INSERT FOR A FIREARM SUPPRESSOR

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to a suppressor. More specifically, the present application relates to an insert for a firearm suppressor.

BACKGROUND

Discharging a firearm creates a loud sound that may damage the hearing of a user or otherwise be undesirable. Suppressors are often attached to a firearm to reduce the sound created by the firearm by slowing and cooling the high-pressure gasses that exit the firearm. Suppressors often include components, such as baffles, that are manufactured from titanium. Often, with existing technologies, particles of titanium may erode from the baffles due to the high temperature and pressure gasses that exit the muzzle of the firearm. These titanium particles may combust and be subsequently ejected from the distal end of the suppressor, causing a spark, which may be undesirable. Also, if the firearm is fired for an extended period of time or used with high temperature rounds, existing suppressors may overheat and deform, which may cause a bullet to strike the baffles, which may damage or destroy the suppressor.

The inventor has identified numerous deficiencies and problems with the existing technologies in this field. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified deficiencies and problems have been solved by developing solutions that are structured in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In general, embodiments of the present disclosure provided herein include systems, methods, and apparatuses to provide for improved suppressors for firearms.

In various aspects, a suppressor for a firearm defines a linear projectile path. The suppressor may include an inner body. The inner body may include a proximal wall and a plurality of baffles. Each baffle may define a baffle opening that is positioned on the linear projectile path. An expansion chamber may be defined between the proximal wall and a first baffle of the plurality of baffles that is nearest to the proximal wall. The suppressor may include an insert that extends through at least one baffle opening. A gap may be defined between the insert and the proximal wall.

In various examples, a first distance is defined between the proximal wall and the first baffle. A second distance may be by the gap. A D1:D2 ratio between the first distance and the second distance may be greater than 1.1:1 and up to 1.5:1. The second distance may be at least 0.5 inch.

In various examples, the insert is removably coupled to the inner body.

In various examples, the inner body comprises at least 80% titanium and the insert comprise less than 20% titanium.

In various examples, the insert comprises a main body that is cylindrical and a cap portion that is monolithic with the main body and is cylindrical. A diameter of the cap portion may be greater than a diameter of the main body.

In various examples, the suppressor includes a nut positioned forward of the inner body relative to a shooting orientation. The insert may include a threaded portion configured to couple to the nut. The diameter of the cap portion may be greater than a diameter of the baffle opening of the first baffle, The cap portion may be positioned aft of and in contact with the first baffle. The insert may extend through an opening of a distal wall of the inner body. The threaded portion of the insert may be positioned forward of the distal wall of the inner body.

In various examples, the suppressor includes a shroud that has an end plate. The end plate of the shroud may define an opening. The insert may extend through the opening of the end plate of the shroud. The end plate of the shroud may be positioned between the nut and the distal wall of the inner body. An outer diameter of the nut may be greater than the diameter of the opening of the end plate of the shroud.

In various examples, the insert comprises a plurality of insert openings defined along and extending through a main body of the insert.

In various examples, the plurality of insert openings are staggered relative to a circumferential direction defined by the insert.

In various examples, the suppressor comprises a nut positioned forward of the inner body relative to a shooting orientation, wherein the insert comprises a threaded portion configured to couple to the nut.

In various examples, the inner body comprises a plurality of inner body openings that are each defined between adjacent baffles of the plurality of baffles.

In various examples, the suppressor comprises a shroud that circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the inner body.

In various examples, the shroud comprises a plurality of shroud openings that each extend parallel to the linear projectile path and collectively extend circumferentially around the linear projectile path.

In various examples, the inner body comprises a muzzle attachment portion that defines an opening that is positioned on the linear projectile path, and wherein a smallest diameter of the opening is greater than a largest diameter of the insert.

In various aspects, a firearm comprises a barrel, a muzzle device coupled to the barrel, and a suppressor coupled to the muzzle device.

In various aspects, a suppressor for a firearm defines a linear projectile path. The suppressor may comprise an inner body. The inner body may comprise a proximal wall and a plurality of baffles. Each baffle may define a baffle opening that is positioned on the linear projectile path. An expansion chamber may be defined between the proximal wall and a first baffle of the plurality of baffles that is nearest to the proximal wall. The suppressor may include a means for reducing the amount of spark ejected from the suppressor when the firearm is discharged.

