Patent Publication Number: US-8991374-B1

Title: Rifle bow assembly and rifle bow including the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority to, and incorporates by reference in its entirety, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/814,712, entitled “Rifle Bow Assembly and Rifle Bow Including The Same”, filed on Apr. 22, 2013. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention generally relates to a rifle bow assembly and a rifle bow including the same. More particularly, the invention relates to a rifle bow assembly and a rifle bow including the same that includes a projectile barrel subassembly having a helical projectile passageway extending in a lengthwise direction thereof. 
     2. Background and Description of Related Art 
     Throughout the world, there are millions of people that thoroughly enjoy the sport of bow hunting. However, the sport of bow hunting can be quite costly. For example, the cost of each arrow and broadhead, which are used during bow hunting, can range anywhere from $13.50 to $58.50 each. Typically, bow hunters are only able to get a single use out of each arrow. After being shot, many arrows are simply lost (e.g., arrows frequently become embedded into the ground). Even if the arrows are recovered by the hunter after being shot, they are often destroyed as a result of striking hard objects in the wilderness (e.g., tree limbs and rocks). 
     Conventional bow hunting equipment has other limitations as well. For example, with a typical bow and arrow, it is almost impossible to shoot a quick second shot, when necessary to pursue an elusive target, because the reloading of another arrow from the quiver simply takes too much time. Also, the reloading of another arrow from the quiver typically creates a substantial amount of noise. This noise often scares away the animal that is being pursued by the hunter. As a result, the animal often escapes from the area before the hunter is able to shoot another arrow from his or her bow. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a rifle bow assembly and a rifle bow including the same that is capable of significantly reducing the cost associated with bow hunting by utilizing projectiles that are much less expensive than conventional arrows and broadheads. Moreover, a rifle bow assembly is needed that is capable of accommodating a magazine of projectiles, thereby enabling a plurality of projectiles to be quickly shot from the bow assembly in succession. Furthermore, there is a need for a rifle bow assembly that can be easily incorporated into almost any conventional compound bow design as a retrofit assembly, or can be easily incorporated into a crossbow design. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a rifle bow assembly and a rifle bow including the same that substantially obviates one or more problems resulting from the limitations and deficiencies of the related art. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a rifle bow assembly that includes: an outer barrel slide subassembly having an elongate cavity disposed therethrough, the outer barrel slide subassembly configured to be attached to a bow assembly; a projectile barrel subassembly having a first end and a second end, the projectile barrel subassembly configured to be slidingly received within the elongate cavity of the outer barrel slide subassembly, and the projectile barrel subassembly having a helical projectile passageway extending in a lengthwise direction thereof; a magazine subassembly coupled to the second end of the projectile barrel subassembly, the magazine subassembly having attachment means for securing a projectile magazine thereto; and a release subassembly coupled to an end portion of the magazine subassembly, the release subassembly including at least one string release mechanism for releasably engaging a bow string of the bow assembly. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, the outer barrel slide subassembly comprises a plurality of corner glides disposed in the elongate cavity thereof. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the outer barrel slide subassembly comprises a fastener access aperture disposed in a side thereof. 
     In still a further embodiment, the projectile barrel subassembly comprises an elongate slot disposed along a length thereof, the elongate slot configured to receive the bow string therein. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the elongate slot of the projectile barrel subassembly only extends along a portion of the length of the projectile barrel subassembly. 
     In still a further embodiment, the helical projectile passageway of the projectile barrel subassembly has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the helical projectile passageway of the projectile barrel subassembly comprises at least one groove disposed in a side thereof, the at least one groove configured to receive at least one protrusion of a projectile shell. 
     In still a further embodiment, the at least one groove comprises two grooves oppositely disposed with respect to one another, each of the two grooves being configured to receive a respective protrusion of a projectile shell. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the projectile barrel subassembly includes a magazine aperture disposed in a side thereof proximate to the second end, the magazine aperture being in communication with the helical projectile passageway of the projectile barrel subassembly, the magazine aperture configured to accommodate a projectile passing therethrough. 
     In still a further embodiment, the magazine subassembly comprises a magazine aperture that is generally aligned with at least a portion of the magazine aperture of the projectile barrel subassembly. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the magazine subassembly comprises an elongate slot disposed along a length thereof, the elongate slot of the magazine subassembly configured to receive the bow string therein, and the elongate slot of the magazine subassembly generally aligned with the elongate slot of the projectile barrel subassembly. 
     In still a further embodiment, the rifle bow assembly further comprises a handle portion coupled to the end portion of the magazine subassembly. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the release subassembly comprises a slot configured to accommodate the bow string therein. 
     In still a further embodiment, the release subassembly comprises a trigger mechanism configured to disengage the at least one string release mechanism from the bow string of the bow assembly so as to discharge a projectile from the first end of the projectile barrel subassembly. 
     In accordance with one or more other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a rifle bow comprising: (i) a bow assembly, the bow assembly comprising a central portion, an upper limb extending upwardly from the central portion, a lower limb extending downwardly from the central portion, and a bow string extending between an upper end portion of the upper limb and a lower end portion of the lower limb; and (ii) a rifle bow assembly coupled to the bow assembly. The rifle bow assembly including an outer barrel slide subassembly having an elongate cavity disposed therethrough, the outer barrel slide subassembly being coupled to the central portion of the bow assembly; a projectile barrel subassembly having a first end and a second end, the projectile barrel subassembly slidingly received within the elongate cavity of the outer barrel slide subassembly, and the projectile barrel subassembly having a helical projectile passageway extending in a lengthwise direction thereof; a magazine subassembly coupled to the second end of the projectile barrel subassembly, the magazine subassembly having attachment means for securing a projectile magazine thereto; and a release subassembly coupled to an end portion of the magazine subassembly, the release subassembly including at least one string release mechanism for releasably engaging the bow string of the bow assembly. In this embodiment, the projectile barrel subassembly is configured to retract with the bow string when the bow string is pulled back by a user, and the projectile barrel subassembly is configured to remain stationary when a projectile is discharged from the rifle bow. 
     In accordance with yet one or more other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a rifle bow comprising: (i) a bow assembly, the bow assembly comprising a central portion, an upper limb extending upwardly from the central portion, a lower limb extending downwardly from the central portion, and a bow string extending between an upper end portion of the upper limb and a lower end portion of the lower limb; and (ii) a rifle bow assembly coupled to the bow assembly. The rifle bow assembly including an outer barrel slide subassembly having an elongate cavity disposed therethrough, the outer barrel slide subassembly being coupled to the central portion of the bow assembly; a projectile barrel subassembly having a first end and a second end, the projectile barrel subassembly slidingly received within the elongate cavity of the outer barrel slide subassembly, and the projectile barrel subassembly having a helical projectile passageway extending in a lengthwise direction thereof; a magazine subassembly coupled to the second end of the projectile barrel subassembly, the magazine subassembly having attachment means for securing a projectile magazine thereto; a release subassembly coupled to an end portion of the magazine subassembly, the release subassembly including at least one string release mechanism for releasably engaging the bow string of the bow assembly; and a projectile magazine coupled to the magazine subassembly by the attachment means, the projectile magazine having a plurality of projectiles disposed therein. In this embodiment, the projectile barrel subassembly is configured to retract with the bow string when the bow string is pulled back by a user, and the projectile barrel subassembly is configured to remain stationary when the projectile is discharged from the rifle bow. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the plurality of projectiles includes a blade disposed on a frontal portion thereof and two oppositely disposed blades on a circular side thereof, each of the two oppositely disposed blades configured to rotate into an extended position when the one or more of the plurality of projectiles contacts an object. 
     In yet a further embodiment, each of the plurality of projectiles is not in the form of an arrow. 
     In still a further embodiment, each of the plurality of projectiles does not comprise a nock. 
     In yet a further embodiment, one or more of the plurality of projectiles comprises a shot shell with a plurality of small pellets disposed therein, the plurality of small pellets configured to be expelled from the shot shell when the shot shell reaches the first end of the projectile barrel subassembly. 
