Abstract:
A method for releasably attaching a compensator assembly adjacent a muzzle end of a barrel of a firearm. The compensator assembly includes an attachment means on its rear end. The barrel has a firing axis and includes a threaded end opposite the muzzle end and defines a recess formed adjacent the muzzle end. The firearm itself has a frame defining a threaded aperture. The method includes moving the attachment means into engagement with the recess; tensioning the attachment means within the recess in a direction substantially parallel to the firing axis; inserting a mating tool into the muzzle end of the barrel; rotating the barrel via the mating tool, thereby causing the threaded end of the barrel to threadedly engage with the threaded aperture; and halting the rotation of the barrel via the mating tool when a predetermined torque is achieved.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This is a Divisional application of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/773,500 filed on Feb. 6, 2004, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/446,125, filed on Feb. 10, 2003; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/446,629, filed on Feb. 11, 2003; and U.S. Utility Pat. No. 6,266,908, issued on Jul. 31, 2001, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates in general to a compensation system for a firearm, and deals more particularly with a method for releasably attaching a compensator assembly adjacent a muzzle end of a barrel of a firearm. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   When a round of ammunition is fired from a firearm, handguns in particular, it is often the case that the barrel end of the firearm will ‘jump’, or kick upwards, as a result of the discharge of the round. As will be appreciated, this movement may affect the accuracy of a given shot while also making the accuracy of subsequent discharges problematic. Moreover, muscular fatigue from the jump (or ‘kick’) of the firearm, following the discharge of the firearm, is also generated. 
   As a consequence of firearm jump, manufacturers and hobbyists have adapted their firearms to employ a compensator, which lessens, to a certain degree, the magnitude of the jump experienced by a firearm after discharge of a round. Typically, these compensators take the form of a plurality of slots, which are milled in the barrel itself, adjacent the distal muzzle end of the firearm. 
   Generally, the milled, compensator slots act to vent a portion of the gases associated with the discharge of the round from the firearm. As the milled slots are typically arranged on the upper surface of the barrel, the force of the gases exiting the discharge slots tend to urge the firearm in a downward direction, thus compensating to some extend for the jump experienced by the firearm. 
   While successful to a certain degree, the milling of compensator discharge slots in the barrel of a firearm tend to deface the barrel itself, while also interfering somewhat with the effectiveness of the lands and grooves, if present, of any rifling that may be milled on the interior surface of the barrel. Moreover, known compensators oftentimes do not produce the most optimized performance characteristics due to the size and location of the discharge slots. 
   With the forgoing problems and concerns in mind, it is the general object of the present invention to provide a novel compensation assembly for a firearm. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a compensation system for a firearm. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a compensation system for a firearm that does not require the milling of discharge slots in the barrel of the firearm. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a compensation system for a firearm that may be selectively removable from a firearm. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a compensation system for a firearm that optimizes performance characteristics during the discharge of a round of ammunition. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a compensation system for a firearm that enables compensator assemblies of differing configurations to be utilized. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a compensation system for a firearm that permits for the quick and efficient interchange between compensator assemblies of differing configurations. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a compensation system for a firearm that effectively transfers the discharge force of a firearm. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a compensation system for a firearm that effectively transfers the discharge force of a firearm to the body of the firearm. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a compensation system for a firearm that counteracts the discharge force of a firearm. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a compensation system for a firearm that may assist in lower production and maintenance costs. 
   In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a compensation system for a firearm includes a barrel having a longitudinal bore that defines a firing axis. A compensator assembly is also included and has an attaching mechanism for releasably attaching the compensator assembly adjacent a muzzle end of the barrel. A gas discharge port is formed in the compensator assembly that is not aligned with the longitudinal bore. The gas discharge port communicates with an inner bore of the compensator assembly. 
   These and other objectives of the present invention, and their preferred embodiments, shall become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings taken as a whole. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a partially exploded, isometric view of a compensation system for a firearm, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is isometric view of the firearm compensator assembly mounted upon the distal end of a firearm barrel. 