In various aspects, an insert for a suppressor for a firearm includes a main body and a plurality of insert openings that extend through the main body.

In various examples, the insert comprises a cap portion that is monolithic with the main body and is cylindrical. A diameter of the cap portion may be greater than a diameter of the main body.

In various examples, the plurality of insert openings are staggered relative to a circumferential direction defined by the insert.

In various examples, the insert comprises less than 20% titanium.

In various examples, the main body is cylindrical.

In various examples, each of the plurality of insert openings extend radially through the main body.

The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms above, non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. The components illustrated in the figures may or may not be present in certain embodiments described herein. Some embodiments may include fewer (or more) components than those shown in the figures.

FIG. 1 provides a side view of a suppressor, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2A provides an isometric view of the suppressor of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2B provides an isometric view of the suppressor of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 provides a side view of a portion of the suppressor of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 provides a side view of an insert of the suppressor of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 provides an isometric view of the insert of FIG. 4, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6A provides a flowchart of a method, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6B provides a flowchart of a method, in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout and in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. It should be understood that some, but not all embodiments are shown and described herein. Indeed, the embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and accordingly this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

As used herein, the term “exemplary” means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. In addition, while a particular feature may be disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes” and “including” and variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

As used herein, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

As used herein, the terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

As used herein, the term “positioned directly on” refers to a first component being positioned on a second component such that they make contact. Similarly, as used herein, the term “positioned directly between” refers to a first component being positioned between a second component and a third component such that the first component makes contact with both the second component and the third component. In contrast, a first component that is “positioned between” a second component and a third component may or may not have contact with the second component and the third component. Additionally, a first component that is “positioned between” a second component and a third component is positioned such that there may be other intervening components between the second component and the third component other than the first component.

As used herein, the term “proximate to,” “near,” or the like, refers to a first component being positioned within three inches, such as within two inches, such as within 1 inch, of the other component or area specified.

As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within manufacturing or engineering tolerances. For example, terms of approximation may refer to being within a five percent margin of error.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a firearm suppressor, and more specifically, to a firearm suppressor with an insert. In some embodiments, the insert may be replaceable or interchangeable with different types and configurations of insert. The insert may be used as a wear item capable of extending the life of the suppressor and/or reducing the likelihood of failure of the suppressor by making the suppressor serviceable, repairable, and/or more specifically configurable. Non-limiting embodiments of the firearm suppressor are described below with reference to FIGS. 1-3. The firearm suppressor may be coupled to, or monolithic with a firearm (not depicted).

The firearm may be configured as a rifle or a pistol and may be used with a plurality of different ammunition calibers. For example, various embodiments of the firearm discussed herein may include any firearm capable of utilizing a suppressor, including but not limited to pistols, semi-automatic rifles, bolt-action rifles, or automatic rifles. For example, some embodiments of the firearm may be an AR-15 platform rifle, AR-10 platform rifle, or other similar rifle.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, various views of at least a portion of a suppressor 100 are depicted, in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 1 depicts a side view of the suppressor 100, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B depict isometric, exploded views of the suppressor 100, and FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a portion of the suppressor 100, in accordance with an example embodiment. The suppressor 100 may define an aft direction A and a forward direction F. The aft direction A and the forward direction F may correspond to a shooting orientation of the firearm for which the suppressor 100 is configured to attach.

In various examples, the suppressor 100 is configured to couple with a forward end of a firearm. For example, the suppressor 100 may be configured to couple to a barrel of a firearm through a muzzle device (not depicted). For example, the suppressor 100 may be configured to couple to a barrel of a firearm in a similar way as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 17/014,490, filed Sep. 8, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The suppressor 100 may define a linear projectile path 700 that is configured to extend through the barrel of the firearm and through the suppressor 100.

