Pneumatic system and method for simulated firearm training

A training method and apparatus are disclosed. The training method may include converting a firearm capable of firing live ammunition to a pneumatic training device incapable of firing live ammunition. The training method may further include cycling a pneumatic training device through one or more cycles. Each of the cycles may simulate an actual firing of the firearm. Each of the cycles may also include triggering a trigger assembly of the pneumatic training device, using a charge of a pressurized gas to reset the trigger assembly, and advancing a counter of the pneumatic training device. After a certain number of cycles have been completed, a next cycle may be attempted, but not completed. Accordingly, the training method may enable a user to safely and realistically practice reloading, jam or malfunction clearing, or the like.

BACKGROUND

The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to firearms and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for converting a firearm to a pneumatic training device.

The Background Art

Live ammunition for firearms is relatively expensive. Moreover, training with live ammunition carries with it certain inherent dangers. Accordingly, what is need are training solutions that do not involve live ammunition, but still provide a high degree of realism.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a method and apparatus are disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a device for simulated firearm training. In certain embodiments, a training device in accordance with the present invention may comprise a firearm modified to support pneumatic actuation of one or more components thereof. This pneumatic actuation may simulate the actual firing of the firearm. Accordingly, a training device may be an effective and safe training tool.

In selected embodiments, a training device may include a magazine assembly and an actuator assembly. To convert a firearm into a training device in accordance with the present invention, a magazine assembly may be substitute in place of a conventional magazine. An actuator assembly may be substituted in place of a barrel, bolt, bolt carrier group, or some other portion of an action of a firearm.

Once a training device has been fully assembled, actuation of a trigger assembly may result in a pneumatic actuation of an action of the training device. In selected embodiments, this may be accomplished by the actuator assembly using compressed fluid contained within the magazine assembly. In certain embodiments, the actuation of a trigger assembly may also result in a popping sound as compressed fluid (e.g., gas) escapes from an actuator assembly. Thus, a training device may simulate the sounds, actuations, recoil, or the like associate with an actual firing of the corresponding firearm.

In selected embodiments, a magazine assembly may include a counter. A counter may count actuations or cycles of an action of a training device. Accordingly, after a certain number of actuations or cycles, a counter may stop, prevent, or block the completion of further actuations or cycles. In certain embodiments, this may simulate a “last shot hold open” and/or force a user to execute or practice a reload.

In certain embodiments, a counter may assist in simulating a firearm malfunction. For example, in certain embodiments, a counter may include a first system, a second system, or both a first system and a second system. A first system may simulate or provide a “last shot hold open” or otherwise force a reload. A second system may simulate or provide a jam or malfunction that requires a user to execute and practice a jam or malfunction clearing drill (e.g., a “tap and rack” drill).

In selected embodiments, an actuator assembly may emit a laser pulse during a simulated firing event. Moreover, an actuator assembly may be configured to emit a laser pulse only when properly triggered and not inadvertently when the training device is dropped, the action of the training device is racked, or the like. This may be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example, in selected embodiments, pressure of a propellant may prevent an inadvertent electrical contact (and an associated laser pulse) when a training device is charged with propellant and a mechanical biasing device may prevent an inadvertent electrical contact when a training device is not charged with propellant. Thus, at no time during operation of the training device is an inadvertent electrical contact possible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1, a training device10in accordance with the present invention may begin as, or be built from, a firearm. For example, in a reversible process, a firearm capable of firing live ammunition may be converted to become a training device10that is incapable of firing live ammunition.

In selected embodiments, a training device10in accordance with the present invention may comprise a firearm modified to support pneumatic actuation of one or more components thereof. For example, a training device10may support pneumatic actuation or manipulation of an action of the firearm. In selected embodiments, this pneumatic actuation may simulate the actual firing of the firearm. Accordingly, a training device10in accordance with the present invention may be an effective and safe training tool.

A training device10may include, or be built from, any suitable firearm. Suitable firearms may include handguns, rifles, or the like. For example, as shown, a training device10may be built from or comprise various components, assemblies, or sub-systems of an automatic pistol12, including a frame14, slide16or bolt16, and trigger assembly18. In such embodiments, the conventional magazine and barrel corresponding to the automatic pistol12may be removed and respectively replaced with a magazine assembly20and an actuator assembly22. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator assembly22is shaped and positioned to occupy the space previously occupied by the barrel. A magazine assembly20may be inserted and released or ejected in the same manner as the magazine it replaces.

