IL147871A

IL147871A - Firearm training device

Info

Publication number: IL147871A
Application number: IL147871A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Avi Legmann
Priority date: 2002-01-28
Filing date: 2002-01-28
Publication date: 2007-12-03
Also published as: IL147871A0; WO2003064959A3; AU2003209611A1; WO2003064959A2

Description

147871/3 Training round Avi Legmann C. 137270 FIREARM TRAINING DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is generally in the field of training devices used for training proper operation of a firearm.

Hereinafter in the specification and claims the term "firearm" collectively refers to pistols, rifles, machine guns, etc., wherein manual cocking of the firing mechanism is required.

The term "round" as used herein in the specification and claims denotes a cartridge of a predetermined caliber of a respective firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the normal course of training use and operation of a firearm, the trainee is required to perform various exercises so as to become familiar with the performance of the firearm and to familiarize himself with operation of the firearm at different conditions, including unusual conditions and malfunctions and stoppages. Such training improves the skills of the operator so as to anticipate proper functioning in live events, when said operator is under stress and often at unusual and unfamiliar conditions.

Among such exercises, one is required to repeatedly cock the firearm, in various firing positions e.g. facing a hostile rival etc. Such exercises take place using an unloaded firearm or while using blank rounds.

One particular type of exercise involves introducing a blank round into a magazine, a cylinder of a revolver, a belt of rounds, etc. Such a round may be introduced randomly among live ammunition whereby an attempt to fire such a round will unexpectedly generate an ammunition-related stoppage requiring the operator to rapidly react and overcome the stoppage and act according to the respective procedures. Alternatively, the magazine, cylinder or belt of rounds may hold only such blank rounds wherein the operator is required to repeatedly perform a cocking and decocking (loading and unloading, respectively) procedure.

Whilst the above kind of training is suitable for developing skills of identifying a round-related stoppage and for practicing change of magazines (or of a belt of rounds, respectively), it does not provide sufficient training of cocking of the firearm which operation requires to energize the firing mechanism sufficiently to ensure that a recoil spring (which is compressed during the course of a recoil impulse) propels the slide forward while engaging a top round in a magazine and, driving it from the magazine towards the chamber. As the slide engages the round, the tip of the round is guided into the chamber by the magazine lips until the round clears the magazine completely, at which time a claw of an extractor snaps onto a rim of the round case (for ejecting the round at the end of a sequence of firing).

The act of cocking involves overcoming a biasing effect of the slide springs and the slide should be released allowing it to gain sufficient energy to overcome friction of the round as it disengages from the magazine lips, engagement of the rim of the rounds case with the extractor and friction of the round as it slides over a ramp of the chamber and as it snugly fits into the chamber.

Failing to properly charge the slide spring (one or more) and to timely release the slide by the user, may most likely result in a stoppage caused by not fully locking of the slide against a rear end of the barrel. Accordingly, cocking is very often practiced.

However, it is known that repeating cocking of a firearm without a round present in the magazine increases wear of the components of the firearm, in particular wear of the so-called slide stop (in the case of pistols) with corresponding wear of the respective openings in the receiver, namely the body of the firearm. Wear is also highly noticed in other parts of the firearm caused by impacting of the so-called bridge face (the fore surface area of the slide through which the fire pin projects) against the rear face of the barrel. upon a metal object of the blank ammunition, so as to reduce mechanical damage thereto.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device suitable for training cocking of a firearm and for reducing mechanical wear of a firearm during so-called "dry practice".

It is a further object of the present invention that a device in accordance with the present invention serves also for the purpose of indicating that a firearm is unloaded and is used as a training firearm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a device for use in a firearm, said mimicking a round insertable into the chamber of the firearm so as to train an operator of the firearm to properly cock the firearm, and to minimize mechanical wear during dry training. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the device further comprises indicating means for providing visual indication that the firearm is unloaded and is in a training mode, i.e. does not hold live ammunition, said device rendering it impossible to introduce a live round into the firing chamber of the firearm.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a casing receivable within a firing chamber of a barrel of the firearm and comprising a resisting member rearwardly projecting and biased so as to dampen a forward recoil of a slide of the firearm forwardly propelled by the recoil spring assembly. The arrangement is such that the dampening member is rearwardly biased at a force simulating forces opposing the forward propelling of the slide when a round is driven into the chamber, e.g. the force required to drive a top round from a magazine and driver it towards the chamber, the force required for engagement of the extractors tip with a rim of a case of the round, mechanical friction, etc.

