KR20040019052A - Barrel insert and rear barrel section for weapons - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a barrel barrel insert and a rear barrel portion, wherein the barrel assembly is inserted into the main barrel 13 of the gun 10, the barrel assembly being axially in one or more barrels 15a of the barrel assembly. A plurality of projectiles disposed therein, a separate propulsion charge selectively ignitable to propel the projectile from the one or more barrels, and a main barrel engagement means, wherein the barrel engages the front barrel extension and the rear barrel in alignment operation. Provided in a removable rear barrel portion 15a with means 17 and 18, the extra rear barrel portions 15b and 15c are stored in the butt 11 of the gun 10 and the projectile 16 in the barrel It is characterized in that the supply automatically aligned when consumed.

Description

Barrel insert and rear barrel section for weapons {BARREL INSERT AND REAR BARREL SECTION FOR WEAPONS}

Background of the present invention

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a weapon for firing a projectile. In particular, but not limited to the first aspect, the present invention is to convert barrels of firearms, such as firearms and large caliber weapons, into small caliber barrels using barrel insertion.

In a second aspect, the invention is to load a projectile into a firearm, such as a firearm and a large caliber weapon. In particular, in a second aspect of the invention, the firearm comprises a barrel each having a distributed propulsion charge that is selectively ignitable for sequentially firing the projectile through the barrel muzzle with a plurality of projectiles axially stacked in the barrel. . Such barrels are referred to below as "types described."

Background

Conventionally, the gun head was complicated by the mechanism for supplying the bullet and protecting the accessories of the barrel, making it difficult to reduce the diameter of the conventional weapon.

Auxiliary barrels that provide a variety of available firing power on a weapon, such as firing a grenade from a rifle, have limited operational capabilities in terms of complexity and / or cost in the rapidly reloadable devices currently in use. It is in use.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that can easily and conveniently convert a weapon or gun into smaller apertures.

It is an object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a barrel assembly comprising a projectile, which can quickly reload a gun having a barrel of the type described.

Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a plurality of projectiles disposed axially in one or more barrels, a separate propulsion charge selectively ignitable to propel the projectiles in the one or more barrels, and a main barrel engagement means It is to provide a barrel assembly that is inserted into the main barrel of the. In connection with this aspect, the present invention relates to a barrel assembly having a plurality of projectiles axially disposed in one or more barrels, a separate propulsion charge selectively ignitable to propel the projectile from one or more barrels, and a main barrel engagement means. Including a step of providing, to provide a method for converting the caliber of the gun to a smaller caliber.

In one embodiment of the first aspect the barrel assembly comprises a single barrel. In another embodiment the barrel assembly comprises clusters of aligned barrels whereby the clusters of barrels are maintained in a sealed pack array that is inserted into the main barrel. If a cluster of barrels is used in the barrel assembly, the barrel assembly includes a housing in which the barrel is held. The housing is integrally formed with the barrel. In this form the housing and barrel are discarded when the projectile is consumed. Alternatively, the barrel assembly can reload the projectile for use again.

The housing is formed separately from the barrel and the barrel is inserted into the housing before the housing is inserted into the main barrel. In this form the barrel is inserted into the housing when the housing is held in the main barrel or when the housing is extracted from the main barrel.

The housing is formed of any convenient material. The housing is formed of a material having sufficient structural strength to keep the barrel straight during firing, but it is desirable to have such hardness and strength that the main barrel is not damaged by repeating insertion and retraction of the housing in the main barrel.

The main barrel can be of any convenient type. For example, the main barrel can be a conveniently mechanically operated gun, and the insertion of the barrel assembly provides a gun with an electronic firing system. The main barrel may be an electronically operated gun, which is operated in a manner similar to that of the barrel assembly.

One embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention provides a barrel assembly inserted into the main barrel from the muzzle. This embodiment is easily accessible through the breach of the barrel, which is applicable to a conventional type of gun and is not used by it. In this embodiment the barrel assembly is inserted through and held in the muzzle of the main barrel. The barrel assembly includes means for engaging the bore of the main barrel and also includes means for holding the barrel assembly with the main barrel. However, in an alternative embodiment, a gun is provided in which the main barrel is formed in two parts and then accessed through readily available breach barrels. In this embodiment, the barrel assembly is inserted in two parts. The first or front barrel portion is inserted into the main barrel toward the muzzle end of the main barrel. This front barrel is in fact a barrel extension and does not contain any projectiles. The second or rear barrel portion includes the projectile and is inserted into the rear portion of the main barrel and engaged with the front barrel portion to form a complete barrel assembly with the projectile and the firing means.

