June 5, 1923.

1,457,961
J. M. BROWNING
IFIREARM

Filed April 13, 1921 5 sheets-Sheet 1

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ATTORNEYS
June 5, 1923.
J. M. BROWNING
FIREARM

Filed April 13, 1921

ATTORNEYS
June 5, 1923. 1,457,961
J. M. BROWNING
FIREARM
Filed April 13. 1921 5 SheetsSheet 3

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ZZ

Z? INVENTOR

ATIORNEYS
June 5, 1923. 1,457,961
J. M. BRowNING
FIREARM
Filed April 13, 1921 5 Sheets-Sheet 4

ATIORNEYs
June 5, 1923. 1,457,961
J. M. BROWNING
FIREARM
Filed April 13, 1921 - 5 SheetsSheet 5

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\|
INVENTOR

ATIORNEYs
 Patented June 5, 1923. 1,457,961

UNITED STATES PATENT office.

JOHN M. BROWNING, of og DEN, UTAH.
FIREARM.
Application filed April 13, 1921. Serial No. 460,907.
To all whom it may concern: - . Fig. 4 is a sectional top plan view on the
Be it known that JoHN M. BROwnING, a line 44 of Fig. 3 looking in the direction of
citizen of the United States, residing at Og the arrows. 55
den, in the county of Weber and State of Fig. 5 is a view corresponding somewhat
5 Utah, has invented certain new and useful to Fig. 3 with the main moving parts how
Improvements in Firearms, of which the ever in elevation, and the blocks having
following is a specification. moved backward a short distance.
... This invention relates to firearms and Fig. 6 is a sectional side elevation of the 60
more especially to that class of firearms com rear portion of the receiver, the plunger
10 monly designated as auto loading or auto mechanism, the inertia block and certain as
matic, in which the force of the expanding sociated parts, the block having been ar
powder gases is utilized to automatically rested while certain of the elements of the
perform the various operations of loading, retarding mechanism are moved backward 65
firing, ejecting the empty case and cocking. by inertia.
15 I have a number of objects in view, among Fig. 7 is a sectional side elevation of the
them being the provision of means of an trigger-guard and the parts of the firing
effective nature whereby the retractive move mechanism carried thereby.
ment of an inertia-block and a co-operative Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the trigger 70
breech-block in a receiver, are sufficiently mechanism with the inertia-block thereon
partially retracted and partly broken
20 retarded to insure the expulsion of the gases to away
arising from an explosion, forwardly show the sear. -
through the front of the barrel. Fig. 9 is a transverse section on the line
Another object of the invention is to pro 99 of Fig. 7 looking in the direction of the 75
vide efficient plunger mechanism which acts 3.Tro WS.
25 properly in connection with the inertia Fig. 10 is an elevation of the trigger
block of the arm and which is in effect sup guard appearing in Fig. 8 and from the op
plemental thereto. - - posite side thereof, the inertia block being
I also provide equally effective hammer, shown in its extreme backward position and 80
trigger, and cocking mechanisms. In fact there locked by the safety.
30 all the novel features will be elaborated upon Fig. 11 is a transverse section on the line
fully, in the following description. 1111 of Fig. 12 looking in the direction of
In the drawing acompanying and forming the arrows but with the part swung around
part of the present specification, I have shown slightly. 85
in detail one of the several forms of embodi Fig. 12 is a top plan view partly in sec
35 ment of the invention which to enable those tion, of the forward portion of the receiver
skilled in the art to practice the same will showing by dotted lines the path of an
be set forth fully in the following descrip ejected shell. -
tion. I may depart therefrom in a num trigger-guard Fig. 13 is a side elevation showing the
ber of respects within the scope of the in retaining pin in its effective
40 vention defined by the claims following said position.
description. - Fig. 14 is a sectional elevation showing
Referring to said drawings: the relative positions of the hammer, the
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a firearm in sear and the connector. -
volving the invention with a portion of the Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the in
45 stock removed and in section, to show the ertia-block with the parts carried thereby.
manner of attaching the stock. Fig. 16 is a similar view of the breech
Fig. 2 is a sectional side elevation of the block.
receiver, and showing inertia and breech Fig. 17 is a bottom plan view of the trig 100
blocks in their advanced positions. - ger plate with the rear portion broken away.
50 Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional side ele Fig. 18 is a sectional detail of the for
vation on the line 33 of Fig. 4 looking in ward portion of the breech-block, showing
the direction of the arrows, a way of mounting the extractor, .
 1,457,961
Like characters refer to like parts through into the rear portion 7 and the forward por
out the several views which are on greatly tion 8. In the present case, the inertia
different scales. - - - block or momentum block is continuously or
The invention constituting, the subjects permanently situated in the part or portion
matter of the present case, is of peculiar im
portance when incorporated in a shoulder
arm or a piece that is fired from the shoul
der. Certain of the features may be incor
porated however in guns of different types.
10 In Fig. 1; I have shown a shoulder rifle.
This comprises in its structure the barrel 2,
the front stock 3 and the butt stock 4, the
front stock and the butt stock being gener
ally of wood. Between the front stock 3 and
15 the butt stock 4, is positioned the receiver
or frame 5 usually obviously of proper
metal. The assemblage between the barrel
2 and the front stock 3 is in the usual mail
ner of firearms of this class. The barrel 2
20 is in rigid coupled relation with the forward
upper portion of the receiver or frame 5 in
some usual and well-known manner, which
forms no feature in itself of the present in
vention. I might note at this point, how
25 ever that the operatively-associated inertia.
block or momentum block and the breech
block have a compound movement of a novel
character by virtue of which the receiver
can be made much shorter than is possible
30 at the present time.
It is not amiss to note that this compound
movement which takes place in the receiver
of course, is along straight lines, the initial
movement generally being in a direction co
35 inciding with the longitudinal axis of the
bore of the barrel. After a certain retrac
tive movement of the inertia-block and
breech-block, the breech-block is momen
tarily or temporarily delayed in order to
