Patent Publication Number: US-10767951-B2

Title: Firearm suppressor with modular design

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/424,757, filed on Nov. 21, 2016. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a firearm suppressor with a modular design. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A firearm suppressor is a device attached to the barrel of a firearm which reduces the amount of noise generated from firing the firearm. Suppressors are typically constructed of a metal cylinder with an internal mechanism to reduce the sound of firing by slowing the escaping propellant gas. Most suppressors are designed to work with a particular firearm type. Therefore, it is desirable for a suppressor that is configured for attachment to different types of firearms. 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     SUMMARY 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
     In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a firearm suppressor has a modular design permitting the firearm suppressor to be converted between an over-barrel configuration to a muzzle-forward configuration. The firearm suppressor includes a hollow sleeve with an outer surface extending between an entry end and an exit end of the hollow sleeve and a locator cap connected at the exit end of the hollow sleeve. The locator cap includes a central hole and a first alignment feature. The firearm suppressor further includes a cylindrical body defining a central longitudinal passage and a plurality of vents. The plurality of vents are in fluid communication with the longitudinal passage and are oriented at an angle with respect to a central axis of the central longitudinal passage. The cylindrical body includes a first end that is configured to removably attach to a barrel of a firearm and a second end that is positioned opposite to the first end. 
     The example firearm suppressor also includes a centering ring connected to the cylindrical body at the second end. The centering ring includes a second alignment feature that is configured to engage the first alignment feature on the locator cap to align the cylindrical body in the sleeve such that the central longitudinal passage is aligned with the central hole of the locator cap. The firearm suppressor includes a plurality of baffles received over the body and spaced apart from one another by a plurality of spacers. The plurality of baffles positioned between the plurality of vents to define a plurality of chambers between the hollow sleeve and the cylindrical body. 
     The firearm suppressor also includes an expansion chamber removably connected to the first end of the cylindrical body opposite to the centering ring. The expansion chamber extends away from the first end of the cylindrical body such that when the cylindrical body is attached to the barrel of the firearm, the expansion chamber surrounds a portion of the barrel. The firearm suppressor includes an end cap removably connected to the entry end of the sleeve. The end cap contacts the expansion chamber to retain the expansion chamber and the cylindrical body in the hollow sleeve. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for converting a firearm suppressor from the over-barrel configuration to the muzzle-forward configuration is contemplated. One example method includes removing an end cap from a first sleeve of the firearm suppressor and removing a core assembly from the first sleeve. The example method also includes removing the expansion chamber from the core assembly, inserting the core assembly without the expansion chamber into a second sleeve wherein the second sleeve has a length that is shorter than a length of the first sleeve and connecting the end cap to the second sleeve to retain the core assembly without the expansion chamber inside the second sleeve. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a kit can be provided that permits a user to assemble an example firearm suppressor of the present disclosure and to convert the firearm suppressor between the over-barrel configuration and the muzzle-forward configuration. An example kit includes a locator cap, a first sleeve, a second sleeve (having a length that is shorter than the length of the first sleeve), a body, a centering ring, a series of baffles, a series of spacers, an expansion chamber and an end cap. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a firearm suppressor having a modular design in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the example embodiment of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  a top view of an example sleeve of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a view of an exit end of the example sleeve of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a view of the exit end of the example sleeve of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1  with a locator cap; 
         FIG. 6  is a view of the locator cap of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an example body of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a view of a muzzle end of the body of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a view of a distal end of the body of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a view of a centering ring of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 11A-11C  are side views of example baffles having different angles that can be used in the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a view of an example expansion chamber of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side view of a core assembly of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional side view of another example core assembly suppressor with a different baffle angle from that of core assembly shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional side view of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1  shown in a over-barrel configuration; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side view of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1  shown in a muzzle-forward configuration; 
         FIGS. 17A and 17B  are a perspective view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1  attached to a firearm in the over-barrel configuration; 
         FIGS. 18A and 18B  are a perspective view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of the firearm suppressor of  FIG. 1  attached to a firearm in the muzzle-forward configuration; and 
         FIG. 19  is a flow-chart showing an example method of converting the firearm suppressor from the over-barrel configuration to the muzzle-forward configuration. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIGS. 1-18  illustrate an example embodiment of a modular firearm suppressor. The modular firearm suppressor is designed for superior heat dissipation, sound reduction, and recoil reduction. The modular firearm suppressor is also easy to disassemble, maintain, and repair. In addition to the foregoing advantages, the modular firearm suppressor of the present disclosure enables a user to easily convert the firearm suppressor from an over-barrel configuration with an expansion chamber for additional heat dissipation, sound reduction and/or recoil reduction to a muzzle-forward configuration without the expansion chamber. Since the modular firearm suppressor can be used in the over-barrel configuration and in the muzzle-forward configuration, the modular firearm suppressor can be used on multiple types, calibers and sizes of firearms. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an example firearm suppressor  20  includes a locator cap  22 , a sleeve  24 , a core assembly  26  and an end cap  28 . The core assembly  26  is a subassembly of the firearm suppressor  20  that is inserted into the sleeve  24  and retained inside the sleeve  24  between the locator cap  22  and the end cap  28 . In the example shown, the core assembly  26  includes a centering ring  30 , a series of spacers  32 , a series of baffles  34 , a body  36  and an expansion chamber  38 . 