Once a training device10has been fully assembled, actuation of a trigger assembly18may result in a pneumatic actuation of the slide16or bolt16. In selected embodiments, this may be accomplished by the actuator assembly22using compressed gas (e.g., compressed air, compressed carbon dioxide, some other compressed fluid, or the like) contained within the magazine assembly20. In certain embodiments, the actuation of a trigger assembly18may also result in a popping sound (e.g., as compress gas escapes from an actuator assembly22). Thus, a training device10may simulate the sounds, actuations, recoil, and the like associate with an actual firing of the corresponding firearm.

In selected embodiments, a training device10in accordance with the present invention may include a regulator. For example, a training device10may include an adjustable or non-adjustable regulator regulating a flow of gas. Thus, in certain embodiments, an actuator assembly22may use gas at one pressure to actuate a slide16, bolt16, or the like, while a magazine assembly20stores the gas, fluid, or the like at another, higher pressure. Such a regulator may be included as part of a magazine assembly20, an actuator assembly22, or some combination thereof.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, in selected embodiments, a magazine assembly20may include a counter24, frame26, interface28, container30, retainer32, or the like or a combination or sub-combination thereof. A counter24may count actuations of an action (e.g., cycles of a bolt16) of a training device10. Accordingly, after a certain number of actuations or cycles (e.g., a number corresponding to a conventional magazine associated with the corresponding firearm), a counter24may stop, prevent, or block the completion of further actuations or cycles. This may be done in any suitable manner. In selected embodiments, a counter24may include a bolt lock that locks a slide16or bolt16back after a particular number of actuations or cycles has been reached.

A frame26may provide a primary or base structure for a magazine assembly20. In selected embodiments, a frame26may include or define one or more apertures for containing or housing one or more containers30. An interface28may support or house various mechanisms or structures of a training device10. For example, in selected embodiments, an interface28may support or house a counter24. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, an interface28may support or house various conduits, valves, or the like that support the communication of compressed fluid (e.g., gas) from one or more containers30to an actuator assembly22.

A container30may contain a propellant used by an actuator assembly22. In selected embodiments, a container30may container a compressed fluid. For example, in selected embodiments, a container30may comprise a cartridge of compressed carbon dioxide (e.g., a 12 or 16 gram cartridge). A retainer32may secure a container30in place.

An actuator assembly22may include a base34, outer cylinder36and end cap38. An outer cylinder36and end cap38may contain many of the inner workings of an actuator assembly22. An outer cylinder36and end cap38may be connected in any suitable manner. In selected embodiments, an end cap38may thread into an inner cylinder40contained within an outer cylinder36. Alternatively, an end cap38may be pinned to an outer cylinder36to preclude rotation therebetween. A base34may include a stem42extending to access the propellant used by the actuator assembly22.

A training device10in accordance with the present invention may be assembled in any suitable manner. In selected embodiments, a training device10may be assembled quickly and easily (e.g., in the field) without the use of any tools. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the training device10may be assembled by: (1) obtaining the corresponding firearm; (2) removing the slide16from the frame14of the firearm; (3) removing a recoil spring and barrel from the slide16; (4) placing the recoil spring back into the slide16; (5) reattaching the slide16to the frame14; (6) pulling the slide16back against the biasing of the recoil spring to open the action of the firearm; (7) inserting the base34of the actuator assembly22into the action; (8) permitting the recoil spring to close the action and drive the base34into its proper location; (9) inserting the outer cylinder36, end cap38, and associated contents into the slide16through the aperture that previously surrounded the mussel of the convention barrel; (10) securing the outer cylinder36, end cap38, and their contents to the base34(e.g., threading an inner cylinder40contained within the outer cylinder36into the base34); and (11) fully seating the magazine assembly20within a magazine well within the frame14.

Referring toFIG. 4, in selected embodiments, a magazine assembly20may include a penetrator44for piercing a seal of a container30. A magazine assembly20may include various conduits46for conducting propellant received from a container30to a stem42of an actuator assembly22. A magazine assembly20may include a valve48for controller the flow of propellant from a container30(e.g., once a seal of a container30has been pierced). A magazine assembly20may also include various seals50.