       FIG. 3  is a rear, isometric view of the firearm compensator assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a rear, partial cross-sectional view of the compensator assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the firearm compensator assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional side view of the firearm compensator assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 7  is a partially exploded, isometric view of a compensator assembly, including a barrel and a shroud of a firearm, as they are being mated to one another via a mating tool. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the mated compensator assembly, barrel and shroud depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of a compensation system for a firearm, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of a locking bolt utilized in connection with the compensation system depicted in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is an opposite side view of the compensation system depicted in  FIG. 9 , in a disassembled configuration. 
       FIG. 12  is isomeric view of a compensation system for a firearm, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is isomeric view of a compensation system for a firearm, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  is isomeric view of a compensation system for a firearm, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  is isomeric view of a compensation system for a firearm, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1  is a partially exploded, isometric view of a compensation system for a firearm having a firearm compensator assembly  10 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the compensator assembly  10  includes a housing  12 , a plurality of arcuate gas discharge slots  14  and a mating assembly  16  that facilitates the mounting of the housing  12  onto a firearm barrel  18 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the barrel  18  defines a firing axis F and is removably disposed with a firearm shroud  20 , although alternative designs, such as but not limited to fixed barrel and shroud designs, are equally contemplated by the present invention. 
   The shroud  20  may be fabricated from a material having a density substantially less than the density of the material from which the barrel  18  is made, for reduced firearm weight. The upper surface of the barrel shroud  20  is substantially flat and has an axially elongated, upwardly open, sight receiving groove  38  formed therein which comprises a sight positioning portion of the shroud  20 . The sight groove  38  is adapted to receive a forward sight  40  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) which is pinned via pin hole  41 , biased, or otherwise secured in fixed position to the shroud  20 . 
   Still in reference to  FIG. 1 , although the gas discharge slots  14  have been described as being arcuate in form, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other, alternative shapes may be defined by the gas discharge slots  14  without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. Indeed, the gas discharge slots  14  need not take the form of ‘slots’ per se, instead being formed as geometric openings of any predetermined size, shape and angular inclination in accordance with the preferred design characteristics of the firearm compensator assembly  10 , as will be discussed in greater detail later. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates the compensator assembly  10  after it has been mounted to the barrel  18  of the firearm. As shown in  FIG. 2 , and once mounted to the barrel  18 , the housing  12  enjoys a tight fitting relationship with the barrel  18  and the integrated shroud  20 , and instills thereby the advantages of the compensating gas discharge slots  14  without requiring any milling of these slots in the barrel  18 , or the shroud  20 , itself. 
   It is therefore an important aspect of the present invention that the compensator assembly  10  does not demand the expensive and labor-intensive milling of discharge slots in the barrel  18 , or the shroud  20 , of the firearm to which it is attached. Moreover, the selective mating of the compensator assembly  10  to the firearm gives a range of operational freedom not currently enjoyed by those firearms which have been adapted to include milled gas discharge slots in their barrels and/or shroud members. That is, once a firearm has been subjected to the known process of milling of the barrel or shroud, there is no effective method to return that firearm to its pre-milled condition, absent replacing the entire barrel or shroud. This stands in stark contrast to the flexibility provided by the present invention. 
   In addition to the compensator assembly  10  being selectively adaptable to the firearm upon which it is removably mounted, the structural configuration of the compensator assembly  10  has been designed to produce optimal performance characteristics, taking into account the issue of the reduction in muzzle velocity that is typical in firearms utilizing milled compensator assemblies.  FIG. 3  is a rear, isometric view of the firearm compensator assembly  10  that illustrates one embodiment of the present invention&#39;s structural configuration. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , the housing  12  of the compensator assembly  10  does not define a uniform, interior diameter. Rather, the compensator assembly  10  includes a plurality of concentrically aligned bore diameters, defined by a matching plurality of concentrically aligned lands  21 ,  25  and  29 , which serve to optimize the operational performance characteristics of the compensator assembly  10 . 