40 give the gases due to an explosion, ample
time to escape to the atmosphere forwardly
through the barrel, and about the time or
approximately at the time this function is
accomplished, the backward motion of the
45 two blocks in the receiver is continued, but
while still along a right or straight line it is
in a direction diagonal or oblique to the first
movement of the breech-block. At the time
the breech-block is momentarily or tempo
50 rarily delayed, the backward movement of
the inertia-block under the power of the gas,
is an accelerated and proper one. By hay
ing this compound movement of the breech
block, it is clear that a very much shorter
55 receiver or frame may be utilized which
makes the gun more compact, obviously
lightens it and reduces its cost of produc
tion. The inertia-block generally has but
the one straight line movement which is the
60 second path followed by the breech-block in
its backward motion.
With these preliminary observations, I
will describe somewhat in detail the re
ceiver, or frame 5. This receiver 5 has in it
65 the longitudinal chamber or space 6 divided tion shown, encountered by the breech-block
7 of the chamber 6, the breech-block how 70
ever moving along both portions of the
chamber, there being means to check the mo
tion of the breech block just before its en
trance into the portion 7 of said chamber,
this portion 7 as shown best in Fig. 2 being 75
longitudinally of greater extent than the
portion 8. An inertia or momentum block
which meets my condition is such a one as
that denoted in a general way by 9. For
ward of it is arranged a breech-block such 80
as that denoted in a general way by 10. The
inertia-block in its movements backwardly
and forwardly moves at all times in the
larger portion 7 of the chamber of the re
ceiver. - - 85
The trigger plate 11 is set in the receiver
5 as shown best in Fig. 2 and its upper side
supports the inertia-block and confines cer
tain of the parts therein, the inertia-block
having a retractive movement until its rear 90
end abuts against the rear wall of the cham
ber 6, the upper surface of the trigger-plate
11 being diagonal to the longitudinal axis
of the barrel 2 to properly support and
guide the inertia block in its reciprocations. 95
The inertia-block as I have explained, strikes
the rear wall of the chamber 6, which is at
the back of the portion 7 thereof, to arrest
the movement of the said block while the
plunger mechanism as I will hereinafter ex 100
plain, continues its backward movement un
der the impetus given to it by the inertia
block. -
The magazine shown best in Fig. 2, is de
noted by 12, and it is removably set in a ver 105
tical slot in the forward portion of the re
ceiver and has a tongue and groove slidable
connection with the forward side of the trig
ger plate 11 as usual.
The breech-block 10 (see Fig. 16) encloses 110
the firing-pin 13 with which is associated
the firing-pin spring 14 for maintaining the
firing-pin in its retracted position until the
forward end of the hammer 15 strikes the
butt end of the firing pin to secure firing. 115
The forward end of the breech-block 10 is
furnished with the extractor 16 (Fig. 18)
which functions after the well-known
fashion.
At the junction of the rear portion 7 and 120
the forward portion 8 of the chamber 6 and
as shown on the upper wall or surface there
of, is situated a checking portion 17 (Figs.
2 and 3 for instance) which as shown, is in
the nature of a face oblique or angular to the 125
longitudinal axis of the barrel and also
oblique to the longitudinal axis of the for
ward portion 8 of said chamber. This check
ing portion or surface 17 is, in the construc
130
 4. 1,457,961
the disks 28. As shown in Fig.2 the sev
eral parts including the inertia block 9 are
in their advanced positions, the block being
maintained in such relation by the power of
the spring 34 which at this time is in ex
panded condition, the head 30 occupying the
seat or concavity 31 at the rear of the in
ertia block 9. On firing as I have herein
before explained, the two blocks 9 and 10
10 are moved backward, the backward motion
continuing until the inertia-block 9 strikes
the rear surface of the chamber 6 which
necessarily stops further backward motion
thereof. On the rearward motion of the
block 9, the buffer plunger 29 and the re
coil spring guide 32 are thrust rearwardly
thus contracting the spring 34, the motion
continuing until the block 9 strikes the rear
of the chamber 6 beyond which point how
20 ever, the buffer plunger 29 and the recoil
spring guide 32, can have a further but
slight backward motion as shown best in
Fig. 6, to thus further compress the spring
34 until the rear end of the plunger 29
25 strikes the disks 28. On the return or for
ward movement of the plunger 29 and
spring guide 32, through naturally the ex
pansion of the spring 34, the heads 30 and
33 will be concurrently moved forwardly
30 until the head 30 enters its seat 31 thus as
it were picking up the block 9 and block 10
and advancing them both to the positions
they are shown as occupying in Fig. 2. As
shown the receiver has threaded through it
35 the screw 35' as seen best in Fig. 6 and also
in Fig. 2, the front plain reduced portion of
the screw extending through the buffer tube
26 and fitting a longitudinal slot 36 through
the buffer plunger 29 which provides a
40 simple way of preventing turning motion of
said buffer-plunger and also prevents the
plunger from being accidentally dismounted
when the parts are separated.
The inertia-block 9 as shown carries the
45 hammer 15 which moves longitudinally
thereof, the operative or forward motion of
the hammer being secured for instance by a
spring 40 as shown in Fig. 3 and also in
Fig. 2, the hammer having a movement
50 through the longitudinal slot which is situ
ated depthwise of the inertia-block 9 for the
major part of the length thereof. The head
of the hammer 15 of course strikes the rear
end of the firing pin 13 as shown for exam
55 ple in Fig. 3 on firing. The necessary mo
tion of the hammer 15 is accomplished for
instance through the agency of the spring
40 of coiled type, surrounding the shank
portion of the hammer, bearing at its for
60 ward end against the body of the hammer
and at its rear end against the plug 41 fitted
in the longitudinal bore of the inertia-block
and in which the shank portion of the ham
mer 15 is situated.
65
Pivoted between its ends between the
walls of the slot 39' is a cocking lever 43
the pivot 43 of which extends across the
inertia-block and through the cocking lever
between the upper and lower ends thereof.
The sear is denoted by 44 and as represented 70
it is pivoted at its tail between the side walls
of the slot near the forward end thereof,
