Patent ID: 12259207

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Definitions

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of this disclosure. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity or clarity.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an.” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The term “comprise” (and any form of comprise such as “comprises” and “comprising”) is used as an open-ended linking verb. It will be understood that these terms are mean to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer, step or group of elements, integers, or steps. As such, a system, method, or apparatus that “comprises” one or more elements prosses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements.

It will be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well (i.e., at least one of whatever the article modifies), unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another.

The terms “first”, “second”, and the like are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Improved Recoil Reduction System

An improved recoil reduction system that absorbs the force of a cycling weapon and dissipates a portion of the energy in form of heat through the use of friction springs is herein disclosed. While the improved recoil reduction system disclosed herein is discussed for utilization in direct impingement and traditional bolt action weapons, it should be appreciated that the improved recoil reduction system can be adapted to many applications where a recoil reduction system would improve the operation or “user friendliness” of the weapon.

Specifically, embodiments of the improved recoil reduction system disclosed herein can, advantageously over the prior art, be adapted to various types of rifles, including semiautomatic rifles (commonly called “AR weapons”) including AR-15's, M-16's, and the like, or shotguns, including those with synthetic, wood, and/or collapsible stocks. Also advantageously, the inventive system includes means for adapting the herein-disclosed recoil reduction system to custom applications, including to gun stocks which are traditionally incompatible with known recoil assemblies and/or which may require major modification to incorporate one or more of the various embodiments of the inventive recoil reduction system disclosed here. Accordingly, there are disclosed herein methods of customizing and optimizing an improved recoil reduction system to one or more of the above-named classes of weapons.

In preferred embodiments of the disclosed recoil reduction system, the improved recoil reduction buffer system comprises a forward body100, a friction spring4, a moveable rear body200, and a bolt6. As will be described, although the complete assembly of each of these critical components, and their functionality, remains constant throughout each of the preferred embodiments describe herein, the exterior configuration(s) of the forward100and rear200bodies are adaptable to accommodate various classes of weapons. Moreover, as will be described, the inventive recoil reduction system utilizes a friction spring4which can be modified based on the energy class of the weapon to which it will be applied, and/or based on user preference.

FIG.1is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first embodiment of the improved recoil reduction system in which the system has been adapted to use in an AR semiautomatic weapon. In embodiments, a given AR weapon may be retrofitted to accommodate the disclosed recoil reduction system by replacing the factory-standard buffer with the disclosed improved recoil reduction system, typically by inserting it into the existing buffer tube of the AR weapon. In an exemplary embodiment, the improved recoil reduction system has a total outside diameter that is less than the inside diameter of the buffer tube. Having these dimensions, the improved recoil reduction system fits within a factory standard buffer tube of weapons and firearms without modification.

As noted above, the recoil reduction system1comprises a forward body100, a friction spring4, a movable rear body200, and a bolt6. In this embodiment, the forward body100comprises a generally cylindrical body with one or more exterior flanges for accommodating the existing interior geometry of the buffer tube of the AR weapon. Exterior flange(s) may beneficially act as guides in the buffer tube of the AR weapon, and as part of the retention system. In embodiments (such as the embodiment shown inFIG.1), the forward body100comprises a face101on its first end for a bolt carrier group of the weapon to impact. In embodiments, face101includes a flange to provide a broader seat for the inventive recoil reduction system1, providing just enough energy to drive the bolt carrier group of an AR weapon in which the invention is applied forward into battery position. The second end102, opposite the first end, of the forward body100is preferably at least partially hollow to accommodate, at least, a distal end of bolt6, as will be described. Specifically, in embodiments, the second end102includes a hollow interior cavity extending a portion of the total length of forward body100. In preferred embodiments, the interior cavity is cylindrical with a primary axis coexistent with the primary axis of forward body100. It may be sized and shaped to accommodate one or more of the distal end (tip) of bolt6, a threaded insert7for capturing the distal end of bolt6, and/or a weight3. In embodiments, threaded insert7may be a key locking insert or like device for capturing the distal end of bolt6securely within the interior of the forward body100. In embodiments, weight3may be a cylindrical body sized to fit within the interior cavity of forward body100. Preferred materials for weight3may be tungsten or other high-density materials known in the art. As will be described, weight3may be customized to optimize the cyclical action of the gun to which the inventive recoil system is applied.

