GB499092A - Improvements in or relating to fire-arms and projectiles therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

499,092. Sub - calibre projectiles ; firearms. LAW, J. A. (Logan, O.) April 29, 1938, No. 12827. [Classes 9 (i), 92 (ii), and 119] A sub-calibre projectile has rings 15, 14 abutting against shoulders on the projectile and adapted to support the projectile centrally within the bore of the gun from which it is to be discharged, these rings being stripped from the projectile, subsequently to its exit from the gun muzzle, by a die-like member 7. The rings may be frictionally applied, or may be integral with the projectile in which case they are sheared off, or rolled over on to the projectile, by the member 7. One at least of the spacer rings is imperforate, to function as a gas check. The member 7 is carried by rods 3 slidable against the resistance of springs 6 on the barrel of the gun. A tubular screen 9, preferably slightly tapered is seated in the member 7, so as to enclose the gun muzzle, ventilating apertures 10 being provided in the screen. The reciprocation of the member 7 resulting from the impact of the spacer rings, and the constraint of the springs 6, may be utilized to actuate the breech mechanism of the gun. According to a modification the spacer-ring stripping member is carried by a conical, perforated screen which is coupled by a bayonet joint to a member which can reciprocate under spring constraint on the gun barrel, the movement of the reciprocating member being used to pump oil or other fluid through a flexible or other tube to actuate the breech mechanism. The Specification states that the projectile may be shaped so that the centre of gravity is placed further forward in relation to the centre of air resistance, in order to reduce the tendency to tumble in flight, and thus to reduce the angular velocity which must be imparted to the projectile by the rifling of the gun barrel. More than two spacer rings may be used.