     It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are merely exemplary and explanatory in nature. As such, the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the invention should not be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in any sense. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a rifle bow having a rifle bow assembly installed thereon according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an outer barrel slide subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the outer barrel slide subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 4  is an end view of the outer barrel slide subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the outer barrel slide subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side-rear perspective view of a projectile barrel subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a transverse sectional view of the projectile barrel subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B , wherein the section is cut along the cutting-plane line B-B in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a longitudinal sectional view of the projectile barrel subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B , wherein the section is cut along the cutting-plane line A-A in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7C  is a top view of the projectile barrel subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 7D  is a side view of the projectile barrel subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front-side perspective view of a projectile barrel subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial, enlarged first side view of a rear end portion of the projectile barrel subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial, enlarged top view of the rear end portion of the projectile barrel subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial, enlarged second side view of a rear end portion of the projectile barrel subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 12  is a transverse sectional view of the projectile barrel subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B , wherein the section is cut along the cutting-plane line D-D in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a magazine subassembly body portion of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 14A  is a first side view of the magazine subassembly body portion of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 14B  is a top view of the magazine subassembly body portion of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 14C  is a front end view of the magazine subassembly body portion of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 14D  is a second side view of the magazine subassembly body portion of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 14E  is a top view of a barrel spreader member of the magazine subassembly body portion of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 14F  is a front end view of the barrel spreader member of the magazine subassembly body portion of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 14G  is a side view of the barrel spreader member of the magazine subassembly body portion of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of a magazine mounting plate of the magazine subassembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 15B  is an end view of the magazine mounting plate of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 15C  is a side view of the magazine mounting plate of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 15D  is a bottom view of the magazine mounting plate of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 16  is a first side view of a handle subassembly of the magazine subassembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 17  is an end view of the handle subassembly of the magazine subassembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of the handle subassembly of the magazine subassembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 19  is a second side view of the handle subassembly of the magazine subassembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the handle subassembly of the magazine subassembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 21A  is a side view of a projectile magazine of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 21B  is a top view of the projectile magazine of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 21C  is an end view of the projectile magazine of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 21D  is a longitudinal sectional view of the projectile magazine of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B , wherein the section is cut along the cutting-plane line B-B in  FIG. 21B ; 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of a spring of the projectile magazine of  FIGS. 21A-21D ; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the projectile magazine of  FIGS. 21A-21D ; 
         FIG. 24A  is a rear end view of a projectile shell of a projectile illustrated in  FIG. 30B ; 
         FIG. 24B  is a side view of the projectile shell of a projectile illustrated in  FIG. 30B ; 
         FIG. 24C  is a rear end view of a projectile wad of a projectile illustrated in  FIG. 30B ; 
         FIG. 24D  is a side view of a projectile wad of a projectile illustrated in  FIG. 30B ; 
         FIG. 25A  is a rear end view of a projectile illustrated in  FIG. 30B ; 
         FIG. 25B  is a side view of the projectile illustrated in  FIG. 30B , wherein the side blades of the projectile are disposed in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 25C  is a front end view of the projectile illustrated in  FIG. 30B ; 
         FIG. 25D  is a rear end view of a projectile illustrated in  FIG. 30B , wherein the side blades of the projectile are disposed in an extended position; 
         FIG. 25E  is a side view of the projectile illustrated in  FIG. 30B , wherein the side blades of the projectile are disposed in an extended position; 
         FIG. 25F  is a front end view of the projectile illustrated in  FIG. 30B , wherein the side blades of the projectile are disposed in an extended position; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the projectile of  FIGS. 25A-25F  disposed within its shell and wad; 
         FIG. 27  is an exploded perspective view of the projectile shell of  FIGS. 24A-24B , the projectile wad of  FIGS. 24C-24D , and the projectile of  FIGS. 25A-25F ; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the projectile illustrated in  FIGS. 25A-25F , wherein the side blades of the projectile are disposed in an extended position; 
         FIG. 29  is a partial, enlarged perspective view of the outer barrel slide subassembly and the projectile barrel subassembly attached to a rifle bow according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 30A  is an exploded perspective view of the magazine subassembly, the handle subassembly, and the string release subassembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 30B  is an exploded perspective view of a projectile magazine, projectiles, and projectile barrel subassembly exploded from the magazine, string release, and handle subassemblies; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a chamber insert member of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 32A  is a side view of the chamber insert member of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 32B  is a front end view of the chamber insert member of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 32C  is another side view of the chamber insert member of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 32D  is a rear end view of the chamber insert member of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a side view of a spring of the chamber insert member of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a string release member of the string release subassembly of  FIG. 30A ; 
         FIG. 35A  is a top view of the string release member of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 35B  is a front view of the string release member of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 35C  is an end view of the string release member of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 35D  is a bottom view of the string release member of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the string release member of  FIG. 34  disposed inside a recess of a housing base plate; 
         FIG. 37A  is a top view of the housing base plate of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 37B  is a side view of a trigger spring of the string release subassembly of  FIG. 30A ; 
         FIG. 37C  is a front view of the string release member and the housing base plate of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 37D  is an end view of the housing base plate of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of the housing cover plate of the string release subassembly of  FIG. 30A ; 
         FIG. 39A  is a side view of the housing cover plate of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 39B  is a front view of the housing cover plate of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 39C  is an end view of the housing cover plate of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 39D  is a rear view of the housing cover plate of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a trigger mechanism of the string release subassembly of  FIG. 30A ; 
         FIG. 41A  is a perspective view of a trigger pivot pin of the string release subassembly of  FIG. 30A ; 
         FIG. 41B  is a side view of a trigger spring member of the string release subassembly of  FIG. 30A ; 
         FIG. 42A  is a top view of the trigger mechanism of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 42B  is an end view of the trigger mechanism of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 42C  is a side view of the trigger mechanism of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 43A  is a side view of the trigger pivot pin of  FIG. 41A ; 
         FIG. 43B  is an end view of the trigger pivot pin of  FIG. 41A ; 
         FIG. 44A  is a perspective view of a string release safety subassembly of  FIG. 30A ; 
         FIG. 44B  is a top view of the string release safety subassembly of  FIG. 44A ; 
         FIG. 44C  is a front view of the string release safety subassembly of  FIG. 44A ; 
         FIG. 44D  is an end view of the string release safety subassembly of  FIG. 44A ; 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of a projectile barrel end cap of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 46A  is a top view of the projectile barrel end cap of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 46B  is a side view of the projectile barrel end cap of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 46C  is a rear view of the projectile barrel end cap of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of a projectile barrel restrictor insert of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 48A  is a top view of the projectile barrel restrictor insert of  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 48B  is a side view of the projectile barrel restrictor insert of  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 48C  is a front view of the projectile barrel restrictor insert of  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a perspective view of a handle assembly locking mechanism of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 50  is an exploded view of the handle assembly locking mechanism of  FIG. 49 ; 
         FIG. 51  is a perspective view of a cushion member of the outer barrel slide assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 52A  is a top view of the cushion member of  FIG. 51 ; 
         FIG. 52B  is a side view of the cushion member of  FIG. 51 ; 
         FIG. 52C  is a front view of the cushion member of  FIG. 51 ; 
         FIG. 53A  is a rear end view of a shot shell utilized in conjunction with the rifle bow of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 53B  is a side view of the shot shell of  FIG. 53A ; 
         FIG. 53C  is a rear end view of a shot wad utilized in conjunction with the rifle bow of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 53D  is a side view of the shot wad of  FIG. 53C ; 
         FIG. 53E  is another rear end view of the shot wad of  FIGS. 53C-53D ; 
         FIG. 53F  is a sectional side view of the shot wad of  FIG. 53C-53D ; 
         FIG. 54  is an exploded perspective view of the shot shell of  FIGS. 53A-53B , the projectile wad of  FIGS. 53C-53D , and the shot pellets of  FIG. 53F ; 
         FIG. 55  is a perspective view of a magazine latching subassembly of the rifle bow assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 56A  is a transverse sectional view of the magazine latching subassembly of  FIG. 55 , wherein the section is cut along the cutting-plane line A-A in  FIG. 56B ; 
         FIG. 56B  is a top view of the magazine latching subassembly of  FIG. 55 ; 
         FIG. 56C  is a front end view of the magazine latching subassembly of  FIG. 55 ; and 
         FIG. 56D  is a side view of the magazine latching subassembly of  FIG. 55 . 