In various examples, the suppressor 100 includes a shroud 300 that circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of an inner body 200 of the suppressor 100 along at least a portion of a length of the inner body 200. The shroud 300 may have a main body 310 that has a hollow cylindrical shape. The shroud 300 may include an end plate 320 that is positioned forward of the main body 310. The end plate 320 may include a plurality of holes that each extend parallel to the linear projectile path 700 and collectively extend circumferentially around the linear projectile path 700. The shroud 300 may be manufactured from a metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium, such as a titanium alloy, such as Ti-6Al-4V or Ti-3.5Al-2V. The shroud 300 may be configured similarly to or the same as the shroud as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 17/817,437, filed Aug. 4, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In various examples, the inner body 200 of the suppressor 100 may include a muzzle attachment portion 210 that is located at an aft end of the inner body 200. The muzzle attachment portion 210 may include a flange 212. The flange 212 may include a groove 213 that extends circumferentially around the linear projectile path 700. The groove 213 may be sized to allow an aft end of the shroud 300 to be positioned within. In various examples, the groove 213 may be sized to allow hot pressurized gas to escape from an interior of the shroud 300 to an ambient environment exterior to the shroud 300. As such, a thickness of the groove 213 in a radial direction may be greater than a thickness of the aft end of the shroud 300 by at least 1 mil, such as by at least 2 mil, such as by at least 10 mil, such as by at least 15 mil. The groove 213 and the shroud 300 may define a tortuous path for the hot pressurized gas to escape.

The muzzle attachment portion 210 may include at least one female thread that is configured to allow a barrel of the firearm to be coupled directly or indirectly to the inner body 200 of the suppressor 100 (e.g., through a muzzle device). The muzzle attachment portion 210 may define an opening 214 that extends through the muzzle attachment portion 210 and is positioned on the linear projectile path 700.

In various examples, the inner body 200 of the suppressor 100 includes a plurality of baffles 222. Each baffle 222 may define a baffle opening 224 that is positioned on the linear projectile path 700. A first baffle 222a of the plurality of baffles 222 may be the most aft baffle 222 of the plurality of baffles 222. Stated differently, a first baffle 222a may be the baffle 222 of the plurality of baffles 222 that is nearest to the muzzle attachment portion 210. The first baffle 222a may partly define the expansion chamber 230. The first baffle 222a may extend generally orthogonally relative to the linear projectile path 700 (i.e., in a radial direction). At least one baffle 222, such as the first baffle 222a or all the baffles 222, may have any shape, such as a cross-sectional “W” shape, as depicted. In various examples, at least one baffle 222 may have a flat shape, a conical shape, an angled shape, a symmetric shape, an asymmetric shape, etc.

The inner body 200 may define any of a plurality of baffles 222 and gas flow configurations. In various examples, the inner body 200 defines a plurality of inner body openings 260. Each inner body opening 260 may be defined between adjacent baffles 222. Each inner body opening 260 may extend orthogonally to the linear projectile path 700 and completely through the inner body 200 of the suppressor 100, such as completely through the inner body 200 in a lateral direction, as depicted in FIGS. 2A-3. In various examples, a plurality of inner body openings 260 may be defined between adjacent baffles 222. Each inner body opening 260 may be configured to allow expanding gasses to escape from between the baffles 222 to an exterior of the inner body 200.

In various examples, the inner body 200 includes an expansion chamber 230. The expansion chamber 230 may be defined between the first baffle 222a and the muzzle attachment portion 210. For example, the expansion chamber 230 may be defined between a proximal wall 240 that extends from the opening 214 of the muzzle attachment portion 210 and the first baffle 222a. At least a portion of the proximal wall 240 may extend orthogonally relative to the linear projectile path 700 (i.e., radially).