Herein after in the specification and claims, the term casing is used to denote a body member receivable within the chamber of a firearm and fitted for securely seating within the chamber. The casing may have the shape of a conventional round of ammunition or a portion thereof, or any suitable shape. For example, the casing may have a shape of a body received in abounded circle being the chamber of the firearm. Furthermore, a casing as meant by the broad definition of the invention refers to a support member receivable in the chamber of a barrel of a firearm and being axially fixed therein.

According to the present invention there is provided a training round comprising: a casing having a fore end and a rear end; a resisting member projecting from the rear end of the casing; said resisting member being axially displaceable or deformable upon exerting thereto a forwardly directed force.

The resisting member is typically made of a non-metallic member so as to minimize damage to a firing pin striking against it.

The resisting member may be a rearwardly biased plunger biased for example, by means of a coiled spring or an elastic member received within the casing or attached thereto. Alternatively, the resisting member may be made of a compressible/deformable material to thereby deform upon engagement by the recoiling slide.

According to one particular embodiment of the invention, the casing has a shape mimicking a predetermined caliber corresponding with a certain firearm.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the casing is fitted at a fore end thereof with a connecting member extending at least the length of the barrel of the firearm, said connecting member fitted for locking against a fore end of the barrel. The connecting member may be engaged at the fore end of the barrel e.g. by a locking nut, standard or fast release-type.

It is advantageous to provide some distinguishing color to the components projecting from the fore end of the barrel so as to identify the firearm as an un-armed weapon suitable for using in training.

In accordance with a particular embodiment the connecting member is made of a rigid material and in accordance with another embodiment the connecting - 3 - 147871/2 Under unusual conditions, e.g. practicing the operation of a firearm at extreme cold climates, impact of the slide against the barrel may result in more significant damage and wear of components. Furthermore, poor lubrication and low maintenance, i.e. dirt, rust, etc., also influence the damage caused to the components of the firearm in such so-called "dry practice" not using ammunition and wherein components of the firearm strike against other components without the dampening effect of ammunition.

It appears that it is an extremely important feature to train weapon users, in particular those who may face the need to perform immediate firing action (e.g. law enforcement personal, body guards, special troops, etc.) to perform proper cocking of the firearm so that the slide fully locks forward, namely full retraction of the slide so as to charge the recoil spring assembly and proper release to obtain complete lock of the slide, overcoming friction and mechanical resistance such as of the retractor tip engaging with a recess of the case of a round, extraction of a round from a cartridge, insertion of the rounds into the chamber, etc.

Another difficulty involved in training with firearms is concerned with multiple trainers and the difficulty of recognizing and verifying that a firearm is unloaded and safe for practice. Whilst various safety measures are taken, often accidents occur and live ammunition is used which may be fatal.

One way to overcome this problem is by removing one of the essential components of the firearm e.g. breech, firing pin, etc. Alternatively, it is also known to provide a blocked barrel. Other devices are also known to prevent insertion of a round into the chamber, e.g. firearm security devices as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,450,685, 5,918,403 and 5,950,344.

Practice rounds (referred to at times as "dummies, blan ", etc.) are rounds of ammunition which contain no explosives and which are used for practice of loading and ejection mechanisms. U.S. Patents Nos. 4,486,966, 6,189,454 and 6,305,290 are directed to such dummy ammunition rounds which are provided at the base of the casing with a shock dampening or absorbing element, e.g. a polymer member or a spring-biased member, for preventing impact of the firing pin - 6 - 147871/2 member is made of a flexible/pliable material e.g. a steel cable or durable plastic material, whereby the connecting member may be introduced from the rear end (chamber side) of the barrel, without having to dismantle the firearm. Alternatively, the connecting member may be an elastic member which may be tensioned at a fore end of the barrel by means of a retaining member.