     The elements of the example firearm suppressor  20  are axially aligned along a center axis  40 . When the firearm suppressor  20  is attached to a firearm, as will be explained in more detail below, the firearm suppressor  20  is oriented with one end positioned at or near a muzzle of the firearm and the opposite end positioned distally away from the muzzle of the firearm. In this manner, a projectile that is fired from the firearm can travel through the firearm suppressor  20  and exit the firearm suppressor and travel toward a target. During this action, propellant gas is ejected from the muzzle of the firearm. The firearm suppressor  20  slows and cools the propellant gas that is ejected from the firearm which, in turn, reduces the sound caused by the ejected propellant gas. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5 , the sleeve  24  is a hollow, tubular member that is used to enclose the other components of the firearm suppressor  20 . The sleeve  24  includes an entry end  42  and an exit end  44 . The sleeve  24 , in the example shown, has an external surface  46  that has a helical splined profile. The helical splined surface profile extends along the entire external surface  46 . In other examples, the helical splined surface profile can extend along only a portion of the external surface  46 . The helical splined surface profile of the sleeve  24  increases the surface area of the external surface  46  over that of a smooth external surface. The increased surface area improves heat dissipation of the sleeve  24  as well as improving the manual gripping surface of the sleeve  24  for manipulation of the firearm suppressor  20 . In other examples of the sleeve  24 , the external surface  46  can have other surface profiles or features to increase the surface area of the external surface  46  over that of a smooth surface such as projections, multiple facets, radial grooves, radial ribs or other complex profiles. 
     The sleeve  24  is configured such that the locator cap  22  can be connected at the exit end  44  and the end cap  28  can be connected to the entry end  42 . In the example shown, the sleeve  24  includes a threaded portion  48  at the exit end  44  on the inner surface of the sleeve  24 . The threaded portion  48  engages a complimentary threaded portion  50  on the outer surface  52  of the locator cap  22 . In this manner, the locator cap  22  can be tightened into the exit end  44  of the sleeve  24 . The locator cap  22  can also be removed from the sleeve  24  by unscrewing the locator cap  22 . In other examples, the locator cap  22  can be otherwise removably attached to the sleeve  24  by using other configurations of the locator cap  22  and/or the sleeve  24 . For example, the locator cap  22  can have internal threads and the sleeve  24  can have complimentary threads on the external surface  46  at the exit end  44 . In still other examples, the locator cap  22  can be fixedly secured to the exit end  44  of the sleeve  24 . In such examples, the locator cap can be welded or otherwise secured to the sleeve  24 . 
