Alignment rod for muzzle attachments

Abstract

Embodiments of alignment rods for muzzle attachments, and methods for making and using the same are presented. An embodiment of an alignment rod for muzzle attachments may include an elongated body having a non-metallic surface and having a first portion with a first outer diameter and a second portion with a second outer diameter, the first outer diameter being different from the second outer diameter, and a first transition portion comprising a shoulder between the first portion and the second portion.

1 . An alignment rod for muzzle attachments, comprising:
 an elongated body having a non-metallic surface and having a first portion with a first outer diameter and a second portion with a second outer diameter, the first outer diameter being different from the second outer diameter, and a first transition portion comprising a shoulder between the first portion and the second portion.   
     
     
         2 . The alignment rod of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body comprises a hollow non-metallic tube having a first end and a second end. 
     
     
         3 . The alignment rod of  claim 2 , comprising a first leading portion with a tapered, radiused, or chamfered outer diameter disposed on the first end. 
     
     
         4 . The alignment rod of  claim 2 , wherein the first end configured to be inserted into a muzzle of a firearm. 
     
     
         5 . The alignment rod of  claim 1 , wherein the first transition portion is configured to rest against a crown of a barrel of a firearm. 
     
     
         6 . The alignment rod of  claim 2 , further comprising a handle disposed on the second end. 
     
     
         7 . The alignment rod of  claim 2 , wherein the second end is configured to extend outwardly from a muzzle of a firearm when the first end is inserted therein. 
     
     
         8 . The alignment rod of  claim 1 , further comprising a laser emitting device coupled to the elongated body. 
     
     
         9 . The alignment rod of  claim 1 , wherein the first outer diameter is configured to precision clearance fit within a bore diameter of a barrel of the firearm. 
     
     
         10 . The alignment rod of  claim 1 , wherein the second outer diameter is configured to fit a bore of the muzzle attachment. 
     
     
         11 . The alignment rod of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body comprises a carbon fiber mesh, a carbon fiber matrix, a carbon fiber cloth, or a carbon fiber sheet. 
     
     
         12 . The alignment rod of  claim 2 , wherein the elongated body further comprises a third portion with a third outer diameter, the third portion being disposed at the second end. 
     
     
         13 . The alignment rod of  claim 2 , comprising a second leading portion with a tapered, radiused, or chamfered outer diameter disposed on the second end. 
     
     
         14 . The alignment rod of  claim 2 , wherein the second end configured to be inserted into a muzzle of a firearm. 
     
     
         15 . The alignment rod of  claim 1 , further comprising a second transition portion comprising a shoulder between the third portion and the second portion, wherein the second transition portion is configured to rest against a crown of a barrel of a firearm. 
     
     
         16 . The alignment rod of  claim 2 , wherein the first end is configured to extend outwardly from a muzzle of a firearm when the second end is inserted therein. 
     
     
         17 . The alignment rod of  claim 1 , wherein the non-metallic surface comprises a coating of non-metallic material disposed on an outer surface of the elongated body. 
     
     
         18 . A method for aligning a muzzle attachment with a barrel of a firearm, comprising:
 positioning the muzzle attachment adjacent a muzzle of the firearm;   inserting a first portion of an alignment rod through an opening in the muzzle attachment and into a barrel of the firearm through the muzzle;   seating a shoulder portion of the alignment rod on a crown of the barrel, wherein the first portion of the alignment rod extends into the barrel and a second portion of the alignment rod extends away from the barrel through the muzzle attachment;   wherein the first portion has a first outer diameter configured to precision clearance fit a bore diameter of a barrel of the firearm, and the second portion has a second outer diameter configured to fit within a bore of the muzzle attachment; and   wherein the alignment rod comprises a non-metallic surface.   
     
     
         19 . A method for manufacturing an alignment rod for muzzle attachments, comprising:
 providing a mandrel having an outer diameter sized to match an interior diameter of an elongated body to be formed thereon;   disposing a non-metallic material on the mandrel at a thickness sufficient to provide a first outer diameter in a first portion of the elongated body and a second outer diameter in a second portion of the elongated body configured to fit within a bore of the muzzle attachment;   reducing material from a first portion of the elongated body such that a first outer diameter of the first portion provides a precision clearance fit to a bore diameter of a barrel of a firearm;   forming a transition portion at a predetermined length from a first end of the elongated body, the transition portion defining a shoulder between the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 disposing a non-metallic material on the mandrel at a thickness sufficient to provide a third outer diameter in a third portion of the elongated body and a second outer diameter in a second portion of the elongated body configured to fit within a bore of the muzzle attachment;   reducing material from a third portion of the elongated body such that a third outer diameter of the third portion provides a precision clearance fit to a bore diameter of a barrel of a firearm;   forming a transition portion at a predetermined length from a first end of the elongated body, the transition portion defining a shoulder between the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter.