System for speed loading, retaining and extracting rimless cartridges in revolver style firearms

Abstract

Revolvers typically require the use of rimmed cartridges to enable loading and retention of ammunition and to eject spent cartridge cases. This invention uses novel modifications to the cartridge ejector head consisting of a fixed cartridge groove engagement node, which when used in conjunction with a novel “speed loader”, specially designed for use with rimless cartridges and the novel ejector head, allows revolvers to use the rimless cartridges normally used in self loading firearms. This system for modifying revolver ejectors for use with rimless cartridges when used in conjunction with this new type of speed loader, makes it possible to quickly load, retain and eject spent cases, using rimless cartridges in revolver style firearms. The design uses a solution that eliminates the need for complex mechanisms in the ejector/cylinder assembly that are prone to the kind of breakage, fouling and wear that require the costly and time consuming services of a professional gunsmith to repair.

1 . A system for speed loading, retaining and extracting rimless cartridges in revolver style firearms, consisting of a) an ejector head equipped with fixed projections designed to engage the extraction groove at the base of rimless cartridges and, b) a speed loading device designed to be used in conjunction with an ejector head equipped with projections designed to engage the extraction groove at the base of rimless cartridges. 
     
     
         2 . The ejector head of  claim 1  wherein the ejector head has multiple projections machined into that surfaces of the ejector head that are aligned with the cylinder chambers, and in which said projections are sized and shaped to engage the groove at the base of rimless cartridges, wherein said projections extend radially into the area above the cylinder chambers at the loading face of the cylinder. 
     
     
         3 . The speed loader of  claim 1  wherein said speed loader is comprised of a speed loader housing body, a central retainer, multiple outer retainers equal in number to the cylinder capacity of the revolver, a snap ring used to retain the outer retainers and to place spring tension on said outer retainers, a spring used to place spring tension on the central retainer and a base plate secured to the speed loader housing body. 
     
     
         4 . The outer retainers of  claim 3  wherein said retainers are equipped with tabs designed to define a limited range of displacement relative to the center of the speed loader. 
     
     
         5 . The outer retainers and central retainer of  claim 3  wherein the outer retainers project into the speed loader under spring tension, at a distance of less than the diameter of the cartridge base from the central retainer, so as to apply retaining pressure against the surface of the cartridge base, and wherein the retaining surface of the central retainer is provided with a projection designed to engage the groove at the base of rimless cartridges. 
     
     
         6 . The central retainer of  claim 3  wherein the central retainer is positioned in the speed loader under spring tension, allowing the central retainer to be displaced toward the base of the speed loader when mechanical force is applied to the central retainer by the ejector head. 
     
     
         7 . The speed loader of  claim 1  or the combination of factors of  claims 4 ,  5  and  6  wherein the spring tension applied to the surface of cartridges by the outer retainers and, the displacement of the central retainer by the extractor head of  claim 2 , causes the projections on the extractor head to align with and engage the extraction grooves on rimless cartridges, whereby the cartridges are subsequently drawn into the cylinder by the extractor head so as to load the chambers, retain the cartridges in firing position and, to eject the spent cartridge cases after use.