Muzzle loading gun and adaptor

An adaptor (10) which allows a standard cartridge firing action to be used with a black powder muzzle loading gun (100) is described. The adaptor includes an insert (12) and a nipple (16) and is configured to be inserted into the barrel (108) of the gun adjacent the receiver (104). In use, a standard rifle cartridge casing (150) with a wall (150A) and with a head (150B) at one end containing a primer (152) is loaded into the receiver of the gun. Next, the cartridge casing is moved into the end (108A) of the barrel such that the casing extends into the center bore (14) of the insert and the nipple extends into the inside of the casing. When the gun is fired, the firing pin (114A) contacts the primer which ignites the black powder (118) which expels the projectile (120) from the gun. The ignition of the primer causes the wall of the casing of the cartridge to expand. The casing expands such that the casing is force fit and tightly held in the center bore of the insert. The expansion of the wall of the casing prevents blow back from the explosion from escaping past the adaptor and into the receiver of the gun.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
(1) Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a muzzle loading rifle and in particular, 
an adaptor for allowing a cartridge firing action to be used with a muzzle 
loading gun. The adaptor is mounted in the barrel of the gun and allows a 
cartridge casing to be used to provide the primer when using the gun as a 
muzzle loading gun. The cartridge casing also prevents blow back into the 
receiver of the gun when the gun is fired which is a safety problem. 
(2) Description of the Related Art 
The related art has shown various different inserts and adaptors which are 
used to convert a cartridge firing gun into a black powder muzzle loading 
gun. Illustrative are U.S. Pat. No. 3,780,464 to Anderson; U.S. Pat. No. 
4,437,249 to Brown et al and U.S. Pat. No. 4,222,191 to Lee et al. 
In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,776 to Mahn et al describes an improved 
ignition means for a muzzle loading weapon. The ignition means includes a 
breech plug threaded into the barrel of the gun. A primer receiver is 
mounted in the breech plug and has a primer receiving well at one end. The 
primer receiver is adapted to use a standard shotgun shell primer as the 
ignition source. A transition section of the receiving well frictionally 
engages the primer and acts to hold the primer in place before firing. 
When the weapon is fired, the blow back gases are intended to eject the 
primer from the primer receiver, which can be a safety hazard. 
Also, of interest are U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,139 to Rodney, Jr.; U.S. Pat. 
No.5,010,677 to Verney Carron; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,700,499 and 5,133,143 both 
to Knight; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,551 to Kruse which show different types 
of muzzle loading guns. 
There remains the need for an adaptor which enables a cartridge firing 
action to be easily used for a muzzle loading gun. There is also a need to 
provide an ignition system which prevents blow back into the receiver of 
the gun during firing. 
OBJECTS 
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel muzzle loading 
gun. It is further an object of the present invention to provide an 
adaptor which enables a cartridge firing action to be used as part of a 
muzzle loading gun. Further, it is an object of the present invention to 
provide an adaptor which allows a standard rifle cartridge casing to be 
used to provide the primer and to prevent blow back. Still further, it is 
an object of the present invention to provide an adaptor which is easily 
mounted in a barrel of a gun to allow a cartridge firing action to be used 
as part of a muzzle loading gun. Further still, it is an object of the 
present invention to provide an improved muzzle loading gun which uses a 
standard rifle cartridge casing to provide the primer and to prevent blow 
back into the receiver of the gun when the gun is fired. Further, it is an 
object of the present invention to provide a method for converting a 
cartridge firing action for use as part of a muzzle loading gun which uses 
a standard cartridge casing to provide the primer and to prevent blow back 
when the gun is fired.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
The present invention relates to an adaptor for use in a muzzle loading 
gun, a securing means mounting a barrel and a blocking means mounted on 
the securing means which supports a head of a cartridge, the blocking 
means mounting a firing pin mechanism, the adaptor comprising: an insert 
having a first end and a second end with an inside wall and an outside 
wall between the ends and a center bore defined by the inside wall 
extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the insert, the 
outside wall being configured to be inserted into the barrel in a sealed 
relationship to the barrel and adjacent the blocking means; and a nipple 
provided in the bore of the insert adjacent the first end of the insert 
and having a center bore extending therethrough in communication with the 
bore of the insert and with an outside wall in spaced relationship to the 
inside wall of the insert such that a casing of the cartridge with a 
primer on a head of the casing can be mounted on the nipple and extend 
into the bore of the insert adjacent the inside wall such that the nipple 
extends into the casing adjacent to the primer and such that the blocking 
means engages the head of the casing of the cartridge with the firing pin 
mechanism adjacent the primer wherein during firing of the muzzle loading 
gun the firing pin mechanism engages the primer and produces ignition of 
powder in the bore of the insert through the bore in the nipple. 