Also in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.1, rear body200may also comprise a cylindrical body having a cavity running all or part of the way through the interior thereof, and along the primary axis thereof. The rear body cavity may be sized and shaped to accommodate a proximal end (head) of bolt6and, optionally, all or part of a bumper500. In embodiments, an optional bumper500comprises a generally cylindrical body with a first sized and shaped to fit into the interior cavity of rear body200at the second end202of rear cavity200, and a second end comprising a base in the form of a flange, which provides a surface for engaging the rear of the shoulder stock of the weapon when the weapon is fired. As noted, rear body200may comprise a cavity to house optional bumper500at a second end202of rear body200, and bolt6within the interior of rear body200, which is preferably sized and shaped to be housed along the primary axis of rear body200and extend a specified distance from the first end201of rear body200. In alternative embodiments, bolt6, rear body200and/or optional bumper500may be a unitary piece and/or co-molded component.

In embodiments, the interior cavity of rear body200may be sized and shaped to make bolt6self-centering. As shown inFIG.1, the interior cavity of rear body200may have a conical pocket (designed by reference character P) which has an interior dimension matching the exterior dimension of the conical proximal end (head) of bolt6. When the buffer actuates, the recoil reduction system (specifically, friction spring4) compresses, which causes the rear body200to move to left. The threaded distal end (tip) of bolt6is fixed within front body100, but bolt6moves to become proud of the countersunk pocket P that it normally centers in within the interior cavity of rear body200. Because the bolt6runs through the center of friction spring4, when the friction spring4relaxes and the components in this embodiment return to rest, bolt6centers the entire device by centering each component along a common centerline as bolt6re-seats in the conical pocket P.

With reference toFIG.1andFIG.2, an exploded view of the embodiment of the inventive recoil system illustrated inFIG.1, the second end102of the forward body100and the first end201of the rear body200are sized and shaped to capture friction spring4, described in greater detail below, therebetween. As shown inFIG.2, the first end201of the rear body200is generally smaller in diameter than the main/central portion of rear body200, such that when the various components of the improved recoil reduction system are assembled together, as will be described, friction spring4covers, at least partially, the first end201of the rear body200. Also as shown inFIG.2, the second end102of the forward body100is generally smaller in diameter than the main/central portion of forward body100. The said second end102extends axially from the center of the forward body1such that when the components of the improved recoil reduction system are assembled together, friction spring4at least partially fits over the second end102of forward body100.

FIGS.1and2also illustrate that, in some embodiments, rear body200further comprises a retaining pin aperture sized to accommodate a retaining pin8. In embodiments, bumper500may also comprise a retaining pin aperture extending at least partially through the body thereof, which apertures are located so as to be aligned when the system is fully assembled.

In embodiments, to assemble the improved recoil system illustrated inFIGS.1and2, weight3(if used) is first inserted into interior cavity of forward body100. Threaded insert7is then inserted into the interior cavity of forward body100. The bolt6may also be inserted into the second end202of the rear body200, and pushed through the interior cavity thereof until the bolt6extends at least partially out of the first end201of rear body200. A back end of friction spring4is then inserted over the bolt6until friction spring4partially covers the bolt6, and at least partially covers the first end of rear body200. The second end102of the forward body100is then inserted into the opposite (front) end of the friction spring4until the front end of the friction spring4covers, at least partially, the second end of the forward body1. In preferred embodiments, this engages the distal (tip) end of bolt6, which is at least partially threaded, with the interior cavity of forward body100. In embodiments, the distal end of bolt6is retained within the interior cavity of forward body100via engagement with the interior threading of threaded insert7. At any time after bolt6is inserted into rear body200, the bumper500may also be inserted into the second end202of the rear body2until the second end of the rear body200covers, at least partially, bumper500. Thereafter, the retaining pin8may be inserted, at least partially, into the retaining pin aperture of rear body200to secure the bumper500in place at least partially within the cavity at the rear end202of rear body200, thereby also providing a second means (the first being the engagement of the distal end of bolt6with the threaded insert7) of preventing bolt6from sliding backwards through or out of the second end202of rear body200. Accordingly, in embodiments, when the unit is fully assembled, forward body100and rear body200are compressed towards each other by the engagement of bolt6and treaded insert7, with friction spring4therebetween. When in a battery position, the completed assembly thus compresses the friction spring4to a predetermined tension level. An exterior view of the fully assembled recoil system according to an embodiment of the invention (also shown inFIGS.1-2) is shown inFIG.3.