     
    
    
     Throughout the figures, the same parts are always denoted using the same reference characters so that, as a general rule, they will only be described once. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     An illustrative embodiment of a rifle bow with the rifle bow assembly mounted thereon is seen generally at  100  in  FIG. 1A . As illustrated in this figure, the bow assembly  10  generally comprises a central portion (to which the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  of the rifle bow assembly is attached), an upper limb  12  extending upwardly from the central portion, a lower limb  14  extending downwardly from the central portion, and a bow string  91  extending between an upper end portion of the upper limb  12  and a lower end portion of the lower limb  14 . In  FIG. 1A , it can be seen that the rifle bow assembly is operatively coupled to the bow assembly. With continued reference to  FIG. 1A , the rifle bow assembly generally includes: (i) an outer barrel slide subassembly  20  coupled to the central portion of the bow assembly; (ii) a rifled projectile barrel subassembly  30  having a first end  30 A and a second end  30 B (e.g., see  FIG. 6 ), the projectile barrel subassembly slidingly received within the outer barrel slide subassembly  20 ; (iii) a magazine subassembly  40  coupled to the second end  30 B of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  (see  FIG. 30B ), the magazine subassembly  40  having attachment means (i.e., magazine latch mechanism or subassembly  254 ) for securing a projectile magazine  60  thereto; (iv) a release subassembly  136 ,  146 ,  168  coupled to an end portion of the magazine subassembly  40 , the release subassembly  136 ,  146 ,  168  including at least one string release mechanism  136  (see  FIG. 30A ) for releasably engaging the bow string  91  of the bow assembly  10 ; and (v) a projectile magazine  60  coupled to the magazine subassembly  40  by the attachment means  254 , the projectile magazine  60  having a plurality of projectiles  70  disposed therein (see e.g.,  FIG. 30B ). The projectile barrel subassembly  30  is configured to retract with the bow string  91  when the bow string  91  is pulled back by a user, and the projectile barrel subassembly  30  is configured to remain stationary when the projectile  70  is discharged from the rifle bow  100  (e.g., because a user is holding the projectile barrel subassembly  30  in place by virtue of his or her grasp on the handle portion  52  of the handle subassembly  50 ). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  of the rifle bow assembly will be described in detail. Referring initially to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , it can be seen that the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  has an elongate cavity  21  disposed therethrough. In other words, the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  is in the form of a tubular member (e.g., with a generally square cross section). As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  of the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of corner glides  24  disposed in each of the four (4) corners of the elongate cavity  21 . Advantageously, the corner glides  24  facilitate the sliding movement of the rifled projectile barrel subassembly  30  relative to the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  by reducing the friction between the components. In  FIGS. 2 and 5 , it can be seen that the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  comprises a rectangular fastener access aperture  22  disposed in a side thereof. As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the fastener access aperture  22  is substantially vertically aligned with a countersink fastener aperture  26  disposed in the side of the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  that is generally opposite to the side containing the fastener access aperture  22 . The countersink fastener aperture  26  accommodates a flat-head bolt or screw, which has a countersunk head, for securing the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  to the side of the central portion of the bow assembly  10  (see  FIGS. 1A and 29 ). The fastener access aperture  22  allows the head of a screwdriver or wrench to pass into the elongate cavity  21  of the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  so that the flat-head bolt or screw, which secures the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  to the bow assembly  10 , can be tightened by a user. 
     Now, turning to  FIGS. 6-12 , the rifled projectile barrel subassembly  30  of the rifle bow assembly will be explained. As described above, referring initially to  FIG. 6 , the projectile barrel subassembly  30  has a first end  30 A and a second end  30 B. The projectile barrel subassembly  30  is slidingly received within the elongate cavity  21  of the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  (as illustrated by the arrow  85  in  FIG. 29 , which diagrammatically denotes one direction of barrel translation). As shown in  FIG. 7B , the projectile barrel subassembly  30  has a helical projectile passageway  32  extending in a lengthwise direction thereof (i.e., the projectile barrel subassembly  30  is rifled). In one embodiment of the invention, the rifling pattern of the projectile passageway  32  is such that there is approximately one (1) revolution for every twenty-eight (28) inches of barrel length. As best depicted in the end view and transverse sectional view of  FIGS. 7A and 12 , respectively, the helical projectile passageway  32  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In addition, the helical projectile passageway  32  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  comprises two grooves  32 A,  32 B, which are oppositely disposed with respect to one another (e.g., see  FIG. 7A ). Each of the two grooves  32 A,  32 B of the helical projectile passageway  32  is configured to receive a respective protrusion  120  of a projectile shell  116  (e.g., see  FIG. 26 ). 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , it can be seen that the top side of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  comprises an elongate slot  34  disposed along a length thereof, wherein the elongate slot  34  is configured to receive the bow string  91  therein. As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the elongate slot  34  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  only extends along a portion of the length of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  (e.g., approximately three-quarters (¾) of the length of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 ). In  FIG. 6 , it can be seen that the elongated slot  34  extends from the second end  30 B of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  to a location spaced apart from its first end  30 A by a predetermined distance (e.g., approximately one-quarter (¼) of the length of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 ). As shown in  FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  12 , the projectile barrel subassembly  30  is provided with a notch  39  disposed in the side thereof for receiving the beveled end  114  of the handle assembly locking mechanism  90 . A ramp  36  is also provided at the second end  30 B of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  in order to facilitate the insertion of the beveled end  114  of the handle assembly locking mechanism  90  into the notch  39  (i.e., so as to guide the beveled end  114  of the handle assembly locking mechanism  90  into the notch  39 ). 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 11 , the projectile barrel subassembly  30  includes a magazine aperture  38  disposed in a side thereof proximate to its second end  30 B. Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , it can be seen that the magazine aperture  38  is in communication with the helical projectile passageway  32  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . The magazine aperture  38  is configured to accommodate a projectile  70  passing therethrough, and into the helical projectile passageway  32 . 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 13-15D  and  55 - 56 D, the magazine subassembly  40  of the rifle bow assembly will be described. As best shown in the partially exploded view of  FIG. 30B , the magazine subassembly  40  slips over the second end portion of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  (i.e., the direction of insertion is indicated by arrow  93  in  FIG. 30B ). In particular, turning to  FIG. 13 , it can be seen that the body portion  42  of the magazine subassembly  40  comprises an elongate cavity  43  that receives the second end portion of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . The body portion  42  of the magazine subassembly  40  also comprises a magazine aperture  44  that is configured to be generally aligned with at least a portion of the magazine aperture  38  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  (e.g., see  FIG. 30B ). In addition, as illustrated in the perspective view of  FIG. 13  and the top view of  FIG. 14B , it can be seen that the top and bottom sides of the magazine subassembly body portion  42  comprise an elongate bow string slot  49  disposed along a length thereof. The elongate slot  49  of the magazine subassembly body portion  42  is configured to receive the bow string  91  therein, and as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the elongate slot  49  of the magazine subassembly body portion  42  is generally aligned with the elongate slot  34  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . Also, as shown in  FIGS. 13 ,  14 A, and  14 B, the magazine subassembly body portion  42  is provided with a first pluralities of mounting apertures  41  disposed therein for receiving fasteners that secure the release subassembly  136 ,  146 ,  168  to the magazine subassembly body portion  42  (e.g., see  FIG. 30B ). Moreover, the magazine subassembly body portion  42  comprises a second plurality of mounting apertures  45  disposed therein for receiving fasteners that secure the magazine mounting plate  80  to the magazine subassembly body portion  42  (e.g., see  FIG. 30A ). Furthermore, the magazine subassembly body portion  42  comprises a third plurality of mounting apertures  46  disposed therein for receiving fasteners that secure the handle subassembly  50  to the magazine subassembly body portion  42  (e.g., see  FIG. 30A ). As best illustrated in the end view of  FIG. 14C , the rear wall of the magazine subassembly body portion  42  includes a circular aperture  48  disposed therein for accommodating the passage of the chamber insert member  124  therethrough. The structure and functionality of the chamber insert member  124  will be described in detail hereinafter. 
     As shown in FIGS.  13  and  14 A- 14 D, the magazine subassembly body portion  42  includes barrel spreader members  47  disposed on the top and bottom interior surfaces thereof. The barrel spreader members  47  are configured to slide into the top and bottom end portions of the elongated slot  34  in the projectile barrel subassembly  30  so as prevent the elongated slot  34  from deforming inwardly at the second end  30 B of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  (i.e., because the bow string elongate slot  34  passes completely through the projectile barrel subassembly  30 ). In other words, barrel spreader members  47  ensure that the width of the end portion of the elongated slot  34  is generally the same as the width of the elongated slot  34  along the remainder of its length. Turning to  FIGS. 14E-14G , it can be seen that each of the barrel spreader members  47  comprises a pointed tip portion  47 A and a generally straight body portion with a plurality of fastener apertures  47 B disposed therethrough for securing the barrel spreader members  47  to the respective inside surfaces of the magazine subassembly body portion  42 . The pointed tip portion  47 A of each barrel spreader member  47  facilitates the insertion of the barrel spreader members  47  into the elongated slot  34  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . 
     Next, with reference to  FIGS. 15A-15D , the magazine mounting plate  80  of the magazine subassembly  40  will be described. As best illustrated in  FIG. 15A , the magazine mounting plate  80  comprises a plurality of countersink fastener apertures  82  for receiving fasteners that secure the magazine mounting plate  80  to the side of the magazine subassembly body portion  42  (refer to  FIGS. 30A and 30B ). Also, referring to  FIGS. 15A and 15C , it can be seen that the magazine mounting plate  80  comprises a magazine aperture  84  that is configured to be generally aligned with the magazine aperture  44  of the magazine subassembly body portion  42  (e.g., see  FIG. 30B ). Like the magazine aperture  44  of the magazine subassembly body portion  42 , the magazine aperture  84  of the magazine mounting plate  80  is configured to allow the passage of a projectile  70  therethrough, and into the helical projectile passageway  32  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . In addition, as best shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15C , a front portion of the peripheral bounding edge of the magazine aperture  84  is provided with two oppositely disposed stepped portions  86  for engaging the frontmost protrusion  63  of the projectile magazine  60 . Also, referring to  FIGS. 15C and 15D , it can be seen that the peripheral bounding edge of the magazine aperture  84  also comprises a rear stepped portion  88  that engages the side attachment projection tab  68  of the projectile magazine  60 . That is, the side attachment projection tab  68  of the projectile magazine  60  slips under the rear stepped portion  88  of the magazine mounting plate  80  so as to secure the rear end of the projectile magazine  60  in place. The front end of the projectile magazine  60  is secured in place by means of the magazine latching subassembly  254 , as will be described hereinbelow. 
     As briefly mentioned above, the magazine subassembly  40  further includes a magazine latching subassembly  254  for removably coupling a projectile magazine  60  thereto (see  FIG. 30B ). In  FIG. 30B , the general direction of attachment of the projectile magazine  60  to the magazine subassembly  40  is indicated by the directional arrow  87 . Now, with reference to FIGS.  55  and  56 A- 56 D, the structure of the magazine latching subassembly  254  will be explained. Initially, as shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 55 , it can be seen that the latching mechanism subassembly  254  generally comprises a T-shaped base portion  256  with an end plate  258  and sliding latch portion  260  that is slidingly disposed relative to the T-shaped base portion  256 . As best shown in the top view of  FIG. 56B , the T-shaped base portion  256  comprises an inner slot  264  for slidingly engaging the base projection  272  of the sliding latch portion  260 . With reference to  FIGS. 56A and 56D , it can also be seen that that the inner slot  264  comprises two (2) spring members  268  for biasing the sliding latch portion  260  of the latching mechanism subassembly  254  in a latched position wherein the projectile magazine  60  is secured to the magazine subassembly  40 . Turning to the end view of  FIG. 56C , it can be seen that the end plate  258  of the T-shaped base portion  256  of the latching mechanism subassembly  254  is provided with a countersink fastener aperture  266  for receiving a fastener that secures the magazine latching subassembly  254  to the front edge of the magazine mounting plate  80 . Referring collectively to  FIGS. 55 ,  56 B, and  56 D, it can be seen that the sliding latch portion  260  of the magazine latching subassembly  254  comprises a knurled gripping surface  262  for enhancing the frictional engagement between a user&#39;s finger and the top surface of the sliding latch portion  260 , thereby making it easier for the user to latch and unlatch the projectile magazine  60  from the magazine subassembly  40 . Also, as shown in these three figures, the sliding latch portion  260  of the magazine latching subassembly  254  further comprises slanted or beveled end portion  270  that engages the outer flat surface of the inclined protrusion  61  of the projectile magazine  60  when the projectile magazine  60  is attached to the magazine subassembly  40  (i.e., the beveled end portion  270  of the sliding latch portion  260  slides over the top of the outer flat surface of the inclined protrusion  61  in the latched state). Advantageously, the illustrated magazine latching subassembly  254  has a low overall cross-sectional profile that is unlikely to be inadvertently unlocked by brush or vegetation while a user is hunting in the wilderness. 
     Now, with reference to  FIGS. 16-20 , the handle subassembly  50  of the rifle bow assembly will be described. Initially, referring to  FIGS. 18 and 20 , it can be seen that the handle subassembly  50  comprises an arc-shaped handle portion  52  for accommodating the hand of a user of the rifle bow  100 . As shown in these figures, one side (i.e., the back side) of the arc-shaped handle portion  52  is generally curved, while the other side (i.e., the front side) of the arc-shaped handle portion  52  is provided with a plurality of grooves or indentations  53  for receiving the fingers of a user&#39;s hand. In the side view and perspective view of the handle subassembly  50  depicted in  FIGS. 18 and 20 , respectively, it can be seen that the handle subassembly  50  comprises a U-shaped portion  54  coupled to the arc-shaped handle portion  52 . The U-shaped portion  54  of the handle subassembly  50  includes a base  54 A, a first opposed leg  54 B, and a second opposed leg  54 C. The base  54 A is attached to the handle portion  52 . The opposed legs  54 B,  54 C, which are oppositely disposed on the opposed sides of the handle subassembly  50 , are both coupled to the base  54 A. As best illustrated in  FIG. 30A , the space between the opposed legs  54 B,  54 C of the handle subassembly  50  accommodates an end portion of the magazine subassembly  40  (i.e., the end portion of the magazine subassembly body portion  42  is received within the space bounded by the two opposed leg portions  54 B,  54 C). The U-shaped portion  54  of the handle subassembly  50  slips over the end portion of the magazine subassembly body portion  42 . Referring collectively to FIGS.  16  and  18 - 20 , it can be seen that the opposed legs  54 B,  54 C of the U-shaped portion  54  of the handle subassembly  50  are provided with a plurality of countersink fastener apertures  55  disposed therethrough for receiving fasteners that secure the handle subassembly  50  to the magazine subassembly body portion  42  (i.e., the apertures  55  are generally aligned with the apertures  46  in the magazine subassembly body portion  42 ). Also, as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 20 , the opposed leg  54 B of the handle U-shaped portion  54  comprises a fastener aperture  56  disposed therethrough for accommodating the fastener  198  of the safety subassembly  196  that secures the safety subassembly  196  to the handle subassembly  50 . With reference to  FIGS. 18-20 , it can be seen that the oppositely disposed leg  54 C accommodates the handle assembly locking mechanism  90  thereon. An end portion of the handle assembly locking mechanism  90  is received within the circular locking mechanism aperture  89  that is disposed through the opposed leg  54 C (refer to  FIG. 30A ). 
     The handle assembly locking mechanism  90  removably couples the magazine subassembly  40 , handle subassembly  50 , the release subassembly  136 ,  146 ,  168 ,  180 , and the safety subassembly  196 , which are all assembled together, to the rear end portion of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . With reference to  FIGS. 49 and 50 , the constituent components of the illustrative handle assembly locking mechanism  90  will be described. Initially, referring to the exploded view of  FIG. 50 , it can be seen that the handle assembly locking mechanism  90  generally comprises a displaceable end cap  92 , an outer housing portion  96 , a locking mechanism spring  104 , and a central bolt member  106 . With continued reference to  FIG. 50 , it can be seen that the central bolt member  106  of the handle assembly locking mechanism  90  comprises a shaft  110  with an externally threaded first end  108  and a beveled second end  114 , which is disposed opposite to the threaded first end  108  thereof. As shown in  FIG. 50 , the central bolt member  106  further comprises a collar portion  112  disposed proximate to its beveled second end  114 . The externally threaded first end  108  of the central bolt member  106  threadingly engages corresponding internal threads  94  on the end cap  92 . Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 50 , the outer housing portion  96  of the handle assembly locking mechanism  90  comprises a base annular portion  98  with a central aperture for allowing the passage of the bolt shaft  110  therethrough. The outer housing portion  96  further comprises an internal cylindrical bore  100  for accommodating the locking mechanism spring  104  and the bolt shaft  110  therein. When the threaded first end  108  of the central bolt member  106  is engaged with the internal threads  94  on the end cap  92 , the locking mechanism spring  104  is sandwiched between the collar portion  112  of the central bolt member  106  and the internal surface of the base annular portion  98  of the outer housing  96 . With combined reference to  FIGS. 49 and 50 , it can be seen that the end of the outer housing  96 , which is proximate to the beveled end  114 , is provided with a plurality of external threads  102  that threadingly engage corresponding internal threads in the aperture  89  of the opposed leg  54 C of the handle subassembly  50 . This engagement between the external threads  102  of the outer housing  96  and the internal threads in the aperture  89  of the opposed leg  54 C securely attaches the handle assembly locking mechanism  90  to the handle assembly  50 . 