Further, the present invention relates to an adaptor for use in a muzzle 
loading gun, having a receiver means mounting a barrel and a blocking 
means for supporting a head of the cartridge in the barrel, the blocking 
means mounting a firing pin mechanism, the adaptor comprising: an insert 
having a first end and a second end with an inside wall and an outside 
wall between the ends and a center bore defined by the inside wall 
therethrough extending along a longitudinal axis of the insert, the 
outside wall having threads between the ends of the insert, the center 
bore having a first section, a second section and a third section with the 
first section adjacent the first end of the insert and the third section 
adjacent the second end of the insert wherein the second section has 
threads adjacent the first section, the outside wall being configured to 
be inserted into the barrel in a sealed relationship to the barrel and 
adjacent the blocking means; and a nipple mounted in the bore of the 
insert having a first end and a second end with an inside wall and an 
outside wall between the ends and a center bore defined by the inside wall 
extending therethrough, the nipple having a first section adjacent the 
first end and a second section adjacent the second end, the outside wall 
having threads at the second section, wherein the nipple is mounted in the 
second section of the center bore of the insert in sealed relationship 
with the inside wall of the insert such that the first end of the nipple 
is adjacent the first end of the insert such that a casing of the 
cartridge with a primer on a head of the casing can be mounted over the 
first end of the nipple extending into the center bore of the insert 
adjacent the inside wall such that the first end of the nipple is adjacent 
the primer and such that the blocking means engages the head of the 
cartridge with the firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer wherein during 
firing of the muzzle loading gun the firing pin mechanism engages the 
primer and produces ignition of powder in the bore of the insert through 
the bore in the nipple. 
Still further, the present invention relates to a muzzle loading gun having 
a receiver means mounting a barrel and having a blocking means mounting a 
firing pin mechanism, the improvement which comprises as part of the 
barrel: a chamber provided in the barrel having a first end adjacent the 
receiver means and an opposed second end and an inside wall with a center 
bore defined by the inside wall extending therethrough along a 
longitudinal axis of the barrel; and a nipple provided in the bore of the 
chamber adjacent the first end and having a center bore extending 
therethrough in communication with the bore of the chamber with an outside 
wall in spaced relationship to the inside wall of the chamber, such that a 
casing of the cartridge with a primer can be mounted on the nipple and 
extend into the bore of the chamber adjacent the inside wall such that the 
nipple extends into the casing adjacent to the primer and such that the 
blocking means of the receiver means engages the head of the casing of the 
cartridge with the firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer, wherein 
during firing of the muzzle loading gun the firing pin engages the primer 
and produces ignition of powder in the bore of the chamber through the 
bore in the nipple. 
