~
20 opening 24 through opposite sides of the breech frame 14. The breech opening ~- ;
24 is adapted to receive a magazine 7 having a plurality of aligned chambers . . .
25, conveniently three, to accomodate reiatively large calibre projectiles, for example, 38mm and 40mm. The magazine 7 is adapted to be laterally - advanced through the breech opening 24 by a magazine advance means in such . . .
a manner that the chambers 25 are successively brought into a firing position ~``
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in alignment with the bore of the barrel 4a.
A conventional firing means associated with the breech assembly for firing a projectile in the firing position is also provided.

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Specifically, the firing means comprises a spring loaded strlker rod ~`

30 37 ~arryin3 a firing pin 33 which is pulled backwarde under the action of

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a trigger 39~ When thetrigger 39 i8 pulled back a certain distance, the striker rod 37 i~ released forwardly under the action of a release cam 40 and the firing pin 38 i9 forced into the prlmer cap of a cartridge in the firing position, causing a projectile to be fired. Access to the ;~
firing mechanism i9 afforded by a removable cover plat~e 45.
- A safety catch ~ is provided which i8 slideable in a grove betwean an engaged position wh~rein the strikerr rod 37 i9 prevented from moving backwards when the trigger 39 is pulled; and a disengaged position wheraas the striker rod is free to move backwards under the action of the trigger.
More specifically, the magazine 7 i8 of rectangular configuration, including a top 50, a bottom 51, long 52 and short 53 sides. The chambers `~
25 are defined by laterally aligned openings through the long sides 52.
Track plates 36 are bonded to the top 50 and bottom 51.
Conveniently, the track plates 36 are pinned to the magazine 7 by means of plastic pins 41 which pass through holes 42 in the track plates 36. The pins 41 are integral with the magazine 7. With the track plates 36 in position, that i8, with pins 41 extending through the holes 42, a heated rod with a concave tip 44 is used to mushroom the ends of the pins ~ ;
as at 43 to securely hold the plates 36 in place. At least the track plated bonded to the bottom 51 includes a cam track 26 molded therein.
Conveniently, a corresponding cam track 26 is provided in the top and bottom `~
track plates 36 80 that the magazine may be in3erted into the breech opening 24 with either the top or bottom downwards in order to minimize the loading time.
~ The main magazine parts are such that they can be molded from a suit- ;~
able plastics material, for example, polycarbonate, thus reducing production time and costsO This is especially true of the track plates 36. However it will be appreciated that the cam tracks 26 could be machined into the surface of the magazine or of the track plates, but at considerable additional expen3e.
The magazine advance means comprises a cam pin 27 directly linked to foregrip 28, which may be in the form of a pistol-type grip as shown in Figure 4a or a pump action-type grip as shown in Figure 4b, depending upon the requirements of the user.

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~ 9 seen in Yigures 4a and 4b, tlle cam pin 27 is carried by a pin arm 15. The pin arm 15 is detachably linked to a slider arm 16 via retaining means 15a. The slider arm 16 is ridgidly mounted on the Eoregrip 28. The foregrip 28, in turn is mounted on a slider frame 8 whlch is welded to the breech frame 14.
A slider arm cover 17 and a pin arm cover lg serve to protect the slider arm - pin arm assembly. The slider arm cover 17 is welded to the slider fra~ 8. The pin arm cover 19 is detachably held at one end to the breech assembly 31 by a catch mechanism 18 and at the other end by a re-taining means 19a in the form of a pair of spared lugs which engage slots in the slider fram~ 8.
As best seen in Figure 5, the foregrip 28, pin arm 15, and pin arm cover 19 are designed such that rapid field stripping of the magazine advance mechanism is possible with no tools being required.
When the foregrip 28 is moved backwards and forwards, the cam pin 27 also move~ backwards and forwards in a slot 29 in the breech opening 24. The backward and forward positions are illustrated in Figure 1 as A and B, respect-ively. When the magazine 7 is inser-ted into the breech opening 24, the cam track 26 engages the cam pin 27. The cam track 26 is laid out such that when the foregrip 28 is moved backwards and forwards, the magazine 7 is advanced laterally or sideways through the breech opening 24 so tha-t the next shot to be fired becomes aligned with the barrel 4. Conveniently, the cam track 26 is of zig-zag configurationO
The barrel 4 is threaded into the breech frame 14 at 60 as s~en in Figures 4a and 4b, such that the clearance between the barrel 4 and the magazine 7 can be easily adjusted. This allows for the elimination of any excess Flearance which may have occured as a result of an accumulation of manufacturing tolerances.
The breech assembly 31 acts as the support and h~using for the slider mechanism. The barrel 4 is not used in any way as a supporting member for 3~

