RUGGED RIFLE PLATFORM WEAPON SYSTEM WITH INTIGRATED LASER FOR DRY FIRING DEVICE FOR TRAINING

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/851,998 filed Jun. 28, 2022 and published Dec. 29, 2022 as U.S. publication 2022-0412685, which application and publication are incorporated herein by reference.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/743,595 filed Jan. 9, 2025 titled “Rugged Rifle Platform Weapon System Dry Firing Device for Training” which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/851,998 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/215,543 filed Jun. 28, 2022 titled “Rifle Platform Weapon System Dry Firing Device for Training and Training Methods Utilizing the Same” which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to rifle platform weapon system dry firing devices, and more particularly to a system and associated methods that allows the user to dry fire a rifle platform weapon system and experience realistic trigger pull and cycling of the weapon system.

2. Background Information

Today there are various devices that allow users to practice firing their specific weapon system without ammunition. Being able to fire the weapon without ammunition in order to practice, referred to herein as “dry firing” or “dry fire”. Dry firing is more generally defined as the practice of simulating the discharge of a firearm without any live ammunition, or alternatively practicing with an inert training platform such as an IMARKSMAN™ or SIRT™ training pistol, and may also include the use of a target/feedback system, such as the IDRYFIRE™ or LASR™ software.

There are many benefits to dry firing. Learning is faster and safer with dry firing. With dry firing it is easier to practice trigger control without developing a flinch, which is a pre-emptive reflex some beginners develop due to being unaccustomed to the trigger weight or anticipating a recoil. Dry firing also allows shooters to practice trigger control in locations where they couldn't practice with live ammo. Grip, drawing, sight alignment, trigger control, reloads, troubleshooting malfunctions, and more can be trained during dry firing practice. The technique allows people to conduct a safe, economical form of training to improve their shooting skills.

In recent years, a number of companies have developed methods of enhancing dry firing practice to improve skills. Products that illuminate a laser beam, as opposed to a solid projectile, have become increasingly popular. These include chamber inserts available for various caliber firearms, as well as dedicated training pistols or replacement AR-15 bolt carrier groups. There are also a number of target systems for these laser dry firing training aides that are becoming more affordable and popular. These products help trainees get more from dry firing practice by providing feedback on shot placement and times, and make dry firing a more meaningful experience. In addition, there are training aids such as training cards that provide shooters a variety of drills to do that will help them develop skills that will carry over to live firing.

As detailed above, dry firing procedures represent a training form that allows the user to mimic the process of firing a weapon system in order to train aspects of shooting, such as, trigger pull, follow through, site picture, and target acquisition. Aside from improving shooting mechanics of an individual, dry firing can assist in training groups in cooperative tactical responses as well. It has been estimated that in some training regimes a trainee will go through at least a 1000 dry firing repetitions before live firing training begins. Maximizing the realism of the dry firing experience is important.

The patent literature addresses some dry firing tools such as U.S. Patent Publication 2020-0378724 that discloses a simulated ammunition magazine in the pistol's magazine compartment that intends to provide realistic muscle memory training.

U.S. Patent Publication 2021-0262752 teaches a rifle platform weapon system dry firing device comprising a dry firing device bolt carrier group configured to replace the standard bolt carrier group of a rifle platform weapons system and wherein the system is configured to allow the user to dry fire the rifle platform weapon system and still experience the trigger pull of the weapon system without breaking the user's positioning and sight alignment, with this system utilizing a pivoted lever powered by reset spring for operation.

U.S. Patent Publications 2020-0064104, 2018-0023923 and 2016-0018191 disclose a multi-function dry firing training device to be inserted into the chamber of a firearm, which comprises an illuminator for emitting, upon receiving a command from a controller, a beam of visible or invisible illumination from the barrel of the firearm.

U.S. Patent Publication 2019-0170470 discloses a dry firing magazine for use with a firearm which includes a controller and a plurality of sensors connected to the controller. The dry firing magazine uses the plurality of sensors for collecting data associated with one or more operations of the firearm and thereafter the data is transmitted, using a communication unit embedded within the controller, to an end-point device such as a smartphone.