Further still, the present invention relates to a method for providing a 
muzzle loading gun with a receiver means mounting a barrel and a blocking 
means which supports a head of the cartridge, the blocking means mounting 
a firing pin mechanism, which comprises: mounting an adaptor in the barrel 
adjacent the receiver means, the adaptor comprising: an insert having a 
first end and a second end with an inside wall and an outside wall between 
the ends and a center bore defined by the inside wall extending 
therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the insert, the outside wall 
being configured to be inserted into the barrel in a sealed relationship 
to the barrel and adjacent the blocking means; and a nipple provided in 
the bore of the insert adjacent the first end of the insert and having a 
center bore extending therethrough in communication with the bore of the 
insert and with an outside wall in spaced relationship to the inside wall 
of the insert, wherein a casing of the cartridge can be inserted in the 
receiver means of the gun such that the blocking means is adjacent the 
head of the casing of the cartridge and wherein the blocking means can be 
moved toward the barrel of the gun with the casing of the cartridge 
mounted on the blocking means such that the casing of the cartridge is 
extended into the bore of the insert adjacent the inside wall such that 
the nipple extends into the casing adjacent to a primer on the casing and 
such that the blocking means engages the head of the cartridge with the 
firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer, wherein during firing of the 
muzzle loading gun, the firing pin mechanism engages the primer and 
produces ignition of powder in the bore of the insert through the bore in 
the nipple. 
Still further, the present invention relates to a method for firing a 
muzzle loading gun, the gun having a receiver means mounting a barrel and 
having a blocking means mounting a firing pin mechanism, the muzzle 
loading gun having as part of the barrel, a chamber provided in the barrel 
having a first end adjacent the receiver means and an opposed second end 
and an inside wall with a center bore defined by the inside wall extending 
therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the barrel; and a nipple 
provided in the bore of the chamber adjacent the first end and having a 
center bore extending therethrough in communication with the bore of the 
chamber with an outside wall in spaced relationship to the inside wall of 
the chamber, such that a casing of the cartridge with a primer can be 
mounted on the nipple and extended into the bore of the chamber adjacent 
the inside wall such that the nipple extends into the casing adjacent to 
the primer and such that the blocking means of the receiver means engages 
the head of the casing of the cartridge with the firing pin mechanism 
adjacent the primer, wherein during firing of the muzzle loading gun the 
firing pin engages the primer and produces ignition of powder in the bore 
of the chamber through the bore in the nipple, the method which comprises: 
inserting gun powder into an end of the barrel of the gun opposite the 
receiver means so that the powder is at the opposed end of the chamber; 
inserting a projectile into the end of the barrel of the gun opposite the 
receiver means adjacent the powder; inserting a casing of the cartridge 
with a primer on a head of the casing in the breech opening of the gun 
adjacent the blocking means; moving the blocking means toward the barrel 
of the gun wherein the blocking means engages the head of the cartridge 
with the firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer and the casing is 
mounted on the nipple and extends into the bore of the chamber adjacent 
the inside wall so that the nipple extends into the casing adjacent to the 
primer; and pulling a trigger of the gun such that the firing pin 
mechanism engages the primer and produces ignition of the powder through 
the bore in the nipple and causes an explosion which expels the projectile 
from the end of the barrel of the gun opposite the receiver means, wherein 
during the explosion, the casing of the cartridge expands such as to 
provide a sealed relationship with the inside wall of the center bore of 
the chamber. 