In various examples, the suppressor 100 includes an insert 400. The insert 400 may extend through at least one baffle opening 224, such as the baffle opening 224 of the first baffle 222a. The insert 400 may extend through each baffle opening 224 of each of the plurality of baffles 222. The insert 400 may extend through an opening of a distal wall 250 of the inner body 200 and through an opening of the end plate 320 of the shroud 300. The insert 400 may include a threaded portion 410 at a forward end of the insert 400 that is configured to mate with threads of a nut 500. The insert 400 may have a cylinder-shaped opening 440 that extends along the linear projectile path 700 that permits passage of a projectile (e.g., a bullet). The openings in the baffles 222 that receive the insert 400 may be larger than the baffle openings in a similar suppressor without the insert, and in some embodiments, the cylinder-shaped opening 440 of the insert 400 may define the same opening size as the baffle openings of a similar suppressor without the insert. For example, the cylinder-shaped opening 440 of the insert 400 may have a diameter that is greater than a bore diameter of a barrel of the firearm for which it is intended to attach by at least 0.02 inch and up to 0.3 inch, such as at least 0.02 inch and up to 0.2 inch, such as at least 0.02 inch and up to 0.1 inch.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a side view and an isometric view of an insert 400 are provided, respectively, in accordance with an example embodiment. The insert 400 may include a main body 420. The main body 420 may have a hollow, cylindrical shape. The insert 400 may include a cap portion 430. The cap portion 430 may have a hollow, cylindrical shape and may be monolithic with the main body 420. In various examples, the cap portion 430 is not monolithic with the main body 420 and can be a separate component than the main body 420 and can be comprised of the same or differing materials. A smallest diameter of the cap portion 430 may be greater than a largest diameter of the main body 420. For example, the smallest diameter of the cap portion 430 may be at least 0.1 inch greater, such as at least 0.2 inch greater, than the largest diameter of the main body 420. The cap portion 430 may have any shape. For example, the cap portion 430 may be contoured to match the shape of the first baffle 222a. The main body 420 may define a groove 460 that extends circumferentially around the linear projectile path 700. The groove 460 may be between the cap portion 430 and the main body 420. Incorporating a groove 460 on the main body 420 may allow the insert 400 to be positioned properly on the first baffle 222a.

In various examples, the insert 400 includes a plurality of insert openings 450 that extend through the main body 420 of the insert 400 relative to the linear projectile path 700. For example, the plurality of insert opening 450 may extend radially through the main body 420 of the insert 400 relative to the linear projectile path 700, as depicted. The plurality of insert openings 450 may slant forward or aft through the main body 420 of the insert 400 relative to the linear projectile path 700. The plurality of insert openings 450 may be a void that fluidly connects the void within the cylinder-shaped opening 440 of the insert 400 with other open areas of the suppressor 100, such as the open areas that are exterior to the insert 400. Each of the insert openings 450 may have any shape. For example, the insert openings 450 may be a slot, such as a radially-extending slot or an angled slot, a hole, such as a radially-extending hole or an angled hole, or a countersunk hole, such as a radially-extending countersunk hole or an angled countersunk hole. As depicted, the plurality of insert openings 450 may be staggered relative to a circumferential direction defined by the insert 400. In various examples, the plurality of insert openings 450 may be staggered relative to the axial direction of the linear projectile path 700. As used herein, the term “staggered” refers to being arranged such that they are not in a line (e.g., arranged in a zigzag arrangement). The insert openings 450 may be aligned in the circumferential direction. The insert opening 450 may be configured to allow expanding gases to escape from the cylinder-shaped opening 440 to areas between the baffles 222.

In various examples, the insert 400 is configured to be small enough to fit through the opening 214 defined by the muzzle attachment portion 210. For example, the largest diameter of the insert 400 may be less than the smallest diameter of the opening 214 defined by the muzzle attachment portion 210. In various examples, a difference between the largest diameter of the insert 400 and the smallest diameter of the opening 214 is less than 0.5 inch, such as less than 0.1 inch, such as less than 0.01 inch, such as less than 0.001 inch. As will be discussed further, the difference in diameters between the insert 400 and the opening 214 allows the insert 400 to travel through the opening 214 of the muzzle attachment portion 210 when the insert 400 is installed within or removed from the suppressor 100.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, the insert 400 may be removably coupled to the inner body 200 with the nut 500. The end plate 320 of the shroud 300 may be positioned between the nut 500 and the main body 420 of the insert 400. As depicted, a diameter of a forward end of the main body 420 of the insert 400 may be smaller than a diameter of the opening defined by the distal wall 250 of the inner body 200 and the forward end of the main body 420 may fit within the opening defined by the distal wall 250 of the inner body 200. In various examples, a diameter of a forward end of the main body 420 of the insert 400 may be larger than a diameter of the opening defined by the distal wall 250 of the inner body 200. A diameter of the cap portion 430 of the insert 400 may be larger than a diameter of the baffle opening 224 defined by the first baffle 222a. Also, an outer diameter of the nut 500 may be greater than a diameter of the opening of the end plate 320 of the shroud 300. As such, when the insert 400 is coupled to the inner body 200 and the shroud 300 via the nut 500, a preload may be imparted on the inner body 200 and/or the shroud 300, which may increase the natural frequency of the components and avoid resonance due to the firearm being used and/or may reduce the negative effects of thermal expansion of the components.