U.S. Patent Publication 2017-0146311 discloses a pistol dry firing device which enables multiple dry fire trigger pulls with one racking of the slide or cocking of the semi-automatic double action only pistol. The device is inserted behind the slide and in front of the flush mounted hammer, whereby the hammer does not contact the firing pin when the device is properly positioned.

U.S. Patent Publication 2015-0300766 discloses a dry firing trigger device for dry firing which includes a lever housing shaped to engage the magazine well of the lower receiver and a lever movably secured to the lever housing. The lever includes a hammer contact portion shaped to contact the hammer of the lower receiver.

U.S. Patent Publication 2015-0233633 discloses a firearm attachment and apparatus for more effectively dry firing a firearm device during marksmanship training. The firearm attachment includes a coupling portion that is configured to fixedly couple the firearm attachment to a sliding member (e.g., a slide of a pistol or a charging handle of a rifle) of the firearm device, and a tethering aperture that is positioned at a distal end of firearm attachment, relative to the coupling portion.

U.S. Patent Publication 2015-0013201 (see also related U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,207,027 and 9,057,577) discloses a rifle dry firing apparatus including a rifle lower receiver which has a trigger well and a magazine well. A hammer is disposed in the trigger well and configured to pivot from a first hammer position to a second hammer position in response to moving a trigger from a first trigger position to a second trigger position. A gear member attached to the lower receiver has a predefined number of gear teeth and a locking pin extending from the gear member. A pawl is connected to the trigger and operationally engages the gear member to increment the gear member once per trigger pull. Upon reaching a predefined number of trigger pulls, the locking member locks the trigger. A release lever on the lower receiver is operably configured to advance the gear member one increment to unlock the trigger.

U.S. Patent Publication 2014-0322673 discloses a laser pointer dry firing training device which may be activated by a control system based on accelerometer data and a library of event patterns.

U.S. Patent Publication 2004-0200113 discloses a firearm safety device for disabling a firearm for dry firing practice. A bushing is inserted in the firearm having a diameter of a cartridge. The bushing includes a through bore which receives a length of flexible material. One end of the flexible material is enlarged, so that it stops when it is pulled against the surface of the bushing.

U.S. Patent Publication 2002-0100201 discloses a handheld training pistol specifically designed to train the user to anticipate the transition from double-action to single-action experienced when shooting most semi-automatic pistols.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,679 discloses a non-firing rifle that emulates a semi-automatic or automatic rifle for training in procedures for safe handling, cleaning, and field stripping of such weapons. The non-firing rifle retains the upper receiver assembly, barrel assembly, and ammunition magazine of the emulated rifle, as well as some of the components of the lower receiver assembly of the emulated rifle, but substitutes a modified forging for the lower receiver forging of the emulated rifle.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,615 discloses a visible firearm safety and dry firing device in the form of an insert for a firearm having a large diameter portion extending a predetermined axial distance into a breech and a small diameter portion adapted to fit within the chamber of a barrel.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,724 discloses a dry firing device including a cylindrical insert having a recess in one end and a notch disposed between either ends of the cylindrical insert. The cylindrical insert is placed within a bolt carrier of a rifle or firearm.

The above listed patents and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference and collectively demonstrate the desire to adequately address dry firing training needs in this field. There still remains a need for effective and efficient rifle platform weapon system dry firing devices and associated methods that allows the user to dry fire a rifle platform weapon system and still experience the trigger pull and cycling of the weapon system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective and efficient rifle platform weapon system dry firing device and associated method. The invention described herein will be specified around one type of rifle shooting platform, the AR-15 or any variant chambered in 5.56/.223 that accommodates a 30-round magazine to feed ammunition into the weapon system. The invention as a whole is not, however, limited to magazine fed weapons of this caliber.

