Abstract:
An improvised guide rod assembly for semiautomatic firearms is provided for adjusting the tensile force on a spring internal to the firearm. The assembly included a guide member distending distally from the firearm&#39;s forward components, creates a tension in the mechanical workings of the firearm during discharge, and enhances accuracy, bullet velocity, and defensive functionality. A guide rod positions inside a firearm guide channel, protruding outside the firearm from a distal end. The guide member passes through a similarly sized and dimensioned spring. Tension on the spring transfers to an adjacent firearm slide member, whereby during discharge of the firearm, the slide member meets resistance while in motion. Using the adjustable guide rod to realize spring resistance increases, the velocity of a bullet is improved as is control of the firearm after recoil. The guide rod also serves as a close proximity weapon.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to guide rods for semiautomatic firearms, and more particularly relates to improvised guide rods for enhancing control, protective functionality, and the aiming functions of a firearm. 
       BACKGROUND 
     Description of the Related Art 
       [0002]    The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
         [0003]    The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
         [0004]    Most modern firearms have rifled barrels to impart spin to the projectile for improved flight stability. Semiautomatic and selective fire firearms automatically cycle spent cartridges from the action of the weapon and re-chamber a fresh load from a magazine or feed until the magazine or feed is depleted. Semiautomatic firearms may incorporate closed-bolt firing mechanisms, open-bolt firing mechanisms, or other mechanisms known to those of skill in the art. In short, semiautomatic firearms automatically perform all the steps necessary to prepare the firearm for refiring after each shot, including ejecting spent casings, cocking the firing mechanism, and loading a new round into the firing chamber. 
         [0005]    Semiautomatic handguns are often designed for use in close-quarter combat or last-resort weapon in circumstances for which bayonets of earlier centuries were designed. 
         [0006]    Typically, semiautomatic firing mechanisms include a spring used to store mechanical energy, often in a helix coil. These springs are typically incorporated into firearm designs and disposed under the barrel, and are usually fashioned from steel. Small springs can be wound from pre-hardened stock, while larger springs are made from annealed steel and hardened after fabrication. A spring stores a force, called a spring constant, which can impart tension on an adjacently joined object, such as a slide overlaying the barrel of a firearm, which slide ejects and reloads rounds as it cycles back and forth with the recoil from discharged cartridges in accordance with the art. 
         [0007]    Typically, the amount of tension preloaded onto a spring within semiautomatic firing mechanisms is static and not mutable by the firearm operator. Over time, the spring may fatigue reducing preloaded tension. Increased tension on the spring reduces the force with which the action slides rearward in response to recoil as well as the impact of the sliding member against a proximal end of the guide channel. Under-loaded springs may contribute to muzzle flip between rounds, reducing control and accuracy of the weapon when rapidly fired. Under-loaded springs may also cause an unnecessary reduction in the velocity of fired rounds expelled from the barrel at intended targets. Over-loaded springs may contribute to jamming of the weapon, misfiring, and failure to reload replacement cartridges from a magazine or feed. Firearm operators often chose to cycle “hotter” or “cooler” rounds through their weapons, which are rounds having more and less gun powder, thus changing the recoil force on the sliding member. Firearm operators must often switch out the spring in the firing mechanism to accommodate these changes in ammunition as there exist no means in the art of adjusting or optimizing spring tension. 
         [0008]    In view of the foregoing, it should be clear that there is a need in the industry for an apparatus and means of adjusting the tension of the spring in typical semiautomatic firing mechanisms. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus for adjusting the tension on the spring. Beneficially, such an apparatus would provide a plurality of features and components efficacious for helping to control the firearm by extending a guide member from the firearm, creating a tension in the mechanical workings of the firearm during discharge, and enhancing the grip on the firearm. These features create a synergy that is efficacious for enhanced manipulation and discharge of the firearm. 