In alternative embodiments, as noted above, bolt6, rear body200, and/or bumper500may be one or more unitary parts, in which case steps requiring assembly of individual components may be eliminated as will be understood to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, the use of a bumper500and/or weight3may be eliminated entirely, with corresponding modifications to the method of assembly described above.

Friction spring4comprises a plurality of concentric inner41and outer42rings with mating tapered surfaces. A close-up, cutaway view of friction spring4is shown inFIG.4. When the spring compresses, such as under the force of the bolt carrier group of a weapon moving backwards as the weapon is fired, the gaps that exist between inner41rings, at rest, compress; likewise in the case of the spaces between outer42rings. As the gaps between adjacent inner41springs compress, the tapering of their top surfaces causes the collective inner springs41to push out against outer springs42, causing them to expand radially. Likewise, as the gaps between adjacent outer42springs compress, their tapered inner surfaces push in against the adjacent surfaces of inner springs41, causing them to contract radially. The compressing of the friction spring4thereby generates friction and at least partially dissipates the energy created by firing of the weapon in the form of heat, thus reducing the felt recoil of the weapon.

In embodiments, both an outer42and an inner41rings of friction spring4may be notched, as shown inFIG.5to change the performance dynamics of friction spring4. Notching one or more of the rings of friction spring4lowers the spring constant and ultimately the force against the adjacent rings. Accordingly, the present invention provides customization of the “feel” of the recoil, i.e. “stiff” or “soft”, based on user requirements, by adjusting the width of the notching on the rings41,42of friction spring4proportionally to the desired reduction of adjacent spring force.

Thus, when a firearm equipped with the improved recoil reduction system is fired, the said front body100is impacted by the bolt carrier group of the weapon forcing the recoil reduction system toward the aft of the shoulder stock of the weapon. As the rear body200(and optional bumper500) strike the rear of the shoulder stock of the weapon, the friction spring4compresses as described. The resultant reduction in the felt recoil of the weapon provides a number of advantages. Two of the primary advantages are: (1) a reduction in the force impacting the user, i.e., to his/her shoulder or other part of his/her body where the stock may be braced during firing; and (2) a reduction in the “rise” of the gun barrel, which helps to (2A) improve accuracy of the shot, either due to the rise itself and/or the anticipation of same on of the user, and (2B) improve gun safety from potentially errant shots caused by barrel rise.

As noted above, the improved recoil reduction system according to the present invention may take various exterior shapes and sizes to accommodate retrofit and/or custom fit to one or more different types of weapons.

An exterior view of one alternative embodiment is shown inFIG.6. As shown therein, forward body100may take various shapes and sizes to accommodate the particular interior dimensions of the buffer tube in the AR-class weapon to which the inventive system will be applied by retrofit. However, it will be understood that any of forward body100, rear body200, and/or optional buffer500may take different forms depending on the make and model of weapon for which it is designed, provided that, collectively, they perform the function of capturing and compressing friction spring4therebetween, by, in preferred embodiments, the compressive force of bolt6which is compressed and held securely between forward body100and rear body200, running through the interior of friction spring4.