One aspect of the invention provides a base rifle platform weapon system dry firing device which allows the user to dry fire a rifle platform weapon system and still experience the trigger pull and cycling of the weapon system without breaking the shooter's positioning and sight alignment. The dry firing device includes a bolt carrier group configured to replace the standard bolt carrier group of the rifle platform weapons system. The dry firing device of the present invention includes a magazine with spur gears driven by rotary springs to drive a reset finger wherein the device uses rotary spring force of the spring to reset a hammer of the weapons system. The dry firing device includes at least one of i) a charging rod engaging with a charging handle of the rifle platform or ii) an integrated laser within the bore of the weapons system.

One aspect of the invention may be described as a base rifle platform weapon system dry firing device comprising: a dry firing device bolt carrier group configured to replace the standard bolt carrier group of a rifle platform weapons system; and a magazine having a reset finger configured to reset a hammer of the weapons system configured to allows the user to dry fire the rifle platform weapon system and still experience the trigger pull and cycling of the weapon system without breaking the user's positioning and sight alignment.

One aspect of the invention provides a base rifle platform weapon system dry firing device rifle platform weapon system dry firing method comprising the steps of: replacing the standard bolt carrier group of a rifle platform weapons system with a dry firing device bolt carrier group; providing a magazine having a reset finger; and resetting a hammer of the weapons system with the reset finger allowing the user to dry fire the rifle platform weapon system and still experience the trigger pull and cycling of the weapon system without breaking the user's positioning and sight alignment.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be clarified in the brief description of the preferred embodiment taken together with the drawings in which like reference numerals represent like elements throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a bolt carrier group of the basic rifle platform weapon system dry firing device for training according to one base embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bolt carrier group of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a schematic perspective view of a bolt assembly removed from the bolt carrier group of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of a magazine of the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device for training according to one base embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view of a magazine of FIG. 2A where the first cover plate has been removed or hidden from view;

FIG. 2C is a schematic perspective, partially section view of the magazine of FIG. 2A and showing the reverse side of FIG. 2B, wherein the second cover plate on the corresponding side has been removed or hidden from view and one rotary spring is shown as a cross-section;

FIGS. 2D and 2E are schematic perspective, partially section views of a modified magazine of FIG. 2A which incorporates a feature allowing the bolt to lock at the rear when the magazine is empty;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an AR-15 platform with the bolt carrier group of FIG. 1A and magazine of FIG. 2A of the basic rifle platform weapon system dry firing device for training according to one base embodiment of the present invention inserted therein; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a prior art AR-15 rifle platform weapon system;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an AR-15 platform with a modified bolt carrier group and modified magazine forming a rugged rifle platform weapon system dry firing device for training according to one modified embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic view of the modified bolt carrier group of the rugged rifle platform weapon system dry firing device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic section view of the modified bolt carrier group of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective schematic view of a charging rod of the modified bolt carrier group of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the modified magazine of the rugged rifle platform weapon system dry firing device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the modified magazine of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the modified magazine of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFFERED EMBODIMENTS

The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 for training according to one base embodiment and improved embodiments of the present invention is a two-piece device 100 that allows the user to dry fire a rifle platform weapon system 10 and still experience the trigger pull and cycling of the weapon system 10.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a live-fire AR-15 rifle platform weapon system 10. Rifle platform weapon system 10 (or simply rifle 10) includes an upper receiver 12 and a lower receiver 14. Upper receiver 12 includes a barrel 16 and a chamber 18 with a bolt carrier group or assembly 20. Bolt carrier group 20 includes a bolt carrier, a bolt, and a firing pin. A charging handle 38 engages the bolt of the bolt carrier group 20 to move the bolt to an open position to chamber a round into chamber 18. Lower receiver 14 includes a magazine assembly 26, trigger mechanism 28, pistol grip 30, and a buttstock 32.