   The diameter of a first bore  22  is the largest and is disposed to be adjacent the muzzle end of the barrel  18  when the compensator assembly  10  is mounted to the barrel  18 . The land  21  of the first bore  22  enjoys a substantially co-planar relationship with the forward wall of a first gas discharge slot  24 , formed in the upper surface of the housing  12 . 
   In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first gas discharge slot  24  is substantially centered on the longitudinal firing axis of the barrel  18  and enjoys the smallest arc length of any of the discharge slots  14  formed in the compensator assembly  10 . 
   Returning to  FIG. 3 , the diameter of a second bore  26  is smaller than that of the first bore  22 . The land  25  of the first bore  22  also enjoys a substantially co-planar relationship with the forward wall of a second gas discharge slot  28 , formed in the upper surface of the housing  12 . The second gas discharge slot  28  is substantially centered on the longitudinal firing axis of the barrel  18  and defines a larger arc-length than does the first gas discharge slot  24 . 
   Similarly, the diameter of a third bore  30  is smaller than that of both the first bore  22  and the second bore  26 . Moreover, the land  29  of the third bore  30  enjoys a substantially co-planar relationship with the forward wall of a third gas discharge slot  32 , formed in the upper surface of the housing  12 . The third gas discharge slot  32  is also substantially centered on the longitudinal firing axis of the barrel  18  and enjoys a larger arc-length than both the first gas discharge slot  24  and the second gas discharge slot  28 . A muzzle bore, or aperture,  34  is provided adjacent the front distal end of the compensator assembly  10 . A pair of mounting arms  36  is also provided to the housing  12  as part of the mating assembly  16 . The mounting arms  36  are utilized to mount the compensator assembly  10  to the barrel  18  of the firearm, as will be described in more detail later. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the lands  21 ,  25  and  29  of the compensator assembly  10  are preferably formed so as to be vertically oriented and substantially perpendicular to the firing axis F. By forming the lands  21 ,  25  and  29  in this manner, and by having each of the lands  21 ,  25  and  29  sharing the forward wall of each of the gas discharge slots  24 ,  28  and  32 , respectively, the present invention assuredly directs the discharged gases against the lands  21 ,  25  and  29 , and up through the gas discharge slots  24 ,  28  and  32  upon each discharge of the firearm. That is, the surfaces of the lands  21 ,  25  and  29  provide impact surfaces to accept the force of the pressure wave of outwardly expanding gases upon each discharge of the firearm. In this manner, the outwardly expanding gasses will impact the surfaces of the lands  21 ,  25  and  29  and produce thereby a counter force, such that the net recoil of the firearm is reduced. 
   It is also another important aspect of the present invention that the substantially co-planar relationship between the matching lands and forward wall of the gas discharge slots effectively redirects the forward-rushing gases that are discharged during the firing of the firearm. It should also be noted, however, that although the lands  21 ,  25  and  29  of the compensator assembly  10  have been described as being vertically oriented and substantially perpendicular to the firing axis F, the present invention is not limited in this regard. That is, the present invention equally contemplates that the lands  21 ,  25  and  29  may be alternatively formed at an angle to the firing axis F, without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. Such angled lands would be preferably matched to gas discharge slots having a similar angle to that of the lands themselves, thus maintaining the substantially co-planar relationship between the plane of the lands and the forward wall of the gas discharge slots. It will be readily appreciated, however, that gas discharge slots having an angle that differs from the angle of the lands is also contemplated by the present invention. 