For example, a magazine assembly20may include a container seal50afor sealing around a mouth of a container30, a valve seal50bfor engaging a traveler52of a valve48, and a stem seal50cfor engaging the stem42of an actuator assembly22. Thus, a magazine assembly20may provide a sealed and valved path through which propellant may travel to reach one or more apertures54or conduits54leading into an actuator assembly22.

A valve48within a magazine assembly20may be actuated in any suitable manner. In selected embodiments, a traveler52may be biased by an biasing mechanism (e.g., a coil spring) toward engagement with a valve seal52b. However, insertion of a stem42may unseat the traveler52and enable the flow of propellant from one or more containers30to an actuator assembly22. Accordingly, when a magazine assembly20is not fully seated, no propellant may escape. Conversely, when a magazine assembly20is fully seated and a stem42is present, propellant may be conducted into an actuator assembly22.

Referring toFIGS. 5-9, in selected embodiments, an actuator assembly22may include a base34, inner cylinder40, piston56, firing pin extension58, outer cylinder36, end cap38, reservoir60, and reservoir valve62. One or more seals50dmay seal a firing pin extension58with respect to a piston56. One or more seals50emay seal an inner cylinder40with respect to a base34. One or more seals50fmay seal an outer cylinder36with respect to a base34. One or more seals50gmay seal a piston56with respect to an inner cylinder40. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, propellant (e.g., compressed fluid) received from a magazine assembly20may be conducted through various apertures54or conduits54, through a gap64(e.g., a cylindrical gap) between the inner and outer cylinders40,36, and into a reservoir60. A reservoir valve62may then prevent the propellant from escaping from the reservoir60.

In selected embodiments, a reservoir valve62may include a traveler66, seal50h, and biasing member68(e.g., coil spring). A traveler66may be biased by a biasing mechanism68toward engagement with a seal50h. However, actuation by a firing pin extension58may unseat a traveler66and enable propellant to escape from the reservoir60and actuate the piston56.

In operation, before a trigger of a trigger assembly18is pulled, a magazine assembly20and actuator assembly22may be installed and a reservoir60may be charged with propellant. When the trigger is pulled, a firing pin of the training device10may strike a firing pin extension58causing it to move forward and open a reservoir valve62. In selected embodiments, a firing pin extension58may be formed of a relatively light material (e.g., aluminum) to improve the movements and/or reactions associated with an impact by the firing pin of the training device10.

With the reservoir valve62open, propellant may exist the reservoir60and act on a piston56causing it to extend. As the piston56extends, it may cycle the action of the training device10(e.g., urge a slide16or bolt16of a training device10backward, reset a trigger assembly18, or the like). In selected embodiments, extension of a piston56may continue until a bumper70on the piston56contacts an opposing surface of a base34. Further extension may thus be precluded.

At full extension, a gap between a piston56, an inner cylinder40, and a base34may enable propellant to escape the training device10. In selected embodiments, this escape of propellant may be sufficiently voluminous and sharp to generate a significant popping noise that may provide a reasonable simulation of the report of a corresponding firearm.

In selected embodiments, the extension of a piston56may fully cycle the action of the training device10. For example, the extension of a piston56may cause a slide16or bolt16to hit its stop. This impact may induce a motion of the training device10within the hands of a user that provides a reasonable simulation of the recoil of a corresponding firearm.

At some point, a recoil spring of a training device10may act to close the action of the training device10. In selected embodiments, this motion may actuate or advance a counter24and/or return a piston56to an unextended or contracted position. Meanwhile, a reservoir valve62may have closed and a new charge of propellant may have been introduced into the reservoir60. Accordingly, a subsequent pull of the trigger of a trigger assembly18may cause the process to repeat.

Referring toFIGS. 10-14, a counter24in accordance with the present invention may have any suitable arrangement. In selected embodiments, a counter24may be rotary. For example, in certain embodiments, a counter24may include a rocker72, toothed wheel74, driver76, latch78, and bolt lock80. Movement of an action (e.g., a slide16or bolt16) may actuate a rocker72. Due to its interaction with a toothed wheel74, the actuation of a rocker72may induce incremental rotation of the wheel74. This incremental motion may be selected to correspond to a particular “number of shots” to be supported by the magazine assembly20.

A driver76may be positioned on the wheel74. Through much of its motion, a driver76may leave a latch78undisturbed. However, once a desired amount of incremental rotations of the wheel74have been induced by a rocker72, a driver76may urge some motion of a latch78against a bias force. This motion of the latch78may release a bolt lock80. Once released, a bolt lock80may move as biased and extend to engage a cycling slide16, bolt16, or the like and prevent the training device10from returning to battery (e.g., prevent the action of the training device10from closing). Thus a counter24may simulate a “last shot hold open” feature commonly found on many firearms.