Finally, the present invention relates to a method for firing a muzzle 
loading gun, with a receiver means for mounting the barrel and a blocking 
means mounting a firing pin mechanism, the method, which comprises: 
providing in the barrel and adjacent the receiver means, an insert having 
a first end and a second end with an inside wall and an outside wall 
between the ends and a bore defined by the inside wall extending 
therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the insert, the outside wall 
being configured to be inserted into the barrel in a sealed relationship 
to the barrel and adjacent the blocking means; a nipple provided in the 
bore of the insert adjacent the first end of the insert and having a bore 
extending therethrough in communication with the bore of the insert and 
with an outside wall in spaced relationship to the inside wall of the 
insert wherein a casing of the cartridge can be inserted in the receiver 
means of the gun such that the blocking means is adjacent the head of the 
casing of the cartridge and wherein the blocking means can be moved toward 
the barrel of the gun with the casing of the cartridge mounted on the 
blocking means such that the casing is extended into the bore of the 
insert adjacent the inside wall such that the nipple extends into the 
casing adjacent to a primer on the casing and such that the blocking means 
engages the head of the cartridge with the firing pin mechanism adjacent 
the primer, wherein during firing of the muzzle loading gun, the firing 
pin mechanism engages the primer and produces ignition of powder in the 
bore of the insert through the bore in the nipple; inserting gun powder 
into an end of the barrel of the gun opposite the receiver means so that 
the powder is at the opposed end of the insert; inserting a projectile 
into the end of the barrel of the gun opposite the receiver means adjacent 
the powder; inserting a casing of the cartridge with a primer on a head of 
the casing in the receiver means of the gun adjacent the blocking means; 
moving the blocking means toward the barrel of the gun wherein the 
blocking means engages the head of the cartridge with the firing pin 
mechanism adjacent the primer and the casing is mounted on the nipple and 
extends into the bore of the insert adjacent the inside wall so that the 
nipple extends into the casing adjacent to the primer; and pulling a 
trigger of the gun such that the firing pin mechanism engages the primer 
and produces ignition of the powder through the bore in the nipple and 
causes an explosion which expels the projectile from the end of the barrel 
of the gun opposite the receiver, wherein during the explosion, the casing 
of the cartridge expands such as to provide a sealed relationship with the 
inside wall of the bore of the insert. 
The term "action" as used herein includes the receiver with the bolt and 
firing pin assembly and the trigger of the gun. The action of the gun may 
or may not include the barrel and does not include the stock of the gun. 
As used herein, the term "cartridge casing" includes metallic casings as 
well as shotgun shell casings. The casings are used without the bullet. 
It will be appreciated that the gun 100 can be arguably manufactured with 
the insert as an integral part of the barrel. It is preferred to use an 
adaptor 10 as described herewith. 
FIGS. 1 to 7 show the preferred adaptor 10 of the present invention. The 
adaptor 10 is configured to be used with a standard cartridge firing rifle 
action and a standard muzzle loading barrel 108 to allow the action 100 to 
be used as part of a black powder, muzzle loading gun 100. In the 
preferred embodiment, a muzzle loading barrel 108 is used with a modern 
action. In general, the turn in rifling of muzzle loading barrels is not 
as fast as in standard cartridge firing rifle barrels. The standard 
rifling for muzzle loading barrels is between 1 in 54 and 1 in 28. The 
slower turning in the rifling of muzzle loading barrels is necessary due 
to the fouling of the barrel caused by the igniting of the powder. In the 
preferred embodiment, the use of the primer in the cartridge casing allows 
for a quick and clean ignition of the powder thus reducing or even 
eliminating fouling of the barrel. Consequently, the rifling of the barrel 
in the preferred embodiment is faster then standard muzzle loading 
barrels. The muzzle loading barrel 108 of the preferred embodiment has a 
rifling of 1 in 20 for a 45 caliber gun and a 1 in 22 for a 50 caliber 
gun. The faster rifling allows for more accuracy in firing. 
In the preferred embodiment, approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) of the 
barrel 108 is cut off, opposite the end 108A mounted in the receiver 104. 
The removed barrel piece (not shown) of the barrel 108 can then be used to 
preform or pre-engrave the projectile 120 or bullet prior to loading. To 
preform the projectile 120, the projectile 120 is passed through the 
removed piece. The soft material, preferably lead, of the projectile 120 
enables the rifling in the bore of the barrel piece to become engraved on 
the outside of the projectile 120. Preferably the projectile 120 allows 
for easier insertion of the projectile 120 during loading. 
In the preferred embodiment, the adaptor 10 is mounted in the muzzle 
loading barrel 108 of the gun 100. Alternatively, a barrel from a standard 
cartridge firing rifle can be provided with the adaptor 10. However, it is 
understood that the adaptor 10 can be used in any type of gun which uses a 
standard cartridge including pistols, rifles and shotguns. For instance, 
the adaptor 10 can be mounted in the chamber of a revolver. 