In various examples, a first distance D1 is defined between the proximal wall 240 of the inner body 200 and the first baffle 222a of the inner body 200. A second distance D2 may be defined between the proximal wall 240 of the inner body 200 and the insert 400. A third distance D3 may be defined between the first baffle 222a and an adjacent baffle 222 of the inner body 200. In various examples, the second distance D2 is greater than the third distance D3. A fourth distance D4 may be defined between an aft end of the cap portion 430 of the insert 400 and a forward end of the main body 420 of the insert 400. A fifth distance D5 may be defined between the proximal end wall and the distal wall 250 of the inner body 200. The suppressor 100 may define a length L1.

In various examples, the second distance D2 defined between the proximal wall 240 of the inner body 200 and the insert 400 may be sufficient to allow a muzzle device (not depicted) to fit within the expansion chamber 230. for example, the second distance D3 may be at least 0.5 inch, such as at least 1 inch, such as at least 1.5 inches. As such, a gap 600 is defined by the second distance D2 (i.e., between the insert 400 and the proximal wall 240). The gap 600 may extend the distance D2 of at least 0.5 inch, such as at least 1 inch, such as at least 1.5 inches. As will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, providing a gap 600 that extends the distance D2 of at least 0.5 inch has various benefits. For example, the gap 600 may allow a sufficient amount of hot, expanding air to expand within the expansion chamber 230, which may slow down the rate at which hot, expanding gasses are expelled from the suppressor 100, which may reduce an amount of sound emitted from the suppressor 100.

In various examples, the muzzle attachment portion 210 and the insert 400 may also define a gap. As such, when the suppressor 100 is installed on a firearm, a gap between the barrel of the firearm and the insert 400 may be defined, which may be at least 0.5 inch, such as at least 1 inch, such as at least 1.5 inches. When a muzzle device is coupled to the barrel of the firearm, the muzzle device may be positioned at least partially within the expansion chamber 230. A gap between the muzzle device and the insert 400 may be defined, which may be less than 0.3 inch, such as less than 0.1 inch. As such, the gap between the barrel of the firearm and the insert 400 being at least 0.5 inch may allow a muzzle device to be used with the suppressor 100 and positioned within the expansion chamber 230, which may be beneficial.

In various examples, a L1:D5 ratio between the length L1 and the fifth distance D5 is defined. The L1:D5 ratio may be at least 1.2:1 and up to 3.2:1, such as at least 1.3:1 and up to 2:1, such as at least 1.4:1 and up to 1.8:1. In various examples, a D5:D1 ratio between the fifth distance D5 and the first distance D1 is defined. The D5:D1 ratio may be at least 1.6:1 and up to 6.3:1, such as at least 2.3:1 and up to 3.9:1, such as at least 2.8:1 and up to 3.4:1. In various examples, a D5:D3 ratio between the fifth distance D5 and the third distance D3 is defined. The D5:D3 ratio may be at least 2.8:1 and up to 11.1:1, such as at least 4.2:1 and up to 6.9:1, such as at least 5:1 and up to 6.1:1. In various examples, a D1:D2 ratio between the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 is defined. The D1:D2 ratio may be at least 1:1 and up to 2.5:1, such as at least 1.1:1 and up to 1.5:1, such as at least 1.1:1 and up to 1.4:1. In various examples, a D1:D3 ratio between the first distance D1 and the third distance D3 is defined. The D1:D3 ratio may be at least 1:1 and up to 3.6:1, such as at least 1.3:1 and up to 2.2:1, such as at least 1.6:1 and up to 2:1.

In various examples, the inner body 200 may be manufactured from titanium, such as from a titanium alloy that includes at least 80% titanium, such as Ti-6Al-4V. The insert 400 may comprise less than 20% titanium, such as less than 10% titanium, such as less than 5% titanium, such as 0% titanium (i.e., contains no titanium). The insert 400 may be manufactured from a material other than titanium. For example, the insert 400 may be manufactured from a non-titanium metallic material such as aluminum, stainless steel, inconel, cobalt-chromium alloy, chrome moly steel, or a combination thereof. The insert 400 may be manufactured from a non-metallic material, such as a high temperature plastic, such as polyether ether ketone.