     At the entry end  42  of the sleeve  24 , the sleeve  24  includes, in the example shown, a threaded portion  52 . The threaded portion  52  is positioned on the inside surface of the sleeve  24  and is configured to engage a complimentary threaded portion  54  positioned on an external surface of the end cap  28 . In this manner, the end cap  28  can be tightened to (or loosened from) the entry end  42  of the sleeve  24 . In other examples, the end cap  28  can be otherwise removably attached to the sleeve  24  by using other configurations of the end cap  28  and/or the sleeve  24 . For example, the end cap  28  can have internal threads and the sleeve  24  can have complimentary threads on the external surface  46  at the entry end  42 . In still other examples, the end cap  28  can be fixedly secured to the entry end  42  of the sleeve  24 . In such examples, the end cap  28  can be welded or otherwise secured to the sleeve  24 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the locator cap  22  is a disc-shaped element that is used to close the exit end  44  of the sleeve  24 . The locator cap  22  includes a center hole  56  that extends through the locator cap  22  and is positioned at the center of the locator cap  22 . When the firearm suppressor  20  is attached to a firearm, the center hole is aligned with the barrel of the firearm and permits a projectile to exit the firearm suppressor  20 . The locator cap  22  also includes one or more projections  60  that project outward and away from the exit end of the sleeve  24 . The projections  60 , in this example, are conical pointed projections. The projections can have other shapes and configurations and different quantities and/or arrangements of the projections  60  can also be used. The projections  60  provide a stand-off for the firearm suppressor  20  and can maintain a gap between the exit end of the firearm suppressor  20  and an external surface. 
     The locator cap  22 , in this example, also includes a sleeve alignment feature  58 . The sleeve alignment feature  58  interacts with a complimentary alignment feature (e.g., core alignment feature  88 , as will be described below) to align and/or center the core assembly  26  inside the sleeve  24  when the core assembly  26  is inserted into the sleeve  24 . In this example, the sleeve alignment feature  58  is a raised bar that spans across a side of the locator cap  22  that is positioned inside the sleeve  24  when the locator cap  22  is connected to the sleeve  24 . In this manner, the sleeve alignment feature  58  projects axially into the sleeve  24 . In other examples, the sleeve alignment feature  58  can have other shapes and configurations. For example, the sleeve alignment feature  58  can be a pin, depression, slot, groove, rib or other shape. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the core assembly  26  is inserted into the sleeve  24  in a manner so that the core assembly  26  abuts the locator cap  22  at or near the exit end  44  of the sleeve  24 . The body  36  is the central member of the core assembly  26 . The centering ring  30 , the spacers  32 , the baffles  34  and the expansion chamber  38  are connected to the body  36 . As such, the core assembly  26  can be easily removed from the sleeve  24  by sliding the core assembly in an axial direction along the center axis  40 . 
     The body  36  is an elongated cylindrical member that includes a longitudinal passage  62  and a series of vents  64 . The longitudinal passage  62  is a cylindrical passageway that extends through the body  36  from a muzzle end  66  to an distal end  68  of the body  36 . The longitudinal passage is aligned with the center axis of the firearm suppressor  20  and is sized so that the projectile that is fired from the barrel of the firearm can travel through the longitudinal passage  62 . 
     The vents  64  are positioned radially around the longitudinal passage  62  along the body  36 . The vents  64  are circular openings that extend from an outer surface  70  of the body  36  to the longitudinal passage  62  to fluidly connect the vents to the longitudinal passage  62 . As such, the propellant gas that is ejected from the firearm can travel from the barrel of the firearm into the longitudinal passage and through the vents  64 . 
     The vents  64 , in the example shown, are positioned in staggered radial rows along the outer surface  70  of the body  36 . The vents  64  are positioned at an oblique angle with respect to the center axis  40 . The vents  64 , in this example, are positioned such that the vents  64  are angled toward the distal end  68  of the body  36 . The vents  64  are angled at a 45 degree angle relative to the center axis in this example. In other examples, the vents can be angled toward the muzzle end  66  of the body  36  and can be angled at other angles but are preferably angled with an angle of 45 degrees to 65 degrees relative to the center axis  40 . 
     The body  36 , in the example shown in  FIG. 7 , also includes a tapered portion  72  positioned at the distal end  68 . The tapered portion  72  has a smaller outer diameter than the outer surface  70 . The tapered portion  72  is configured to receive the centering ring  30 . In this example, the tapered portion  72  includes threads located on the external surface. The centering ring  30  includes a threaded portion  74  on an internal diameter that mates with and attaches the centering ring  30  to the distal end  68  of the body  36 . 