The casing of the device in accordance with the invention may resemble in shape the shape of a casing of an actual round. For example, the casing may mimic a rim-fire ammunition type where the casing has a rimmed base. Alternatively, the casing may be mimicking a center-fire ammunition type, where the casing has a rimless base. However, the casing is sized and shaped for snugly receiving within a firing chamber of the firearm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For better understanding the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, some embodiments will now be described, in a non-limiting manner, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a rear isometric view of a training round in accordance with a general embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2A is a longitudinal section of a training round in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the resisting member in its extracted position; Fig. 2B illustrates a device seen in Fig. 2A with the resisting device in its retracted position; Fig. 3A is a different embodiment of the round in accordance with the present invention, the resisting member in its extracted position; Fig. 3B illustrates the device of Fig. 3B with the resisting member in its retracted position; Fig. 4A illustrates the roundin accordance with the invention suitable for use in rim-fire type firearms, the resisting member in its extracted position; Fig. 4B illustrates the device of Fig. 4A with the resisting member in its retracted position; - 7 - 147871/2 Fig. 5A illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the training device is further fitted with a fixation device; Fig. 5B illustrates a training device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention fitted with a flexible fixation device; Fig. 6A is a partially sectioned side view of a pistol in a cocked position, the pistol fitted with a training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6B is an enlargement of the portion marked VI in Fig. 6A; Fig. 7A illustrates the pistol of Fig. 6 A in a locked position after firing; Fig. 7B is an enlargement of the portion marked VII in Fig. 7A; Fig. 8 illustrates how a device of Fig. 5B is introduced into a pistol through the breech opening of the barrel; Fig. 9A illustrates still another embodiment of the invention fitted with a modification of a fixation device; and Fig. 9B illustrates how the device of Fig. 9A is used in conjunction with a pistol.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 illustrates a training device in accordance with the present invention generally designated 10 comprising a cylindrical casing 12 mimicking a round of a firearm sized for snugly receiving within a chamber of a barrel of a firearm as illustrated for example in Figs. 6A and 7A. The casing 12 comprises a fore end 14 and a rear end 16. Projecting from the rear end 16 there is a resisting member 18 in the form of a cylindric plunger displaceable between a projecting/extracted position as in Figs. 1, 2 A, 3 A and 4A, and a retracted/depressed position as in figs. 2B, 3B and 4B.

Optionally, the resisting member 18 is made of a plastic material or comprises a rear portion 20 made of a resilient material suitable for absorbing the impact of a firing pin striking thereupon. - 8 - 147871/2 The casings illustrated in the various embodiments throughout the description have a general cylindrical shape. However, other arrangements are possible as well, without departing from the general scope of the invention. For example, the casing may be a tapering plug-like member or a disc-like member fitted for bearing against shoulders formed at the chamber of a barrel. Even more so, the casing may have a prismatic cross-section bounded by the chamber of the barrel.

Turning now to Figs. 2A to 4B, reference will be made to different embodiments of a training device in accordance with the present invention. Device 30 illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2B comprises a plunger-type resisting member 32 which by means of coiled spring 34 is biased to its retracted position of Fig. 2A. Biasing spring 34 bear at a rear end thereof against a receptacle cavity 36 formed in plunger 32 and a fore end thereof bears against a receptacle 38 of a bearing member 40, which is rigidly fixed to the casing 12. Upon applying axial force on the resisting member 32, in the direction of arrow 44 in Fig. 2B, the resisting member retracts, overcoming the biasing effect of coiled spring 34. As noticed in Fig. 2B, in the retracted position a rear end 33 of plunger 32 is flush with a rear face 35 of the casing.

Turning now to Figs. 3A and 3B the training device generally designated 50 comprises a casing 52 fitted with an open fore end 54 and a rear face 56 formed with a cavity 58 supporting a resisting member 60 made of a resilient material which in its normal position projects from the casing 52 as in Fig. 3A. However, upon applying thereto an axial force in the direction of arrow 64 (Fig. 3B) the resisting member 60 depresses and deforms within the cavity 58 whereby it becomes flush with the external surface 56 of the casing 52.

According to a modification of the invention (not shown), the casing and the resisting member may be integrally formed with one another, though they may have different mechanical properties. For example, the devise may be made of molded material having a rigid fore portion constituting the casing and a flexible/deformable rear portion constituting the resisting member. - 9 - 147871/2 Figs. 4 A and 4B illustrate a training round generally designated 70 mimicking a rim-type round wherein the casing 72 with a rear face thereof 74, such as in the round 30 of Fig. 2A, but being foraied with a laterally projecting rim 76 and a resisting member 78 in the form of a plunger biased by a coiled spring 80 as in the embodiments of Figs. 2A and 2B wherein the resisting member 78 is axially displaceable between a projecting/ extracted position as in Fig. 4 A and a retracted position as in Fig. 4B.

As noticeable in the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 2A to 4B, each of their respective casings is formed at a fore end thereof with an opening. However, this is merely an option and instead, the training device may have a bullet- mimicking portion (not shown).

