Apparatus and method of removing a gas block without removing attached muzzle device

Abstract

A firearm having a barrel, an integral gas block operably mounted on a portion of the barrel and a muzzle end device mounted on an end of the barrel. The barrel portion has an outside diameter equal to and preferably greater than the greatest outside diameter of the muzzle end device. The gas block has an inner diameter such that the block is slidable along, onto or off the barrel, and over and beyond the muzzle end device while it is mounted on the barrel. Methods are disclosed.

1 . In combination in a firearm, a barrel, a gas block and a muzzle end device, wherein the barrel includes a barrel portion receiving the gas block in operative communication with a gas port in the barrel, said barrel portion of said barrel having an outer diameter at least as great as the largest outer diameter of said muzzle end device. 
     
     
         2 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said gas block has an inner diameter at least greater than said outer diameter of said barrel portion. 
     
     
         3 . The combination of  claim 2  wherein the outer diameter of the barrel portion is greater than the largest outer diameter of said muzzle end device. 
     
     
         4 . The combination of  claim 3  wherein the gas block is slidable onto and away from said barrel, and over said muzzle end device when said muzzle end device is fixed to said barrel. 
     
     
         5 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein an inner diameter of said gas block is equal to the outer diameter of said barrel portion. 
     
     
         6 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the gas block is slidable onto and off of said barrel and over said muzzle end device. 
     
     
         7 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the outer diameter of the barrel portion is greater than all outer diameters of said muzzle end device and said gas block is slidable over said muzzle end device and onto and away from said barrel. 
     
     
         8 . A method for mounting an integral gas block on a portion of a firearm barrel, said barrel having a muzzle end device mounted thereon including the step of sliding said integral gas block over said muzzle end device and onto said barrel portion. 
     
     
         9 . A method as in  claim 8  wherein said method includes a further step of removing said integral gas block operably disposed on said barrel portion by sliding said gas block along said barrel, over and beyond said muzzle end device, and off said barrel. 
     
     
         10 . A method for removing an integral gas block from an operable position on a portion of a firearm barrel including the step of sliding said integral gas block along said barrel, over a muzzle end device mounted on said barrel, off said barrel and beyond said muzzle end device. 
     
     
         11 . A method as in any  claim 9  or  10  including performing said sliding step over a muzzle end device immovably affixed to said barrel. 
     
     
         12 . A method as in  claim 10  including performing said sliding step over a muzzle end device immovably affixed to said barrel.