     The body  36 , in the example shown, also includes a first shoulder  76  and a second shoulder  78 . The first shoulder  76  is a raised circumferential rib that projects radially outward from the outer surface  70 . The first shoulder  76  has an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the outer surface  70 . The first shoulder  76  is suitably positioned from the distal end  68  of the body  36  so that the baffles  34  and the spacers  32  that are installed over the body  36  are disposed relative to the vents  64  in a manner to create evenly distributed chambers, as will be further described. In other examples, the first shoulder  76  can have other shapes or profiles. For example, the first shoulder  76  can be configured as one or more discrete projections that project away from the outer surface  70  of the body  36 . 
     The second shoulder  78  is similarly configured as that of the first shoulder  76 . The second shoulder  78  is a raised circumferential rib that projects radially outward from the outer surface  70 . The second shoulder  78  has an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the outer surface  70 . The second shoulder is suitably spaced at an axial distance away from the muzzle end  66  of the body  36  so that the expansion chamber  38  and/or the end cap  28  can abut the second shoulder  78  to retain the body  36  in position inside the sleeve  24 . In other examples, the second shoulder  78  can have other shapes or profiles. For example, the second shoulder  78  can be configured as one or more discrete projections that project away from the outer surface  70  of the body  36 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the body  36  includes a connector portion  80  and an attachment surface  82  at or near the muzzle end  66 . The connector portion  80  is a rounded inset feature at the muzzle end  66  of the body that is configured to receive and attach to the barrel of the firearm. In the example shown, the connector portion  80  is threaded on the inner surface of the connector portion  80 . The threads mate with a threaded region on the exterior surface of the barrel of the firearm. In this manner, the body  36  can be secured to the barrel of the firearm by threading the body  36  over the barrel of the firearm at the connector portion  80 . The connector portion  80  is centered in the body  36  such that the longitudinal passage  62  is aligned with the barrel of the firearm to permit a projectile to exit the barrel and enter the longitudinal passage  62 . 
     The attachment surface  82  is positioned on an external surface of the body  36  at the muzzle end  66 . The attachment surface  82  is configured to attach to the expansion chamber  38 . In the example shown, the body  36  is threaded at the attachment surface  82 . The expansion chamber  38  has a complimentary threaded surface on an inner surface thereof such that the expansion chamber  38  can be secured (or removed) from the body  36 . As explained above, the second shoulder  78  is positioned, in this example, such that the expansion chamber abuts the second shoulder  78  when it is threaded over the attachment surface  82 . 
     The core assembly  26  includes the centering ring  30 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 10 , the centering ring  30  is an annular component with an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve  24 . The outer diameter of the centering ring  30  is only slightly less than the inner diameter of the sleeve  24  so that when the centering ring  30  is fitted over the distal end  68  of the body  36 , the centering ring  30  centers the core assembly  26  inside the sleeve  24 . The centering ring  30  includes a center bore  84  and the threaded portion  74  positioned at the center of the centering ring  30  that is sized to be received over (and threaded onto) the tapered portion  72  of the body  36 . In this manner, the centering ring  30  can be secured to and removed from the body  36 . 