     As explained above, the handle assembly locking mechanism  90  releasably couples the magazine subassembly  40 , handle subassembly  50 , the release subassembly, and the safety subassembly  196 , which are all assembled together, to the rear end portion of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . Advantageously, the removal of these subassemblies  40 ,  50 ,  136 ,  146 ,  168 ,  180 ,  196  from the rear end portion of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  allows the user to gain access to the helical projectile passageway  32  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  (e.g., to clean the projectile passageway  32 , etc.). To engage the subassemblies  40 ,  50 ,  136 ,  146 ,  168 ,  180 ,  196  with the rear end portion of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 , a user simply slips the magazine subassembly body portion  42  over the rear end portion of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  until the beveled end  114  of the locking mechanism  90  clicks into place in notch  39  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . As explained above, the ramp  36  in the second end  30 B of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  helps facilitate the engagement of the beveled end  114  of the locking mechanism  90  with the notch  39  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  (i.e., the ramp  36  helps inwardly displace the beveled end  114  of the locking mechanism  90  before it snaps into place in the notch  39 . In the locked position of the locking mechanism  90 , the beveled end  114  of the central bolt member  106  is engaged with the engagement aperture  274  in the magazine subassembly body portion  42  (see  FIGS. 14A and 14C ) and the engagement notch  39  in the rear end portion of projectile barrel subassembly  30  (see  FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  12 ). The locking mechanism spring  104  biases the locking mechanism  90  in a locked position, wherein the beveled end  114  thereof is engaged with the engagement notch  39  of projectile barrel subassembly  30 . In order to disengage the subassemblies  40 ,  50 ,  136 ,  146 ,  168 ,  180 ,  196  from the rear end portion of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 , a user pulls outwardly on the end cap  92  (i.e., applies an outward axial force thereto) in order to disengage the beveled end  114  of the locking mechanism  90  from the engagement notch  39  of projectile barrel subassembly  30  so that the attached subassemblies  40 ,  50 ,  136 ,  146 ,  168 ,  180 ,  196  can be slid off the rear end portion of projectile barrel subassembly  30 . When the user pulls outwardly on the end cap  92  of the locking mechanism  90 , the locking mechanism spring  104  is compressed, and the beveled end  114  of the locking mechanism  90  is raised from engagement with the notch  39 , thereby allowing the attached subassemblies  40 ,  50 ,  136 ,  146 ,  168 ,  180 ,  196  to be removed from projectile barrel subassembly  30 . Advantageously, the locking mechanism  90  provides a toolless means by which the subassemblies  40 ,  50 ,  136 ,  146 ,  168 ,  180 ,  196  can be attached to, and detached from the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . 
     Initially referring to  FIG. 30A , it can be seen that the handle subassembly  50  further includes a chamber insert member  124  that is slidingly received within a cylindrical spring cavity  51  of the handle portion  52  (see e.g., FIGS.  16  and  18 - 20 ). Immediately after a projectile  70  is launched from the rifle bow  100 , the chamber insert member  124  springs into the portion of the projectile passageway  32  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  that is adjacent to the magazine aperture  38  so as to prevent the next projectile  70  in the projectile magazine  60  from prematurely entering into the projectile passageway  32  before the bow string  91  is in a fire-ready position. Now, with reference to  FIGS. 31 ,  32 A- 32 D, and  33 , the structure of the chamber insert member  124  will be described. As shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 31 , the chamber insert member  124  generally comprises a cylindrical body portion  126  with a beveled front end  128  and flanged second end  132 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 32A ,  32 C, and  32 D, the chamber insert member  124  additionally comprises a cylindrical spring cavity  130  disposed therein for receiving a helical compression spring  134  therein. In one exemplary embodiment, the helical compression spring  134  is formed from American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)  228  music wire with a wire diameter of approximately 0.090 inches, and the spring  134  comprises square and flat ends and two dead coils. However, in other embodiments, the spring  134  may be constructed from other suitable materials, and may have other suitable characteristics. The helical compression spring  134  biases the chamber insert member  124  in a chamber-filling position so as to prevent the next projectile  70  in the projectile magazine  60  from prematurely entering the projectile passageway  32 . The beveled front end  128  of the chamber insert member  124  facilitates the insertion of the chamber insert member  124  into the projectile passageway  32 , while the flanged second end  132  of the chamber insert member  124  prevents the chamber insert member  124  from being displaced too far into the projectile passageway  32  (i.e., the outer diameter of the flanged second end  132  is greater than the diameter of the circular aperture  48  of the magazine subassembly body portion  42  thereby only allowing the portion of the chamber insert member  124  in front of the flange  132  to enter the projectile passageway  32 ). Although, when the bow string  91  is pulled back into its fire-ready position (i.e., when it is engaged with string release member  136 ), the bow string  91  compresses the spring  134 , thereby pushing the chamber insert member  124  into the cylindrical spring cavity  51  of the handle portion  52  so that the next projectile  70  in the projectile magazine  60  is now capable of entering the projectile passageway  32 . Then, after the trigger  180  is pulled, and the bow string  91  is released, the spring force of the spring  134  propels the chamber insert member  124  back into the projectile passageway  32  so as to prevent the next projectile  70  from prematurely entering into the passageway  32 . 
     Now, with reference to FIGS.  30 A and  34 - 43 B, the release/trigger subassembly  136 ,  146 ,  168 ,  180  of the rifle bow assembly will be explained. Initially, as shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 30A , it can be seen that the release/trigger subassembly comprises two symmetrically arranged release mechanisms that are attached to opposed sides of the magazine subassembly body portion  42 . Each of the two symmetrically arranged release mechanisms generally comprises a pivotable string release member  136  for selectively engaging the bow string  91 , a housing base plate  146 , and a housing cover plate  168 . Each pivotable string release member  136  is enclosed within the housing base plate  146  and the housing cover plate  168 . The release/trigger subassembly also generally comprises a trigger mechanism  180  for releasing the engagement of each string release member  136  with the bow string  91  so that the projectile  70  can be propelled down the projectile passageway  32  by the action of the bow string  91 . When the trigger mechanism  180  is actuated by a user (i.e., when a user pulls back on the trigger mechanism  180 ), the opposed ends of the legs  184  of the trigger mechanism  180  are brought out of engagement with the respective pivotable string release members  136  so that the pivotable string release members  136  are free to rotate, and thereby release the bow string  91  from engagement therewith. That is, when the user pulls back on the trigger mechanism  180 , the legs  184  of the trigger mechanism  180  simultaneously depress their respective springs  192 , and the pivotable string release members  136  are disengaged from the bow string  91 , thereby allowing the bow string  91  to propel the projectile  70  from the first end  30 A of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . The springs  192  bias the trigger mechanism  180  in an engaged position (i.e., in a position in which the pivotable string release members  136  retain the bow string  91  in a pulled-back, restrained position). 
     Next, with particular reference to  FIGS. 34-43B , each of the components of the release/trigger subassembly  136 ,  146 ,  168 ,  180  will be described in detail. First, as shown in FIGS.  34  and  35 A- 35 D, each pivotable string release member  136  generally comprises a cylindrical portion  138 , a square body portion  139 , and a diagonally extending arm  140 . The square body portion  139  of each pivotable string release member  136  comprises a rod or axle aperture  144  for receiving a pivot rod or axle  156  about which the pivotable string release member  136  rotates. Also, as best shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35B , the diagonally extending arm  140  includes a curved notch  142  for accommodating the bow string  91  in the engaged position of the release/trigger subassembly. In the engaged position, the bow string  91  lies in the curved notch  42  between the cylindrical portion  138  and the diagonally extending arm  140 . As depicted in the illustrative embodiment, the cylindrical portion  138  of each pivotable string release member  136  has a circular sidewall for accommodating the wrapping of the bow string  91  therearound, and to prevent the degradation of the bow string  91  by alleviating sharp edges in contact with the bow string  91 . In addition, as best shown in  FIGS. 34 ,  35 A, and  35 D, the width of the diagonally extending arm  140  is slightly less than that of the square body portion  139  in order to provide a clearance between the diagonally extending arm  140  and the recess surfaces of the housing plates  146 ,  168  when the pivotable string release member  136  is rotating within its housing. 