Referring toFIGS. 15-19, in selected embodiments, a counter24may be linear. For example, in certain embodiments, a counter24may include a ramp82, traveling toothed member84, biasing member85, stationary toothed member86, traveler88, and bolt lock80. Movement of an action (e.g., cycling of a slide16or bolt16) may actuate a ramp82up and down. Due to its connection with a ramp82, the downward actuation of a ramp82may incrementally ratchet a traveling tooth member84through a first one-way gate90aof the traveler88. A biasing member85may then urge the traveling toothed member84back up. Accordingly, the traveling toothed member84may incrementally ratchet a stationary toothed member86through a second one-way gate90bof the traveler88. Thus, with each cycle of a slide16or bolt16, a traveler88may climb one step up a stationary toothed member86. This incremental motion of a traveler88may continue until the travel88contacts a bolt lock80and urges it into engagement with a cycling slide16, bolt16, or some other portion of an action, thereby preventing or blocking the action of the training device10from closing or returning to battery.

To reset such a counter24, a user may engage an exposed portion92of the traveler88to compress a biasing member94thereof and remove the first and second one-way gates90a,90bfrom engagement with the traveling and stationary toothed members84,86. Once the first and second one-way gates90a,90bare disengaged, the traveler88may be reset (lowered) so that is can again ascend the stationary toothed member86.

In selected embodiments, some exterior portion of a magazine assembly20may include indexing marks93, notations93, or numbers93. An exposed portion92of a traveler88may be or comprise a pointer interacting with the indexing marks93, notations93, or numbers93. Accordingly, by visually inspecting a magazine assembly20, a user may be able to determine or select a number of cycles before a bolt lock80will be deployed. For example, a user may engage an exposed portion92of the traveler88to compress a biasing member94as discussed hereinabove, then lower the traveler88until an exposed portion92of the traveler88points to an indexing mark93, notation93, or number93corresponding to a desired number of cycles. Once the traveler88is released at that location, the magazine assembly20may be set to permit the desired number of cycles before further cycling is stopped.

Referring toFIGS. 20-26, in selected embodiments, a counter24in accordance with the present invention may assist in simulating a firearm malfunction. For example, in certain embodiments, a counter24may include a first system, a second system, or both a first system and a second system. As discussed hereinabove, a first system (e.g., a system comprising a rocker72, toothed wheel74, driver76, latch78, and slide lock80) may simulate or provide a “last shot hold open.” As discussed hereinbelow, a second system may simulate or provide a jam or firearm malfunction that requires a user to execute and practice a jam or malfunction clearing drill (e.g., a “tap and rack” drill).

A second system may be formed in any suitable manner. In selected embodiments, a second system may share one or more components with a first system. For example, in selected embodiments, first and second systems may share a rocker72. Additionally, first and second systems may share a toothed wheel74. Alternatively, a first system may include a first toothed wheel74a, while a second system includes a second toothed wheel74b. A second system may further include one or more drivers96, a latch98, and a magazine lock100.

Movement of an action (e.g., cycling of a slide16or bolt16) may actuate a rocker72. Due to the interaction between a rocker72, a first toothed wheel74a, and a corresponding rachet mechanism102aor one way gate102a, actuation of a rocker72may induce unidirectional, incremental rotation of the first wheel74a. This rotation may be used to control a “last shot hold open” feature of a magazine assembly20as discussed hereinabove. In a similar manner, interaction between a rocker72, second toothed wheel74b, and a corresponding rachet mechanism102bor one way gate102bmay induce unidirectional, incremental rotation of the second wheel74b. As discussed hereinbelow, this rotation may be used to control a simulated jam or malfunction.

In selected embodiments, a first wheel74amay be substantially identical to a second wheel74b. Alternatively, a first wheel74amay be different from a second wheel74b. For example, a first wheel74amay have a different number of teeth than a second wheel74a. Accordingly, actuation of a rocker72may induce one amount of rotation in a first wheel74aand a different amount of rotation in a second wheel74b.

In certain embodiments, one or more drivers96may be positioned on a second wheel74b. For certain stretches of relative motion therebetween, a driver96may leave a latch98undisturbed. However, once a desired amount of incremental rotation of the wheel74bhas been induced by a rocker72, a driver96may urge some motion of a latch98against a bias force. This motion of the latch98may release a magazine lock100.