Manufacturing the insert 400 with less than 20% titanium, less than 10% titanium, less than 5% titanium, or with no titanium has various benefits. For example, and as will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, suppressors with baffles that are manufactured from titanium may eject sparks from a forward end of the suppressor, which may be undesirable. The sparks may be caused by exploding gasses croding particles of titanium from the baffles, and the titanium particles subsequently combusting and being ejected from the forward end of the suppressor. Having the insert 400 positioned on the linear projectile path 700 and extending through at least one baffle opening 224 may reduce or eliminate this phenomenon. For example, any titanium particles that may be eroded from the baffles 222, or any other portion of the inner body 200, may be contained within the inner body 200 and exterior to the insert 400. As such, the combusting titanium particles are unlikely to be ejected from the forward end of the suppressor 100.

Providing an insert 400 that is removably coupled to the inner body 200 has various benefits. For example, and as will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, conventional suppressors may be designed such that a projectile moving along the linear projectile path may be in close proximity to the plurality of baffles. As such, with conventional suppressors, the projectile may inadvertently strike at least one of the plurality of baffles, which may damage to or destroy the suppressor. In contrast, with the suppressor 100 of the present application, the at least one baffle 222 that the insert 400 extends through may be protected from the projectile that travels through the insert 400 by the insert 400. As such, the risk of the projectile striking the at least one baffle 222 may be reduced or eliminated, which is beneficial.

Additionally, in the event the projectile strikes the insert 400 and damages the insert 400, the insert 400 may be replaced with a new or repaired insert 400 without the need to replace or repair the inner body 200, which may include the plurality of baffles 222. This is beneficial because it may allow the repair of the suppressor 10 or reduce costs associated with repairing the suppressor 100 in the event a projectile strikes a component of the suppressor 100.

Referring to FIG. 6A, a flow chart of a method of removing an insert 400 from a suppressor 100 is provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. The method may include a step of unfastening a nut 500 from a threaded portion 410 of the insert 400. The method may include removing a shroud 300 from the suppressor 100. The method may include moving the insert 400 relative to the inner body 200 towards a muzzle attachment portion 210 of the inner body 200 of the suppressor 100 and through an opening 214 defined by the muzzle attachment portion 210 until the insert 400 exits the inner body 200 of the suppressor 100.

Referring to FIG. 6B, a flow chart of a method of installing an insert 400 onto a suppressor 100 is provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. The method may include a step of moving the insert 400 relative to the inner body 200 from a position aft of the muzzle attachment portion 210 of the inner body 200 to a position at least partially within at least one of the plurality of baffles 222. When the insert 400 is positioned within at least one of the plurality of baffles 222, a threaded portion 410 of the insert 400 may extend through an opening defined by the distal wall 250. The method may include positioning the inner body 200 at least partially within the shroud 300 such that the threaded portion 410 of the insert 400 extends through a hole defined by the end plate 320 of the shroud 300. The method may include a step of fastening a nut 500 to the threaded portion 410 of the insert 400. Fastening the nut 500 to the threaded portion 410 of the insert 400 may impart a preload onto at least a portion of the inner body 200, which may be beneficial.

When the suppressor 100 is installed on a firearm and the firearm is discharged, a projectile, such as a bullet, may travel along the linear projectile path 700 from the barrel of the firearm, followed by hot, expanding gases. The gases may expand within the expansion chamber 230 and/or the cylinder-shaped opening 440 of the insert 400. The expanding gases may escape the cylinder-shaped opening 440 of the insert 400 through the insert openings 450 and/or through the ends of the cylinder-shaped opening 440. The expanding gases that escape the insert openings 450 may further expand in the chambers defined between each of the plurality of baffles and escape through the inner body openings 260 defined between each of the baffles 222. The gases that expand within the expansion chamber 230 and/or the gases that escape through the inner body openings 260 may exit through the openings in the end plate 320 of the shroud 300 and/or through a tortuous path defined by the shroud 300 and the groove 213 of the flange 212. Various components of the suppressor 100, including the insert 400 and the plurality of baffles 222, may reduce the acoustic intensity of the projectile being fired by reducing the rate of expansion of the gas that is received from the firearm.

Conclusion

The above descriptions of various embodiments of the subject disclosure and corresponding figures and what is described in the Abstract, are described herein for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It is to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other embodiments having modifications, permutations, combinations, and additions can be implemented for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute functions of the disclosed subject matter, and are therefore considered within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.