When firing rifle 10, the user begins by inserting a loaded magazine 34 into the magazine well 36. The user then charges the rifle 10 by pulling the charging handle 38 backwards to the open position. When charging handle 38 is in the open position (e.g., pulled back) it also draws bolt carrier group 20 backwards towards buttstock 32, allowing a round to enter chamber 18. When no round is in chamber 18, carrier assembly and charging handle 38 are locked in the open position until the user depresses a bolt release lever (not visible) on the left side of the rifle 10 to release bolt forward. With a round chambered, bolt carrier group 20 with charging handle 38 returns to the closed (forward) position and the rifle is ready to fire.

When firing the ready to fire rifle 10, the user then positions rifle 10 and establishes a sight alignment and sight picture. The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle, whereby the user manipulates trigger mechanism 28 once for each shot. After firing each round, the shell is ejected from chamber 18 as bolt returns to the open position, the next round in magazine 34 enters chamber 18, and bolt then returns to the closed position with rifle 10 now charged and ready to fire again. As a result, during firing of multiple rounds with rifle 10 the user is able to maintain position and sight alignment, and sight picture after each shot until all rounds in magazine 34 have been fired. After the last round from magazine 34 is fired, the bolt will remain in the open position, causing trigger mechanism 28 to be locked and informing the user that no ammunition remains. The user then depresses a magazine release button to release magazine 34, whereby the rifle 10 can be reloaded with another loaded magazine 34.

This live-fire sequence for rifle 10 is repeated by users to develop muscle memory and establish proper firearm handling and protocol. An important part of this live-fire training sequence includes maintaining position and sight alignment, and sight picture from one shot to the next, such as when practicing follow up shots.

In most existing dry fire systems, when the shooter dry fires a fully functioning live-fire rifle (e.g., without ammunition) to practice firearm handling and protocol, the shooter's positioning and sight alignment, and sight picture must be broken after each shot. This is because no round is chambered, and thus the trigger mechanism locks each time the trigger is pulled and charging handle 38 must be pulled back to unlock the trigger. As noted above, the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 according to all embodiments of the present invention allows the user to dry fire a rifle platform weapon system and still experience the trigger pull and cycling of the weapon system without breaking the shooters positioning and sight alignment.

The first piece of the two piece device 100 is the device's bolt carrier group 110 and a base version is shown in FIGS. 1A-C. The bolt carrier group 110 replaces the standard BCG that is inherent to the AR-15 platform 10. The bolt carrier group 110 of the device 100 includes a housing 112 containing a reset spring 120 held in place with end cap 114.

The bolt carrier group 110 includes a reciprocating bolt assembly 130 with a hammer or impact face 140, spring 150 configured for biasing against a locating pin 152, and a bolt pit 160.

The second component of the two piece device 100 is the magazine 170. The bolt carrier group 110 is inserted in to the rifle 10 to replace the standard BCG and the magazine 170 is inserted into the magazine assembly 26 of the weapon system 10. The magazine 170 includes a pivoting release finger 180 that can be biased into a reset position by springs 182. The magazine 170 includes a spur gear 190 and an optional second spur gear 192 meshed thereto which are powered by mechanically wound springs 214 that are coupled to the spur gears 190 and 192. The magazine 170 includes a pivoting reset finger 213 that can be biased into a reset position by springs 182. The spur gear 190 includes release pins 212 selectively engaging the release finger 180 and actuating pins 215 selectively engaging the reset finger 213. The reset finger includes pins 210 selectively engaging the release finger 180. The magazine includes spring mounting post 211, reloading button slide 220 and adjustable stop 220.

In order to dry fire using the device 100, first the user must ensure the hammer 46 of the weapon system 10 is in the cocked position, meaning it is ready to be released by the trigger 28 on the primary sear 48. As background, in a firearm, the sear is the part of the trigger mechanism that holds the hammer, striker, or bolt, back until the correct amount of pressure has been applied to the trigger, at which point the hammer, striker, or bolt is released to discharge or fire the weapon.