the free end of the sear having on its upper
side the tooth 45 to co-operate with a notch
46 in the forward portion of the hammer as 75
shown in Fig. 3 and in other views for in
stance Fig. 14. It will be seen that the sear
spring 38 holds the cocking lever pivot 43'
in position against accidental withdrawal.
The upper arm of the cocking lever 43 is 80
situated in a longitudinal slot 47 in the body
of the hammer 15 said upper arm co-operat
ing with a shoulder 48 at practically the
rear of said slot 47. The trigger is desig
nated by 49 and it is ...; of elbow 85
form pivoted as at 50 through its longer
branch, in the trigger-guard or plate 11.
The trigger, it will be seen, has two arms, a
back or angular one and a forward and com 90
paratively straight one. To the short arm
of the trigger is flexibly connected as by the
pivot 51, the connector 52 which has an off
set or projection 53 near its base to be en
gaged by the spring 54 to move the connec 95
for into coupling relation with the sear.
The sear has at its lower portion near the
back, the notch 55 to co-operate with the
hook 56 at the upper end of the connector 52
as shown in Fig. 2 and as also appearing in
Figs. 7 and 8. The trigger guard 11 has a
shoulder or abutment 57 to be engaged as
shown for example in Fig. 3 by the lower
arm of the cocking lever 43.
It will be assumed that the gun has been
fired. In such an event the inertia-block 9
moves backward and as a consequence of the
lower arm of the cocking lever being against
the abutment or shoulder 57, the cocking
lever is rocked on its axis so that the upper
arm of the cocking lever acts against the
shoulder 48 drawing back the hammer 15,
compressing at the same time the hammer
spring 40, this motion continuing until the
tooth or nose 45 is projected into the notch 115
46 by the sear spring 38. This sear spring
38 is longitudinally bowed and is disposed
in a channel or groove 39 in the side of the
inertia-block 9 as shown for example in
Figs. 10 and 15, the rear end of the spring 120
fitting somewhat loosely a transverse, open
ing in the side of the inertia-block, the op
posite end of the spring having an extension
fitting under the sear. When therefore the
hammer 15 is cocked or moved backward
through the intervention of the cocking 125
lever 43, and when the notch 46 is brought
opposite the nose 45 of the Sear 44, the sear
spring 38 by acting against the sear will
project the tooth 45 thereof into the notch 130
so as to hold the hammer in cocked condi
 1,457,961
tion to be released by the tripping of the
sear which is brought about through the ac Ilation, it holds the safety in such relation.
might also call attention to the fact that
tion of .#.
will be 49,the
assumed that andsear
connector 52. It the spring 54 is a highly advantageous fea
is in position ture. It is more valuable than a coiled
to hold the hammer cocked and that the Spring owing to its ease of assemblage and 70
trigger is pulled. On pulling the trigger its other qualities. The rear end of the
the forward short arm thereof is drawn spring seats in a notch in the trigger guard
downward so that the trigger connector 52 rendering it quite easy to assemble.
pulls down the sear 44 and withdraws the It might be explained that the arm or ex
10. tooth 45 from the notch 46 releasing the tension, 61 of the safety positively prevents 75
hammer 15 which is then advanced through
the power of the compressed spring 40, the the safety from being disassembled when
hammer on its advance striking the rear end by Fig. 3,areor inwhen
the parts relation such as represented
the trigger guard is in
of the firing pin 13 and the latter in turn assembled relation with the receiver. There
striking the cartridge. - \. fore, the extension 61 extends upwardly in 80
It will be assumed that the trigger 49 side
has been pulled thus in the manner I have cannotof be the receiver so that the safety 60
described tripping the sear 44 and causing guard whendismounted from , the trigger
the trigger guard is in assem
the advance motion of the hammer 15. This
20 occurring when the two blocks are advanced, bled relation with the receiver. The trig 85
ger 49 as shown has on its rear side thereof
the hammer of course being cocked again on the nose 66 and the safety. 60 in turn is
the backward motion of the blocks. As the provided with a locking portion 65 which
inertia-block 9 moves forward, the sear 44 may be projected over the nose 65 as shown
will strike the upper portion of the connec for instance in Fig. 3 to effectually prevent
tor 52 and rock it slightly thus conditioning when desired the firing action of the trig 90
the spring 54 of the connector to cause the ger 49.
hook 56 to be projected into the notch 55, It is not amiss to describe the action of
as soon as the trigger is released. - the firearm. It will be assumed that the
I provide a safety having means by which magazine 12 is filled with cartridges and
the inertia-block 9 can be positively locked that the inertia-block 9, breech-block 10 95
in either its forward or backward posi and hammer 15 are in their advanced posi
tions the safety also, and what is possibly tions as shown best in Fig. 3. Obviously
more important, functioning to lock the the operating handle 67 is in its forward
trigger against accidental discharge. The position. I should explain that the oper
35 safety is denoted in a general way by 60
ating handle is connected with the inertia 100
and it slides sidewise in an opening or bore block 9 and extends through a longitudinal
extending transversely of the rear portion slot 68 in the receiver or frame 5, the oper
of the trigger guard. It has the arm 61 ating handle being externally accessible as
40
extending upwardly therefrom and a com shown best in Fig. 4. It also appears in
paratively small distance above the trigger Fig. 5 and partly in other views. To cock 105
guard 11, the inertia block 9 having in its the piece, the operating-handle is grasped
lower side portion the longitudinal channel and drawn back, thereby correspondingl
or rabbet 62 which receives this arm 61 moving the inertia-block 9 and .
45
that is capable of lateral movement by the 10 and parts sustained thereby. The
endwise movement of the safety. The in inertia-block is retracted until it strikes the 110
ertia block has longitudinally separated rear wall of the chamber 6. As the inertia
notches 63 and 64 which intersect the chan block 9 moves rearwardly and of course
nel 62. During normal action the locking carries therewith the cocking lever 43, the
arm 61 is out of both notches or slots 63
50 and 64 thus permitting the free and proper cocking lever is rocked on its pivot by its 115
engagement with the abutment shoulder 57,