     Turning to FIGS.  36  and  37 A- 37 D, the features of the housing base plate  146  of the release/trigger subassembly will now be explained. Initially, referring to the perspective view of  FIG. 36 , it can be seen that the housing base plate  146  comprises a plurality of countersink fastener apertures  148  for receiving fasteners for securing each housing base plate  146  to a respective side of the magazine subassembly body portion  42  (i.e., the fastener apertures  148  in the housing base plate  146  generally align with the fastener apertures  41  in opposed sides of the magazine subassembly body portion  42 ). Each housing base plate  146  further includes a plurality of fastener apertures  152  for receiving fasteners that secure each housing cover plate  168  to its respective housing base plate  146  (i.e., the fastener apertures  152  in the housing base plate  146  generally align with the fastener apertures  174  in housing cover plate  168 ). Also, it can be seen in  FIG. 36  that each housing base plate  146  comprises a central cavity or recess portion  150  for accommodating the respective pivotable string release members  136 . As shown in  FIGS. 36 and 37C , a bounding side of the central cavity  150  of the housing base plate  146  comprises a cylindrical spring bore  154  for accommodating one of the trigger handle springs  164  (see  FIG. 37B ), which spring  164  is also received within the trigger spring bore  194  in the leg portion  184  of the trigger mechanism  180 . In  FIG. 36 , it can be seen that the pivotable string release member  136  rotates about the pivot rod or pin  156 , which is received within a bore in the bottom surface of the central cavity  150 . A pivot rod or pin  158  for the trigger mechanism  180  is received within another bore  166  disposed in the bottom surface of the central cavity  150 . The pivot rod or pin  158  is also received within the aperture  188  in the leg portion  184  of the trigger mechanism  180  with sufficient clearance such that the trigger mechanism  180  is able to pivot about the pivot rod  158  when the trigger mechanism  180  is pulled back by a user of the rifle bow. As best depicted in  FIGS. 36 and 37C , a bounding side of the central cavity  150 , which is disposed proximate to the pivotable string release member  136  comprises a wedge-like motion restriction tab  160  that prevents the free rotation of the pivotable string release member  136  after it has become disengaged from the bow string  91 . Preferably, the wedge-like motion restriction tab  160  is formed from a resilient material (e.g., a resilient rubber material) that is capable of being elastically deformed by the diagonally-extending arm  140  of the pivotable string release member  136 , and then snapping back into shape. After the trigger mechanism  180  is released, the diagonally-extending arm  140  of the pivotable string release member  136  passes over the diagonal surface of the motion restriction tab  160  until reaching its final disengaged position. In the disengaged position of the pivotable string release member  136 , the flat surface of the motion restriction tab  160  engages the end of the diagonally-extending arm  140  so as to prevent the pivotable string release member  136  from freely rotating about the pivot rod or pin  156 . Although, when the pivotable string release member  136  is rotated back into the engaged position with the bow string  91 , the force of the bow string  91  against the diagonally-extending arm  140  is sufficient to elastically deform wedge-like motion restriction tab  160  so that the pivotable string release member  136  can be rotated back to its engaged position with the bow string  91 . In  FIGS. 36 and 37C , it can be seen that the housing base plate  146  comprises a bow string slot  162  disposed therein for receiving the passage of the bow string  91 . When the pivotable string release member  136  is engaged with the bow string  91 , the bow string  91  is disposed in the rounded end portion of the bow string slot  162 . 
     Next, with reference to FIGS.  38  and  39 A- 39 D, the features of the housing cover plate  168  of the release/trigger subassembly will be described. Initially, referring to the perspective view of  FIG. 38 , it can be seen that the housing cover plate  168  comprises a plurality of countersink fastener apertures  174  for receiving fasteners for securing each housing cover plate  168  to its respective housing base plate  146  (i.e., the fastener apertures  174  in the housing cover plate  168  generally align with the fastener apertures  152  in the housing base plate  146 ). As best shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 38 , the top surface of the housing cover plate  168  comprises a raised portion  170  for accommodating the extending lengths of the pivot rods  156 ,  158  of the pivotable string release member  136  and the trigger mechanism  180 , respectively (i.e., the housing cover plate  168  must be sufficiently thick to accommodate the end portions of these pivot rods  156 ,  158 ). The outer end portions of the pivot rods  156 ,  158  are received within respective cylindrical bores  176 ,  178  in the rear surface of the housing cover plate  168  (see  FIG. 39D ). In  FIGS. 38 ,  39 B, and  39 D, it can be seen that the raised portion  170  of the housing cover plate  168  comprises a bow string slot  172  disposed therethrough, which is generally aligned with the bow string slot  162  of the housing base plate  146 . As described above for the bow string slot  162  of the housing base plate  146 , the bow string  91  is disposed in the rounded end portion of the bow string slot  172  when the pivotable string release member  136  is engaged with the bow string  91 . 
     The trigger mechanism  180  of the release/trigger subassembly will be described with reference to  FIGS. 40 ,  41 A- 41 B,  42 A- 42 C, and  43 A- 43 B. First, referring to the perspective view of  FIG. 40 , it can be seen that the trigger mechanism  180  generally comprises a U-shaped portion  182  with leg portions  184  attached to the respective opposed ends of the U-shaped portion  182 . As best shown in the side view of  FIG. 42B , each leg portion  184  is disposed generally perpendicular to the U-shaped portion  182  of the trigger mechanism  180 . Referring collectively to  FIGS. 40 and 42C , it can be seen that the U-shaped portion  182  of the trigger mechanism  180  comprises a pair of cylindrical projections  186  disposed on respective inner surfaces of the U-shaped portion  182  (i.e., the cylindrical projections  186  extend in an axial direction towards one another). The cylindrical projections  186  on the trigger mechanism  180  are designed to engage the trigger safety subassembly  196 , as will be described in more detail hereinafter. Also, as illustrated in FIGS.  40  and  42 A- 42 C, each of the opposed leg portions  184  of the trigger mechanism  180  comprises a respective aperture  188  disposed therein for receiving a respective trigger pivot rod or pin  190  (see  FIGS. 43A and 43B ). As explained above, the trigger mechanism  180  pivots about these two (2) pivot rods or pins  190 . In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 42B and 42C , each of the opposed leg portions  184  of the trigger mechanism  180  comprises a respective trigger spring bore  194  disposed in a respective bottom surface thereof for receiving a respective trigger spring member  192  (refer to  FIG. 41B ). As described above, the two trigger spring members  192  bias the trigger mechanism  180  in an engaged position with the end portion of the square body portion  139  of the pivotable string release member  136 , wherein the bow string  91  is held in an engaged state (i.e., a fire-ready state) by means pivotable string release member  136 . 
     The trigger safety subassembly  196  of the rifle bow  100  will now be explained with regard to  FIGS. 44A-44D . Initially, referring to the perspective view of  FIG. 44A , it can be seen that the trigger safety subassembly  196  generally comprises a body portion  200  with upper notches  202  disposed on opposite sides of the body portion  200 . The upper side notches  202  are designed to receive the cylindrical projections  186  of the trigger mechanism  180  so as to prevent any significant rotation of the trigger mechanism  180 , thereby preventing the rifle bow  100  from being inadvertently discharged by a user thereof. The bottom portion of the safety body portion  200  includes a lower central notch  204  in order to accommodate the thickness of the opposed leg portion  54 B of the handle subassembly  50  therein. The upper surface of the safety body portion  200  additionally includes a finger grasping projection  206  in order to facilitate the grasping of the safety body portion  200  by a user thereof (i.e., to engage and disengage the trigger safety). Also, as best shown in  FIGS. 44A ,  44 B, and  44 D, the safety body portion  200  comprises a slot  208  with rounded ends for accommodating the fastener  198  (e.g., a phillips screw) that secures the safety body portion  200  to the opposed leg  54 B of the handle U-shaped portion  54  (i.e., the fastener  198  passes through the slot  208  in the body portion  200  and then through the fastener aperture  56  in the opposed leg  54 B of the handle portion  52 ). In one exemplary embodiment, the safety body portion  200  is formed as a one-piece or unitary component from a material, such as a hard polymer or a hard plastic. Although, in other embodiments, different materials and construction techniques are used for forming the safety body portion  200 . 
     In order to engage the trigger safety  196 , a user of the rifle bow  100  grasps the finger projection  206  of the body portion  200  and slides the body portion  200  rearwardly until the fastener  198  is generally disposed in the front, rounded end of the slot  208  (because the fastener  198  is fixed in place in the aperture  56  of the handle portion  52 , the safety body portion  200  is able to slide relative to the fastener  198 ). Once the body portion  200  of the trigger safety  196  has been moved to its rearward position by the user, the rotation of the trigger mechanism  180  is essentially prevented by virtue of the engagement between the cylindrical projections  186  of the trigger mechanism  180  and the opposed notches  202  of the body portion  200 . As such, the rifle bow  100  is unable to be discharged or fired until the trigger safety  196  is disengaged by the user. In order to disengage the trigger safety  196 , the user of the rifle bow  100  grasps the finger projection  206  of the body portion  200  and slides the body portion  200  forwardly until the fastener  198  is generally disposed in the rear, rounded end of the slot  208 . In this disengaged position, the trigger mechanism  180  is able to rotated without being obstructed by the trigger safety  196 , and thus, the rifle bow  100  is capable of being fired by the user. 