Turning now to the embodiment of Fig. 5A, there is illustrated a device in accordance with an aspect of the invention, the device comprising a round mimicking device generally designated 90 which may be any of the devices discussed in connection with the previous embodiments, with a connecting member in the form of a rigid rod 92 fitted at a fore end of the casing, said rod being formed at its fore end with a threaded portion 96. The rod 92 may be fixedly secured to the device 90 e.g. by welding, adhering, etc. or may be screw coupled thereto for which purpose the internal fore end of the casing of the round mimicking device would be internally threaded with a corresponding thread at a rear portion of rod 92.

A locking nut 100 has an internal threading 102 adapted for screw engagement over threading 96 of rod 92. Locking nut 100 has a tapering section, the smallest diameter being smaller than that of the diameter of the bore of the firearms barrel whereby the device becomes aligned as it is secured in the assembled position (Figs. 6A and 6B).

The locking nut is a fast-lock type nut formed with a plurality of axial slots 106, imparting the rear end of the nut with some radial flexibility whereby instead of having to rotate the nut 100 the entire length until complete engagement and locking within the barrel, one may first push firmly against the resistance of the thread 96 and the locking engagement by rotating the nut 100. - 10 - 147871/2 The device of Fig. 5A may be assembled onto a firearm in two different manners, depending whether the rod 92 is detachable from the training round 90 or not. If the rod 92 is detachable from training round 90 thus the training round may be introduced into the chamber of the firearm through the ejection opening thereof and then the rod may be introduced through the fore end of the bore and then be screw coupled with the training round 90, followed by securing it in position by locking nut 100. Where the rod 92 is not detachable from the training round 90, the firearm will most likely have to be stripped (disassembled) whereby the assembled device may be introduced into the bore through the chamber and then be secured in place by the nut 100.

In order to clearly indicate that the firearm is unloaded and is in a training mode, it is desirable that the locking nut 100 be of a distinguishing color e.g. bright red or yellow and of sufficient size, so as to indicate same.

The embodiment of Fig. 5B differs from the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5A in that rather than a rigid rod 92 there is a flexible connecting member 112 made for example of a cable (twisted wire) or Teflon, etc. being sufficiently rigid though pliable. The device 110 comprises at a rear end the mimicking round 90' and is formed at its fore end with a threading 96 adapted for screw coupling with a locking nut 116. The device 110 of Fig. 5B is fitted for insertion through the chamber end of a barrel of a firearm where the threaded fore end 96' leads through the barrel towards its fore end and where it is then secured by nut 116.

Attention is now directed to Figs. 6A to 7B for understanding how a training device in accordance with the present invention is used. For the sake of illustration, the device referred to in the examples of Figs. 6 and 7 corresponds with the device of Fig. 5A with the training round being any of those described with reference to Figs. 2A to 5B.

A pistol 130 is fitted with a device in accordance with the present invention so that a training round 132 is received within the chamber 134 of barrel 136, with resisting member 138 projecting from a rear face 140 of training round 132 as explained with reference to Figs. 2A to 4B. Fixedly attached to the training round - 11 - 147871/2 132 there is a rod 146 extending through the barrel 136 and tightened against a fore end of the barrel by locking nut 148.

In Figs. 6A and 6B pistol 130 is illustrated in a cocked position, namely after grasping a rear portion of the slide 150 of the pistol at a rear portion thereof 150 and pulling it all the way back. In the embodiments of 6 A and 7 A, a magazine 160 is present in the magazine chamber of the pistol, however the magazine may be omitted. By introducing the magazine and cocking the pistol, it will not spontaneously propel forward to a locking position (Fig. 7B) but will rather remain in the cocked, unlocked position, as in Fig. 6A. Performing the cocking procedure without the presence of magazine 160 will permit spontaneous return of the slide 150 to its forward, locking position as in Fig. 7B.

However, referring to the position as in Fig. 6A, upon firing the pistol by pulling trigger 164, the slide 150 is forwardly propelled by the biasing effect of recoil spring 168 where the bridge face 170 encounters the resisting member 138, the latter dampening the forward recoil of the slide 150 to prevent its bouncing against the rear end of the barrel 136. As the slide 150 reaches its forward, locking position (Figs. 7A and 7B), the firing pin 174 may strike forward against the rear end of resisting member 138, the latter absorbing the impact imparted by the firing pin 174 and preventing damage to components of the firearm.