In selected embodiments, release of a magazine lock100may change the size of an indentation104or recess104engaged by a magazine release. For example, release of a magazine lock100may result in a blocking element106that connects to or forms part of a magazine lock100moving upward, thereby enlarging an indentation104or recess104engaged by a magazine release.

At first glance, the upward bias of a magazine lock100and corresponding blocking element106may seem counter intuitive (particularly considering the oppositely oriented bias produced by a reset spring108). However, gas pressure within a stem42and the conduits54associated therewith may produce a significant force urging a magazine assembly20out of a magazine well of a training device10. A magazine release may resist this force by extending into the indentation104or recess104and abutting a blocking element106.

Accordingly, release of a magazine lock100may produce no relative motion between a magazine lock100, blocking element106, frame14, and magazine release. However, such a release may free the rest of a magazine assembly20to move as biased by the pressurized fluid. Thus, when a magazine lock100is released, a magazine assembly20may drop from a first position to a second position.

In selected embodiments, this drop may disengage a stem42from a magazine assembly20and de-gas or vent the actuator assembly22. Accordingly, while a magazine assembly20occupies the second position, an actuator assembly22may be unable to produce a simulated firing event. A user may pull the trigger of a trigger assembly18, but no simulated firing will occur.

In selected embodiments, to clear such a simulated jam or malfunction, a user may execute a “tap and rack” drill. A tap and rack drill may remedy a variety of common firearm jams or malfunctions and return a firearm (and corresponding training device10) to action. In a tap and rack drill, a user “taps” a magazine assembly20(a protruding portion of a magazine assembly20) to ensure that it is seated properly within a magazine well and then “racks” a slide16or bolt16.

In selected embodiments, by “tapping” a magazine assembly20occupying a second position, a user may cause a stem42to re-engage the magazine assembly20, overcome the opposing force caused by the pressurized fluid, and enable a magazine lock100to be reset. In certain embodiments, such a reset may be aided or assisted by a reset spring108.

Tapping may thus result in an actuator assembly22being recharged with pressurized gas. However, the training device10is not likely to be cocked (pulling the trigger and getting no “bang” was likely what alerted the user to a problem in the first place). Accordingly, before the training device10can be fired again, the slide16or bolt16must be “racked.” Thus, a counter24in accordance with the present invention may require a complete “tap and rack” before the training device10may be returned to action.

Referring toFIG. 28, in selected embodiments, an actuator assembly22in accordance with the present invention may emit a laser pulse during a simulated firing event. Moreover, in certain embodiments, an actuator assembly22may be configured to emit a laser pulse only when properly triggered and not inadvertently when the unit10,22is dropped, the slide16or bolt16is racked, or the like. This may be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example, in selected embodiments, it may be accomplished using a laser assembly comprising a laser emitter110and a selectively movable probe assembly112.

A laser emitter110may include one or more batteries114. In selected embodiments, a laser emitter110may emit a laser beam whenever a proper electrical circuit involving the batteries114is made. The duration of a laser beam may correspond to the duration of the electrical circuit. Thus, if the electrical circuit is maintained for a short period of time, a laser emitter110may effectively emit a laser pulse (as opposed to a steady beam).

In selected embodiments, a probe assembly112may include a probe116, probe sleeve118, first inner spring120, second inner spring122, probe seal124, and insulating disk126. A probe116may be electrically conductive. A probe sleeve118may form an electrically insulating cover for a probe116. A probe sleeve118may be substantially fixed with respect to a probe116and move therewith. In certain embodiments, a probe sleeve118may include a shoulder128against which a first inner spring120, a second inner spring122, or both the first inner spring120and the second inner spring122may act.

A first inner spring120may provide a mechanical and electrical interface between a traveler66and a probe116. A second inner spring122may bias a probe sleeve118and corresponding probe116toward a traveler66and away from contact with a laser emitter110. A probe seal124may prevent pressurized gas from escaping around a probe sleeve118as it extends out of a reservoir60toward a laser emitter110. An insulating disk126may prevent the formation of an unwanted electrical short between a probe116(e.g., a probe tip130) and a laser emitter110.