The barrel assembly is inserted at the front or rear of the main barrel, depending on the shape of the gun. The barrel assembly is engaged with the bore of the main barrel by tabs or a plurality of standoffs that extend in the barrel assembly to form an interference bond in the bore of the main barrel. This standoff has a diameter equal to the bore diameter of the main barrel. This standoff part is made of metal or insulating material and facilitates the operation of the firing system. The orientation of the barrel assembly is fixed by a key system that can be positioned on both sides of the muzzle, breach or main barrel. If a cluster of barrels is contained within the barrel assembly, the housing includes a plurality of standoffs that engage the bores of the main barrel.

The barrel assembly comprising one or more barrels includes an electronic launch system wired with a launch device outside the main barrel. In one embodiment, the trigger device of the main gun is used to launch the projectile from the barrel assembly. Where the standoff is used to engage the bore of the main barrel, the necessary lines for operating the barrel assembly are maintained in the space formed by it and the barrel assembly exits the main barrel through either the muzzle or the rear. The launch device launches the projectile by a signal wire entering the rear portion of the main barrel.

In a second aspect, the present invention includes a plurality of projectiles disposed axially in a barrel, separate propulsion charges selectively ignitable to propel the projectiles from the barrel, and barrel extension engagement means, comprising a barrel extension It provides a barrel assembly that is loaded in the gun. In a related aspect the invention includes engaging a barrel assembly having a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within the barrel, a separate propellant that is selectively ignitable to propel the projectile from the barrel, and a barrel extension engagement means. It provides a method for loading a gun having a barrel extension.

In a preferred embodiment, the barrel extension engagement means is a chamfered tip of the barrel assembly that engages the associated surface on the barrel extension. The use of the chamfered barrel extension engagement means allows the barrel assembly to be obliquely inserted into the barrel extension and engages with the properly maintained and clamped barrel extension. The barrel assembly is moved forward to seal engagement with the barrel extension. The barrel assembly and barrel extension include an appropriate locking system to lock the barrel assembly and barrel extension to release.

In an alternative embodiment the barrel extension engagement means comprises a step in engagement with a corresponding step in the barrel extension. In yet another alternative embodiment the barrel assembly is simply adjacent to the barrel extension. A sleeve is provided on the contact surface between the barrel assembly and the barrel extension to help keep the barrel assembly aligned with the barrel extension.

In one embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention, the barrel assembly comprising the projectile has a lever attached to assist in positioning and locking the barrel and the barrel of the barrel on the weapon system. During transportation and storage of the barrel portion, the lever is folded to form a low profile along the barrel portion. When the projectile portion of the barrel is attached to the weapon system, the lever is raised to assist in positioning and locking the barrel, like a conventional bolt-acting gun. Keyring devices are used on the barrel assembly to help lock the barrel and direct it in a particular direction.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the barrel assembly is pushed to tilt the barrel extension and then locked behind by the spring loaded mechanical locking system. This same mechanical locking system acts as a discharge system for the barrel assembly used.

In another embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention, at least one spare barrel assembly comprising a projectile is received above the weapon. When the last projectile is fired from the barrel assembly, this spent barrel assembly is automatically ejected and the extra barrel assembly is automatically pushed and locked to prepare for a new launch command.

The present invention utilizes the barrel assembly described in our prior international patent applications PCT / AU94 / 00124 and PCT / AU96 / 00459. Such a barrel assembly includes a barrel, a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within the barrel for seal engagement with the bore of the barrel, and a separate propellant to sequentially propagate each projectile through the barrel muzzle.

The projectile may be a rounded conventional shape or may be shaped like a dart and the pins of the projectile are offset such that a stable rotation occurs such as a dart propelled in a barrel with a smooth bore.