     The centering ring  30  also includes a core alignment feature  88 . The core alignment feature  88  engages the sleeve alignment feature  58  on the locator cap  22 . The core alignment feature  88  orients the core assembly  26  inside the sleeve  24  in a repeatable manner so that the firearm behaves in a similar manner when the firearm suppressor  20  is disassembled and/or reassembled for cleaning or re-configuration. In the example shown, the core alignment feature  88  is a slot that spans across the centering ring  30  and through the rim  90 . The sleeve alignment feature  58  (or raised bar in the example shown in  FIG. 6 ) on the locator cap  22  fits inside the core alignment feature  88  in this example to rotationally orient the core assembly  26  inside the sleeve  24 . The core alignment feature  88  can have other shapes or other configurations so long as it is adapted to engage the sleeve alignment feature  58  to orient the core assembly  26  in the sleeve  24 . In other examples, the core alignment feature  88  can be a pin, depression, slot, groove, rib or other shape. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 11 , the baffles  34  are annular shaped elements that are received over the outer surface  70  of the body  36 . As such, the baffles  34  include center apertures  92  and angled walls  94 . The center apertures  92  have diameters slightly larger than the outer diameter of the body  36 . The angled walls  94  project radially away from the center apertures  92  an oblique angle relative to the center axis  40 . The angled walls  94  are angled at an angle coordinated with the angle of the vents  64 . In one example, both the angled walls  94  and the vents  64  are oriented to be angled at 45 degrees from the center axis  40 . In other examples, the angled walls  94  and the vents  64  have any suitable angle between 45 degrees and 65 degrees but are coordinated to have the same oblique angle. As shown in  FIGS. 11A-C , the baffles  34   a ,  34   b ,  34   c  are similar to one another but have different oblique angles relative to the center axis  40 . Each of the baffles  34   a ,  34   b  and  34   c  can be used with a different body  36  that includes vents  64  that are oriented with the same oblique angle as the baffle  34   a ,  34   b  or  34   c.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 12  and as previously described, the core assembly  26  includes the expansion chamber  38 . The expansion chamber  38  is connected to the muzzle end  66  of the body  36 . The expansion chamber  38  extends away from the muzzle end  66  and, as will be further described below, extends the firearm suppressor  20  in a manner such that the expansion chamber  38  surrounds the barrel of the firearm when the firearm suppressor  20  is attached to the firearm in an over-barrel configuration. The expansion chamber  38  includes a cylindrical shell  96 , a first series of projections  98  and a second series of projections  100  and a base  102 . The cylindrical shell  96  has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the sleeve  24 . When assembled to the sleeve  24 , the outer surface of the cylindrical shell  96  is radially spaced apart from the sleeve  24 . 
     The projections  98 , in the example shown, are wedge-shaped projections that project radially away from the cylindrical shell  96 . The first projections  98  are positioned at or near a first end  104  of the expansion chamber  38 . The projections  98  project outward and together have an outer radial dimension that fits inside the sleeve  24 . The projections  98  are spaced apart from one another around the circumference of the cylindrical shell  96  and assist in centering the expansion chamber  38  inside the sleeve  24 . As such, the outer radial dimension is sized relative to the inner diameter of the sleeve  24  so that the expansion chamber  38  fits inside the sleeve  24 . In the example shown, the expansion chamber  38  includes five projections  98  evenly spaced around the cylindrical shell  96 . In other examples, the expansion chamber  38  can include more or less than five projections  98 . In still other examples, the projections  98  can include a single rib or annular wall with openings spaced around the cylindrical shell  96  or the projections  98  can have other shapes or profiles. 
     The projections  100  are similar to the projections  98  previously described. The projections  100  are positioned at an intermediate location on the cylindrical shell  96  between the first end  104  and a second end  106 . The projections  100 , in this example, are wedge-shaped projections that extend radially outward from the cylindrical shell  96 . The projections  100  are similarly sized as the projections  98  to center the expansion chamber inside the sleeve  24 . As shown, the expansion chamber  38  includes five projections evenly spaced around the cylindrical shell  96 . In other examples, the expansion chamber  38  can include more or less than five projections  100 . In still other examples, the projections  100  can include a single rib or annular wall with openings spaced around the cylindrical shell  96  or the projections  100  can have other shapes or profiles. 
     The base  102  of the expansion chamber  38  is positioned at the second end  106 . The base  102  is an annular wall that projects outward from the cylindrical shell  96 . The base  102  is sized with an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the sleeve  24  so that the expansion chamber  38  can fit inside the sleeve  24 . The base  102  can have an outer diameter that is the same or approximately the same as the outer radial dimension of the projections  98  and/or the projections  100 . The base  102  is positioned at the second end  106  of the expansion chamber  38  and forms an end of the core assembly  26  that is opposite to the centering ring  30 . In other examples, the base  102  can have other configurations or other features to interact with adjacent elements of the firearm suppressor  20 . 