the Eoregril) 2~ or the S~ er IlleCllalli9m, fl~ iS often the case with other ~enl)()l~ sys~eills. 'Ill~ls, ~In~crewil~g the harrc~l is th(! only opercltion required :, :
for its removal.
A sprin~ actlvateti F)osition plunger 6 is used to eliminate any undesired movement between the magazine 7 and the breech assembly 31 when a ~`
projectile 22 is in the firing position. The plunger is forced by a spring 32 into indentations in the magazine 7 such that the chambers 25 are more precisely aligned with the barrel 4. The plunger design is unique in that -~ ~ ;
it uses the same spring and cavity as the breech latch 5, thus elirninating the need for another spring.
The projectiles 22 are held in place in the magazine 7 by a sliding cover 34 as seen in Figure 6. The cover 34 also ac-ts as a protective shield for the primer caps of the projectiles which would otherwise be dangerously ' ~
exposed. The cover fits into grooves 35 in the top and bottom faces of the ; ~ -magazine 7. The grooves 35 extend the length of and are adjacent one of the long sides 52 of the magazine. The cover 34 overlaps the portion of the top ~ . ~ ; -.. . .
and bottom surface between the grooves 35 and the long side and includes ;
lugs 37 which hold the cover in the grooves by a light interference fit. As the magazine 7 advances sideways or laterally through the breech opening 24, ;~`
the cover 34 contacts the breech frame 14 and is pushed across the rear face of the rnagazine, thus exposing the primer caps of the projectile~ to the `
action of the firing mechanism.
Rifled sleeves 21 may be inserted into the magazine chambers 25.
The sleeve rifling allows the projectile 22 to acquire spin smoothly during launch, thus avoiding damage to its engraving band. If a projectile were allowed to gain a high linear velocity in a smooth bore cartridge charnber -. : .
without being spun, the abrupt engagement of the gun barrel rifling might generate angular acceleration stresses high enough to shear its engraving band~
A button released locking catch 10 is incorporated into the fore-grip 28 so that in order to move the foregrip, the release button 11 must ''" ' ' - 6 - ~
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firs~ be dcl~rec;se(l~ 'i'l~i.9 locking catch lO prevelltY movem~nt oE the fore-~rill 28 wllell t'iring Llle We.ll)OII.
~; ' A front sight 2 is attached to the barrel 4 by clamping action such that iE the weapon is dropped, t:he sight can turn around the barrel without damage. The sight 2 can then be re-aligned by unscrewing the clamp screw I ;
3a, positioning the sight correctly, and then re-tightening the clamp screw 3a. The front sight screw 3 is adjustable up or down ~o provide for adjustment of the sighting system.
A rear sight 30, mounted on the breech cover 1', is of the folding leaf type with adjustment to be provided for range and drift.
According to another embodiment of the inrentionJexisting single-shot weapons, for example the 38mm Fecleral Gas Gun, may be converted to `multi-shot capability. More specifically, as seen in Figures 8A to 8D, 8A represents the 38mm Federal' Gas Gun, 8B illustràtes the same gun with the barrel removed and discarded, 8C shows the same weapon having been modified ;
by cutting away the existing latch lugs 5a and replacing them with reinforced ' ones 5b, and re-locating'pivot point 5c to 5d, to enable connection with the converslon unit illustrated in 8D. The converslon unit may then be connected to the modified weapon of 8C.
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The conversion unit comprises a breech assembly 31 including a barrel 4, a frame 14 on which the barrel 4 IS mounted,' and a lateral opening 24 through opposite sides of the frame 14. Magazine advance means comprising a reciprocating cam pin 27 associated with the breech assembiy 31, and means : :
for connecting the conversion unit to said modified stoclc and firlng me~ans 23 at 5b and 5d.
This feature should prove to be economically attractive to parties who already possess these single-shot weapons and wish to convert them to multi-shot capability. `~
The connecting means comprises a breech latch 5 and spaced lugs 6a mounted on the breech frame 14~ Lug 5d, on the modified stock and firing means 23 is located between the lugs 6a and a retaining pin is inserted ~; ;