It is appreciated that the rearward biasing force imparted to resisting member 138 by means of the coiled spring 139 (Figs. 6B and 7B) simulates the resisting forces which exist in a firearm namely mechanical friction of the slide over the receiver (housing; body) of the firearm, friction of a top round over a follower of the magazine and further the friction of the round ramping (insertion of the round into the chamber), as well as engagement of the extractor tooth with the rear end of the round.

It is further to be appreciated that the training round may be used with or without the connecting member (rod 146 in Figs. 6A to 7B).

The embodiment of Fig. 8 illustrates how a training device 110 as in Fig. 5B may be fitted within a firearm 190 without having to dismantle the pistol. This is - 12 - 147871/2 possible by introducing the flexible cord 112 through the ejecting opening 192 formed in the slide 194, pushing the fore end 96' into the barrel 196 through chamber 198 and upon positioning the training round 90' within chamber 198, locking nut 116 is secured to threaded end 96' of cord 112 as described hereinbefore.

Further attention is now directed to Figs. 9A and 9B. In Fig. 9A, there is illustrated a training device generally designated 200 comprising a training round 204 fitted at its fore end with an elastic connecting member 206 e.g. a rubber band, with a knotted end 208 formed at its end, possibly said knot is formed around a small weight member (not shown). A retaining member 212 is formed with a slot 214 suitable for receiving the rubber band 206 but not permitting access of the knotted end 208.

Turning now to Fig. 9B, there is illustrated a pistol 220 fitted with a training device 200 as in Fig. 9A. Fitting of the device is by introducing the leading, knotted end 208 of cord 206 into the barrel through the chamber, via the ejecting opening 208' formed in the slide 210, positioning a round 204 within the chamber and then pulling at the flexible cord 206 and mounting the retaining member 212 to tension the cord 206 whereby the retaining member may then be released against the fore end of the barrel.

In accordance with still a further embodiment of the invention, not shown, the training round may be fitted with an expanding arrangement for expansion within the chamber of the barrel to thereby adjust it to different caliber of weapons and to suitably accommodate the training round in a snugly manner within the chamber.

Claims

1. - 13 - 147871/3 round comprising: a casing corresponding with a chamber of a firearm having a firing pin adapted to strike a bullet within the chamber, the casing having a fore end and a rear end; a resisting member projecting from a rear end of the casing, adapted to face said firing pin and being axially displaceable upon exerting thereto a forwardly directed force.

2. A training round according to Claim 1, wherein the resisting member is cylindrical.

3. A training round according to Claim 2, wherein a rear end of the resisting member is fitted with at least a central cushioning portion.

4. A training round according to Claim 1, wherein the resisting member is a rearwardly biased plunger.

5. A training round according to Claim 4, wherein the resisting member is rearwardly biased by a coiled spring received within the casing.

6. A training round according to Claim 4, wherein the resisting member is rearwardly biased by an elastic member received within the casing.

7. A training round according to Claim 4, wherein the resisting member is made of a resilient material deformable between a projecting position and a deformed, compressed position, wherein it is completely received within a cavity formed at a rear end of the casing.

8. A training round according to Claim 1, wherein the casing is made of a metallic material.

9. A training round according to Claim 1, wherein the casing is fitted at a fore end thereof with a connecting member extending at least the length of the barrel of the firearm, said connecting member fitted for locking against a fore end of the barrel by a retaining member.

10. A training round according to Claim 9, wherein the connecting member is threaded at its fore end for screw engagement with a locking nut. 01372705\37-01 - 14 - 147871/2

11. A training round according to Claim 10, wherein the nut tapers such that a rear end thereof has a diameter smaller then that of the bore of the barrel.

12. A training round according to Claim 10, wherein the nut is fast-release type nut.

13. A training round according to Claim 9, wherein the fore end of the connecting member or of a retaining member thereof has a distinguishing color.

14. A training round according to Claim 10, wherein the nut has a distinguishing color.

15. A training round according to Claim 9, wherein the connecting member is screw coupled to the casing.

16. A training round according to Claim 9, wherein the connecting member is a rod made of a rigid material.

17. A training round according to Claim 15, wherein the connecting member is made of a flexible material.

18. A training round according to Claim 17, wherein the connecting member is made of a steal cord.

19. A training round according to Claim 9, wherein the connecting member is made of a flexible material.

20. A training round according to Claim 9, wherein the connecting member is made of an elastic material which is shorter than the length of the barrel and is adapted for tensioning by a retention member fittable at a for end of the barrel.