   Moreover, although a compensator assembly  10  having three gas discharge slots  14  has been described in connection with  FIGS. 1-3 , the present invention also encompasses a compensator assembly having any number of gas discharge slots formed therein. It will also be readily appreciated that the arc-length of the discharge slots  14 , and their dimensional relationship to one another, may also be varied from the relationship described in connection with  FIG. 3 , without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 4 , a rear, partial cross-sectional view of the compensator assembly  10  is shown. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first bore  22 , the second bore  26 , the third bore  30  and the muzzle bore  34  are each concentrically aligned with the firing axis F of the barrel  18 . Indeed, as will be appreciated, the muzzle bore  34  is designed to be no smaller than the inner diameter of the barrel  18  and, more preferably, is designed to be substantially the same diameter of the barrel  18 . 
   Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a top, plan view of the firearm compensator assembly  10  is shown. As indicated previously, the arc-lengths of the first gas discharge slot  24 , the second gas discharge slot  28  and the third gas discharge slot  32  are progressively larger, beginning from the back of the compensator assembly  10  to the front, distal end of the compensator  10 . Indeed,  FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional side view of the firearm compensator assembly  10  and also illustrates the preferred arcuate formation and differing arc-lengths of the gas discharge slots  24 / 28 / 32 .  FIG. 6  further illustrates how the lands  21 ,  25  and  29  enjoy a substantially co-planar relationship with the forward wall the gas discharge slots  24 ,  28  and  32 , respectively. 
   It is therefore another important aspect of the present invention that the gas discharge slots  24 / 28 / 32  are progressively larger, with smaller arc-lengths beginning from the back of the compensator assembly  10  to larger arc-lengths adjacent the front, while the bore diameters  22 / 26 / 30  are themselves formed to be progressively smaller, with larger diameters beginning from the back of the compensator assembly  10  to smaller diameters adjacent the front. It has been determined that this particular structural configuration provides the preferred performance characteristic for the compensator assembly  10 . That is, the structural configuration of the gas discharge slots  24 / 28 / 32  and the bore diameters  22 / 26 / 30  are designed to enhance the compensating effect on the jerk, or kick, of the firearm, while also maintaining the greatest possible muzzle velocity of the bullet discharged from the firearm. 
   As will be appreciated by consideration of  FIGS. 1-6 , the present invention provides a compensator assembly  10  that may be removably attached to the muzzle end of a firearm. Moreover, the compensator assembly  10  may be employed without the need for marring the integrity of the barrel or shroud of a firearm, or the lands and grooves of the rifling inscribed in the inner surface of the barrel. As previously noted, although a compensator assembly  10  having three gas discharge slots formed in three matching bore diameters has been described, more or less gas discharge slots and a differing number of bore diameters may be employed, without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. Indeed, a compensator assembly having only a single inner diameter with one or more gas discharge slots is equally contemplated by the present invention. 
   A preferred method of mating the compensator assembly  10  to the barrel  18  and shroud  20  will now be explained in conjunction with  FIGS. 3 ,  7  and  8 . Although not shown in  FIG. 7 , it will be readily appreciated that the frame of the firearm to which the barrel  18  and shroud  20  are to be affixed will include matching, female threads to mate with the threaded end  42  of the barrel  18  in association with the final securing of the compensator assembly  10 , as will be explained shortly. 
   Considering now  FIGS. 3 ,  7  and  8  in combination, it can be seen that the mounting arms  36  define opposing channels  44 , which are sized in accordance with the distal end of the barrel  18 . That is, each of the channels  44  are formed by an extended, arcuate lip  46  which substantially conforms to and accommodates a flange  48  that is formed at the distal end of the barrel  18 . 
   The mating operation begins by an operator sliding the housing  12  of the compensator assembly  10  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the firing axis of the barrel  18 . By sliding the housing  12  in the general direction of arrows M, the flange  48  with become loosely accommodated within the opposing channels  44 . The housing  12  and the barrel  18  are urged towards one another in order to move the mounting arms  36  into receptacles  50  formed in the shroud  20 . By doing so, a space is created in the opposing channels  44  such that a pair of spacers  51  may be slipped between the mounting arms  36  and the flange  48 . The spacers  51  are preferably block, metal spacers which have the effect of pulling the compensator assembly  10  back against the front flange  48  of the barrel  18 , as will be described in more detail later. 