Propulsion charges are shaped like solid blocks that allow projectiles to be spaced in the barrel. Alternatively, the propellant charge is encased in a metal or other rigid case that may include a primer having external contact means suitable for contacting a pre-located electrical contact included in the barrel. For example, a primer may be provided at the sprue contact to be retracted to allow insertion of the encased charge into the barrel and to spring into the barrel hole upon alignment with the hole contacting the barrel contact. If desired, the outer case can be a consumable or can be chemically assisted in propellant burning. In addition, an assembly of stacked and glued or separated casings and projectiles may be provided to be reloaded into the barrel.

Each projectile includes an expansion means and a projectile head that at least partially form a propulsion space. The expansion means includes a spacer assembly that extends rearwardly in the projectile head and abuts the projectile assembly. This means of expansion assists in the clasp in the barrel supporting the projectile located in the barrel when the lead charge is fired.

The spacer assembly extends through the propellant space and the projectile head whereby the compressive load is transmitted directly through contact with the adjacent spacer assembly. In this configuration, the spacer assembly can help to support the expansion means and the latch. The expansion means may be a thin cylindrical rear of the projectile head. The expansion means is also formed in seal contact with the bore of the barrel to prevent leakage of the combustion gas of the projectile head.

The spacer assembly includes a rigid collar that extends outwardly to engage the thin cylindrical rear portion of the flexible projectile head that is operated in seal contact with the bore of the barrel. The axial compressive load is thus transmitted directly between the spacer assemblies, thereby preventing deformation of the ductile projectile head.

An auxiliary wedge surface may be disposed on the spacer assembly and the projectile head, respectively, whereby the projectile head engages the bore of the barrel in response to axial compression between the spacer means and the projectile head. In this device the projectile head and spacer assembly can be loaded in the barrel and then an axial displacement is generated to ensure a good seal between the projectile head and the barrel. The expansion means is properly engaged with the bore of the barrel.

The projectile head forms a tapered hole at the trailing end that receives a tapered auxiliary spigot disposed on the leading end of the spacer assembly. The axial movement between the projectile head and the tapered auxiliary spigot generates a radially expanding force applied to the projectile head.

The barrel can be nonmetallic and the bore of the barrel includes a recess that can fully or partially adjust the ignition means. In this configuration the barrel houses an electrical conductor which facilitates electrical communication between the control means and the ignition means. This shape can utilize a disposable barrel assembly having a limited firing life. Therefore, the ignition means and the control line can be manufactured integrally with the barrel.

The barrel assembly can alternatively comprise an ignition hole in the barrel and the ignition means is arranged outside the hole adjacent to the barrel. The nonmetal outer barrel can enclose the barrel. The nonmetallic outer barrel includes a recess suitable for adjusting the ignition means. The outer barrel also houses an electrical conductor that facilitates electrical communication between the control means and the ignition means. The outer barrel can be formed like a thin plastic barrel that can include a printed wiring sheet for ignition means.

The rear end of the projectile includes a skirt around the recess where the propellant extends therein and a recess is reduced inwardly, such as a conical recess or a portion of a spherical recess in which the rearward movement of the projectile causes a radial expansion of the projectile skirt. do. This rearward movement is caused by compression causing a rear wedge movement of the projectile along the head of the propelling charge, resulting in metal flow from the relatively heavy head of the projectile to the less heavy skirt of the projectile.

Alternatively, the projectile includes a collar or rearward spherical seal flange that is deflected outwardly with the seal engagement with the bore as the projectile moves backward. Sealing is also generated by inserting the projectile into a heated barrel that contracts at each seal portion of the projectile. The projectile includes a relatively rigid mandrel portion that includes a deformable annular portion. The deformable annulus is molded around the mandrel to form a single projectile that flows metal between the nose of the projectile and the tail of the projectile that extends outwardly from the mandrel to the seal engagement with the bore of the barrel.

The projectile assembly includes a rearward extending anvil surface that is radially expandable into the seal engagement and supports the seal collar when the projectile is moved forward through the barrel. In this form the propulsion charge preferably has a cylindrical head portion adjacent the flat end face of the projectile.

The projectile includes a metal jacket installed and / or positioned by a circumferential groove or an in-bore annular rib or in-bore lifting groove and surrounding at least an outer end portion of the projectile. The projectile is provided with a contractile peripheral position ring that extends from the outside into the annular groove in the barrel and retracts into the projectile upon launch to allow free passage through the barrel.