Next the user must wind the rotary spring(s) 214, typically via a manual winding mechanism on a hub member 194 of the spur gears 190 and 192 which mechanism is not shown in detail. When the rotary spring 214 is wound, the spring force is captured by the release pin 212 selective engagement with the release finger 180. This ratcheting arrangement is depicted as a /n/ engaging finger for the present invention, however other embodiments similar to a cam/engaging finger can be used as the force capturing or ratcheting or loading feature analogous to the edge engagement of the reset finger 213 on gear 233 as shown in FIGS. 2D-2E.

The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 functions by using the rotary spring force of the spring 214 (or springs 214) to reset the hammer 46. When the user pulls the trigger 28 the hammer 46 falls impacting the face of the bolt 140, this forces the bolt assembly 130 forward to impact the release finger 180 causing it to rotate out of the way of the release pin 212. This motion causes the spur gear 190 to rotate under the now released force of the spring 214. While the spur gear 190 is rotating an actuating pin 215 contacts the reset finger 213 rotating it. As the reset finger 213 rotates it then pushes against the face of the bolt pin 160 and forces that back towards the hammer 46. This in turn rotates the hammer 46 allowing it to re-catch the primary sear 48. During this motion the bolt pin 160 also compresses the reset spring 120, the actuating pin 215 spins until it no longer makes contact with the reset finger 213. The return springs 182 pull the reset finger 213 and the release finger 180 to their original position.

The reset pin 210 ensures that the release finger 180 resets before the reset finger 213 finishes its motion. The reset spring 120 pushes the bolt assembly 130 back to its original position. The reset spring 120 only acts on the bolt assembly 130 until it travels past the hammer 46. This reduces the force the rotary spring 214 needs to over-come and prevents the reset spring 120 from pushing the bolt pin 160 into the release finger 180 (which would cause the weapon to dry fire again). The positioning rod 152 hits the front face of the receiver 19 to reposition the bolt assembly 130.

The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 of the present invention will cycle the weapon system repeatedly, resetting the sear allowing the user to experience the actual trigger pull of the weapon system. The user does not need to break positioning and sight alignment, and sight picture, for more realistic and effective training. The trigger pull of the rifle platform weapon system 10 with the dry firing device 100 implemented will be substantially identical to the trigger pull of the weapon system 10 in live fire, further enforcing effective training.

One modification of the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 of the present invention is to have a feature allowing the bolt to lock to the rear when the magazine 170 is empty, one base embodiment of which is shown in FIGS. 2D-E. The magazine 170 is “empty” when the device has been dry fired the number of times equivalent to a conventional “full” magazine. The additional features of the device 100 prompts the user to change magazines 170 and manipulate the ‘bolt hold-open device’ incorporated into the receiver of the firearm when the dry-fire magazine 170 has been “completely discharged”. The operation of the device 100 with this feature provides tactile and visual indicators to the user that replicate the behavior of a firearm using live ammunition. This is accomplished by a timing rack 231 carrying a stop 235 incorporated into the magazine 170, working in conjunction with pinion-like feature incorporated into a spur gear 233 (replacing gear 190 discussed above) fixed to the spring 214 that powers the device 100. The cycle of operations that enable this function are as follows: When the device 100 functions, each iteration causes the spur gear 233 to rotate in designated increments. These increments are determined by the engagement points of the ‘release link’ and ‘reset link’ that transfer movement of the spur gear to the bolt carrier assembly. Every fourth increment of the spur gear 233 causes the timing rack 231 to engage with the pinion feature and move up by one position. The rack 231 is constructed (or timed) so that the last iteration of the device 100 simulating emptying the magazine 170 will shift the rack 231 up to its final position that allows a stop 235 to be positioned such that is impinges on the bolt hold-open device. When the bolt hold-open device is engaged by stop 235, it retains the bolt in the rear of the receiver. This results in a nonresponsive trigger and visual indicator to the user that the firearm is “unloaded”. Insertion of a new charged dry-fire magazine 170 into the firearm and sequential manipulation of the bolt hold-open device restore the firearm to an operational condition, replicating the same procedure as used with live ammunition.

An alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2D is a separate movement or count mechanism in the magazine 170 operating off of the second spur gear 192 that will actuate to lock the bolt after a designated number of dry fire operations consistent with expending a full magazine.