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througl~ e l~ ; s~lcll ~ t th(! hreecll nsserl)l)ly i~ llivotally c(-lnnccte(l to tlle modiliecl ~ock and iirirlg meall~ 23. Iile breecll laLch 5 e~ngages with latch lug 5b to rigi(ily connect the breech assembly to the modLfied stock and firing means 23.
By réleasing the breech latch 5, the breech fr~ne 14 can be broken open for single shot firing of rounds whose length is longer than that of the magazine 7. This is a feature not possessed, by most other multi-shot systems which are usually limited to rounds of one particular length.
A single chambered magazine may also be used to re-convert the ~ -weapon without further modification to the single shot mode. In this configuration the magazine is simply a single chamber segment of the three-shot magazine clescribed previously. It has cam tracks on its upper and lower surfaces iclentical in geometry to the first cycle of the cam tracks of a three shot magazine. Accor~dingly, the single shot magazine is inserted into the weal)on in the same manner To load when using the single shot magazine, the breech latch 5 is released and the breech opened such that the spent cartridge case can be ~ `
removed and a fresh one inserted. In this configuration, the weapon becomes very similar to the existing ~S 40mm M-79 and the 38mm Federal Gas Guns (Fig. oa) already in service. Thus, this system may be considered as two weapons in one; a single shot breech loading glm, and a multi-shot magazine loaded gun. This flexibility should allow for more optimum matching oE the weapon system to the requirements of a given tactical situation. -~
On loading the weapon, a fully loaded magazine 7 is lnserted into -the breech opening 24, thus eliminating the need for opening the gun and individually inserting projectiles as is the case with a conventional revolver. This feature considerably increases thç rate of fire of the weapon. ~ ~;
On firing, the magazine 7 acts as a part of the barrel 4, elimina-30 ting the need for any reciprocating breech parts as is required in rnost ;
other types of repeating guns for chambering and extracting the cartridge cases. In this respect, it is similar to a conventional revolver.

firing the laSL 9l1O~ ~he magazine is ej(cted Irom tlle weapon, thlls e].ilnillclting Lhe n(~c(l For opening the g-ln and extractillg the cartridge cases as is requirecl witll a conventional revolver. This feature considerably increases the weFIl)onls rate of fire.
~ lore speciLically, to load the weapon, the ~ollowing operat;ons are reguired. First the safety catch 25 is moved to the "Safe" position. The foregrip release button 11 is depressed and the foregrip 28 is pulled back-wards and left in the rearward position. This action ejects an empty magazine and positions the cam pin 27 for insertion of a new magazine 7.
The new magazine 7 is inserted into the breech opening 24 until it engages the cam pin 27. The foregrip 28 is then pushed forward until the locking catch 10 locks into position. The first round in the magazine is now aligned with the barrel and ready to be fired. After a shot has been fired, a fresh round Is brought into the firing position by depressing the fore-grip release button 11 and moving the foregrip 28 backwards and forwards.
When firing m~mitions whose length exceeds that of the magazine 7 or when using the singLe shot magazine, the breech is broken open between ; ;
each shot for removal of the empty cartridge case and insertion of a new one. This is done by pushing upwards on the breech latch 5 which allows the breech to open.
The weapon has proven to be compatible with existing 38mm and 40mm, combat, practice, and internal security ammunition. This includes both spin stabilized and non-spin stabilized projectiles.
Rapid conversion of the weapon ~rom one calibre to another or from a rifled system to a smooth-bore system is easily performed in the field with no special tools being required. All that is required is to manually unscrew the barrel 4 and replace it and its corresponding magazine 7 with a barrel and magazine combination having the desired alterna-tive characteristics.
In view of the various embodiments described hereinabove, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention ~ay be émbodied in forms other than those specifically described herein without _ 9 _ ::: .

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del)artin~ rr(~m tlle sl)irit or central charclctcristicLi of tlle invention.
'I`tlll!i, Lll(' S~ i ri.C (`Illl)O(Iilll('lltS (~ sCril)C`d ilt~OV(' clrC! to bc considcred in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

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Claims (23)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A man-portable multi-shot weapon capable of firing relatively large calibre projectiles at a rapid rate, comprising a) a barrel, b) a breech assembly, the breech assembly including c) a frame on which the barrel is mounted and a lateral opening through opposite sides of the frame for receiving d) a magazine, the magazine having a plurality of e) aligned chambers to accommodate relatively large calibre projectiles, f) magazine advance means for laterally advancing the magazine through the breech opening in such a manner that the chambers are successively brought into a firing position in alignment with the barrel, and a firing means associated with the breech assembly for firing a projectile when in the firing position, wherein a cam track is provided in the surface of the bottom of the magazine and wherein the magazine advance ma means comprises a cam pin associated with the breech assembly for engagement with the cam track.