motion of the inertia-block 9. Should it be the lower arm of the cocking lever being
desired to lock the inertia-block in its back swung to the right in Fig. 3 and the upper
ward position the latching or locking arm arm or branch to the left so that said upper
61 will be projected into the notch or slot
55 63 by the endwise movement of the safety arm will engage the shoulder 48 and draw 120
back the hammer 15 in order to bring the
60. To release the inertia-block from the notch 46 of the hammer opposite the nose
condition mentioned, the locking arm 61 or tooth 45 of the sear 44 at which point
is withdrawn from the notch or slot 63. said tooth or nose is projected into the
To lock the inertia block in the forward notch 46 by the power of the sear spring 38.
60 position the locking arm 61 is projected
The inertia-block 9 on its backward travel,
into the back slot 64 when the inertia block under the action of the hand, thrusts the
is in its forward position. The latching or plunger mechanism involving the tubular
locking arm or extension 61 performs in plunger 29 backward and as a result com
the present case an important function in presses the recoil-spring 34. The top car
65 that when the parts are in assembled re tridge of the series in the magazine, when 130
 1,457,961
the parts are in the advanced position is noted,7 ofbuttheenables the rear diagonai por
in engagement with the under side of the tion interior of the receiver to re-,
ceive the inertia-block.
breech-block 10 so, that when the breech
block has moved rearwardly sufficiently to What I claim is:
free the top cartridge the latter is elevated 1. A firearm comprising a receiver, a bar 70
by the magazine spring 69 until the car rel connected with the receiver, the receiver .
tridge is in the path of the breech-block. having a chamber the rear portion of which
When therefore, the user releases the op is diagonal to the axis of the barrel and
erating handle 67, the recoil, or closing the forward portion of which is coincident 75
10 spring 34 advances the inertia-block 9 and with said axis, an inertia-block located in
the coupled breech-block 10 and when the the rear portion of the chaniber, a breech
parts have nearly concluded their advance block coupled to the inertia-block and oc
or forward motion, the breech-block 10 can cupying when in its forward position the
thrust the topmost cartridge into the cham forward portion of the chamber, and means
15 ber of the barrel. On the forward motion for checking the retractive movement of the
of the parts in loading, the trigger con breech-block between the ends of its stroke.
nector 52 is snapped into engagement with 2. A firearm comprising a receiver, a bar
the sear 44 so that when the parts have having rel connected with the receiver, the receiver
concluded their forward movements the a chamber the rear portion of which
20 arm is ready to be fired. To accomplish is diagonal to the axis of the barrel and
this the trigger 49 is pulled thereby in the the forward portion of which is coincident
manner to which I have referred, drawing with said axis, an inertia-block located in
down the trigger-connector 52 and tripping the rear portion of the chamber, a breech
the sear 44 and thus releasing the hammer block coupled to the inertia-block and oc 90
25 15 so that the hammer is at once projected cupying when in its forward position the
forward by the spring 40 to fire the forward portion of the chamber, and means
cartridge in the chamber of the barrel. for checking the retractive movement of the
After this the action becomes automatic ex breech-block approximately at the time it
cepting that the trigger must be manually ischamber. about to enter the rear portion of the 95
30 pulled and released for each shot. -
After the firing pin has encountered the 3.connected A firearm comprising a receiver, a bar
cartridge in the breech of the barrel, the rel with the receiver, the receiver
cartridge is exploded and at the breech are having a chamber the rear portion of which
generated gases which force the breech is diagonal to the axis of the barrel and 100
35 block 10 backwardly and as the breech-block the forward portion of which is coincident
is coupled to the inertia-block 9, the inertia with said axis, an inertia-block located in
block also recedes. The rear part of the the rear portion of the chamber, a breech
breech-block is as I have observed tipped cupying block coupled to the inertia-block and oc
downwardly about the time that its rear when in its forward position the 105
40 ward motion is momentarily interrupted, in forward portion of the chamber, and means
order to give an accelerated camming mo for automatically checking the retractive
tion to the inertia-block to cause its quick movement of the breech-block and then re
backward movement. On the backward leasing the same, the breech-block acting to
movement of the two blocks, the cocking impart an accelerated motion to- the inertia 110
45 lever 43 is rocked on its pivot 43' and the block.
spring 34 of the buffer mechanism is com 4. A firearm comprising a receiver, a bar
rel connected with the receiver, the receiver
pressed to render it effective for imparting having
the forward movement to the two coupled is diagonal a chamber, the rear portion of which
blocks. On the rearward movement of the to the axis of the barrel and the 115
50 inertia-block 10 the Sear 44 passes wholly forward portion of which is coincident with
free of the connector 52. The sear on the said axis, an inertia-block located in the rear
forward movement of the inertia-block 9 pled portion of the chamber, a breech-block cou
strikes and rocks the connector 52 the shoul to the inertia-block and occupying when
dered end of which is projected into the in its forward position the forward portion 120
55 notch at the rear lower end of the sear when of the chamber, and means for checking the
the trigger is freed. . .. - retractive movement of the breech-block and
I deem it desirable to call attention to approximately concurrently tipping down
the fact that in the construction shown, the its rear end, the breech-block on its tipping
rear portion of the receiver 5 constitutes a movement acting against the inertia-block
60 part of the grip of the gun, this particular to impart an accelerated movement thereto.
part being diagonal or oblique, or at least 5. A firearm comprising a receiver, a bar
sufficiently so, to be in itself diagonal or rel connected with the receiver, the receiver
oblique to the longitudinal axis of the bar having a chamber, the rear portion of which
rel. This permits the receiver not only to is diagonal to the axis of the barrel and the 130
65 function in the manner which I have just forward portion of which is coincident with
 1,457,961 7.