   A special purpose barrel assembly tool, indicated generally at  52 , is then employed to draw the partially assembled elements, noted above, in tight contact with one another. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the illustrated tool  52  has a generally cylindrical axially elongated shank  54  and an integral diametrically enlarged head  56  of non-circular cross-section at one end. The presently preferred head  56  has a hexagonal cross-section substantially as shown. At its opposite or leading end of the shank  54 , a slightly conically tapered portion  55  converges in a direction away from the head  56  in a predetermined condition of alignment. The shank  54  is sized to be received within and substantially complement the muzzle bore  34  of the compensator assembly  10 , including the barrel  18 . The tool  52  further includes a plurality of spiral lands  58 , which are equal in number to the rifling grooves, inscribed within the inner circumference of the barrel  18 . The lands  58  project radially outwardly from the shank  54  and extend for some distance therealong, substantially as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
   The tool  52  is preferably made from a material somewhat softer than the material from which the barrel  18  is made, brass being the presently preferred material. A generally cylindrical sleeve  60  made from another material is received on the shank  54  adjacent the head  56 , substantially as shown, and defines a generally radially disposed arresting surface  62  facing in the direction of the leading end of the tool shank. The sleeve  60  is preferably made from a material softer than the material from which the tool shank  54  is made. In accordance with the presently preferred construction, the sleeve  60  is formed from a non-metallic material, such as a plastic material. 
   Returning to  FIG. 7 , the leading end of the tool  52  is inserted into the muzzle end of the firearm, via the muzzle bore  34 , and the lands  58  then engage the associated rifling grooves inscribed within the barrel  18 . When the tool  52  is fully inserted into the barrel  18 , the arresting surface  62  will engage with the front surface of the muzzle bore  34 . A torque wrench or other suitable driving tool (not shown), such as but not limited to a pneumatic nut driver or the like, is then employed to apply a predetermined torque to the hexagonal head  56  on the tool  52 . When the tool  52  is so rotated, the barrel  18  will seat itself into the body of the firearm, whereby the flange  48  will draw the mounting arms  36  further into the receptacles  50  and securely fix the spacers  51  therebetween. Upon completion of the mating operation, the tool  52  is removed from the muzzle bore  34 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the compensator assembly  10  as it is mated to the barrel  18  and shroud  20 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the forward sight  40  may be inserted into the sight groove  38  and become secured therein via an angled groove  64  formed in the upper mounting arm  36 . The forward sight  40  is secured against disengagement by the compressive action of the flange  48  as it is drawn backwards by the rotation of the tool  52 , as well as from the biasing force of a sight spring  57  housed within the shroud  20 . 
   It will therefore be appreciated that another important aspect of the present invention lies in the compensator assembly  10  being mounted to the barrel  18  of the firearm integral with the mounting of the barrel  18  to the firearm itself. Moreover, it will be readily appreciated that a non-compensating assembly, such as would be exhibited if the housing  12  was devoid of any of the gas discharge slots  14 , may be alternatively mounted to the firearm should an operator so choose. 
   It should also be noted that the pair of spacers  51  may be selectively deformed prior to the barrel  18  being rotated into threaded engagement with the frame of the firearm. As is most clearly seen in  FIG. 8 , the pair of block metal spacers  51  may be selectively deformed under an appropriate stressing force to thereby expand and fill the annular, inscribed groove  53 . The deformed profile  55  of the spacers  51  as they substantially fill the opposing channels  44 , defined by the mounting arms  36 , and the inscribed groove  53 , is also shown in  FIG. 8 . 