         [0010]    The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available apparatus. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a guide rod assembly that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
         [0011]    The guide rod assembly includes a plurality of components designed to functionally execute the necessary steps of manipulating and discharging the firearm with greater control and accuracy. These modules in the described embodiments include a plurality of components and features designed to enhance the present components of the firearm, as well as provide additional components to work in conjunction with the firearm. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an elongate guide member that at least partially protrudes from the firearm. The guide member includes a pointed tip operable to engage an object. In this manner, the firearm can be utilized as a weapon without necessitating discharge of the firearm. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that in a proximal confrontation, the firearm may not be operable to discharge due to restrictive movement of a firearm slide member. The protruding guide member provides sufficient force whereby space may be created for discharging the firearm. In some embodiments, the guide member adjustably extends and retracts to achieve a desired length. In yet another embodiment, a tip member attaches to the end of the guide member. For example, without limitation, a small bayonet to enhance the effectiveness of the guide member. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus generates tensions on the firearm for helping control discharge of the firearm. The guide member passes through a spring that is disposed in a lateral-restraining relationship with the guide member. The spring comprises sufficient rigidity and elasticity to generate a spring constant. The spring constant creates a tension that transfers to an adjacently engaged firearm slide member. The tension helps minimize lateral movement of the firearm slide member, thereby increasing resistance against movement by the firearm slide member. In this manner, the firearm slide member is at least partially restricted from traversing the full longitudinal span of the firearm, and the velocity of the firearm slide member during discharge is reduced. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that restricting movement of the firearm slide member helps reduce recoil during discharge. The reduction in recoil may enhance accuracy while aiming. 
         [0013]    The movement restrictions on the firearm slide member may also help increase the velocity of the projectile, as the tension in the slide member serves to amplify the ejection of the projectile from a firearm projectile chamber. In some embodiments, the spring constant adjusts by rotatably engaging the guide member with the spring. The spring constant may be adjustable by changing the material of the spring and by changing the pitch of the helix for the spring. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a grip portion that positions on the firearm slide member. The grip portion enhances the grip of a hand while manipulating the firearm slide member. In some embodiments, the grip portion may include a strip of grip tape or a ridged surface that embeds into the hand for providing an enhanced grip. In this manner, the hand can securely grasp and pull back on the firearm slide member for manipulating the firearm, including, without limitation, recocking, cleaning, and reloading the firearm. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that utilizing the firearm may be stressful to a user, whereby excessive sweat may be generated. Also, external elements such as rain may coat the firearm. These factors may cause the hand to slip from engagement with the firearm slide member. The grip portion positioning on the firearm slide member helps the hand enhance the manipulation of the firearm slide member, even under the wet conditions. 
         [0015]    In operation, an elongate guide member is oriented with a proximal end pointed towards a rear end of the firearm, and a distal end pointed towards a front end of the firearm. The proximal end includes a flange. The flange is configured to abut against a guide channel proximal end. The distal end includes a threaded end configured to protrude from a guide channel distal end and threadably engage a tip member. A spring comprises a central channel configured to allow the guide member to pass through. The spring may either slide freely along a longitudinal axis of the guide member, or lock into a set position along the longitudinal axis of the guide member. The position of the spring in relation to the guide member is rotatably adjusted. The spring comprises a spring constant that creates tension upon compression or extension of the spring. Due to the adjacent positioning of the spring in relation to the firearm slide member, the tension transfers to the firearm slide member to create resistance against the sliding movement. The spring constant is adjusted by rotating the spring in relation to the guide member, utilizing different material construct, or a forming a wider or narrower helix along the spring. 
         [0016]    The configuration of the firearm provides housing for the guide apparatus. In one embodiment comprising a semi-automatic firearm, the firearm guide channel positions adjacent to a firearm projectile chamber and a firearm slide member. The firearm slide member slides to a forward position of the firearm, thereby exposing the firearm guide channel. In this manner, the guide apparatus may at least partially position inside the firearm guide channel. A grip portion is grasped while sliding the firearm slide member. The guide apparatus is disposed to position inside the firearm guide channel with a distal end extending from an aperture in the guide channel distal end, and a proximal end abutting against a guide channel proximal end. The proximal end comprises a flange that provides a secure engagement with the guide channel proximal end. From within the firearm guide channel, the spring engages and potentially transfers tension to the firearm slide member. 