said axis, an inertia-block located in the nal axis of the barrel, and means for chang
rear portion of the chamber, a breech-block ing the path of travel of the breech-block
coupled to the inertia-block and occupying on its backward movement to coincide with
when in its forward position the forward that of the inertia-block and for causing 70
5 portion of the chamber, and means on the through the action of the breech-block, an
receiver, for checking the retractive move accelerated backward movement of the in
ment of the breech-block and approximately ertia-block approximately at the time the
concurrently tipping down its rear end, the direction of rearward movement of the
breech-block on its tipping movement act breech-block has been changed. -
10 ing against the inertia-block to impart an 10. A firearm comprising a receiver, a bar 75
accelerated movement thereto. . rel connected with the receiver, an inertia
6. A firearm comprising a receiver, a bar block located in the receiver, a breech-block
rel connected with the receiver, the receiver coupled to the inertia-block, the inertia
having a chamber, the rear portion of which block being adapted to travel in a direction
15 is diagonal to the axis of the barrel and the diagonal to the axis of the barrel throughout 80
forward portion of which is coincident with its complete movement, the breech-block ini-
said axis, an inertia-block located in the tially on its backward movement travelling
rear portion of the chamber, a breech-block along a path co-inciding with the longitudi
coupled to the inertia block and occupyin nal axis of the barrel, and means on the re
20 when in its forward position the forwar ceiver, for changing the path of travel of
portion of the chamber, and cam means on the breech-block on its backward movement
the receiver, for checking the retractive to coincide with that of the inertia-block
movement of the breech-block and approxi and for causing through the action of the
mately concurrently tipping down its rear breech-block, an accelerated backward move-
25 end, the breech-block on its tipping move ment of the inertia-block approximately at 90
ment acting against the inertia-block to im the time the direction of rearward movement
part an accelerated movement thereto. of the breech-block has been changed.
7. A firearm comprising a receiver, a bar 11. A firearm comprising a receiver, a
rel connected with the receiver, the receiver . barrel connected with the receiver, an iner
30 having a chamber, the rear portion of which tia-block located in the receiver, a breech 95
is diagonal to the axis of the barrel and the block loosely coupled to the inertia-block,
forward portion of which is coincident with the inertia-block being adapted to travel in
said axis, an inertia-block located in the a direction diagonal to the axis of the bar
rear portion of the chamber, a breech-block rel throughout its complete rearward move
35 coupled to the inertia block and occupyin ment, the breech-block initially on its back 100
when in its forward position the forwar ward movement travelling along a path co
portion of the chamber, cam means for inciding with the longitudinal axis of the
checking the retractive movement of the barrel, the receiver having means to arrest
breech-block and at the same time tipping the rearward movement of the breech-block 105
40
down its rear end, the breech-block having and to tip down the rear portion thereof to
a cam action against the inertia-block on cause the breech-block to follow the path
said tipping motion to impart an accelerated of the inertia-block, the breech-block hav
backward movement to the inertia block. ing means to impart an accelerated rear
8. A firearm comprising a receiver, a bar ward movement to the inertia block about
45 rel connected with the receiver, the receiver the time its direction of movement is 110
having a chamber, the rear portion of which changed. - -
is diagonal to the axis of the barrel and the 12. A firearm comprising a receiver, a
forward portion of which is coincident with barrel connected with the receiver, an in
said axis, an inertia-block located in the ertia-block, a breech-block coupled to the
50 rear portion of the chamber and having a inertia-block and both blocks reciprocatory 115
hook, a breech-block occupying when in its in the receiver, the receiver having associ
forward position-the forward portion of the ated with it means to guide the inertia-block
chamber and having a hook to engage that in a direction diagonal to the axis of the
on the inertia-block to couple the two blocks barrel, and for also causing a compound
555 together, and means for checking the retrac
motion of the breech-block respectively in 120
tive movement of the breech-block. . . a direction corresponding to the axis of
9. A firearm comprising a receiver, a bar the barrel and in a path following the in
rel connected with the receiver, an inertia ertia-block, and means by which the breech
block located in the receiver, a breech-block block gives the inertia-block an impetus ap
50 coupled to the inertia-block, the inertia-block proximately at the time its direction of 125
being adapted to travel in a direction diago backward motion is changed. .
nal to the axis of the barrel throughout its 13. A firearm comprising a receiver, a
complete movement, the breech-block ini barrel connected with the receiver, an in
tially on its backward movement travelling ertia-block, a breech-block coupled with the
65 along a path co-inciding with the longitudi
inertia-block and both reciprocatory in the 180
 1,457,961