Electrical ignition for sequentially igniting the propelling charge of the barrel assembly includes igniting the lead propelling charge by sending an ignition signal to the stacked projectiles. The ignition of the lead propulsion charge is intended for the next propulsion charge to be activated by the next ignition signal. At the end of the loaded barrel all propulsion charges are secured by inserting respective insulated fuses which are generally disposed between closed electrical contacts. The fuse can be closed with the contact when the appropriate triggering signal is transmitted to start combustion and each insulated fuse is open to each leading propulsion charge to ignite.

Ignition of the projectile can be obtained electrically or a conventional launch pin type method can be used which controls the next ignition or uses a center-fired primer to ignite the outermost projectile to sequentially ignite the propellant charge of the next bullet. This can be obtained by controlling the back leakage of the combustion gas or by controlling the combustion of the fuse column extending through the projectile.

In another form, the ignition is electrically controlled for each propulsion charge in cooperation with a primer triggered by a unique ignition signal. For example, in stacked propulsion charges, the primer can be sequenced by increasing the pulse width of the ignition device, whereby electrical control selectively selects an ignition pulse whose pulse width is increased to ignite the propulsion charge in a selected time sequence. Can be sent to However, the propulsion charge is ignited by the set pulse width signal and the combustion of the lead propulsion charge activates the next propulsion charge which is activated by the next pulse emitted.

Multiple projectiles can be launched, for example, simultaneously or continuously rapidly or in response to each manual actuation of the trigger. In such a device the electrical signals can be transmitted to the outside of the barrel or through the barrel overlapping projectiles which are clipped to one another so that the electrical circuits are continuous or in electrical contact with one another. The projectile may transmit a control circuit or form a circuit with the barrel.

The barrel assembly is included in a number of guns. In one embodiment, the barrel assembly of the present invention is included in a firearm, such as a pistol, rifle or other small weapon. In another embodiment, the barrel assembly of the present invention is included in a large aperture fixed mountain gun. The invention also includes a gun having the barrel assembly described above. The gun of the present invention also includes components and features of conventional guns such as butts, handles, braces, fixed mounts.

Brief description of the drawings

To more easily understand the features and effects of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which show preferred embodiments of the present invention.

1 is a side perspective view of an FN-FNC rifle with an overhead barrel assembly;

2 is a cross-sectional view of the rifle of FIG. 1;

3 is an exploded perspective view of the rifle of FIGS. 1 and 2;

4 shows a stair rifle with a 20 mm barrel inserted in a 40 mm main barrel;

5 is a cross-sectional view of the stair rifle of FIG. 4;

6 is an exploded perspective view of the stair rifle of FIGS. 4 and 5;

7 is a side perspective view of a stair rifle with an overhead barrel according to a second aspect of the present invention;

8 is an exploded perspective view of the stair rifle;

9 is a cross-sectional view of the stair rifle of FIGS. 7 and 8;

10 shows an FN-FNC barrel with a 40 mm overhead barrel;

11 is a cross sectional view of the rifle of FIG. 10; And

12 is an exploded view of the rifle shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

1 shows a rifle 10 comprising a butt 11, a first barrel 12 and an overhead barrel 13.

FIG. 2 shows an overhead barrel 13 with a front barrel expansion insert 14 with a rear barrel portion for receiving axially stacked projectiles 16 in the form of a barrel assembly 15a. Additional or redundant barrel assemblies 15b and 15c are stored in the butt 11 of the rifle 10. The spare barrel assembly is supplied to align all of the projectiles 16 in the first barrel assembly 15a with the barrel insert 14 when exhausted. If necessary, the supply to the spare assembly can be generated automatically after the used barrel assembly 15 is released.

The exploded view of FIG. 3 shows the front barrel insert 14 entering the overhead barrel 13. The barrel assembly 15a is suitably held by the lid 19 to remain aligned with the barrel insert 14. The barrel assembly also includes a tip 17 chamfered to easily engage the secondary trailing end 18 of the barrel insert 14 as shown in FIG. 2. The spring moves the barrel assembly 15a forward on the butt plate to sealably engage the barrel insert 14.

4 shows a steer rifle 20 having a 40 mm overhead barrel 21 with a 20 mm barrel insert 22 coupled thereto. The barrel insert 22 has a front barrel extension 23 comprising a muzzle 24.