         [0017]    The firearm slide member is then pulled back towards the rear of the firearm in preparation for discharge. During discharge of the firearm, the firearm slide member meets resistance from the spring, and thereby exhibits less lateral movement in relation to the firearm. The restricted lateral movement serves to amplify the velocity of the projectile, and also minimize recoil by the firearm. These functions improve accuracy during aiming and discharge. 
         [0018]    The distal end of the guide member protrudes from the firearm to provide a rigid extension. The distal end may also join with a tip member, thereby potentially providing an additional weapon to the firearm. For example, without limitation, while in close confrontational engagement, a user can stab an adversary with the distal end to create sufficient space to accurately discharge the firearm, or escape without necessitating the discharge of the firearm. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes: an elongate guide member, the guide member being disposed to at least partially pass through a firearm guide channel, the firearm guide channel being disposed to position adjacent to a firearm projectile chamber and a firearm slide member, the guide member comprising a proximal end, the proximal end for abutting against a guide channel proximal end, the guide member further comprising a distal end, the distal end being disposed to at least partially protrude from a guide channel distal end, the distal end being configured to receive a tip member; wherein the distal end is operable to engage an object; 
         [0020]    a spring, the spring comprising a central channel with a portion of the guide member passing through, the spring disposed in a lateral-restraining relationship with the guide member, the spring further comprising a spring constant, the spring being operable to rotatably engage the guide member for adjusting the spring constant, the spring constant being operable to transfer a tension to the slide member, the tension being operable to help minimize lateral movement of the firearm slide member; 
         [0021]    whereby a velocity of a projectile discharged from the firearm projectile chamber is at least partially increased; 
         [0022]    whereby a recoil of the firearm during discharge of the projectile is at least partially minimized; and 
         [0023]    a grip portion, the grip portion being disposed to position on the firearm slide member, the grip portion being configured to be operable to enhance the grip of a hand while manipulating the firearm slide member. 
         [0024]    Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0025]    Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
         [0026]    These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a detailed perspective view illustrating an exemplary guide apparatus, where an exemplary guide member is disengaged from an exemplary spring, in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a detailed perspective view illustrating an exemplary guide apparatus, where an exemplary guide member is engaged with an exemplary spring, in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a detailed perspective view illustrating an exemplary guide apparatus positioned inside an exemplary firearm, in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view illustrating an exemplary guide apparatus positioned outside an exemplary firearm, and an exemplary firearm slide member extended for loading the guide member, in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5A  is a sectioned view, the section taken along section  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 , illustrating an exemplary firearm with an exemplary guide apparatus applying a forward tension on an exemplary firearm slide member, in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5B  is a sectioned view of three interchangeable tips in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a detailed perspective view illustrating an exemplary firearm with an exemplary guide apparatus applying a forward tension on an exemplary firearm slide member, in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7A  is a detailed perspective view illustrating an exemplary spring being rotatably adjusted prior to positioning inside an exemplary firearm, in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 7B  is a detailed perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a guide member assembly  750 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a detailed perspective view illustrating an exemplary guide member positioned inside an exemplary firearm with an exemplary firearm slide member extended, in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a detailed perspective view illustrating an exemplary guide member positioned inside an exemplary firearm with an exemplary firearm slide member extended, in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is a detailed perspective view illustrating an exemplary guide member engaged with an exemplary object, in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0041]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0042]    The depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  are detailed perspective views illustrating an exemplary guide apparatus  100  and an exemplary firearm  300 , where an exemplary guide member  102  is disengaged and engaged from an exemplary spring  110 , in accordance with the present invention. In the present invention, a guide apparatus  100  includes an elongated guide member  102  that at least partially protrudes from a firearm  300  forward of the distal end of the barrel or projection chamber  308 . Suitable materials for the guide member  102  may include, without limitations, polymers, high density polymers, polyvinyl chloride, steel, aluminum, iron, titanium, wood, and alloys. In some embodiments, the guide member  102  is disposed to position in a firearm guide channel  302 . The firearm guide channel  302  positions adjacent to a firearm projectile chamber  308  and a firearm slide member  310 . In one embodiment, the firearm guide channel  302  positions beneath, and adjacent to a firearm slide member  310 . The guide member  102  includes a distal end  104  that extends from the firearm  300  through a guide channel distal end  304 . The distal end  104  may include a threaded rod. The distal end  104  is operable to engage an object  1000 . In this manner, the firearm  300  can be utilized as a weapon without necessitating discharge of the firearm  300 . Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that in a proximal confrontation, the firearm  300  may not be operable to discharge due to restrictive movement of a firearm slide member. The protruding guide member  102  provides sufficient force whereby space may be created for discharging the firearm  300 . In some embodiments, the guide member  102  adjustably extends and retracts to achieve a desired length. In yet another embodiment, a tip member, such as a bayonetted device, may attach to the distal end  104  of the guide member  102 . 