receiver, the latter having associated with cated in the rear portion of the chamber, a
it, means to guide the inertia-block in a breech-block forward of the inertia-block,
direction diagonal to the axis of the barrel the inertia-block and the breech-block hav
and for causing a compound motion of the ing interengaging hooks to couple them to
breech-block respectively in a direction cor gether, and cam means on the receiver ror
responding to the axis of the barrel and tipping down the rear end of the breech
in a path following the inertia-block, and block approximately at the time it is about
cam means on the breech-block acting to enter the rear portion of the chamber, the
against the inertia-block to give it an im breech-block and the inertia-block having 75
10 petus approximately at the time the direc cam surfaces which engage on the tipping
tion of motion of the breech-block is of the rear portion of the breech-block to
changed on its backward action. thus impart an accelerated motion rearward
14. A firearm comprising a receiver, a ly to the inertia-block.
barrel connected with the receiver, an iner 19. A firearm comprising a receiver, a
15 tia-block reciprocatory in the receiver and barrel connected with the receiver, the re 80
disposed diagonally to the axis of the barrel, ceiver having a chamber the rear portion of
a breech-block in the receiver, coupled to which is diagonal to the axis of the barrel
the inertia-block for reciprocation there and the forward portion of which is coin
with, and means for Imomentarily checking cident with said axis, an inertia-block lo
20 the breech-block at a predetermined point cated in the rear portion of the chamber,
in the backward motion. a breech-block forward of the inertia-block,
15. A firearm comprising a receiver, a the inertia-block and the breech-block hav
barrel connected with the receiver, an in ing interengaging hooks to couple them to
ertia-block reciprocatory in the receiver and gether, and cam means on the receiver for 90
25 disposed diagonally to the axis of the barrel, tipping down the rear end of the breech
a breech-block in the receiver, coupled to block approximately at the time it is about
the inertia-block for reciprocation there to enter the rear portion of the chamber, the
with, and means for momentarily checking breech-block and the inertia-block having
the breech-block at a predetermined point
30 in its backward movement, the breech-block,
cam surfaces which engage on the tipping
of the rear portion of the breech-block to
imparting an accelerated rearward motion thus impart an accelerated motion rearward
to the inertia-block. ly to the inertia-block, the inertia-block and
16. A firearm comprising a receiver, a the breech-block having engaging faces
barrel connected with the receiver, an in which are at approximately right angles to 100
35 ertia-block reciprocatory in the receiver and the axis of the barrel when the blocks are
disposed diagonally to the axis of the barrel, in their forward positions.
a breech-block in the receiver, coupled to 20. A firearm comprising a receiver, a
the inertia-block for reciprocation there barrel connected with the receiver, the re
with, cam means on the receiver for mo ceiver having a chamber the rear portion of
40 mentarily checking the breech-block at a which is diagonal to the axis of the barrel
predetermined point in the backward move and the forward portion of which is coinci
ment, the breech-block having cam, means dent with said axis, an inertia-block located
to act against the inertia-block during the constantly in the rear portion of the cham
45
time it is momentarily checked to thus im ber and having at its forward end a hook, | 10
part an accelerated backward movement to a breech-block having a hook at its rear
the inertia-block. . end in interengagement with that of the in
17. A firearm comprising a receiver, a ertia-block and occupying when in its for
barrel connected with the receiver, an in ward position the forward portion of the
ertia-block reciprocatory in the receiver and chamber, both the blocks being reciproca
50 disposed diagonally to the axis of the bar II5
tory, a cam face in the receiver for en
rel, a breech-block also in the receiver, the gaging the breech-block to momentarily
inertia-block and the breech-block having check and after checking release the back
interengaging hooks, means in the receiver ward motion of the breech-block and also to
for momentarily checking the breech-block tip down the rear portion of the breech
55 at a predetermined point in its backward 120
block, the hook of the breech-block having
motion, the breech-block having cam means a cam surface to engage the inertia block
which on such backward motion impart an when the rear portion thereof is tipped
accelerated corresponding motion to the in downward to impart an accelerated rear
ertia-block. - ward movement to the inertia-block. 125
18. A firearm comprising a receiver, a 21. A firearm comprising a receiver, a
barrel connected with the receiver, the re barrel connected with the receiver, an in
ceiver having a chamber the rear portion of ertia-block reciprocatory in the receiver and
which is diagonal to the axis of the barrel disposed diagonally to the axis of the bar
65 and the forward portion of which is coin
rel, a breech-block in the receiver, coupled 130
cident with said axis, an inertia-block lo to the inertia-block, for reciprocation there
 1,467,961
with, means for momentarily checking the mer, the spring acting against the pivot for
breech-block at a predetermined point in the the cocking lever to hold it in place.
backward motion, and buffing means co 28. A firearm comprising an inertia-block,
operative with the inertia-block. a hammer on the inertia-block, a cocking
22. A firearm comprising a receiver, a lever, a pivot extending through the in: 70
barrel connected with the receiver, an in ertia-block and also through the cocking
ertia-block reciprocatory in the receiver and lever, a sear on the inertia-block, co-opera.
disposed diagonally to the axis of the barrel, tive with the hammer, and a spring extend
a breech-block in the receiver, coupled to ing longitudinally of the inertia-block, the
10 the inertia-block, for reciprocation there free end of the spring acting against the sear 75
with, means for momentarily checking the to cause it to engage the hammer, the spring
breech-block at a predetermined point in the between its ends acting against the pivot of
backward motion, and buffing means co the cocking lever to prevent accidental
operative with the inertia-block, and having movement thereof.
15 a rearward movement beyond the rearward 29. A firearm comprising an inertia-block .80
movement of the inertia-block.
S.