     Next, the projectile magazine  60  of the rifle bow assembly will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 21A-21D ,  22 , and  23 . As best shown in  FIGS. 21A and 23 , the projectile magazine  60  generally comprises a body portion  62  and an end cover portion  64 . The body portion  62  and the end cover portion  64  of the projectile magazine  60  together house a plurality of projectiles (e.g., a plurality of projectiles  70 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 21D and 30B ). In  FIGS. 21B and 23 , it can be seen that a first attachment projection (i.e., inclined protrusion  61 ) and a second attachment projection (i.e., projection tab  68 ) are arranged on opposed sides of the open end of the body portion  62  of the projectile magazine  60 . As mentioned above, the projection tab  68  of the projectile magazine  60  engages with the rear stepped portion  88  of the magazine mounting plate  80 , while the inclined protrusion  61  engages with the sliding latch portion  260  of the magazine latching subassembly  254 , thereby removably securing the projectile magazine  60  to the side of the magazine subassembly  40 . In  FIG. 30B , the directional arrow  87  diagrammatically illustrates the direction of attachment of the projectile magazine  60  to the magazine subassembly  40 . When a user wishes to disengage the projectile magazine  60  from the magazine subassembly  40 , he or she simply slides the sliding latch portion  260  of the magazine latching subassembly  254  (i.e., slides the sliding latch portion  260  of the magazine latching subassembly  254  in a forward direction), thereby releasing the projectile magazine  60  from engagement with the magazine subassembly  40 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 21B and 23 , the open end of the projectile magazine  60  also comprises outwardly directed protrusions  63  for facilitating the alignment of the projectile magazine  60  with the magazine aperture  84  in the magazine mounting plate  80  and the magazine aperture  44  in the magazine subassembly body portion  42  (i.e., the protrusions  63  guide the projectile magazine  60  as it is brought into engagement with the magazine subassembly  40 ). In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 21A and 23 , the end cover portion  64  of the projectile magazine  60  is provided with a centrally located projection  65  protruding from the outer surface thereof. 
     The internal features of the projectile magazine  60  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 21B-21D ,  22 , and  23 . Beginning with  FIGS. 21B and 21D , it can be seen that the projectile magazine  60  includes a projectile push block  57  slidingly disposed therein. Advantageously, the projectile push block  57  automatically pushes the next projectile  70  into the projectile passageway  32  of the projectile barrel  30  after a projectile  70  is discharged, and the chamber insert member  124  has been moved out of the path of the projectile  70 . The projectile push block  57  is spring-biased by a projectile magazine spring  58  (see  FIG. 22 ) so as to effectively push the next projectile  70  into the passageway or chamber  32  of the projectile barrel  30 . In other words, by means of the spring  58 , the projectile push block  57  drives the ammunition into the chamber  32 . In order to load new ammunition into the projectile magazine  60 , the projectile push block  57  is provided with a cylindrical finger projection or protrusion  59  that engages with a notched end of the L-shaped projection slot  67  of the projectile magazine  60 . That is, in order to load projectiles  70  (e.g., three (3) projectiles  70 ) into the projectile magazine  60 , a user slides the projectile push block  57  using the projection  59  towards the end cover portion  64  of the projectile magazine  60 , while simultaneously compressing the projectile magazine spring  58 , until the cylindrical projection or protrusion  59  reaches the notched end of the L-shaped slot  67 . Upon reaching this end of the slot  67 , the projectile push block  57  is locked into place by virtue of the engagement of the cylindrical projection  59  with the notched end of the L-shaped slot  67  (i.e.,  FIG. 21B  for the locked position of the projectile push block  57 ). Once the projectiles  70  have been loaded into the projectile magazine  60 , and the projectile magazine  60  is reengaged with the magazine subassembly  40 , the cylindrical projection or protrusion  59  is moved back into the main linear part of the L-shaped slot  67  by the user so that the projectile magazine spring  58  may apply a pushing spring force to the projectile push block  57 , thereby enabling the automatic loading of the projectiles  70  into projectile passageway  32  of the projectile barrel  30 . Turning again to  FIGS. 21B ,  21 C, and  23 , it can be seen that projectile alignment rails  66  are provided on the top and bottom interior surfaces of the projectile body portion  62  in order to maintain the proper alignment of the projectiles  70  inside the projectile magazine  60  (e.g., the projectile alignment rails  66  engage the opposed notches  118  of each projectile shell  116  in order to maintain an approximately 35 degree angle between each opposed protrusion  120  of the projectile shell  116  and the top or bottom interior surface of the projectile body portion  62 ). 
     An exemplary projectile  70  utilized in conjunction with the rifle bow assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 25A-25F  and  26 - 28 . Referring initially to  FIGS. 25A-25F , it can be seen that the projectile  70  has a generally cylindrically-shaped body portion  72  with a conical front portion  73 . The conical front portion  73  of the projectile  70  includes a transversely extending blade  74  centrally disposed through the apex of the conical front portion  73 . As best shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 28 , the transversely extending blade  74  has a sharp edge for effectively piercing a target (e.g., an animal being pursued by the bow hunter). With particular reference to  FIGS. 25B ,  25 D- 25 F, and  28 , it can be seen that the body portion  72  of the projectile  70  includes two oppositely disposed wings or blades  76 ,  78  on its circular side wall. Each of the oppositely disposed wings or blades  76 ,  78  on the projectile  70  are pivotal about a pin or rod  79  disposed in the projectile body portion  72 . Each of the blades  76 ,  78  is designed to be stowed in a retracted position in respective side blade slots  77  of the projectile body portion  72  (see  FIG. 28 ) until the projectile  70  strikes an object or target (e.g., the animal being pursued by the bow hunter). Upon striking the object, the blades  76 ,  78  rotate in respective counter-clockwise and clockwise directions about respective pins  79  until the blades are in a fully-extended position (i.e., the fully-extended positions of  FIGS. 25E and 28 ). The fully-extended position of the blades  76 ,  78  allows the projectile  70  to make a larger cut into the struck object (e.g., to make the wound inflicted by the projectile  70  more humane when the struck object is an animal). Advantageously, the projectile  70  is not in the form of a conventional arrow with a broadhead and fletchings mounted on an elongated shaft, which are typically quite expensive. Also, advantageously, the projectile  70  does not comprise any nock, like conventional arrows. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 24C ,  24 D,  26 , and  27 , it can be seen that the projectile  70  is contained within a projectile wad  71 . The projectile wad  71  is provided with a plurality of longitudinally-extending slots  75  generally equally spaced apart about the circumference thereof. In turn, with reference to  FIGS. 24A ,  24 B,  26 , and  27 , the projectile wad  71 , with the projectile  70  disposed therein, is received within a central cylindrical cavity  122  of an outer projectile shell  116 . As described above, the projectile shell  116  comprises opposed notches  118  that engage the projectile alignment rails  66  of the projectile magazine  60  and opposed protrusions  120  that engage respective grooves  32 A,  32 B of the helical projectile passageway  32  in the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a projectile in the form of a cylindrically-shaped shot shell  240  is utilized in conjunction with the rifle bow assembly. Referring initially to  FIGS. 53A ,  53 B, and  54 , it can be seen that the shot shell  240  comprises a push end with a central shot cavity  244  that receives a shot wad  246  with a plurality of small spherical pellets  252  disposed within the cylindrical wad housing  246 . In  FIG. 53F , it can be seen that the front end of the shot wad  246  is provided with a front end cap  250  to contain the spherical pellets  252  within the shot wad  246  (e.g., the front end cap  250  may be formed from paper or a suitable cardboard material). The plurality of small pellets  252  is configured to be expelled from the shot shell  240  when the shot shell  240  reaches the first end  30 A of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . In one embodiment, the small spherical pellets  252  contained in the shot shell  240  are formed from plastic, and are specially designed for use in the rifle bow. The projectile in the form of a cylindrically-shaped shot shell  240  is particularly suitable for use in small game hunting (e.g., ducks, etc.). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 53D and 54 , it can be seen that, like the projectile wad  71  described above, the shot wad  246  is provided with a plurality of longitudinally-extending slots  248  generally equally spaced apart about the circumference thereof. Also, similar to that described above with regard to the projectile shell  116 , the shot shell  240  comprises opposed notches  242  that engage the projectile alignment rails  66  of the projectile magazine  60  (refer to  FIGS. 53A ,  53 B, and  54 ). Although, unlike the projectile shell  116 , the shot shell  240  does not contain any opposed protrusions  120  (i.e., rifle wings). 
     Now, referring to  FIGS. 47-48C , the features of the illustrated projectile restrictor insert  224  of the rifle bow  100  will be explained. The projectile restrictor insert  224  abuts the first end  30 A (i.e., front end) of the projectile barrel  30 , and is sandwiched between the first end  30 A of the projectile barrel  30  and the rear surface of the projectile barrel end cap  210 , which will be described hereinafter. The projectile restrictor insert  224  frictionally engages, and thus, slows down the projectile shell  116  and the shot shell  240  when they reach the first end  30 A of the projectile barrel  30  so that the projectile  70  and the shot pellets  252 , which are respectively contained therein, are easily separated therefrom and directed at a high speed towards the intended object or target. After the projectile  70  or the shot pellets  252  are discharged from their respective projectile shell  116  or the shot shell  240 , the empty projectile shell  116  or the shot shell  240  merely drops on the ground in relatively close proximity to the rifle bow  100 . As shown in FIGS.  47  and  48 A- 48 C, the projectile restrictor insert  224  includes a central circular projectile aperture  226 , which is generally aligned with the circular projectile passageway  32  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . The projectile restrictor insert  224  further includes two notches  228 ,  230 , which are oppositely disposed with respect to one another (e.g., see  FIGS. 47 and 48C ), and which generally correspond to the two grooves  32 A,  32 B of the helical projectile passageway  32 . Like the two grooves  32 A,  32 B of the helical projectile passageway  32 , each of the two notches  228 ,  230  of the projectile restrictor insert  224  are configured to receive a respective protrusion  120  of a projectile shell  116  (e.g., see  FIGS. 24A and 26 ). 