In the preferred embodiment, the bolt action is similar to a standard bolt 
action used in modern rifles. The action includes a receiver or securer or 
frame 104 and a trigger 122. A barrel 108 of the gun 100 is mounted at one 
end 108A to the breech opening 104A of the receiver 104. In the preferred 
embodiment, the barrel 108 is sealably threaded into the end of the 
receiver 104. The receiver 104 could also be a frame such as with a pistol 
or some other means for securing the barrel 108 to the action in the gun 
100. The inner bore 108B of the barrel 108 is preferably provided with 
threads adjacent the end 108A which allows the adaptor 10 to be sealably 
mounted in the barrel 108. The receiver 104 includes a channel 104A in 
which the bolt 112 is mounted which serves to block or hold the cartridge 
casing 150 in position in the barrel 108. The bolt 112 has an extractor 
112A with a hook 112B at the breech end 112C for grasping the head 150B of 
the cartridge casing 150 and moving the cartridge casing 150 into position 
for firing and ejecting the cartridge casing 150 upon firing when the bolt 
112 is moved away from the barrel 108 of the gun 100. Preferably, the 
extractor 112A and face of the bolt 112 are modified from a conventional 
magazine feed so that the cartridge casing 150 can be inserted onto the 
face of the bolt 112 and held in place on the face of the bolt 112 by the 
extractor 112A. The bolt 112 includes a firing pin assembly 114. The bolt 
112 is also provided with camming locks 116 adjacent the breech end 112C 
which lock the bolt 112 and the cartridge casing 150 in place to enable 
the firing pin 114A to contact the primer 152 during firing. In the 
preferred embodiment, when using the action with a muzzle loading gun 100, 
a standard cartridge casing 150 having a wall 150A with a head 150B having 
a primer 152 is used to provide the primer 152 for firing the muzzle 
loading gun 100. The cartridge casing 150 does not contain loose powder. 
In the preferred embodiment, the cartridge casing 150 is a 45 ACP casing. 
FIG. 1 shows the adaptor 10 of the present invention mounted in the end 
108A of the barrel 108 adjacent the receiver 104 of a gun 100. The adaptor 
10 includes an insert 12 and a nipple 16. The insert 12 is preferably 
cylindrical in shape having an open first end 12A and an open second end 
12B with a sidewall 12C extending therebetween forming a center bore 14 
(see particularly FIG. 2) extending completely through the insert 12. In 
the preferred embodiment, the sidewall 12C of the insert 12 has threads on 
the outer surface adjacent the second end 12B of the insert 12. The outer 
diameter of the insert 12 is preferably slightly less than the diameter of 
the bore 108B of the barrel 108 of the gun 100 such that the insert 12 is 
easily inserted into the bore 108B of the barrel 108 of the gun 100. The 
threads of the insert 12 engage the threads of the bore 108B of the barrel 
108 such that the adaptor 10 is sealably mounted in the bore 108B of the 
barrel 108 (FIG. 6). In the preferred embodiment, the bore 108B of the 
barrel 108 adjacent the end 108A of the barrel 108 has a diameter of 0.625 
inch (1.59 cm). The outer diameter of the insert 12 in the preferred 
embodiment is slightly less than 0.625 inch (1.59 cm) unthreaded. The 
center bore 14 of the insert 12 preferably has three sections each having 
a different diameter (FIG. 1). The first section 14A is adjacent the first 
end 12A of the insert 12 and extends approximately half way into the 
insert 12. The inner sidewall of the first section 14A is preferably 
smooth. The inner diameter of the first section 14A of the center bore 14 
is preferably slightly larger than the outer diameter of the wall 150A of 
the cartridge casing 150 such that the cartridge casing 150 is easily 
inserted into the first section 14A of the center bore 14 (FIG. 6). The 
first section 14A of the center bore 14 of the insert 12 provides a 
chamber in the barrel 108 for mounting the cartridge casing 150. In the 
preferred embodiment, the first section 14A has a diameter of 0.458 inch 
(1.16 cm) to fit a 45 ACP cartridge casing 150. The length of the first 
section 14A of the center bore 14 is preferably slightly longer than the 
length of the wall 150A of the cartridge casing 150 such that when the 
cartridge casing 150 is inserted into the bore 108B, the head 150B of the 
cartridge casing 150 is adjacent the first end 12A of the insert 12 (FIG. 