         [0044]    The spring  110  may be captured or uncaptured on the guide member  102 . 
         [0045]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus  100  comprises a proximal end  106  that orients towards a rearward end of the firearm  300 . The proximal end  106  includes a flange  108  (or annularity) that abuts against a guide channel proximal end  306  to form a lateral base. However, in one alternative embodiment, the proximal end  106  may join with the guide channel proximal end  306  through other mechanisms, including, without limitation, welding, drilling, and forming an integral unit with the firearm guide channel  302 . It other embodiments, the proximal end  106  is detachably affixed in place. In this manner, during discharge, the firearm guide channel  302  retains a stationary position in relation to the firearm slide member  310 . Further, the firearm guide channel  302  moves in a generally opposite direction of the firearm slide member  310  during discharge, thereby serving to transfer tension from the guide apparatus  100  to the firearm slide member  310 . 
         [0046]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide member  102  comprises a spring  110  that joins with the guide member  102 . The spring  110  is operable to store mechanical energy and release the energy as a tension that forms a resistance against the firearm slide member  310 . The guide member  102  passes through a central channel  112  of the spring  110 . The spring  110  is disposed in a lateral-restraining relationship with the guide member  102 . In some embodiments, the central channel  112  may form a snug fit with the guide member  102 . However, in other embodiments, the central channel  112  may loosely encapsulate the guide member  102 . The spring  110  comprises sufficient rigidity and elasticity to generate a spring constant  502 . The spring constant  502  creates a tension that transfers to the firearm slide member  310 . The tension helps minimize lateral movement of the firearm slide member  310 , thereby increasing resistance against movement by the firearm slide member  310 . For example, without limitation, the firearm slide member  310  is at least partially restricted from traversing the full longitudinal span of the firearm  300 , and the velocity of the firearm slide member  310  during discharge is reduced. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that restricting movement of the firearm slide member  310  helps reduce recoil during discharge. The reduction in recoil enhances accuracy while aiming. The movement restrictions on the firearm slide member  310  also help increase the velocity of the projectile, as the tension in the firearm slide member  310  serves to amplify the ejection of the projectile from a firearm projectile chamber  308 . In some embodiments, the spring constant  502  adjusts by rotatably engaging the guide member  102  with the spring  110 . The spring constant  502  may be adjustable by changing the material of the spring  110  and by changing the pitch of the helix of the spring  110 . 
         [0047]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus  100  includes a grip portion  312  that positions on the firearm slide member  310 . The grip portion  312  enhances the grip of a hand while manipulating the firearm slide member  310 . However, in other embodiments, the grip portion  312  may also position on the barrel of a rifle or the handle of a pistol, whereby control of the firearm  300  is further enhanced. In some embodiments, the grip portion  312  may include a strip of grip tape or a ridged surface that embeds into the hand for providing an enhanced grip. Other forms that the grip portion  312  may take may include, without limitation, an adhesive, a strap, and a plurality of spikes. In this manner, the hand can securely grasp and pull back on the firearm slide member  310  for manipulating the firearm  300 , including, without limitation, recocking, cleaning, and reloading the firearm. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the firearm  300  may require cleaning and maintenance with oils and lubricants. These compositions may cause the hand to slip from engagement with the firearm slide member  310 . The grip portion  312  positioning on the firearm slide member  310  helps the hand enhance the manipulation of the firearm slide member  310 , even under the wet or oily conditions. 