FIGS. 2D and 2E illustrate a modified magazine 170′ with and alternative engagement between the gear 233 (Geneva gear) and the reset finger 213 than the engagement of the pins 215 and the reset finger 213 described above. Here the elements engaging the finger 213 (previously the pins 215) are formed as cams on the periphery of the gear 233 and illustrate alternative engagement configurations.

A further modification of the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 of the present invention is to incorporate a sound emission that mimics the sound of the live fire weapons signature. This would be through an electronic speaker within the magazine 170 together with battery power and controller that is actuated with each trigger pull. Adding sound mimicking the weapons signature can improve tactical training options and opportunities with the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 of the present invention.

A further modification of the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 of the present invention is to replace the spring 214 with linear actuators, namely a solenoid with appropriate power source.

A further modification of the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 of the present invention is to incorporate a visible laser assembly 310 along, or within, the barrel 16 that emits a visible laser light with each dry fire. This is shown in FIG. 5 is which a laser assembly 310 is coupled to the device's modified bolt carrier group 110′. This allows for tracking or monitoring of the shooters dry fire targets. Target substrates that automatically identify the location of such laser “hits” are also known and can be implemented, even in personnel clothing, for more advanced war game scenarios.

The inventors addressed some of the issues with the prior art in the above described rifle platform weapons system dry firing device described in FIGS. 1-4. The inventors have developed various improvements to this base device or base platform making the improved platform more rugged, reliable and versatile, which improvements are discussed below in connection with FIGS. 5-11.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an AR-15 platform with a modified bolt carrier group 110′ and modified magazine 170′ forming a rugged rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 for training according to one modified embodiment of the present invention. Additional features have been added to the modified bolt carrier group 110′ and modified magazine 170′ to better replicate the same battery of arms as would be expected during the manipulation of a firearm using live ammunition and to improve manufacturability and durability of the device 100. Specifically, some of these new features replicate the functionality of the charging handle 38. The modified bolt carrier group 110′ provides increased functionality as described below, lower manufacturing costs and greater reliability and robustness.

As noted above, the first piece of the two piece device 100 is the device's bolt carrier group 110′ which is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The bolt carrier group 110', like the group 110, replaces the standard BCG that is inherent to the AR-15 platform 10. The bolt carrier group 110′ of the device 100 includes a housing 112 containing a reset spring 120 held in place with end cap 114. The bolt carrier group 110 includes a reciprocating bolt assembly or bolt body 130 with a hammer or impact face 140, spring 314 configured for biasing against a laser actuator 312, charging rod 320, charging rod engaging element 322, empty chamber indicator 330, and a bolt pit 160. The bolt body 130 as a cylindrical end housing a portion of the spring 120 that prevents over compression of the spring 120 minimizing jamming of the system.

The bolt carrier group 110′ forms an integrated part that fits within the rifle platform carrier chamber as shown without the need to remove the original charging handle 38 or buffer spring that seamlessly compresses the buffer spring when the charging handle 38 is pulled. The bolt carrier group 110′ includes the empty chamber indicator 330 to provide the user with a visual indication that the simulated “magazine” is empty in the dry firing exercise. When the device 100 needs recharged it will function to lock the bolt assembly 130 rearward and display the empty chamber indicator 330 which may be formed as a sticker or flag or colored portion. Upon replacement of the virtual magazine the operator will use the bolt release to return the device 100 to a usable condition, better replicating live fire operation.