     The expansion chamber  38 , in this example, includes a cylindrical cavity  108  that is defined by an inner surface of the cylindrical shell  96 . The cavity  108  extends through the expansion chamber  38  from the first end  104  to the second send  106 . The cavity  108  is sized with a diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the barrel of the firearm to which the firearm suppressor  20  is attached. This sizing permits the expansion chamber  38  to be received over the barrel of the firearm. To this end, the cavity  108  is aligned with the center axis  40  when the expansion chamber  38  is connected to the body  36 . 
     At the first end  104  of the expansion chamber  38 , the inner surface of the cylindrical shell  96  includes, in this example, a threaded portion  110  that extends axially inward from the first end  104 . The threaded portion  110  is configured to engage the attachment surface  82  of the body  36 . The threaded portion  110  permits the expansion chamber  38  to be threaded, and secured, to the attachment surface  82  of the body  36 . As can be appreciated, the expansion chamber  38  can also be easily removed from the body  36 . When secured to the body  36 , the first end  104  of the expansion chamber  38  is positioned adjacent to the second shoulder  78  of the body  36 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the firearm suppressor  20  includes the end cap  28  positioned adjacent to the core assembly  26  at the entry end  42  of the sleeve  24 . The end cap  28  secures the core assembly  26  inside the sleeve  24 . To this end, the end cap  28  includes the complimentary threaded portion  54  previously described that connects to the threaded portion  52  positioned on the entry end  42  of the sleeve  24 . The complimentary threaded portion  54  permits the end cap  28  to be secured to (or removed from) the sleeve  24 . As the end cap  28  is tightened into the sleeve  24 , the end cap  28  moves axially inwardly and contacts the base  102  of the expansion chamber  38  to retain the core assembly  26  inside the sleeve  24 . 
     Example core assemblies  26   a ,  26   b  are shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . The examples show the core assemblies  26   a  and  26   b  as they would appear before the core assemblies  26   a  or  26   b  are inserted into the sleeve  24 . The differences between the core assemblies  26   a  and  26   b  include the angles of the baffles  34   a  and  34   b  as well as the angles of the centering rings  30   a  and  30   b  and the angles of the vents  64   a  and  64   b . As can be seen, the oblique angle of the vents  64   a , the baffles  34   a  and the centering ring  30   a  relative to the center axis  40  is greater than the oblique angle of the vents  64   b , baffles  34   b  and the centering ring  30   b . In the examples shown, the oblique angle of the vents  64   a , the baffles  34   a  and the centering ring  30   a  relative to the center axis  40  is 65 degrees and the oblique angle of the vents  64   b , the baffles  34   b  and the centering ring  30   b  relative to the center axis  40  is 45 degrees. In other examples, the oblique angle of the vents  64 , the baffles  34  and the centering ring  30  relative to the center axis  40  can have other values but is preferably in the range of 30 to 65 degrees. 
     The example core assembly  26   a  shown in  FIG. 13  is described herein but it can be appreciated that the relative position and structure of the core assembly  26   b  is similarly positioned and structured. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the baffles  34   a  are positioned over the outer surface  70  of the body  36 . A first baffle  34   a  is positioned such that it is located adjacent to the first shoulder  76 . As previously described, the first shoulder  76  projects radially outward from the outer surface  70  of the body  36  such that the baffle  34   a  is restricted from moving axially toward the muzzle end  66  of the body  36  when the baffle  34  is positioned adjacent to the first shoulder  76 . The spacer  32  is positioned adjacent to the baffle  34   a . Another baffle  34   a  is positioned adjacent to the spacer  32  and this alternating pattern of baffle  34   a  and spacer  32  is continued along the axial length of the body  36 . The centering ring  30  is the installed over the distal end  68  at the tapered portion  72  of the body  36 . In this manner, the series of baffles  34   a  and the series of spacers  32  are secured in position on the body  36  as shown. 
     In the alternating pattern previously described, the baffles  34   a  are spaced apart from one another by the spacers  32  such that the baffles  34   a  are positioned between the vents  64   a . This positioning of the baffles  34   a  relative to the vents  64   a  defines annular angled chambers that surround the body  36 . The propellant gases that are ejected when a projectile is fired from the firearm exit the body  36  through the vents  64   a  and enter the annular angled chambers defined by the baffles  34   a , the body  36  and the spacers  32  (or the sleeve  24 ). The propellant gases can expand and cool in the annular angled chambers in order to reduce the sound and/or heat that would otherwise occur if the firearm were not fitted with the firearm suppressor  20 . 