         [0048]      FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view illustrating an exemplary guide apparatus  100  positioned outside an exemplary firearm  300 , and an exemplary firearm slide member  310  extended for loading the guide member  102 , in accordance with the present invention. In the present invention, the apparatus  100  is efficacious in guiding the firearm  300  during discharge. The guide member  102  and the grip portion  312  may work in conjunction to further enhance control of the firearm  300 . In one alternative embodiment, a laser light may emit from the guide channel distal end  304  for enhancing visual aiming of the firearm  300 . Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the resistance that opposes the firearm slide member  310  during discharge may be increased by increasing the length or the stiffness of the spring  110 . This is expressed in Hooke&#39;s law: F=kX, where F is the force needed to extend or compress a theoretical string; k is a stiffness constant, and X is the distance the theoretical spring extends or compresses. 
         [0049]    In various embodiments of the present invention, the length of the guide member  102  (i.e. guide rod  102 ) is adjustable. In various embodiments, the guide rod  102  is telescopic, comprising a cylindrical member within an outer sleeve. In various embodiments, the cylindrical member is threaded into the outer sleeve and extended and retracts by axially rotating the cylindrical member. In the shown embodiment, the cylindrical member comprises the distal end  104  and distends forward of the firearm. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5A  is a sectioned view, the section taken along section  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 , illustrating an exemplary firearm  300  with an exemplary guide apparatus  100  applying a forward tension on an exemplary firearm slide member  310 , in accordance with the present invention. In the present invention, the guide member  102  may be integrally fabricated into the firearm guide channel  302 . However, in another embodiment, the guide member  102  may be an interchangeable from the firearm  300 . The guide member  102  may be utilized for a variety of firearms, including, without limitation, automatics, semi-automatics, rifles, pistols, and shotguns. The length and diameter of the guide member  102  is adjustable. 
         [0051]    A tip  502  comprises one or blades and/or conical, sharpened point may be threaded or otherwise detachably affixed to the distal end  104 . In alternative embodiments, a flashlight, laser, and/or counterweight may be affixed to the distal end  104 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 5B  is a sectioned view of three interchangeable tips  552 ,  554 ,  556  in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0053]    The tip  502  is interchangeable at the distal end  104  of the guide member  102 . The tip  502  may comprise, in various embodiments, a blade or arrowhead  552 , a pointed- on conical-shaped pint  554 , or a blunted tip  556  which may serve as a dial which may have texture, depressions or protrusions for improving grip. 
         [0054]      FIG. 6  is a detailed perspective view illustrating an exemplary firearm  300  with an exemplary guide apparatus  100  applying a forward tension on an exemplary firearm slide member  310 , in accordance with the present invention. In the present invention, the distal end  104  and/or tip  502  may serve as a counterbalance against the recoil. In this manner, a firearm muzzle may be more easily oriented in a downward direction for further enhancing control and guidance. In yet another embodiment, the distal end  104  may join with a tip member  502  having a line site on it for aiming. The tip member line site may extend beyond a line site that is integrated on the barrel of the firearm  300 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that extending the aiming site away from the firearm  300  enhances aiming accuracy. 
         [0055]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide apparatus  100  is designed to help control a firearm  300  through a guide member  102  that extends from the firearm  300  and a spring  110  created tensions that helps minimize lateral movement of the firearm slide member  310  during discharge. A grip portion  312  also allows for enhanced grip on the firearm slide member  310  during manipulation. Details of the installation and use of the guide apparatus  100  are illustrated in  FIGS. 7 through 10 . In operation, an elongate guide member  102  is oriented with a proximal end  106  pointed towards a rear end of the firearm  300 , and a distal end  104  pointed towards a front end of the firearm  300 . 