2. A multi-shot weapon according to claim 1, wherein the cam pin is provided in a slot in the breech opening, said pin being movable in the slot to advance the magazine laterally through the breech opening.

3. A multi-shot weapon according to claim 2, wherein the cam track is of a configuration such that a back and forth motion of the pin in the slot will advance the magazine to the next chamber in alignment with the barrel, and when the last round is fired, will eject the magazine from the weapon.

4. A multi-shot weapon according to claim 3, wherein the pin is dire directly linked to a foregrip slideably mounted on the breech assembly such that a back and forth motion of the foregrip will produce a corresponding motion of the cam pin in the slot.

5. A multi-shot weapon according to claim 4, wherein the foregrip is provided with a locking means to prevent motion of the foregrip when firing the weapon.

6. A multi-shot weapon according to claim 5, wherein the cam track is of a zig-zag configuration.

7. A multi-shot weapon according to claim 6, wherein track plates are bonded to the top and bottom of the magazine,and wherein the cam track is molded in the surface of track plate bonded to the bottom.

8. A multi-shot weapon according to claim 7, wherein each of the track plates is provided with a corresponding molded cam track to minimize loading time.

9. A multi-shot weapon according to claim 8, wherein the magazine is constructed of a suitable plastics material.

10. A multi-shot weapon according to claim 9, wherein the track p plates are constructed of a suitable plastics material.

11. A multi-shot weapon according to claim 10, wherein the magazine and track plates are of polycarbonate.

12. A multi-shot weapon according to claim 1, 6 or 10, wherein the relatively high calibre projectiles are selected from 38mm and 40mm.

13. A multi-shot weapon according to claim 1, 6 or 10, wherein the barrel is threaded into the breech frame to allow for adjustment of the clearance between the barrel and magazine.

14. A conversion unit for use in converting a single-shot weapon, capable of firing relatively large calibre projectiles, to multi-shot capability, said single-shot weapon comprising a barrel to be removed and discarded and a firing means and stock to be modified for use with said conversion unit, said conversion unit comprising a barrel, a breech assembly including a frame on which the barrel is mounted, and a lateral opening through opposite sides of the frame for receiving a magazine having a plurality of aligned chambers to accommodate relatively large calibre projectiles, magazine advance means associated with the breech assembly, and means for connecting said conversion unit to said modified stock and firing means, said magazine being adapted to be received in and to be laterally advanced through the breech opening by said magazine advance means, in such a manner that the chambers are successively brought into a firing position in alignment with the barrel, wherein a cam track is provided in the bottom surface of the magazine for engagement with the magazine advance means wherein said magazine advance means comprises a reciprocating cam pin which engages the cam track.

15. A conversion unit according to claim 14, wherein the cam pin is provided in a slot in the breech opening, said pin being movable in the slot and wherein the cam track is of a configuration such that back and forth motion of the pin in the slot will advance the magazine to the next chamber, in alignment with the barrel, and when the last round is fired, will eject the magazine from the weapon.

16. A conversion unit according to claim 15, wherein the cam track is of a zig-zag configuration.

17. A conversion unit according to claim 16, wherein the chambers are provided with rifled sleeves to allow the projectiles to acquire spin smoothly during launch.

18. A conversion unit according to claim 17, wherein one of the long sides of the magazine is provided with a cover for protecting the primer caps of the projectiles, arranged such that as the magazine is advanced laterally through the breech opening, the cover contacts the breech frame and is pushed across said long side of the magazine.

19. A conversion unit according to claim 18, wherein the relatively large calibre projectiles are selected from 38mm and 40mm.

20. A conversion unit according to claim 19, wherein track plates are bonded to the top and bottom of the magazine and wherein the cam track is molded in the surface of the plates bonded to the top and bottom, to minimize loading time.

21. A conversion unit according to claim 20, wherein the magazine is of a suitable plastics material.

22. A conversion unit according to claim 20, wherein the magazine an and track plates are of a suitable plastics material.

23. A conversion unit according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the suitable plastics material is polycarbonate.