In the rifle sectional view of FIG. 5, the barrel extension 23 includes a stand-off in the form of a flange 25 which is spaced along the extension to engage the bore of the main barrel 21. do. A barrel assembly 26 comprising axially stacked projectiles 27 is inserted into the barrel 21 rear under the cover 28. The barrel assembly 26 also includes a flange 25 to support the barrel assembly with electron launch means (not shown).

The electron launching means is similar to any electron launching device, such as a recess made in the barrel assembly 26 or made integrally with the barrel or as described in the prior international patent application of the present inventors. Do. In this configuration the 40mm barrel 21 can be retrofitted into an electronically controlled 20mm weapon.

The steer rifle 30 shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 includes a front overhead barrel portion 31 and a rear barrel portion 32. The rear barrel assembly 33 at the rear is provided with a chamfered tip 34 to receive a plurality of projectiles 35 and to be easily engaged with the rear end of the barrel extension 31. The 40 mm overhead barrel is suitably held by a lid 37 suitable for the barrel of the barrel assembly 33 comprising the projectile 35.

10, 11 and 12 show an FM-FMC rifle 40 with a 40mm overhead barrel 41. FIG. The 40 mm overhead barrel consists of two parts, muzzle 42 and / or barrel extension 43, and is retained in housing 44 as shown in FIG. 12. The rear barrel portion, including the barrel assembly 45 including the projectile 46, is provided with a chamfered tip 47 for easy engagement with the auxiliary trailing end 48 of the barrel extension 43. The lid 49 is engaged with the barrel assembly to hold the barrel assembly on the rifle 40.

Industrial availability

The use of a barrel assembly inserted into the main barrel according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a means of increasing the flexibility of the gun for firing various types of projectiles, making it possible to use it in various situations with one gun.

Relatively simple readjusted barrel assemblies inserted into the main barrel expand the operational capabilities of guns or other weapons and provide significant advantages in terms of reliability, availability and cost, especially during manufacturing.

A second aspect of the invention is to easily attach the barrel assembly preloaded with the projectile to the barrel of the weapon. Once the projectiles are all fired, the barrel assembly is discarded and a new barrel assembly containing the projectile can be attached onto the weapon system.

By having a projectile carried to the rear, which serves as part of the barrel, the weapon load can be reduced due to the consumption of the projectile in the projectile section. By reloading the projectile at the barrel, control is enhanced. It also makes it easier to transport and store projectiles and propellants.

In one particular application, one grenade launcher is used as an infantry weapon, which is typically replaced with an electronically fired barrel that includes five or six projectiles that move relative to the first barrel and have high muzzle velocity. Conventional grenade launcher required reload operation after use, target identification, and aiming aiming error of previous shot. The present invention reduces the number of reloads, provides improved accuracy and better ballistics resolution in use, and only adjustments to aiming errors are needed at the stage until adjustments are made to the target. More specifically, the weapon can lead firepower faster and more accurately in 10 seconds to fight off an enemy.

The foregoing description has been given by way of example only, and a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention from the appended claims. It must be understood.

Claims (36)