and a safety slidable transversely of the

23. A firearm comprising a receiver, an
inertia block and a breech block, both slid
able in the receiver, and provided with in
20 terengaged hooks to couple the blocks to
gether, and means for checking the retrac
tive movement of the breech block, said in
ertia block and said breech block having
means which function to aid such checking
25 action, the firearm having means to cause
an angular motion of the breech block on the
retractive action thereof.
24. A firearm comprising a receiver, an
inertia-block and a breech-block both slid
30
able in the receiver, the inertia-block having
a hook at its forward end and the breech
block having a hook at its rear end, the
hooks being interengaged to couple the two
blocks together, the firearm having means to
35 cause an irregular motion on the retractive
movement of the breech-block.
25. A firearm comprising a receiver, an
inertia-block, a breech-block both in the re
ceiver and capable of reciprocation therein,
the inertia-block and the breech-block hav
ing rigid interengaging hooks to couple the
two blocks together, and means for retarding
temporarily the backward motion of the
breech-block, and the breech-block practi
45 cally at the time it is retarded acting
against the inertia-block to give to it an
accelerated rearward movement.
26. A firearm comprising a receiver, a bar
rel connected with the receiver, an inertia
50 block and a breech-block in coupled relation
in the receiver for reciprocation therein, the
inertia-block having a motion which is con
stantly oblique to the axis of the barrel,
firing means associated with the blocks, the
55 inertia-block being of greater mass than that
of the breech-block, the receiver having
means to..positively cause a tipping motion
of the breech-block on the retractive move
ment of the inertia block."
60 27. A firearm comprising an inertia-block,
a hammer on the inertia-block, a cocking
lever for the hammer, pivoted to the inertia
block, a sear on the inertia-block, co-opera
tive with the hammer, and a spring for oper
65 ating the sear to cause it to engage the ham
f
firearm, the safety having an upward ex
tension and the inertia-block having longi
tudinally-separated slots into which the ex
tension may be alternately projected on the 85
movement of the safety laterally of the fire
arm, to hold the inertia-block respectively in
its forward and backward positions, said up
ward extension acting to hold the safety 90
against dismounting when the parts are in
assembled relation.
30. A firearm comprising an inertia-block
and a safety slidable laterally of the fire
arm, the safety having an upward extension 95
and the inertia-block having a longitudinal
channel in which said extension is disposed,
the inertia-block having slots intersecting
the channel and into which the extension
may be alternately projected on the move
ment of the safety laterally of the firearm 100
to hold the inertia-block respectively in its
forward and backward positions, said up
ward extension acting to hold the safety
against dismounting when the parts are in 105
assembled relation.
31. A firearm comprising an inertia-block,
a safety mounted for sliding movement lat
erally of the firearm and having an upward
extension, the inertia-block having longi
tudinally-separated slots into which the ex- 110
tension can be alternately projected on the
sliding movement laterally of the safety, to
hold the inertia-block respectively in for
ward and backward positions, and a trigger,
the safety having means to hold the trigger 115
against action in one of the positions of the
safety, said upward extension acting to hold
the safety against dismounting when the
parts are in assembled relation.
32. A firearm comprising a receiver, a 120
barrel, an inertia-block in the receiver and
yieldable buffing means diagonal to the bar
rel of the firearm engaging the inertia-block,
the receiver having means to arrest the back
ward movement of the inertia-block, the 125
buffing means having a rearward motion be
yond the point at which the inertia-block is
stopped in its backward movement, the
buffing means on the continued backward
movement involving means to store energy 180
 * LO 1,457,961