The housing 112 retains the charging rod 320. The charging rod 320 includes a slot 324 configured to be selectively engaged with the charging rod engaging element 322 (e.g. a bolt or screw) within the assembly 130. The charging rod 320 includes a raised tab 326 configured to be selectively engaged with the charging handle 38. When inserted into the rifle platform 10 the charging rod 320 of the group 110′ serves as a clocking component for the entire assembly and mates with the rifles charging handle 38. When the rifle platform's charging handle 38 is pulled, it impinges on the tab 326 of the charging rod 320, and the charging rod 320 moves rearward with the charging handle 38. The charging rod 320 compresses the buffer spring as it slides into the buffer tube. This gives the user the same experience as being used with live ammunition. It is a notable feature of the charging rod 320 that it includes a slot 324 through the center of the charging rod 320 as shown best in FIG. 8. This slot 324 allows the charging rod 320 to integrate with the bolt body 130. The bolt body 130 interfaces with the charging rod 320 by way of the charging rod engaging element 322, which may be a bolt, pin, screw, or protruding feature. This allows the bolt body 130 to retract to the rear when the charging handle 38 is pulled. This in-turn resets the hammer 46 and sear 48. The bolt body 130 also acts as a limiting feature for the assembly 100. The rear of the bolt body 130 acts as a hard stop when being retracted to the rear (with a recess partly receiving spring 120). This is important because if the bolt body 130 is retracted too far then this could cause improper functioning, jamming, or cause the system to fire prematurely. Optionally, ball detent receiving groove (shown at end housing 112) with ball detent can be included to create a captive feature for the BCG 110′ preventing actuation when the charging handle 38 is pulled back.

As noted above a further features added in the modified group 110′ is the including of a visible laser assembly 310 as a feedback source. The laser assembly 310 may be activated in a number of methods, including electronic or mechanical. The addition of the laser assembly 310 on the front of the modified group 110′ is configures to operate mechanically to depress a button on the rear of the laser assembly 310. The modified group 110′ operates by using the laser actuator 312 (or connecting rod) that links the bolt body 130 to the laser assembly 310. When the bolt body 130 is pushed forward it impinges on the connecting rod or laser actuator 312. When the connecting rod or laser actuator 312 is pressed forward it in turn depresses a laser actuation button on the laser assembly 310. The opposing springs 314 depicted allow for the laser actuator 312 to press the button of the laser assembly 310 without need for exacting travel (which if incorrect could cause failure in operation of the system). As an alternative actuation method (electrical rather than mechanical) the connecting rod 312 could serves as a link that closes the circuit for the integrated laser assembly 310. The laser assembly 310 is aligned with the bore 16 of the platform 10.

It may be noted that laser assembly 310 shown could be replaced with an actuator separate from and mating with some third party laser with the rod 312 used to trigger an actuator that is then used to trigger the laser. The laser assembly 310 integrates these into a single component of a laser and actuating button as shown. These two configurations are operatively the same but a separation of the actuator from the laser allows for a greater variety of lasers to be used. Further the invention shows a bore mounted laser which is believed to be advantageous as more accurately displaying the location of the shot, but a laser could also be mounted on the outside of the barrel 16 (provided it does not interfere with line of sight). The bore mounted laser as shown is believed to be preferred and better form an operational standpoint.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of portions of the modified magazine 170′ of the rugged rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 of FIG. 5. As noted above the modified magazine 170′ implements an alternative engagement between the gear 233 (Geneva gear) and the reset finger 213 than the engagement of the pins 215 and the reset finger 213 described above with magazine 170. The elements engaging the finger 213 (previously the pins 215) are formed as cams on the periphery of the gear 233 and illustrate alternative engagement configurations.

