Device And Method For Converting And Preventing Conversion Of A Semi-Automatic Firearm To An Automatic Firearm

Abstract

A device and method is provided for easily and readily converting a semi-automatic firearm to a fully automatic firing firearm. An additional method is provided for preventing the conversion of a semi-automatic firearm to an automatic firing firearm.

1 . A method for preventing conversion of a semi-automatic firearm to a fully automatic firing firearm, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) mounting an obstruction within an elongated receptacle of a bolt carrier of a semi-automatic firearm.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said obstruction defining a length and diameter adapted to substantially fill a circular volume provided by the elongated receptacle, thereby effectively obstructing or blocking a weighted element or a functionally comparable device from traveling in a direct linear path extending through the elongated receptacle to a firing pin of a bolt assembly of the semi-automatic firearm, and thus preventing contact by the weighted element or the functionally comparable device with the firing pin. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said obstruction is sizably adapted so as to extend a length within the elongated receptacle, wherein said length of said obstruction allows for a sufficient striking space in the elongated receptacle through which a hammer of a trigger mechanism of the semi-automatic firearm is allowed to travel, thereby enabling the hammer to strike the firing pin in conformance to a standard operation thereof. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said obstruction comprises an elongated member, said elongated member has a forward end defining a surface, and a rearward end defining a surface. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said obstruction comprises an elongated member, said elongated member has a forward end defining a beveled surface, and a rearward end defining a surface. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said obstruction is mounted within the elongated receptacle in such a manner whereby said beveled surface faces the firing pin, and said beveled surface is directed toward a lower longitudinal slot of the bolt carrier. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said obstruction defines a circular cross-section, and wherein said obstruction is constructed of a strong, rigid material. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said obstruction is defined as a crossmember or a crosspin suitably mounted perpendicularly between a first lateral sidewall and a second lateral sidewall forming the elongated receptacle. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said crossmember is sizably shaped and configured so as to obstruct a weighted element or a functionally comparable device from traveling in a direct linear path extending through the elongated receptacle to a firing pin, thereby preventing contact by the weighted element or the functionally comparable device with the firing pin. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said obstruction comprises a shroud, said shroud is suitably mounted inside the elongated receptacle of the bolt carrier, a position to a firing pin of a bolt assembly of the semi-automatic firearm, wherein said shroud is adapted to shield the firing pin against contact by a weighted element or a functionally comparable device. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said shroud is mounted to the forward cylindrical wall of a tubular guide frame of the bolt carrier. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said shroud is mounted to the forward cylindrical wall, the first lateral sidewall, and the second lateral sidewall of a tubular guide frame of the bolt carrier. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said shroud comprises a linearly elongated, arcuate-shaped body fabricated of a strong, rigid material, said body includes a first circumferential sidewall extending integrally to a second circumferential sidewall, and an open front end. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said body includes a front peripheral edge mounted to the forward cylindrical wall, said first circumferential sidewall is mounted to the second lateral sidewall, and said second circumferential sidewall is mounted to the first lateral sidewall. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said body is designed and configured so as to provide a sufficient striking space through which the hammer of a trigger mechanism of the semi-automatic firearm is allowed to travel, thereby enabling the hammer to strike the firing pin in conformance to standard operation thereof. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said body further includes a downwardly depending rear sidewall molded integral thereto. 
   
   
       17 . A method for preventing conversion of a semi-automatic firearm to a fully automatic firing firearm, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) milling a lower edge of a first lateral sidewall of a tubular guide frame of a bolt carrier of the semi-automatic firearm; and   (b) milling a lower edge of a second lateral sidewall of the tubular guide frame, wherein the lower edge of the first lateral sidewall and the lower edge of the second lateral sidewall are milled in such a manner and to a degree so as to eliminate an ability by an elongated receptacle of the tubular guide frame to carry a weighted element or any functionally comparable device therein.   
   
   
       18 . A method for preventing conversion of a semi-automatic firearm to a fully automatic firing firearm, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) manufacturing a bolt carrier for a semi-automatic firearm, said bolt carrier comprising:   a tubular guide frame, said tubular guide frame defining a proximal end opposing a solid distal end, said proximal end having a cam opening defined therein, said tubular guide frame includes an upper longitudinal slot formed in the upper portion thereof and a lower longitudinal slot formed in the lower portion thereof, said tubular guide frame having a forward cylindrical wall;   a receptacle extending longitudinally between the upper longitudinal slot and the lower longitudinal slot; and   a bolt, said bolt having a firing pin operationally coupled thereto.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said solid distal end is adapted to prevent placement of a weighted element or a functionally comparable device inside the elongated receptacle, and wherein said solid distal end is further adapted to prevent the weighted element or the functionally comparable device from reciprocating axially inside the elongated receptacle and contacting the firing pin, the bolt carrier is designed and configured so as to allow a hammer of a trigger mechanism of the semi-automatic firearm to pivot and strike the firing pin according to a standard operation of the hammer.