Preparatory to a laser firing event, a reservoir60may be charged with compressed gas. So pressurized, a traveler66may be firmly seated against a corresponding seal50h. Additionally, the differential in the pressures applied to the various surfaces of a probe116and probe sleeve118may overcome a biasing effect of a second inner spring122and firmly seat a probe116(e.g., a probe tip130) against a desired portion of a laser emitter110. With the traveler66and probe116so separated, no electrical circuit may be made.

During a firing event, a traveler66may be impacted by a firing pin extension58and move against the bias of a biasing member68forward into a reservoir60. At some point in this forward motion, the traveler66may contact a first inner spring120, which may be electrically connected in some manner to a probe116, thereby forming an electrical circuit. This electrical circuit may be used or interpreted by a laser emitter110as a triggering event or input. Accordingly, in response to the making of an electrical circuit, a laser emitter110may begin emitting a laser beam.

That is, a laser emitter110may have an internal microcontroller for making a laser pulse. This may enable a laser emitter110to emit high frequency “coded” laser pulses that are specific thereto so that a receiving device can identify individual training devices10. Thus, the completion of an electrical circuit may be used as an input to a microcontroller to initiate a laser cycle.

Eventually, the biasing force of a biasing member68may stop the forward motion of the traveler66and the traveler66may begin moving back toward the seal50hcorresponding thereto. At some point in this rearward motion, the traveler66may break contact with the first inner spring120, thereby breaking the electrical circuit.

In selected embodiments, a laser emitter110may be grounded to a barrel tip38. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, when an electrical circuit is made it may extend from a “first terminal” of a laser emitter110, through a barrel tip38, biasing member68, traveler66, first inner spring120, and probe116, to a “second terminal” of the laser emitter110.

Pressurized gas within a charged reservoir60may separate a traveler66and a first inner spring120. Thus, no electrical circuit may be made and no laser pulse emitted. Conversely, when a reservoir60is not pressurized, a second inner spring122may bias a probe116out of contact with a laser emitter110. Accordingly, even if a traveler66where to inadvertently contact a first inner spring120, no electrical circuit may be made and no laser pulse emitted. Thus, only in a proper triggering event can an electrical circuit be made and a laser pulse emitted.

Referring toFIGS. 28-30, magazine and actuator assemblies20,22in accordance with the present invention may have any suitable configurations. They may also be positioned or substituted within a firearm in any suitable locations. While the illustrations discussed above show magazine and actuator assemblies20,22sized and shaped for substitution into an automatic pistol12in place of a magazine and barrel thereof, other sizes and shapes are contemplated.

For example, in selected embodiments, a training device10may be built from or comprise various components, assemblies, or sub-systems of a rifle132(e.g., an AR-15 type rifle or variants thereof), including a frame14(e.g., upper and lower receivers), trigger assembly18, and the like. In such embodiments, a magazine assembly20may replace a conventional magazine. Rather than replacing a barrel like in certain other embodiments, however, an actuator assembly22may replace a bolt16, bolt carrier group, some other portion of an action, or the like.

In certain embodiments, a magazine assembly20adapted for use in a rifle-based training device10may store more propellant than a magazine assembly20adapted for use in pistol-based training device10. More propellant may be required to cycle a rifle-based training device10. Additionally, more propellant may enable a training device10to complete more cycles (e.g., 30 cycles simulating a 30 round magazine). Accordingly, a magazine assembly20may include a larger container30or multiple containers30.

While the sizes, shapes, weights, and the like of a counter24of a magazine assembly20adapted for use in a rifle-based training device10may different (e.g., larger, stronger, heavier, or the like) than those of a counter24for a magazine assembly20adapted for use in pistol-based training device10, the functionality may be similar. For example, as in other embodiments, a counter24may include a rocker72, toothed wheel74, driver76, latch78(not shown), and bolt lock80.

Movement (e.g., cycling) produced by an actuator assembly22may actuate a rocker72. Due to the interaction between a rocker72, a toothed wheel74, and a corresponding rachet mechanism102or one way gate102, actuation of a rocker72may induce unidirectional, incremental rotation of the wheel74. This rotation may be used to control a “last shot hold open” feature of a magazine assembly20as discussed hereinabove. However, rather than extending to stop or block a slide16or bolt16, a bolt lock80may extend to stop or block a portion of an actuator assembly20, which may have taken the place of a bolt16or bolt carrier group. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, rotation of a wheel74may be used to control a simulated jam or malfunction as discussed hereinabove. Accordingly, as in other embodiments, a counter24adapted for use in a rifle-based training device10may include a first system, a second system, or both a first system and a second system.