   It will be readily appreciated that when the spacers  51  are deformed to expand and fill the opposing channels  44  and the inscribed groove  53 , the housing  12  of the compensator assembly  10  will be securely fixed to the barrel  18 . Moreover, the deformation and subsequent expansion of the spacers  51  provide a tensioning force to the barrel  18 , the shroud  20  and the compensator assembly  10 , such that these elements are drawn together in a manner to withstand the forces exerted during a discharge of the firearm. Thus, the compensator assembly  10  will be pulled back against the front flange  48  of the barrel  18 , effectively providing a mounting method and apparatus which ensures a tight fitting relationship between all integrated elements of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 9-11  illustrate a compensation system  60  that includes a compensator assembly  62 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Although performing similarly to the compensator assembly  10  discussed in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-8 , the compensation system  60  enjoys an expanded versatility, particularly with respect to the ease of assembly/disassembly, as well as providing for increased handling capability of the forces generated during discharge of the firearm. 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , the compensation system  60  includes a shroud  64  having a series of three upper and lower relieved cuts  66  formed in the muzzle end thereof. The upper and lower relieved cuts  66  are preferably arcuate and form opposing engagement grooves for releasably accepting the compensator assembly  62 . The compensator assembly  62  itself includes a plurality of gas discharge slots  68  formed in the side thereof. 
   The gas discharge slots  68  perform substantially the same function as the gas discharge slots  14  discussed in connection with  FIGS. 1-8  and, moreover, the inner bore of the compensator assembly  62  is likewise formed to be substantially similar to the inner bore of the compensator assembly  10 . That is, the inner bore of the compensator assembly  62  also includes a plurality of concentrically aligned bore diameters, defined by a matching plurality of concentrically aligned lands, each preferably having a differing bore diameter, which serve to optimize the operational performance characteristics of the compensator assembly  62 . 
   Again similar to the compensator assembly  10 , the lands disposed within the compensator assembly  62  enjoy a substantially co-planar relationship with the forward wall of the gas discharge slots  68 . Moreover, the lands of the compensator assembly  62  are themselves preferably formed so as to be vertically oriented and substantially perpendicular to the firing axis F. By forming the lands in this manner, and by having each of the lands sharing the forward wall of each of the gas discharge slots  68  the compensator assembly  62  also assuredly directs the discharged gases against the lands and through the gas discharge slots  68  upon each discharge of the firearm. That is, the surfaces of the lands also provide impact surfaces to accept the force of the pressure wave of outwardly expanding gases upon each discharge of the firearm. In this manner, the outwardly expanding gasses will impact the surfaces of the lands of the compensator assembly  62  and produce thereby a counter force, such that the net recoil of the firearm is reduced. 
   It should also be noted, however, that although the lands of the compensator assembly  62  have been described as being vertically oriented and substantially perpendicular to the firing axis F, the present invention is not limited in this regard. That is, the present invention equally contemplates that the lands may be alternatively formed at an angle to the firing axis F, without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. Such angled lands would be preferably matched to gas discharge slots having a similar angle to that of the lands themselves, thus maintaining the substantially co-planar relationship between the plane of the lands and the forward wall of the gas discharge slots. It will be readily appreciated, however, that gas discharge slots having an angle that differs from the angle of the lands is also contemplated by the present invention. 
   Moreover, although a compensator assembly  62  having three, side gas discharge slots  68  has been described in connection with  FIG. 9 , the present invention also encompasses a compensator assembly having any number of gas discharge slots formed therein. It will also be readily appreciated that additional gas discharge ports may be formed in the compensator assembly  62 , in addition or as an alternative to the gas discharge slots  68 . Indeed, gas discharge ports may be formed in the top, upper portion of the shroud  64 , adjacent the location of a center raised portion  70 , as desired or as required to meet performance characteristics, as will be discussed in more detail later. 