In a barrel assembly inserted into the main barrel of the gun, The barrel assembly includes a plurality of projectiles disposed axially within one or more barrels of the barrel assembly, a separate propulsion charge selectively ignitable to propel the projectiles from the one or more barrels, and a main barrel engagement means. Barrel assembly characterized in. The method of claim 1, The barrel assembly of claim 1, wherein the barrel assembly comprises one barrel. The method of claim 1, Wherein the barrel assembly includes clusters of aligned barrels maintained in a sealed pack array for insertion into the main barrel. The method of claim 3, wherein And the barrel assembly includes a housing in which the barrel is held. The method of claim 4, wherein And the housing is integrally formed with the barrel. The method of claim 4, wherein And the housing is formed separately from the barrel inserted into the housing before the housing is inserted into the main barrel. The method of claim 1, The housing is formed of a material having sufficient structural strength to keep the barrel straight during firing, but has a hardness and strength such that the main barrel is not damaged by repeating insertion and retraction of the housing in the main barrel. Barrel assembly. The method of claim 1, Insertion of the barrel assembly provides a gun with an electron firing system. The method of claim 1, And the barrel assembly is inserted into and maintained in the main barrel at the muzzle. The method of claim 9, And the barrel assembly includes means for engaging the bore of the main barrel. The method of claim 1, And the barrel assembly is arranged to be inserted in two portions of the front barrel extension and the rear barrel portion. The method of claim 11, And the front barrel portion is inserted into the main barrel toward the muzzle end of the main barrel without including the projectile. The method of claim 11, Wherein the rear barrel portion includes a projectile and is engaged with the front barrel portion and inserted into the rear portion of the barrel to form a complete barrel assembly having the projectile and the launch means. The method of claim 1, Wherein the barrel assembly is engaged with the bore of the main barrel by tabs or a plurality of standoffs extending from the barrel assembly to form an interference fit within the bore of the main barrel. The method of claim 14, The standoff portion of the barrel assembly, characterized in that having the same diameter as the bore diameter of the main barrel. The method of claim 14, And the standoff portion is comprised of either metal or insulating material. The method of claim 1, The barrel assembly is characterized in that the orientation of the barrel assembly is fixed by a key system located on either side of the muzzle, butt or main barrel. The method of claim 1, The barrel assembly further comprises an electronic launch system wired with a launch device external to the main barrel. The method of claim 18, And the launch device launches the projectile by a signal line entering the rear portion of the main barrel. A converting method for converting a gun having a barrel of a predetermined aperture into a gun of a small aperture, Inserting a barrel assembly having a plurality of projectiles axially disposed in at least one barrel of the barrel assembly, a separate propulsion charge selectively ignitable to propel the projectile from the at least one barrel, and a main barrel engagement means; Switching method comprising the. A plurality of projectiles disposed axially within the barrel of the barrel assembly, a separate propulsion charge selectively ignitable to propel the projectiles from the barrel, and a barrel extension engagement means, the rear barrel portion engaging with the barrel extension; Forming a barrel assembly for loading a gun. The method of claim 21, And the barrel extension engaging means is a chamfered tip of the barrel assembly that engages an auxiliary surface on the barrel extension. The method of claim 21 or 22, And the barrel assembly is moved forward to seal engagement with the barrel extension. The method of claim 21, And said barrel extension engaging means comprises a step engaging with a corresponding step in the barrel extension. The method of claim 21, And the barrel assembly is adjacent to the barrel extension. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, A barrel assembly, characterized in that a sleeve is provided on the interface between the barrel assembly and the barrel extension to help maintain the barrel assembly in alignment with the barrel extension. 27. The method of any of claims 21 to 26, And the barrel assembly and barrel extension include a locking system to unlock the barrel assembly and barrel extension. The method of claim 27, The barrel assembly comprising the projectile includes a lever attached to assist in positioning and locking the barrel extension and barrel rear. The method of claim 28, Wherein the lever is folded to form a low profile along the barrel to facilitate transportation and storage of the barrel or raised to position and lock the rear of the barrel. The method of claim 29, A barrel assembly, characterized in that a key ring device is provided on the barrel assembly to lock the barrel and face in a specific direction. The method of claim 27, And the barrel assembly is arranged to be pushed obliquely into the barrel extension and then pushed to be locked behind by a spring loaded mechanical locking system. The method of claim 31, wherein And the mechanical locking system acts as a discharge system for the spent barrel assembly. A gun having a front barrel extension and a barrel assembly for loading a gun, the gun comprising: The barrel assembly forms a rear barrel to engage the barrel extension and includes a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within the barrel, a separate propellant selectively ignitable to propel the projectile from the barrel, and barrel extension engagement means. Gun, characterized in that it comprises a. The method of claim 33, wherein At least one barrel assembly comprising said projectile can be received in a gun. The method of claim 34, wherein Wherein the last projectile is configured to fire in the interlocked barrel assembly, the spent barrel assembly is automatically ejected and the excess barrel assembly is automatically pushed and locked to prepare for a new launch command. In the loading method for loading a gun having a front barrel extension, Engaging a barrel assembly comprising a barrel extension, a plurality of projectiles disposed axially within the barrel of the barrel assembly, a separate propulsion charge selectively ignitable to launch the projectile from the barrel, and barrel extension engagement means Reloading method comprising a.