     The example core assemblies  26   a  and  26   b  include nine such annular angled chambers. The chambers are defined by the series of nine baffles  34   a ,  34   b  and nine spacers  32 . In other examples, the core assembly  26  can include more or less than nine annular angled chambers and subsequently include more or less than nine baffles  34  or nine spacers  32 . 
       FIG. 15  shows the example firearm suppressor  20  attached to a barrel  112  of a firearm  114 . As can be seen, the core assembly  26  is positioned inside the sleeve  24  between the locator cap  22  and the end cap  28 . The barrel  112  is attached to the firearm suppressor  20  at the muzzle end  66  of the body  36 . The expansion chamber  38  extends over (and around) the barrel  112  from the muzzle end  66  of the body  36 . In this arrangement, the firearm suppressor is in the over-barrel configuration since a portion of the firearm suppressor  20  (namely, the expansion chamber  38 ) is positioned to surround a portion of the barrel  112 . 
     In the over-barrel configuration shown in  FIG. 15 , the sleeve  24  is of sufficient length to extend over the body  36  and over the expansion chamber  38 . As can be seen, one or more of the vents  64  are positioned between the first shoulder  76  and the muzzle end  66  of the body  36 . Since two of the vents  64  are positioned in this manner in this example, the baffles  34  do not separate these vents  64  into the previously described annular angled chambers. Instead, these vents  64  are in fluid communication with a cavity  116  that is defined by the body  36 , the sleeve  24  and the expansion chamber  38 . As can be appreciated, projectile gases expelled by the firearm  114  into the firearm suppressor  20  can travel through the vents  64  located in fluid communication with the cavity  116 . The cavity  116  permits further expansion, slowing and cooling of the projectile gases to occur in addition to the slowing and cooling that occurs in the previously described annular angled chambers. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the firearm suppressor  20  can also be operated in a muzzle-forward configuration. In the muzzle-forward configuration, the expansion chamber  38  has been removed from the firearm suppressor  20  and a second sleeve  24   a  has been installed over the core assembly  26  without the expansion chamber  38 . As shown, the firearm suppressor  20  is secured to a barrel  118  of a firearm  120 . In the muzzle-forward configuration, the firearm suppressor  20  is positioned in front of the barrel  118  and does not surround the barrel  118  since the expansion chamber  38  has been removed from the core assembly  26 . 
     The firearm suppressor  20  is a versatile, modular suppressor that can be easily converted from the over-barrel configuration to the muzzle-forward configuration. The modular nature of the firearm suppressor  20  also permits a user to easily assembly or disassemble the firearm suppressor  20  for transport, cleaning or other maintenance. 
     The firearm suppressor  20  is versatile in that it can be used with a variety of firearms as well. As shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , the firearm suppressor  20  is assembled in the over-barrel configuration. The firearm suppressor  20  is connected to the firearm  114 . The firearm  114 , in this example, is a rifle with an elongated barrel  112 . This configuration of the firearm  114  permits the firearm suppressor to be used in the over-barrel configuration. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18A and 18B , the firearm suppressor  20  is assembled in the muzzle-forward configuration. The firearm suppressor  20  is connected to the firearm  120  in this example. The firearm  120  includes a stub barrel. As such, the over-barrel configuration cannot be used on this type of firearm since the expansion chamber  38  would interfere with the firearm. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , an example method  128  of converting the firearm suppressor  20  from the over-barrel configuration to the muzzle-forward configuration is shown. In the example method, it is contemplated that the firearm suppressor  20  is initially in the over-barrel configuration (as shown, for example, in  FIG. 15 ). At step  130 , a user removes the end cap  28  from the firearm suppressor  20 . In the example shown, the end cap  28  is removed by unscrewing the end cap  28  from the entry end  42  of the firearm suppressor  20 . 
     At step  132 , the user removes the core assembly  26  from the sleeve  24 . Since the entry end  42  of the sleeve  24  is open at this stage of the process, the core assembly  26  can slide out of the sleeve  24  by moving the core assembly  26  along the center axis  40 . 