In some embodiments, the improved recoil reduction system may be adapted for use in shoulder fired weapons. With reference toFIG.7, an alternative embodiment of the improved recoil reduction buffer system comprises a modified rear body210, a friction spring4, and a modified forward body110. The modified forward body110may have a fixing feature such as a threaded insert7(of the one or more types described in other embodiments herein) and/or spring seat9for capturing one end of the friction spring4. The modified rear body210may have a shoulder pad with a spring seat10for capturing the other end of friction spring4. Spring seats9,10may be integrally-formed parts of modified forward110and rear210bodies, respectively, and/or may be separable components which are assembled in a manner similar to that described with respect to the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-2. Spring seats9,10may provide the same functionality as that of reduced-diameter portions of front100and rear200bodies in the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-2; that is, to provide a fixed body for either end of friction spring4to cover so as to be compressed between front and rear bodies. For clarification, front and rear bodies may be modified from embodiment to embodiment in order to be adaptable for insertion into one or more different types of weapons, but in each case, the requirements for each forward body are (1) to provide a fixed, preferably cylindrical body with a diameter smaller than that of the interior diameter of friction spring4, for friction spring4to cover (in the instant embodiment, spring seat9), and (2) to provide a secure attachment point for the distal (tip) end of bolt6. Likewise, in each case, the requirements for each rear body are (1) to provide a fixed, preferably cylindrical body with a diameter smaller than that of the interior diameter of friction spring4, for friction spring4to cover (in the instant embodiment, spring seat10), and (2) to provide a non-fixed seat or pocket within which the proximal (head) end of bolt6can securely rest and, in preferred embodiments, re-center.

A cutaway view of the instant embodiment is shown inFIG.8. There, it can be seen that modified forward body110comprises an interior cavity with a step-down in cross sectional diameter towards the front of modified forward body110to provide a reduced-diameter portion in which threaded insert7may be housed to capture the distal end of bolt6. To the rear of reduced-diameter portion, spring seat9is housed in a wider diameter portion of the interior cavity of modified forward body110. One end of friction spring4covers at least a portion of spring seat9. The other end of friction spring4covers at least a portion of spring seat10, which in this embodiment is either unitary within, or extending from a face of, modified rear body210. Spring seat10also includes a pocket P for capturing the head of bolt6, for self-centering action: as described herein. Bolt thus compresses modified forward110and rear210bodies together, with spring therebetween, and the functionality of this embodiment of the inventive recoil reduction system is the same as that of the previously-described embodiment. Thus, when a shoulder fired weapon equipped with the improved recoil reduction system is discharged, the modified forward body110transfers the recoil impulse into the said friction spring4, which compresses as modified rear body210is fixed against the shoulder of the shooter.

In embodiments, modified rear body210may further comprise an anti-rotation pin11to keep modified rear body210aligned with modified forward body110rifle stock or rifle stock insert.

An exploded view of the embodiment shown inFIG.8is shown inFIG.9.

In embodiments, spring seat9,10may alternately be described as, or take the form of, a “spacer” that has approximately the same exterior dimensions as friction spring4along at least part of its length. In these embodiments, the number of total rings (combination of inner41and outer42) in friction spring4may be varied based on the energy class of the weapon, and/or based on user preference. Then, the length of the spacer, which may be present at one or both ends of friction spring4, can be adjusted so that the total height of the spring4and spacer(s) combined is the same for each embodiment, regardless of the number of coils in friction spring4. The effect of the modification of the number of rings in friction spring4is illustrated inFIG.10, which also illustrates the beneficial recoil reduction response of the inventive system as compared with a factory standard buffer system for a 300 Winchester Magnum rifle.