to impart a return movement to the buffing barrel connected with the receiver, an iner
means and also to impart a forward move tia-block in the receiver, the receiver hav
ment to the inertia-block when it is acted on ing means for F causing a recipro
by the buffing means, the barrel being sta cation diagonally to the axis of the barrel of
tionary with respect to the moving parts the inertia block, said inertia-block adapted 70
during the action set forth. on recoil to be arrested by the receiver, and
33. A firearm comprising a receiver, a bar ieldable buffing, means comprising a fixed
rel, a reciprocatory inertia-block in the re }. tube, a tubular plunger slidably dis
ceiver, and yieldable buffing means diagonal posed in the buffer tube, closed at its forward
10 to the barrel of the firearm engaging the end, the inertia-block, having a seat to re 75
inertia-block, the receiver having means to ceive the closed end of the tubular plunger,
arrest the backward motion of the inertia. and a recoil spring enclosed by the buffer
block and the buffing means having a rear tube and the tubular plunger acting against
ward motion beyond the point at which the the spring guide plunger and also against
15 inertia-block is stopped in its backward a fixed part of the firearm, the forward end 80
movement said barrel being stationary dur of the spring guide, plunger engaging the
ing such buffing action. - - closed end of the tubular plunger.
34. A firearm comprising a receiver, a re 38. A firearm comprising a receiver, a
ciprocatory inertia-block in the receiver, fixed barrel connected with the receiver, an 85
adapted on recoil to be arrested by the re inertia block in the receiver, reciprocative
ceiver, and yieldable buffing means to en diagonal to the axis of the barrel, the fire
gage the inertia-block, the buffing means arm having means to arrest the backward .
comprising a fixed buffer tube, a tubular motion of the inertia block and yieldable
plunger slidably disposed in the buffer tube buffing means comprising a fixed buffer tube,
25 and engaging the inertia-block, a spring a tubular plunger slidably disposed in the 90
guide plunger in the tubular plunger, and a buffer tube, the inertia block being engaged
recoil spring enclosed in the buffer tube and by the tubular plunger, and a recoil spring
the tubular plunger, acting against the enclosed by the buffer tube, the tubular
spring-guide plunger, and also against a plunger acting against a fixed part of the
30 fixed part of the firearm, the buffing means
firearm, the buffer tube and the recoil spring
having a backward motion after the inertia enclosed thereby being disposed to conform
block is arrested. to the motion of the inertia block.
35. A firearm comprising a receiver pro 39. A firearm comprising -a receiver, a
vided with a fixed barrel, the rear portion barrel connected with the receiver, an iner
35 of the receiver being oblique to the axis of tia-block in the receiver, reciprocative diag 100
the barrel, a reciprocatory inertia-block in onal to the axis of the barrel, the firearm
the receiver, adapted on recoil to be arrested having means to arrest the inertia-block on
by the receiver, and yieldable buffing means its backward movement, and yieldable buf
40
diagonal to the barrel of the firearm to en fing means comprising a fixed buffer tube, a
gage the inertia-block, the buffing means ex tubular plunger slidably disposed in the buf
tending into the diagonal portion of the fer tube, closed at its forward end, the
receiver and comprising a fixed buffer tube, inertia-block having a seat to receive the
a tubular plunger slidably disposed in the closed end of the tubular plunger, and a
45
buffer tube and acting against the inertia recoil spring enclosed by the buffer tube and
block, and a recoil spring enclosed in the the , tubular plunger acting respectively 110
buffer tube and the tubular plunger acting against a fixed part of the firearm and also
against a fixed part of the firearm and also against the tubular plunger, the tubular
against the spring plunger, the buffing means. lunger engaging the inertia-block, the buf
50 having a backward motion after the inertia fer tube and the recoil spring inclosed there
block is arrested. by being disposed to conform to the motion
36. A firearm comprising a receiver, a of the inertia block.
fixed barrel connected with the receiver, an 40. A firearm comprising a receiver, a
inertia block in the receiver, the rear por barrel connected with the receiver, a coupled
55
tion of the receiver being oblique to the axis inertia-block and breech-block, both recipro 120
of the barrel, and yieldable buffing means catory in the receiver, the inertia-block be
engaging the inertia block, the firearm hav ing movable backwardly and forwardly di
ing means to resist the backward motion of agonal to the axis, of the barrel, buffing
the inertia block, and the buffing means hav means engaging the inertia-block, and means
ing a rearward motion beyond the point at for momentarily checking and then releas
which the inertia block is stopped in its ing the backward movement of the breech 125
backward movement, the fin; COIn block, the latter when released applying a
nections to positively cause diagonal move rearward thrust to the inertia-block and
ment of the inertia block on its backward the inertia-block in turn transmitting a rear
stroke. ward thrust to the buffing means, the receiver
65
37. A firearm comprising a receiver, a having means to arrest the backward move 130
 1,457,961 ILL
ment of the inertia-block, the buffing means
having a backward movement after the ceiver, ing the
and means for momentarily check
breech-block and tipping down the
backward movement of the inertia-block is rear portion thereof, the breech-block when
arrested. - - -
thus tipped, imparting an accelerated rear
41. A firearm comprising a receiver, a ward movement to the inertia-block.
barrel connected with the receiver, a coupled 45. A firearm comprising a receiver, a 70
inertia-block and breech-block both recipro barrel connected with the receiver, the rear
catory in the receiver, the inertia-block be portion
ing movable forwardly and backwardly in the axis ofof the receiver being diagonal to
10
the receiver diagonal to the axis of the bar of the grip of thebarrel
the to constitute a part
rel, the receiver having means to positively interiorly a chamber, thetherearward
arm, receiver having 75
portion
arrest the backward movement of the in of which conforms approximately with the
ertia-block, buffing means acting against the oblique disposition of the grip part of the
15 inertia-block and means for arresting mo receiver, an inertia-block and a coupled
mentarily the backward movement of the breech-block both in the receiver, the breech 80
breech-block, the breech-block on its back block being reciprocatory therein, the in
ward movement applying a rearward thrust
to the inertia-block and the inertia-block in ertia-block
the rear
being constantly reciprocative in
portion of the receiver, and means
20 turn transmitting a rearward thrust to the for momentarily checking the breech-block
buffing means, the buffing means having a and tipping down the rear portion thereof, 85
backward movement after the inertia-block the breech-block when thus tipped impart
is arrested.
ing an accelerated rearward movement to the
42. A firearm comprising a receiver, a inertia-block,
barrel connected with the receiver, a cou with the inertia-block,buffing means co-operative
pled inertia-block and breech-block both re to stop the backward motion the arm having means 90
of the inertia
ciprocatory in the receiver, the inertia-block block, and the buffing means having
being diagonal to the axis of the barrel, buff ward motion after the inertia-block ais rearthus
ing means co-operative with the inertia stopped.
30 block, and means for arresting and tipping 46. A firearm comprising a reciprocatory 95
downwardly the rear portion of the breech inertia-block,
block, the breech-block when tipped apply a sear on the ainertia-block,
hammer on the inertia-block,
ing a rearward thrust to the inertia-block, nector pivotally mounted adirectly trigger, a con
on the
the inertia-block transmitting in turn a trigger, and a spring to act against both the
rearward thrust to the buffing means, the trigger and the connector, the spring func
latter having a backward movement after tioning to project the connector into en 100
the inertia-block is arrested.
43. A firearm comprising a receiver, a gagement
47. A
with the sear.
firearm comprising a reciprocatory
barrel connected with the receiver, an in inertia-block, a hammer on the inertia-block,
40 ertia-block and a breech-block in hooked a sear on the inertia-block, a trigger and its
coupled connection with each other, both re
ciprocatory in the receiver, the inertia-block guard, a connector pivotally mounted on the 105
being diagonal to the axis of the barrel, end in a and
trigger,
notch
a leaf spring supported at its
in the trigger guard and act
buffing means co-operative with the inertia ing against both the trigger and the con
block, and means for momentarily check nector, the spring functioning to project the 110
ing the rearward motion of the breech-block,connector into the engagement with the sear
tipping it downward, the breech-block on when the inertia-block is in a predetermined
said tipping motion acting to apply a rear position.
ward thrust to the inertia-block which in 48. A firearm comprising a receiver hav
50 turn is transmitted to the buffing means, the ing a trigger-guard and also having a bar l 15
buffing means having a backward movement rel and an inertia-block in the receiver, mov
after the inertia-block is arrested. able obliquely to the axis of the barrel and
44. A firearm comprising a receiver, a supported by the trigger-guard, the firearm
barrel connected with the receiver, the rear having means to cause said oblique move
portion of the receiver being diagonal to the ment of the inertia block.
axis of the barrel to constitute a part of the 49. A firearm comprising a receiver hav 120
grip of the arm, the receiver having interi ing a trigger-guard and also having a barrel,
orly a chamber, the forward portion of an inertia-block in the receiver, movable
which coincides with the axis of the barrel obliquely to the axis of the barrel and sup
60 and the rear portion of which conforms ap ported and positively guided in said oblique 125
proximately with the oblique disposition of direction by the trigger-guard.
the grip part of the receiver, an inertia-block 50. A firearm comprising a receiver, an
and a coupled breech-block both in the re inertia block located in the receiver, a breech
ceiver, the breech-block being reciprocatory block forward of the inertia block, the in
65 therein, the inertia-block being constantly re ertia block and the breech-block having in
ciprocative in the rear portion of the re terengaging hooks to couple them together, 130
 1a 1,457,961

cam means on the receiver for tipping down blocks to elevate the rear end of the breech 10
the rear end of the breech-block, the breech In testimony -whereof
block. . .. .
I affix my signature.
block and the inertia block having cam
faces which engage on the tipping of the
sur
5 rear portion of the breech-block to thus im Witnesses: JOHN M. BROWNING.
part an accelerated motion rearwardly to
the inertia block, and said cam surfaces en W. A. BRow NING,
gaging during the forward motion of the R. M. MARKLE.