   Returning to  FIG. 9 , a threaded bore  72  is formed in the shroud  64 , preferably substantially parallel to and below the firing axis F, and is adapted to receive a locking bolt  74 . As best seen in  FIG. 10 , the locking bolt  74  includes a threaded portion  76  for integrally mating with the threaded bore  72 , and is characterized by a raised flange  78  formed at approximately the midpoint thereof. The raise flange  78  of the locking bolt  74  work in conjunction with a plurality of matching, outwardly extending locking flanges  80  to secure the compensator assembly  62  to the shroud  64 , as will be described hereinafter. 
   It will be readily appreciated that the locking flanges  80  are formed to match and integrally mate with the upper and lower relieved cuts  66  after the compensator assembly has been inserted into the shroud  64  and suitably rotated so that the flanges  80  are in registration with the relieved cuts  66 , an orientation depicted in  FIG. 9 . 
   The primary purpose of the configuration of the flanges  80  and the relieved cuts is to allow for the recoil force of the outwardly expanding discharge gasses, accompanying each discharge of the firearm, to be absorbed by the shroud  62  and thereby producing a counter force, such that the net recoil of the firearm is reduced. As will be appreciated, the more efficient the coupling between the flanges  80  and the relieved cuts  66 , the more efficient the compensator assembly  62  will be in reducing the recoil forces of the firearm. 
   Integral, therefore, to the efficiency of the compensator assembly  62  is the raised flange  78  of the locking bolt  74 . As the locking bolt  74  is threaded into the threaded bore  72 , the raised flange  78  will engage the forward-most, lower flange  80 . That is, the raised flange  78  will selectively engage the lower flange that is most closely adjacent the muzzle end of the compensator assembly  62 . This compressive force, which increases as the locking bolt  74  is further tightened in the threaded bore  72 , allows the each of the flanges  80  to be preloaded within each of their respective relived cuts  66 , thus preloading the entire compensator assembly  62  against the body of the shroud  64 . 
   While effectively distributing a significant portion of the discharge forces against the body of the shroud  64 , it will also be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art that the locking bolt  74  does not itself bear the brunt of the these discharge forces, therefore there is no significant disengagement force acting on the locking bolt  74 . The present invention therefore not only effectively provides for a secure mating of the compensator assembly  62  to the shroud  64 , and thus enabling the transfer of discharge forces to the body of the shroud  64 , but also ensures that the compensator assembly  62  will remain engaged and correctly positioned even after repeated discharge of the firearm. 
   While a compensation system  60  has be described in which the compensator assembly  62  and the shroud  64  each define matching upper and lower sets of three flanges  80  and three relieved cuts  66 , the present invention is not limited in this regard. That is, the present invention equally contemplates that one or more sets of matching flanges and relieved cuts may be formed in the compensator assembly  62  and the shroud  64 , without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 11 , the compensation system  60  is shown with the compensator assembly  62  being disengaged from the shroud  64 . As can now be seen in  FIG. 11 , the compensator assembly  62  also includes a plurality of upper discharge apertures  82 , formed in the top portion of the compensator assembly  62 . As will be appreciated, when the compensator assembly  62  is properly oriented within the shroud  64 , thus positioning the flanges  80  within their matching relieved cuts  66 , the upper discharge apertures  82  will be in registration with similarly dimensioned gas discharge apertures  84  formed in the top, upper portion of the shroud  64 , adjacent to and on either side of the center raised portion  70 . As also shown by  FIG. 11 , the shroud  64  may also include a locking channel  86  formed adjacent the threaded bore  72  and extending longitudinally into in the lower, milled portion of the shroud  64 . 
   As with all other embodiments discussed in connection with the present invention, it will be readily appreciated that although six upper discharge apertures  82  and six gas discharge apertures  84  have be illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the present invention is not limited in this regard as any number of such apertures may alternatively be defined without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. Likewise, the matching apertures  82 / 84  may also have any size or shape in dependence upon specific performance characteristics or the like. 
     FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which the compensator assembly  62  includes a plurality of upper gas discharge apertures  88 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the upper gas discharge apertures, or ports,  88  define substantially arcuate profiles of differing arc lengths, similar to the discharge slots  14  as discussed in connection with  FIGS. 1-8 . 
   Although the embodiments of the compensation system  60  shown in  FIGS. 9-12  may be useable with shrouds  64  which themselves define the barrel of the firearm, the present invention is not limited in this regard. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the shroud  64  may instead be designed so as to accept a barrel  90  having a front flange  92 . That is, similar to the embodiment discussed in connection with  FIGS. 1-8 , and as understood by one skilled in the art, the shroud  64  may alternatively accept the barrel  90  such that the flange  92  has an external dimension, which is several thousands of an inch larger than the external diameter of the barrel  90 . 
   Preferably, the flange  92  is approximately 20 to 20 thousands of an inch greater in diameter than the barrel  90 , and approximately 30 to 40 thousands of an inch in longitudinal depth. The barrel  90  may then be accommodated within the shroud  64  with its longitudinal travel being arrested by the engagement of the flange  92  against the body of the shroud  64 , as depicted in  FIG. 13 . All other substantive aspects of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9-12  are otherwise consistent with the embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
   Indeed, the compensation systems of the present invention are equally applicable to every conceivable firearm, including handguns of all types, rifles, shotguns, semi-automatic and automatic firearms, in any caliber. In particular, the various cuts and grooves utilized in accommodating the compensator assemblies discussed herein may be alternatively formed in the shroud of a firearm, or in the barrel of a firearm, in dependence upon the specific structural design of the firearm, and without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14  illustrates another embodiment of the compensation system  60  in which the compensator assembly  62  includes a forwardly extending non-milled portion  94 , in accordance with specific design and performance characteristics. Likewise,  FIG. 14  illustrates another embodiment of the compensation system  60  in which the compensator assembly  62  may have no gas discharge ports at all. That is, the compensator assembly  62  shown in  FIG. 15  may have only gas discharge ports formed in the upper side thereof, to communicate with the gas discharge apertures  88 , or it may alternative have no gas discharge ports at all. 
   Another important aspect of the present invention therefore resides in the ability of the compensation system  60  to not only provide for the quick interchange between compensator assemblies having gas discharge ports of differing numbers, shapes, sizes and angular orientations, but also to accept compensator assemblies which have no gas discharge ports at all. Thus an operator may selectively determine when gas discharge ports are desired, and when they are not, and quickly alternative between these structural configurations by the simple actuation of the locking bolt  74 . 
   Moreover, firearm owners may avail themselves of advancements made in compensator designs without the need to purchase a new firearm. Still yet another benefit of the present invention is that the manufacture and production of firearms may be largely standardized such that a generic firearm/shroud/barrel prototype may accommodate several differing configurations of compensator assemblies, thus significantly reducing material and production costs. 
   Still yet another important benefit of the present invention is that by having easily replaceable compensator assemblies, the present invention eliminates the need to purchase a new firearm, or repair one already owned, when the compensator assembly becomes worn over time, in stark contrast to known devices. Further, the cleaning and maintenance of the compensator assembly of the present invention is streamlined, thus significantly reducing maintenance time and effort. 
   As will be appreciated by consideration of  FIGS. 1-15 , the present invention provides a compensation system which includes a plurality of compensator assembly configurations, and which may be removably attached to the muzzle end of a firearm. Moreover, the various embodiments of the compensator assemblies may be employed without the need for destroying the integrity of the barrel of a firearm, or the lands and grooves of the rifling inscribed in the inner surface of the barrel. The present invention thus provides a compensation system having heretofore unknown benefits in discharge force allocation, as well as providing an interchange system which is quick and efficient, while not comprising the proper orientation or securing of the compensator assembly to the firearm itself. 
   While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various obvious changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the essential scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention includes all equivalent embodiments.