     At step  134 , the user removes the expansion chamber  38  from the core assembly  26 . The expansion chamber  38  can be removed from the core assembly, in this example, by unscrewing the expansion chamber  38  from the muzzle end  66  of the body  36 . Since the centering ring  30  has not been removed from the distal end  68  of the body  36 , the baffles  34  and the spacers  32  are retained to the body  36 . 
     At step  136 , the user inserts the core assembly  26  without the expansion chamber  38  into a second sleeve  24   a . The second sleeve  24   a  is similar in most respects to sleeve  24  except that the second sleeve  24   a  has a length that is shorter than the length of the sleeve  24 . The second sleeve  24   a  is shorter because the overall length of the firearm suppressor  20  in the muzzle-forward configuration is shorter than the firearm suppressor  20  in the over-barrel configuration because the firearm suppressor  20  in the muzzle-forward configuration does not include the expansion chamber  38 . When the user inserts the core assembly  26  into the second sleeve  24   a , the user aligns the core alignment feature  88  located on the centering ring  30  with the sleeve alignment feature  58  located on the locator cap  22  to align and orient the core assembly  26  in the second sleeve  24   a.    
     The example method can optionally include a step in which the user removes the locator cap  22  from the sleeve  24  and connects the locator cap  22  to the second sleeve  24   a . This step may be taken in examples of the firearm suppressor  20  in which the locator cap  22  is removable from the sleeve  24 . In examples of the firearm suppressor  20  in which the locator cap  22  is fixed to the sleeve  24  (e.g., by welding or by other suitable connection method), the second sleeve  24   a  can be supplied with a second locator cap removably or fixedly connected to the second sleeve  24   a.    
     At step  138 , the end cap  28  is connected to the entry end of the second sleeve  24   a . At this step, the end cap  28  contacts the core assembly  26  without the expansion chamber  38  as the end cap  28  is secured to the second sleeve  24   a . In this manner, the core assembly  26  without the expansion chamber  38  is retained in the second sleeve  24   a  between the locator cap  22  and the end cap  28 . At this point, the conversion process is complete and the firearm suppressor  20  is in the muzzle-forward configuration as shown in  FIG. 16 , for example. 
     As can be appreciated, a similar method can also be used to convert the firearm suppressor  20  from the muzzle-forward configuration back to the over-barrel configuration. In such a method, the foregoing steps are reversed. The expansion chamber  38  is re-attached to the core assembly  26  and the core assembly  26  is inserted back into the sleeve  24  and the end cap  28  is secured to the sleeve  24  to retain the core assembly  26  in the sleeve  24 . 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a kit can be provided that enables a user to assemble the firearm suppressor  20  and/or to convert the firearm suppressor  20  from the over-barrel configuration to the muzzle-forward configuration. An example kit includes the locator cap  22 , the sleeve  24 , the second sleeve  24   a , the body  36 , the centering ring  30 , the spacers  32 , the baffles  34 , the expansion chamber  38  and the end cap  28 . The firearm suppressor  20  described above can be assembled using this kit. The firearm suppressor  20  can also be converted between the over-barrel configuration and the muzzle-forward configuration using this kit. In other example kits, the previously described elements can be pre-assembled or the different components can be combined or further separated in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     In other example kits, the firearm suppressor  20  can be supplied with one or more different bodies  36  and/or different core assemblies  26 . Such alternate bodies  36  and/or alternate core assemblies  26  can have different sizes and/or different angles to accommodate different size firearms or different size projectiles. Such alternate bodies  36  or alternate core assemblies  26  can have common outer diameters such that a common sleeve  24 , a common locator cap  22  and/or a common end cap  28  can be used. In such examples, an initial core assembly  26  can be removed and replaced with an alternate core assembly  26  to accommodate a firearm with a larger barrel, for example. 
     The modular nature of the firearm suppressor  20  permits such interchangeability with different size internal components of the firearm suppressor  20 . The modular nature of the firearm suppressor  20  also permits a user to convert, clean, repair and/or maintain the firearm suppressor  20  without tools. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.