1). In the preferred embodiment, the first section 14A has a length 
slightly shorter than the nipple 16. The nipple 16 establishes the head 
space. The second section 14B of the center bore 14 has a diameter smaller 
than the diameter of the first section 14A. The second section 14B is 
preferably provided with threads adjacent the first section 14A of the 
center bore 14. Alternatively, the second section 14B is completely 
threaded. The third section 14C of the center bore 14 extends from the 
second section 14B to the second end 12B of the insert 12. The third 
section 14C is preferably funnel shaped with the apex adjacent the second 
section 14B of the center bore 14. The first end 12A of the insert 12 is 
preferably provided with two notches 20 spaced 180.degree. C. apart around 
the circumference of the first end 12A (FIGS. 2 and 7). The notches 20 
allow for removal of the insert 12 using a screwdriver (not shown) or a 
special removal tool (not shown) when the insert 12 is threadably inserted 
into the barrel 108 of the gun 100. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the 
first end 312A of the insert 312 has a bolt shaped head 312B which allows 
for insertion and removal of the insert 312 using a socket wrench tool 
(not shown). The insert 12 preferably has a length of 1.5 inches (2.3 cm) 
and is constructed of stainless steel. 
The nipple 16 is configured to be mounted in the center bore 14 of the 
insert 12. The nipple 16 has a first end 16A and a second end 16B with a 
first section 16C and a second section 16D extending therebetween with a 
center bore 18 extending completely through the nipple 16. The first 
section 16C of the nipple 16 is cylindrical with an annular flange 16E at 
one end adjacent the second section 16D. Preferably, the diameter of the 
first section 16C is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the wall 
150A of the cartridge casing 150 such that the cartridge casing 150 is 
easily mounted over the nipple 16. The first section 16C at the first end 
of the nipple 16 has a rounded edge or radius which acts to guide or pilot 
the cartridge casing 150 over the first section 16C of the nipple 16. In 
the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the first section 14A is 
slightly less than 0.458 inch (1.16 cm). The diameter of the flange 16E of 
the first section 16C of the nipple 16 is preferably greater than the 
inner diameter of the wall 150A of the cartridge casing 150 such that the 
end of the wall 150A abuts the flange 16E and does not extend beyond the 
flange 16E when the cartridge casing 150 is fully inserted over the nipple 
16. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the flange 16E is 0.45 
inch (1.16 cm). The outer diameter of the first section 16C and the flange 
16E are both smaller than the diameter of the first section 14A of the 
center bore 14 of the insert 12 such that the nipple 16 is easily inserted 
into the center bore 14 of the insert 12. The second section 16B of the 
nipple 16 has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the second 
section 14B of the center bore 14 of the insert 12. The second section 16B 
of the nipple 16 is preferably provided with threads which are threadably 
mated with the threads of the second section 14B of the center bore 14 of 
the insert 12 when the nipple 16 is mounted in the insert 12. The center 
bore 18 of the nipple 16 preferably has essentially the same diameter 
along its length. In the preferred embodiment, the center bore 18 of the 
nipple 16 has a diameter of 0.125 inch (0.32 cm). The nipple 16 has a 
diameter which is preferably between 0.375 and 0.425 inch (0.95 to 1.07 
cm). The opening of the first end 16A of the nipple 16 is preferably 
provided with a six sided indentation 16F which allows the nipple 16 to be 
rotated using an allen wrench (not shown) for easily inserting or removing 
the nipple 16 from the insert 12 (FIG. 7). Alternatively, the first end 
416A of the nipple 416 is provided with a notch 416F which allows the 
nipple 416 to be removed or inserted into the insert 12 using a 
screwdriver (not shown) (FIG. 3). The nipple 216 could also be constructed 
as an integral part of the insert 212. The nipple 216 preferably has a 
length of about 2.5 inch (6.35 cm) and is constructed of stainless steel. 