FIG.10is a graph illustrating the recoil force (lbf) per second produced by a shot of a weapon equipped with various embodiments of the present invention, plus a factory recoil buffer for comparison. The factory recoil buffer of a Remington 700-300 WIN MAG is indicated as “300 WM Factory”. Each of the additional lines indicates the recoil force felt from a shot using a Remington 700-300 WIN MAG using one embodiment of the present invention. The indication of the number of “elements” inFIG.10corresponds to the total number of rings in spring stack4, with reference toFIG.11(described in greater detail below). As can be seen, each of the shots produced by the weapon outfitted with the inventive device produces substantially lower recoil (Ibf), and the subtraction of rings in the ring stack4can customize the delayed onset of recoil force felt by the user.

In embodiments, the invention includes ring prescriptions for various calibers of weapon.FIG.11(A)shows the ring configuration for a Remington 700, wherein each row in the table illustrates a separate prescription for a ring stack in a given count. For each prescription, the total number of rings is indicated, along with the number of inner, outer, and end rings, and the total stacked height of the friction spring4for the given prescription.FIG.11(B)illustrates one preferred ring prescription for various different calibers of weapons.

Yet another alternative embodiment is shown inFIG.12, which shows the inventive recoil reduction system adapted for use in wooden rifle stocks. As shown therein, a modified forward body120may be sized and shaped to fit within a cylindrical bore drilled into the existing wooden rifle stock at a predetermined location. In embodiments, the bore will include an anterior portion which has a smaller cross-sectional diameter than the primary bore, in which to seat a threaded insert7for secure attachment of bolt6(not shown). The main portion of the bore can be sized to accommodate friction spring4, along with spring seats9,10which are affixed to or unitary with modified forward body120and modified rear body220, respectively. Modified rear portion220can have a pocket P within which to seat the head of bolt6(not shown) and other dimensions similar to those described with respect to the remaining embodiments of the instant invention, except that an exterior portion E of modified rear body220can be sized to serve as, or accommodate, a shoulder pad or the like, or to be commensurate with the butt end of the weapon into which the inventive system will be inserted. Also shown in this embodiment is an anti-rotation pin11that performs the function described elsewhere herein with respect to this same component in separate embodiments.

Various types of weapons allow the user to adjust the distance from the trigger of the weapon to the butt end of the weapon, commonly known as “length of pull”. It will be understood that the present invention may be adapted for use in such weapons, whereby the location of the inventive recoil reduction system will adjust based on the location of the butt plate as that weapon is adjusted through known means specific to that weapon to shorten or lengthen the “length of pull”. Length of pull can be adjusted by adding spacers between the butt plate and butt pad or other means known in the art. Alternatively, length of pull can be adjusted by making the mounting position of the improved recoil reduction system of the present invention adjustable within the stock.

Yet another alternative embodiment is shown inFIG.13, which shows the inventive recoil reduction system adapted for use in collapsible/tactical stocks. As shown inFIG.13, a modified rear body230may envelope or surround (i.e., have an interior opening which houses) a larger portion of the remaining components, including friction spring4and modified forward body130. All that is required of modified rear body230is that it include a secure attachment means and/or pocket P for the head of bolt6and a seat for friction spring4. Likewise, modified forward body130should have a secure attachment for the threaded end of bolt6and a seat for the opposing end of friction spring4.

Yet another embodiment is shown inFIG.14, which shows the inventive recoil reduction system adapted to fit within a custom replacement stock, in cases where the existing stock of the gun to which the invention will be applied does not have a compatible buffer tube or other means of retrofitting the stock to accommodate the inventive device. In embodiments, a replacement stock of the type envisioned for use in connection with the present invention is also known as a chassis. As shown inFIG.14, the inventive recoil reduction system may be incorporated into the stock such that the modified rear body240includes, incorporates, or otherwise terminates at the end cap where the user's shoulder would rest during firing. Although one specific configuration of chassis is shown inFIG.14, it will be understood that the present invention may be modified for use in any known configuration of chassis rifle. The critical components of the invention, regardless of the modifications required to adapt the invention to a particular weapon, include the friction spring4, forward body and/or spring seat9, a rear body and/or spring seat10, and bolt6(not shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG.14) which runs through the interior of friction spring4.