21. A training round according to Claim 1, wherein at least a rear portion of the resisting member is made of a non-metallic material.

22. A training round according to Claim 1, wherein the casing mimics a rim-fire ammunition type, where the casing has a rimmed base.

23. A training round according to Claim 1, wherein the casing mimics a center-fire ammunition type, where the casing has a rimless base.

24. A training round according to Claim 1, wherein the firearm is a pistol. - 15 - 147871/2

25. A training device according to claim 1, wherein the casing and the resisting member are integral with one another, wherein a casing portion is rigid and a resisting portion is deformable.

26. A device for training cocking of a firearm, the device comprises: a casing mimicking a predetermined round used with the firearm, the casing having a fore end and a rear end; a resisting member projecting from the rear end of the casing and made of a non-metallic material; said resisting member being axially displaceable upon exerting thereto a forwardly directed force by a face of the slide forwardly propelled by a recoil spring assembly of the firearm.

27. A device according to Claim 26, wherein the resisting member prevents a slide face of the firearm from striking against a rear end of the barrel and against a slide stopper thereof.

28. A device according to Claim 27, wherein the nominal slide head space of the firearm is unchanged by the resisting member.

29. A device according to Claim 26, wherein the resisting member is biased to project by a force corresponding with a minimum force required to complete a cocking procedure of the firearm.

30. A device according to Claim 26, wherein the resisting member is biased to project by a force corresponding with a force propelling a slide of the firearm forwardly into locking position of the slide.

31. A device according to Claim 30, wherein the resisting member is biased to project by a force corresponding with a force required to complete feeding a round from a magazine received in the firearm.

32. A device according to Claim 26, wherein the casing is fitted at a fore end thereof with a connecting member extending at least the length of the barrel of the firearm, said connecting member fitted for locking against a fore end of the barrel.

33. A device according to Claim 32, wherein the connecting member is a rigid connecting member projecting from a fore end of the barrel. - 16 - 147871/4

34. A device according to Claim 33, wherein the connecting member is threaded at its fore end for screw engagement with a locking nut.

35. A device according to Claim 34, wherein the nut tapers such that a rear end thereof has a diameter smaller then that of the bore of the barrel.

36. A device according to Claim 34, wherein the nut is fast-release type nut.

37. A device according to Claim 32, wherein a fore end of the connecting member has a distinguishing color.

38. A device according to Claim 34, wherein the nut has a distinguishing color.

39. A device according to Claim 32, wherein the retaining member is made of a flexible material.

40. A device according to Claim 39, wherein the connecting member is a steal cord.

41. A device according to Claim 32, wherein the connecting member is made of an elastic material.

42. A device according to Claim 26, wherein at least a rear portion of the resisting member is made of a non-metallic material.

43. A device according to Claim 27, wherein the casing mimics a rim-fire ammunition type and where the casing has a rimmed base.

44. A device according to Claim 27, wherein the casing mimics a center-fire ammunition type, where the casing has a rimless base.

45. A device according to Claim 27, wherein the firearm is a pistol.

46. A device according to claim 26, wherein the casing and the resisting member are integral with one another, wherein a casing portion is rigid and a resisting portion is deformable.

47. A training device for training operation of a firearm, the device comprising: a casing mimicking a round used with the firearm, the casing having a fore end and a rear end; a plunger normally projecting from a rear end of the casing, and a retracted position; - 17 - 147871/2 said plunger being axially displaceable into said retracted position upon exerting thereto a forwardly directed force by a face of a slide forwardly propelled by a recoil spring assembly of the firearm.

48. A training device according to Claim 47, wherein the plunger is made of a non-metallic material.

49. A training device according to Claim 47, wherein at least a rear portion of the plunger is made of a non-metallic material.

50. A training device according to Claim 47, wherein the plunger engages with a breach-face of a slide of the firearm so as to prevent impacting thereof with a rear of a barrel.

51. A training device according to Claim 47, wherein the casing is snugly receivable within a chamber of the barrel of the firearm.

52. A training device according to Claim 51, wherein the casing is radially adjustable to facilitate snugly receiving of the casing within cambers of different caliper.

53. A training device according to claim 47, wherein the casing and the resisting member are integral with one another, wherein a casing portion is rigid and a resisting portion is deformable. For the Applicants, REINHOmCOHN AND PARTNERS