     Next, with reference to  FIGS. 45-46C , the features of the illustrated projectile barrel end cap  210  of the rifle bow  100  will be explained. As best shown in the perspective views of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the projectile barrel end cap  210  attaches to, and covers the first end  30 A (i.e., front end) of the projectile barrel  30 . The projectile barrel end cap  210  also covers the projectile restrictor insert  224 , and as explained above, sandwiches the projectile restrictor insert  224  between its rear surface and the first end  30 A of the projectile barrel  30 . As depicted in FIGS.  45  and  46 A- 46 C, the projectile barrel end cap  210  generally comprises a front plate member  212  and a plurality of side plate members  214  (i.e., four (4) side plate members  214 ) that circumscribe the front plate member  212 . In  FIGS. 45 and 46A , it can be seen that a pair of opposed side plate members  214  includes circular fastener apertures  222  disposed therethrough for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws) for securing the projectile barrel end cap  210  to the first end  30 A (i.e., front end) of the projectile barrel  30 . As shown in  FIGS. 45 and 46C , the front plate member  212  of the projectile barrel end cap  210  includes a central circular projectile aperture  216 , which is generally aligned with the central circular projectile aperture  226  of the projectile restrictor insert  224  and the circular projectile passageway  32  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . The front plate member  212  of the projectile barrel end cap  210  further includes two notches  218 ,  220 , which are oppositely disposed with respect to one another (e.g., see  FIGS. 45 and 46C ), and which generally correspond to the two notches  228 ,  230  of the projectile restrictor insert  224  and the two grooves  32 A,  32 B of the helical projectile passageway  32 . Like the two notches  228 ,  230  of the projectile restrictor insert  224  and the two grooves  32 A,  32 B of the helical projectile passageway  32 , each of the two notches  218 ,  220  of the projectile barrel end cap  210  are configured to receive a respective protrusion  120  of a projectile shell  116  (e.g., see  FIGS. 24A and 26 ). As shown in FIGS.  45  and  46 A- 46 C, the projectile barrel end cap  210  has a generally square shape that corresponds to the generally square cross-sectional shape of the projectile barrel  30 . 
     Referring to FIGS.  51  and  52 A- 52 C, the features of the illustrated cushion member  232  of the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  of the rifle bow  100  will be described. As best shown in the perspective views of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the annular cushion member  232  attaches to, and covers the rear end of the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  so as to the cushion the engagement between the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  and projectile barrel  30  received therein, and so as to prevent these two components  20 ,  30  from banging against one another while the rifle bow  100  is being used. As shown in FIGS.  51  and  52 A- 52 C, the cushion member  232  comprises a rear annular portion  234  with a central, generally square barrel aperture  238  for accommodating the generally square cross-section of the projectile barrel  30  passing therethrough. As best shown in  FIGS. 51 and 52C , the cushion member  232  additionally comprises a flange portion  236  that circumscribes, and fits over the rear end of the outer barrel slide subassembly  20 . In one exemplary embodiment, the cushion member  232  is formed from a flexible material, such as a suitable rubber, that is capable of acting as a cushion between the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  and projectile barrel  30 , which in this exemplary embodiment are formed from a suitable metal. In this exemplary embodiment, a majority of the constituent components of the rifle bow assembly are formed from a suitable metal to ensure the durability and strength of these components. 
     Now, an exemplary manner in which the rifle bow assembly is installed on a bow assembly will be described in detail. Initially, with reference to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  2 , and  29 , the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  is attached to the central portion of the bow assembly  10  by installing a flat-head bolt or screw in the countersink fastener aperture  26  of the outer barrel slide subassembly  20 , and then, into the pre-threaded hole of the bow assembly  10 , which is normally used for the arrow rest installation. Preferably, the flat-head bolt or screw is further secured in place with an adhesive, and its head is made substantially flush with the inside surface of the outer barrel slide subassembly  20 . Then, in the direction indicated by the directional arrow  85  in  FIG. 29 , the rifled projectile barrel subassembly  30  is inserted into the elongate cavity  21  of the outer barrel slide subassembly  20  by inserting the slotted end (i.e., with the elongate slot  34 ) and the magazine aperture  38  into the front end of the outer barrel slide subassembly  20 . As the rifled projectile barrel subassembly  30  is inserted into the elongate cavity  21  of the outer barrel slide subassembly  20 , the bow string  91  is inserted into the bow string elongate slot  34 . If a user is looking from the front of the rifle bow, the magazine aperture  38  is on the right-hand side if the user is right-handed, or it is on the left-hand side if the user is left-handed. Then, the user slips the magazine subassembly body portion  42 , which is assembled together with the handle subassembly  50 , the release/trigger subassembly, and the safety subassembly  196 , over the rear end portion of the projectile barrel subassembly  30  until the beveled end  114  of the locking mechanism  90  clicks into place in notch  39  of the projectile barrel subassembly  30 . Then, the assembled components  30 ,  50 ,  136 ,  146 ,  168 ,  180 ,  196  are pushed forward until the bow string  91  is engaged in the pair of pivotable string release members  136 , and the safety  196  is engaged. Next, the first projectile  70  is installed into the aperture  38 ,  44  for the projectile magazine  60 . In this step, the user must make sure that the first round is properly positioned into the barrel chamber  32 . Then, the projectile magazine  60  (e.g., a three-round projectile clip) is installed on the magazine subassembly  40  by engaging the projection tab  68  of the projectile magazine  60  with the rear stepped portion  88  of the magazine mounting plate  80 , and engaging the inclined protrusion  61  of the projectile magazine  60  with the sliding latch portion  260  of the magazine latching subassembly  254 . By using his or her hand, a user pushes the inclined protrusion  61  of the projectile magazine  60  into engagement with the sliding latch portion  260  of the magazine latching subassembly  254  until it clicks. This ensures that the projectiles  70  are correctly installed and ready to shoot. 
     Next, the manner in which the projectiles  70  are released from the rifle bow  100  will be explained. First, similar to a conventional bow, a user pulls back on the handle portion  52  of the handle subassembly  50 . Then, he or she releases the safety mechanism  196 . After which, the bow sites are lined up on the target. The user then pulls the trigger mechanism  180  in a rearward direction, and the projectile  70  is propelled down the helical projectile passageway  32  by the elasticity of the bow string  91 , and is discharged from the rifle bow  100 . After firing the shot, the components  30 ,  50 ,  136 ,  146 ,  168 ,  180 ,  196  are pushed forward until the bow string  91  is engaged again in the pair of pivotable string release members  136  of the release/trigger subassembly. The safety mechanism  196  is also engaged as needed. The spring-loaded projectile push block  57  of the projectile magazine  60  automatically loads the next projectile  70  in the barrel chamber  32 . This ensures that the next projectile  70  is correctly positioned and ready to shoot. After the fourth shot is fired, the projectile magazine  60  must be removed and reloaded as needed. 
     Finally, the manner in which the rifle bow assembly is disarmed and unloaded will be described. First, the safety mechanism  196  of the rifle bow  100  is engaged. Then, the projectile magazine  60  is removed. After which, the last projectile  70  is removed from the rifled projectile barrel subassembly  30  by simply tilting the assembly so that it falls into the user&#39;s hand. Preferably, during the unloading of the sharp projectiles  70  from the rifle bow, protective gloves (e.g., leather gloves) are worn by the user to protect his or her hands from cuts and abrasions resulting from the sharp blades  74 ,  76 ,  78  on the projectiles  70 . 
     It is readily apparent that the aforedescribed rifle bow assembly, and the rifle bow in which it is used, offers numerous advantages. First, the rifle bow assembly and rifle bow is capable of significantly reducing the cost associated with bow hunting by utilizing projectiles that are much less expensive than conventional arrows and broadheads. Secondly, the rifle bow assembly accommodates a magazine of projectiles, thereby enabling a plurality of projectiles to be quickly shot from the bow assembly in succession. Finally, rifle bow assembly described herein can be easily incorporated into almost any conventional compound design as a retrofit assembly, or can be easily incorporated into a crossbow design. 
     Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is apparent that this invention can be embodied in many different forms and that many other modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. 
     Moreover, while exemplary embodiments have been described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the exemplary embodiments set forth above are merely illustrative in nature and should not be construed as to limit the claims in any manner. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents, and not, by the preceding description.