Patent ID: 7987944

Claim:
A baffle configured for use in a firearm sound suppressor, the baffle having a longitudinal axis along which in use a projectile passes from a rearward side to a forward side, the baffle comprising: a rear bell portion including a first annular exterior surface, the rear bell portion decreasing in cross-section along the longitudinal axis toward the forward side; a forward bell portion including a second annular exterior surface, the forward bell portion increasing in cross-section along the longitudinal axis toward the forward side; a waist portion defined between and connecting the rear bell portion and the forward bell portion; a central bore defining an annular interior surface extending along the longitudinal axis and substantially through the rear bell portion, the central bore sized to receive a projectile traveling along the longitudinal axis; and a flow aperture disposed through the waist portion and enabling fluid communication between the central bore and an exterior chamber at least partially defined by the first and second annular exterior surfaces, wherein the forward bell portion includes a forward end defining the forward side of the baffle, and wherein the forward bell portion is hollowed to define a forward bell interior surface extending from the forward end to the waist portion, wherein the rear bell portion includes a rear end having an outer peripheral edge and defining the rearward side of the baffle, the central bore includes a rear peripheral edge, and the rear bell portion further includes an annular first groove cut into the rear bell portion between the outer peripheral edge of the rear bell portion and the rear peripheral edge of the central bore, and wherein the rear bell portion further includes a pair of partially-annular second grooves cut deeper into the rear bell portion from the first groove, the second grooves each defining a groove sidewall parallel to the longitudinal axis and at least partially adjacent to the central bore.