In a second embodiment of the adaptor 210 shown in FIG. 5, the first 
section 216C of the nipple 216 has a constant diameter without the annular 
flange at one end. In this embodiment, the length of the first section 
216C of the nipple 216 is equal to the length of the wall 158A of the 
cartridge casing 158. Thus, when the cartridge casing 158 is fully 
inserted into the insert 212 around the nipple 216, the end of the wall 
158A opposite the head 158B is adjacent the second section 214B of the 
center bore 214 of the insert 212. This alternate embodiment is 
particularly useful for converting a cartridge rifle into a muzzle loading 
gun. It could also be originally manufactured as a muzzle loading rifle. 
IN USE 
To use the adaptor 10 to convert a standard cartridge firing rifle 100 into 
a black powder muzzle loading rifle, the adaptor 10 is first mounted into 
the end 108A of the barrel 108 of the gun 100 adjacent the receiver 104. 
Before mounting the adaptor 10, the bore 108B of the gun 100 adjacent the 
receiver 104 must be bore threaded to allow for threadably mounting the 
adaptor 10 in the barrel 108. In the preferred embodiment, before mounting 
the insert 12 in the barrel 108, the nipple 16 is mounted in the insert 
12. To mount the nipple 16 in the insert 12, the second section 16D of the 
nipple 16 is inserted into the center bore 14 of the insert 12 adjacent 
the first end 12A. The nipple 16 is inserted until the second end 16B 
encounters the smaller diameter, second section 14B of the center bore 14. 
The nipple 16 is then rotated such that the threads of the second section 
16D of the nipple 16 engage the threads of the second section 14B of the 
center bore 14 of the insert 12. Preferably, the nipple 16 is first 
initially hand inserted and rotated. However, as the nipple 16 extends 
into the center bore 14, preferably the user employs a tool such as an 
allen wrench (not shown) or a screwdriver (not shown), to securely mount 
the nipple 16 in the insert 12. Preferably, the nipple 16 is tightened 
such that the flange 16 of the first section 16C of the nipple 16 is 
adjacent the second section 14B of the center bore 14 of the insert 12. 
When correctly mounted, the second section 16D of the nipple 16 and the 
second section 14B of the center bore 14 of the insert 12 are sealingly 
engaged. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the nipple 16 is 
constructed as an integral part of the insert 12. In another alternate 
embodiment (not shown), the nipple 16 is permanently mounted in the center 
bore 18 of the 12 insert using any well known fastening means such as 
welding. Once the nipple 16 is in place, the adaptor 10 is then mounted in 
the barrel 108 of the gun 100. To mount the adaptor 10, the second end 12B 
of the insert 12 is inserted into the end 108A of the barrel 108. The 
insert 12 is easily inserted until the second end 12B of the insert 12 
encounters the threads in the bore 108B of the barrel 108. The insert 12 
is then rotated such that the threads on the sidewall 12C of the insert 12 
engage the threads in the bore 108B of the barrel 108 (FIG. 2). In the 
preferred embodiment, to rotate the insert 12, the user uses a 
screwdriver. Alternatively, the user uses a socket wrench which fits over 
the first end 12A of the insert 12 and allows for easier rotation of the 
insert 12 (FIG. 4). The insert 12 is preferably rotated into the barrel 
108 until all the threads of the insert 12 are engaged by the threads in 
the bore 108B of the barrel 108. When correctly mounted, the insert 12 and 
the barrel 108 are preferably sealingly engaged. In an alternate 
embodiment (not shown), the insert 12 is constructed as an integral part 
of the barrel 108 to form an improved muzzle loading gun. 