In selected embodiments, an actuator assembly22adapted for use in a rifle-based training device10may include a base34, a cylinder134(e.g., a structure performing functionality that may be associated with one or both of an inner cylinder40and an outer cylinder36), piston56, firing pin extension58, reservoir60, and reservoir valve62. One or more seals50dmay seal a firing pin extension58with respect to a piston56. One or more seals50emay seal an cylinder134with respect to a base34. One or more seal50gmay seal a piston56with respect to a cylinder134.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, propellant (e.g., compressed fluid) received from a magazine assembly20may be conducted through various apertures54or conduits54, through a regulator136and into a reservoir60. A reservoir valve62may then prevent the propellant from escaping from the reservoir60.

In operation, before a trigger of a trigger assembly18is pulled, a magazine assembly20and actuator assembly22may be installed and a reservoir60may be charged with propellant. When the trigger is pulled, a firing pin of the training device10may strike a firing pin extension58causing it to move forward and open a reservoir valve62. With the reservoir valve62open, propellant may exist the reservoir60and act on a piston56causing it to extend (e.g., move rearward within the training device10).

As the piston56extends, it may cycle the action of the training device10(e.g., reset a trigger assembly18). In selected embodiments, extension or movement of a piston56may continue even after a piston56has exited a cylinder134. For example, in certain embodiments, a piston56may continue rearward under its own inertia until it is stopped and returned to battery by a recoil spring (e.g., a buffer tube or one or more biasing members contained therewithin).

At full extension, a gap between a piston56and cylinder134may enable propellant to escape the training device10. In selected embodiments, this escape of propellant may be sufficiently voluminous and sharp to generate a significant popping noise that may provide a reasonable simulations of the report of a corresponding firearm.

At some point, a recoil spring of a training device10may act to close the action of the training device10. In selected embodiments, this motion may actuate or advance a counter24and/or return a piston56to an unextended or contracted position. A buffer137(e.g., a buffer137forming part of a cylinder134) may define and cushion a contact or stopping point as a piston56returns to battery. Meanwhile, a reservoir valve62may have closed and a new charge of propellant may have been introduced into the reservoir60. Accordingly, a subsequent pull of the trigger of trigger assembly18may cause the process to repeat.

In certain embodiments, an actuator assembly22may include an adjustable regulator136regulating a flow of gas. Such a regulator136may have any suitable configuration. For example, in selected embodiments, a regulator136may include a reservoir valve138and a biased piston140. A face of a biased piston140may form one wall of a chamber142. Such a chamber142may be in fluid communication with a reservoir60(e.g., via one or more axial apertures extending through a base134that are not shown in the cross-section views ofFIGS. 28-30). Accordingly, a pressure in a chamber142may be the same as a pressure within a reservoir60. Additionally, in selected embodiments, a chamber142may be considered to be part of (e.g., contribute to the volumetric capacity of) a reservoir60.

When a pressure within a chamber142is too low compared to a biasing force applied to a biased piston140by a biasing member144and adjuster146, then a biased piston140may move as biased to open a reservoir valve138. With a reservoir valve138open, compressed fluid may flow through one or more conduits54or apertures54of a stem42, through the reservoir valve138, and into a chamber142. This may increase the pressure within the chamber142.

When the pressure within a chamber142is sufficiently high to overcome a bias applied to a biased piston140, the biased piston140may move away from a reservoir valve138, enabling the reservoir valve138to close. In this manner, the pressure of a compressed fluid within a reservoir60may be regulated. Moreover, by changing the position of an adjuster146, a user or technician may tune an actuator assembly22to function properly within the particular frictional loads and the like associated with the corresponding training device10.

In addition to one or more subsystems or components discussed hereinabove, an actuator assembly22may have other components or structures for adapting the actuator assembly22to a particular firearm. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, an actuator assembly22may include a charging guide148and an alignment plate150. These structures may address issues associated with AR-15 type rifles. A charging guide148may move with a piston56and provide a location for a charging handle to engage and manipulate (e.g., pull back or rack) a piston56. An alignment plate150, on the other hand, may hold an actuator assembly22in its proper location, even when a lower receiver is separated from an upper receiver. Thus, magazine and actuator assemblies20,22in accordance with the present invention may be adapted to a wide variety of firearms.