Patent ID: 7775149

Claim:
An action rate control system mounted in a gas operated firearm, the gas operated firearm including a bolt assembly, a barrel, and a gas cylinder affixed to the barrel and receiving combustion gases therein for driving the action rate control system, the action rate control system comprising: an action sleeve, coupled to the bolt assembly and to the gas cylinder; a linkage coupled to the action sleeve and extending rearwardly therealong; and a fluid-actuated action rate control cylinder, comprising a hydraulically-actuated cylinder having an extensible cylinder rod projecting therefrom and coupled to the action sleeve by the linkage, for controlling a velocity reduction of the action sleeve as the action sleeve approaches a limit for its movement following a firing of the firearm, wherein upon firing of a round of ammunition by the firearm, the gas cylinder operates to drive the bolt assembly and action sleeve rearwardly at a bolt velocity dependent upon an amount of energy generated by the combustion gases received by the gas cylinder; and wherein the action rate control cylinder is selected to provide a minimum resistance sufficient to control a terminal velocity of the action sleeve being driven by the gas cylinder so as to control velocity reduction of the action sleeve as the action sleeve reaches a rear limit of movement.