In embodiments, the friction spring4used in any of the above-described types of weapons could include two or more nested friction springs comprising a primary friction spring, and at least one additional friction spring having an exterior diameter sized to fit within an interior diameter of said primary friction spring.FIG.15is a composite ((A) and (B)) showing an end view (FIG.15(A)) of a doubly-nested friction spring40according to some embodiments of the present invention.FIG.15(B)is a section view along section A-A as indicated inFIG.15(A). As can be seen, a nested friction spring40according to some embodiments may comprise, from outermost to innermost layers, an outer ring42and an inner ring41, each comprising a series of ring-shaped springs with mating tapered surfaces. In embodiments, as shown inFIG.15(B), the non-tapered edge of the springs of inner ring41can be flat, and this back surface of inner ring41can surround an outer edge of a second set of outer43and inner44springs, each also comprising a series of ring-shaped springs with mating tapered surfaces. Additional sets of nested rings can be used as desired based on the recoil feel. A bolt (not shown) can be sized to fit within the opening of the innermost set of rings.

Also described herein is a method for custom manufacture of an improved recoil reduction device, as disclosed herein. According to that method, one or more characteristics of the custom fit are optimized, including: (1) the customization of the spring strength based on the energy class of the weapon; and (2) the placement of the inventive recoil reduction system within the stock of the gun to be retrofit. In embodiments of the inventive method, the number of coils or rings in the friction spring4of the one or more embodiments of the inventive device may be optimized to match one or more of the following factors: (A) energy class of the weapon in question, and/or (B) user preference. As described above, one or more spacers9,10on either end of the friction spring4can be adjusted in length to provide a spring “stack” comprising friction spring4and spacers9,10which has a predetermined length regardless of the number of rings making up, and the resultant length of, the friction spring4. Also in embodiments of the inventive method, the location of the inventive recoil reduction system can be optimized within the existing stock, or within a custom replacement stock, of the weapon in question. In preferred embodiments, the inventive recoil reduction system is placed as high up within the stock of the gun as possible without compromising the integrity of the stock itself. Methods of the present invention may include preparing and utilizing a “sizing guide” which has optimal (or several preferred) values for each of the above-described characteristics, including number of coils in friction spring4, distance between various exterior edges of the stock of various makes and models of weapons at which a bore should be drilled or the inventive device should otherwise be applied, or the like.

It will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art that the invention disclosed herein may be adapted to accommodate other types of weapons, such as those using skeleton stocks, but adjusting the shape and size of forward100and rear200bodies, and/or buffer500, if used. In each case, the inventive device will comprise the following critical components, which have the functionality described with respect to each embodiment herein: (1) a forward body and/or spring seat; (2) a rear body and/or spring seat; (3) a bolt fixedly attached to said forward body and movably attached to said rear body; and (4) a friction spring compressed between said forward body and said rear body by attachment of said forward body and said rear body to opposite ends of said bolt, where the bolt runs through an interior of said friction spring.

It is to be understood that any given elements of the disclosed embodiments of the invention may be embodied in a single structure, a single step, a single substance, or the like. Similarly, a given element of the disclosed embodiment may be embodied in multiple structures, steps, substances, or the like.

The foregoing description illustrates and describes the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only certain embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings disclosed, but, as mentioned above, it is to be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and are capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the teachings as expresses herein, commensurate with the skill and/or knowledge of a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain certain best modes known of practicing the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the teaching of the present disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with the various modifications required by the particular applications or uses. Accordingly, the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the exact embodiments and examples disclosed herein. Any section headings herein are provided only for consistency with the suggestions of 37 C.F.R. § 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational queues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set forth herein.

STATEMENT OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Rifles and shotguns have many applications in the defense and sporting industries. Downfalls of using high powered weapons such as these include fatigue on the user's body (shoulder) from repeated impact of the gun stock, which is forced back towards the user as the bullet is fired. The inventive device ameliorates this problem by substantially reducing the felt recoil of the weapon. In addition, firing accuracy and safety may be beneficially aided by the effect of the inventive device of reducing barrel lift.