Once the adaptor 10 is mounted in the barrel 108 of the gun 100, the gun 
100 is ready to be used as a black powder muzzle loading gun. First, the 
black powder 118 is filled into the end of the barrel 108 opposite the end 
108A of the barrel 108 mounted in the receiver 104 such that the black 
powder 118 is in the third section 14C of the center bore 14 of the insert 
12 adjacent the second end 12B of the insert 12. In the preferred 
embodiment, between 75 and 100 grains is used for a 45 caliber cartridge 
casing. The black powder 118 is packed into the barrel 108 using a ramrod. 
Next, the projectile (ball) 120 is slid into the end of the barrel 108. 
The projectile is preferably either a ball, miniballs or a conical bullet. 
When a ball as the projectile 120 is used, a greased patch (not shown) is 
optionally (not preferred) inserted with the projectile 120 such that the 
patch is on top of the black powder 118 and the projectile 120 is on top 
of the patch. The greased patch assists in the insertion of the ball 120 
and also acts to ensure that the full force of the exploding black powder 
118 is transferred to the projectile 120 when the gun 100 is fired. The 
patch is particularly used with rifled barrels 108. 
Once the black powder 118 and the projectile 120 are positioned in the 
barrel 108, then the bolt 112 in the receiver 104 is pulled back to allow 
for loading of a cartridge casing 150. The cartridge casing 150 is 
preferably a standard cartridge casing 150 having only a wall 150A, a head 
150B and a primer 152. The cartridge casing 150 is loaded such that the 
hook 112B of the extractor 112A at the end of the bolt 112 grasps the head 
150B of the cartridge casing 150. Usually, the cartridge casing 150 is 
loaded through a slot in the top of the bolt 112. Next, the bolt 112 is 
moved forward toward the end 108A of the barrel 108 which moves the 
cartridge casing 150 forward. The bolt 112 is then rotated to lock the 
bolt 112 in place. When the bolt 112 is locked in place, the cartridge 
casing 150 is located in the adaptor 10 such that the wall 150A extends 
into the adaptor 10 between the nipple 16 and the first section 14A of the 
center bore 14 of the insert 12 (FIG. 1). The head 150B of the cartridge 
casing 150 is preferably in contact with the first end 16A of the nipple 
16 with the primer 152 positioned over the opening of the center bore 18 
of the nipple 16. The gun 100 is fired similarly to an ordinary gun; by 
pulling the trigger 122. When the trigger 122 is pulled, the firing pin 
mechanism 114 in the bolt 112 moves the firing pin 114A forward and into 
contact with the primer 152. The spark of the primer 152 travels down the 
center bore 18 of the nipple 16 and ignites the black powder 118. The 
explosion of the black powder 118 expels the projectile 120 from the 
barrel 108 of the gun 100. 
In the preferred embodiment, after the firing pin 114A contacts the primer 
152, the resulting ignition of the powder causes the wall 150A of the 
cartridge casing 150 to expand. As the wall 150A expands, the wall 150A 
makes contact with the center bore 14 of the insert 12. 
Consequently, as a result of firing the gun 100, the wall 150A of the 
cartridge casing 150 becomes friction fitted within the center bore 14 of 
the insert 12. The resulting close fit of the wall 150A prevents blow back 
of exploding powder outside the cartridge casing 150 which travels up 
through the center bore 18 of the nipple 16 to the cartridge casing 150. 
Thus, no black powder 118 enters the receiver 104 which prevents the 
receiver 104 from becoming dirty. Once the gun 100 has been fired, the 
bolt 112 is moved backwards which causes the cartridge 150 to be extracted 
from the adaptor 10 and ejected from the gun 100. In the preferred 
embodiment, the adaptor 10 is removed to allow for cleaning of the gun 100 
and to allow the gun 100 to be used as a standard rifle 100. 
It is intended that the foregoing description be only illustrative of the 
present invention and that the present invention be limited only by the 
hereinafter appended claims.