Firing Rate Reduction System for an Automatic Firearm

Abstract

The present invention is a firing rate reduction system utilizing a slideable, independent sear disconnector. A straight channel, terminating at the rear end of the bolt carrier, for disconnector movement is created in the bolt carrier. Detents are provided to arrest movement at foreword and rearward limits. The force of inertia moves the independent disconnector into these extreme positions and creates a delay in firing time as additional time is required for the independent disconnector to reach final position.

1 . A rate reduction system for a bolt operated firearm, said system comprising:
 a. a generally tubular bolt carrier sleeve having an inner surface and a defining axis, said bolt carrier sleeve further comprising:
 i. an arcuate frame, having an incomplete circumference that is open on a bottom side of the bolt carrier sleeve, thereby defining a longitudinal channel; and 
 ii. two diametrically opposed arcuate prongs extending forward from the arcuate frame, further defining the longitudinal channel and also defining an incomplete perimeter at a top of the bolt carrier sleeve; and 
   b. a sear disconnector, further comprising:
 i. a disconnector cylinder, of a diameter sufficient to slide within the inner surface of the bolt carrier sleeve; 
 ii. two diametrically opposed disconnector prongs extending forward from the disconnector cylinder and oriented to the disconnector cylinder in the same manner as the arcuate prongs are oriented to the arcuate frame; and 
 iii. a strike plate, cantileverally situated on a rearward end of the disconnector cylinder; 
   
       wherein, the disconnector cylinder is inserted within the bolt carrier sleeve in a manner that the strike plate is nested in the longitudinal channel such that, when the firearm is fired, the rate reduction system travels rearward with an associated bolt and, when the bolt carrier sleeve ceases rearward motion, the disconnector cylinder continues rearward and carries the strike plate further rearward until it likewise stops, thereby increasing the distance the strike plate has to travel in order to strike and reset a sear of the firearm and creating a larger lag time between firing cycles. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , the bolt carrier sleeve further comprising at least one detent on the inner circumference, opposite the channel and the disconnector cylinder further comprising a stop structure. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 3 , the stop structure being a spring-loaded ball bearing inserted on an exterior surface of the disconnector body opposite the strike plate in a manner to interface with the at least one detent.