         [0056]    The proximal end  106  includes a flange  108 . The flange  108  is configured to abut against a guide channel proximal end  306  of the firearm guide channel  302 . The distal end  104  includes a threaded end configured to protrude from a guide channel distal end  304  and threadably engage a tip member. A spring  110  comprises a central channel  112  configured to allow the guide member  102  to pass through. The spring  110  may either slide freely along a longitudinal axis of the guide member  102 , or lock into a set position along the longitudinal axis of the guide member  102 . The position of the spring  110  in relation to the guide member  102  is rotatably adjusted. The spring  110  comprises a spring constant  502  that creates tension upon compression or extension of the spring  110 . Due to the position of the spring  110  in relation to the firearm slide member  310 , the tension transfers to the firearm slide member  310  to create resistance against the sliding movement. The spring constant  502  is adjusted by rotating the spring  110  in relation to the guide member  102 , utilizing different material construct, or a forming a wider or narrower helix along the spring  110 . 
         [0057]    The configuration of the firearm  300  provides housing for the guide apparatus  100 . In one embodiment comprising a semi-automatic firearm, the firearm guide channel  302  positions adjacent to a firearm projectile chamber  308  and a firearm slide member  310 . The firearm slide member  310  slides to a forward position of the firearm  300 , thereby exposing the firearm guide channel  302 . A grip portion  312  is grasped while sliding the firearm slide member  310 . In this manner, the guide apparatus  100  may at least partially position inside the firearm guide channel  302 . The guide apparatus  100  is disposed to position inside the firearm guide channel  302  with a distal end  104  extending from an aperture in the guide channel distal end  304 , and a proximal end  106  abutting against a guide channel proximal end  306 . The proximal end  106  comprises a flange  108  that provides a secure engagement with the guide channel proximal end  306 . From within the firearm guide channel  302 , the spring  110  engages and potentially transfers tension to the firearm slide member  310 . 
         [0058]    The firearm slide member  310  is then pulled back towards the rear of the firearm  300  in preparation for discharge. During discharge of the firearm  300 , the firearm slide member  310  meets resistance from the spring  110 , and thereby exhibits less lateral movement in relation to the firearm  300 . The restricted lateral movement serves to amplify the velocity of the projectile, and also minimize recoil by the firearm  300 . These functions improve accuracy during aiming and discharge. In some embodiments, the distal end  104  of the guide member  102  protrudes from the firearm  300  to provide a rigid extension. The distal end  104  may also join with a tip member, thereby potentially providing an additional weapon to the firearm  300 . In this manner, the guide member  102  may be utilized as a counterbalance to the discharge and a weapon or tool to stab an object  1000 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 7B  is a detailed perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a guide member assembly  750 . 
         [0060]    In the shown embodiment, the guide member  102  is hollow, defining a cylindrical interior recess which is threaded interiorly (either clockwise or counterclockwise). The adjuster  652  comprises a disc member similar to the flange  108  which is permanently affixed to a solid, threaded adjustable tube  664 . The adjustable tube is threaded into the guide member  102 , which guide member  102  acts as a sleeve. In alternative embodiments, the adjustable tube  654  is threaded over the guide member  102 , in which embodiment the adjustable tube  654  is hollow acting as a sleeve. 
         [0061]    By turning the adjuster  652  axially, or the guide member  102  axially, the distance between the flange  108  and the distal end  104  is reduced. Consequently, the tensile force on the spring  110  is reduced or increased, allowing an adjustment to the resistance on a slide member  310  after bullet discharge. 
         [0062]    In various embodiments, the adjuster  652  is fixed in place within a gun such that the adjuster  652  cannot rotate axially within the gun. This may be accomplished by changing the shape of the adjuster  652  from its shown disc-shaped to one that is square, triangular, or otherwise-shaped with flat edges abutting corresponding interior edging within the gun. 
         [0063]    All threaded components of the present invention may be reverse-threaded in various embodiments. 
         [0064]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.