Additionally the modified magazine 170′ of FIGS. 9 and 10 includes a leaf spring 255 which aids in the repositioning of the reset finger 213 when reloading or during normal operation. Further in the modified magazine 170′ of FIGS. 9 and 10 the release finger 180 is designed with a 25% mechanical advantage to reduce the force needed to actuate the release finger 180. In other words the relative distances of the lever arms on the release finger are at a ratio of 1:0.75 to yield the operational advantage. The modified magazine 170′ of FIGS. 9 and 10 includes a single torsion spring 214 to reduce parts. The Geneva gear 233 further preferably includes an indication hole on the face to assist in verifying position during assembly of the magazine 170'. The magazine 170′ in this redesign includes space below the Geneva gear 233 sufficient for other elements such as blue tooth solenoid to interface with external systems wherein the solenoid can be selectively actuated to induce a simulated jam of the device 100 for simulation in dry fire training of clearing a jam. Other electronic components include elements for tracking the device 100 during training, for example, and/or a battery location.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of a further modified magazine 170′ of FIG. 9, illustrating one possible tool free recharging assembly 350. The tool free recharging assembly 350 would allow for manual recharging without a tool or key and would include a foldable handle on the outer magazine 170′ housing that engages and turns intermittent spur 352. The intermittent spur 352 selectively engages (during charging) with loading gear 354 coupled to the spring 214 for charging the device. The intermittent spur 352 is rotated to charge the system and turned until the open space on the intermittent spur 352 keeps the intermittent spur 352 from meshing with the loading gear 354, and a detent member 356 will engage to keep the intermittent spur 352 from engagement until the next charging operation. After charging the handle is refolded into the outer magazine housing. Other manual recharging configurations are possible this is an easy and effective version that may be implemented.

U.S. MARINE CORPS USE CASE EXAMPLE

The advantages of the present invention can be highlighted in a specific use case. The United States Marine Corps has an urgent need to improve their capability to train Marines in marksmanship with the M4 service carbine in a dry-fire environment while simulating live-fire functionality. The Marine Corps currently attributes an entire week of dry-fire repetitions on the service rifle in preparation for the table 1 rifle range and countless hours on dry-runs in follow-on maneuvers and training events, with no training aids to simulate a live-fire weapons function. Currently, if a Marine wants to dry-fire their weapon they get one iteration before having to break position, rack the bolt, establish position, and fire. The devices 100 improves this process by eliminating the interruption between trigger pull and the need to recharge the weapon by simulating the cycle of operations. The devices 100 are each a 100% dry-fire device that can be swapped out with any M4/M16/M27 platform bolt carrier group (BCG) and convert it to a repetitive dry-fire weapon. The devices 100 as described herein are each formed as a mechanical device that when inserted allows the user to pull the trigger repeatedly without the need to recharge the weapon.

Additionally, devices 100 may be provided to have additional capabilities to enhance the end users training. These improvements include those discussed above, but are not limited to: a Reloading function-Simulate the same battery of arms as when the magazine is expended of live ammunition; Audible signature-an audible crack after each trigger pull to simulate a weapon firing; Reactive targets-a laser contained within the device could interface with a target that reacts when positively engaged with the laser.

The devices 100 may be built to accommodate multiple platforms across the military. This can include a 6.5 Grendel/6.5 Creedmoor M4 platform, and 7.62 HK417, all without changing the principle function of the devices 100. There are minimal training requirements needed for a new trainee to begin using the devices 100. Recommended training needed (in minutes): i) Insert the BCG—1-2 minutes ii) Charge magazine—2-5 minutes; and iii) Use and Care—5-10 minutes.

The devices 100 as shown in the embodiments of these figures (exclusive of sound and/or laser additions or the Jamming alternative) is completely mechanical and does not require a battery to operate. Additionally, because it is essentially mechanical the essential mechanical components of the devices 100 are 100% waterproof. The devices 100 function and look like a standard issued 556-30 round magazine making it easy for the user to identify and use. In contrast to the current methods used, the devices 100: Requires no special license to use or transport; represents no safety hazard when used; Establishes no limits on training maneuvers do to safety concerns; Is cost-effective, durable, reliable, and long-lasting; Can be used anywhere; and Offers complete flexibility when planning training events due to the aforementioned benefits.

The Marine Corps success derives from the concept that “Every Marine a Rifleman.” The Marine Corps trains extensively on its capabilities and competency with the rifle. With the implementation of the devices 100, Marines can drive home their fundamentals with the rifle during every training event and during white space training. All this training value is provided with the devices 100 at minimal cost and virtually no learning curve to utilize the systems 100. The devices 100 is a force multiplier through enhancing the end users capabilities with the service rifle, saving valuable funding, and enhancing overall mission effectiveness.

Although the present invention has been described with particularity herein, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment disclosed. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The scope of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereto.