Muzzle brake for muzzle-loading firearm

Abstract

A muzzle brake for use with a firearm such as a muzzle-loading firearm, and including at least one access port in the muzzle brake that is large enough (for example at least about 0.5″ or more minimum dimension) for access by a user's fingertip to remove a cleaning patch from the muzzle brake. One or more vent ports that are relatively smaller than the access port may also be provided in the muzzle brake. An insert may be fitted within the muzzle brake to enhance wear resistance and extend its service life.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A muzzle brake for a firearm, the muzzle brake comprising a projectile bore extending axially therethrough, wherein a least a portion of the projectile bore comprises an insert fitted therearound, the insert reducing the wear and increasing the service life of the brake. 
     
     
         2 . The muzzle brake of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one port extending generally transversely through the projectile bore. 
     
     
         3 . The muzzle brake of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one port comprises at least one access port and at least one vent port separate from the at least one access port, wherein the at least one access port is larger than the at least one vent port. 
     
     
         4 . The muzzle brake of  claim 3 , comprising one pair of larger access ports and one pair of smaller vent ports. 
     
     
         5 . The muzzle brake of  claim 4 , wherein the larger access ports are positioned closer to a proximal end of the muzzle brake, and wherein the smaller vent ports are positioned closer to a distal end of the muzzle brake. 
     
     
         6 . The muzzle brake of  claim 5 , wherein the larger access ports and the smaller vent ports are spaced axially from one another and separated by at least one baffle wall. 
     
     
         7 . The muzzle brake of  claim 1 , wherein the insert comprises a disc-shaped body comprising a central opening extending therethrough so as to permit the passage of a projectile moving along the projectile bore. 
     
     
         8 . The muzzle brake of  claim 5 , wherein the disc-shaped body is seated within the brake and along at least a portion of the projectile bore, and wherein at least a portion of the disc-shaped body is configured to generally sit flush with a proximal end of the at least one baffle wall. 
     
     
         9 . The muzzle brake of  claim 7 , wherein the projectile bore comprises a stepped bore configuration comprising a first bore segment and a second bore segment, the first bore segment being larger than the second bore segment. 
     
     
         10 . The muzzle brake of  claim 9 , wherein the disc-shaped body is seated in the first bore segment and against the second bore segment. 
     
     
         11 . The muzzle brake of  claim 10 , wherein the opening of the disc-shaped body defines a diameter that is substantially similar to a diameter defined by the second bore segment. 
     
     
         12 . The muzzle brake of  claim 10 , wherein the opening of the disc-shaped body comprises a diameter that is at least partially smaller than a diameter defined by the second bore segment. 
     
     
         13 . The muzzle brake of  claim 10 , wherein the opening of the disc-shaped body comprises a diameter that is at least partially larger than a diameter defined by the second bore segment. 
     
     
         14 . The muzzle brake of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one port comprises at least one access port, the at least one access port having a minimum dimension of at least 0.5″ and being configured to allow access by a user's fingertip to remove a cleaning patch through the at least one access port. 
     
     
         15 . An insert for a muzzle break to reduce wear and increase its service life, the muzzle break insert comprising a ring-like body comprising a central opening and being configured for seating within a portion of the break about a projectile bore extending axially therethrough, the opening of the ring-like body being in communication with the projectile bore so as to permit passage of the projectile along the bore, wherein combustion or propellant gasses from the projectile are configured to impact the insert such that wear is minimized and the service life of the brake is substantially improved. 
     
     
         16 . The insert of  claim 15 , wherein the insert is constructed from a material offering superior heat resistance, high temperature corrosion resistance, toughness, and strength. 
     
     
         17 . The insert of  claim 16 , wherein the material comprises a highly oxidation-resistant and/or highly corrosion-resistant material, or a high-temperature-resistant, high-hardness austenitic nickel-chromium based metal alloy. 
     
     
         18 . The insert of  claim 16 , wherein the material comprises a nickel-chromium superalloy material providing for superior heat resistance, high temperature corrosion resistance, toughness, and strength. 
     
     
         19 . A method of manufacturing a muzzle brake comprising:
 providing a muzzle brake comprising a projectile bore extending axially therethrough;   providing an insert comprising a disc-shaped body comprising a central opening;   heating the muzzle brake;   fitting the insert within the muzzle brake about the projectile bore, wherein the disc-shaped body surrounds the projectile bore and the central opening permits the passage of a projectile therealong; and   allowing the muzzle brake to cool such that the same at least partially shrinks to further engage with the insert fitted therein.   
     
     
         20 . The method of manufacturing the muzzle brake of  claim 19 , wherein the insert is constructed from a material offering superior heat resistance, high temperature corrosion resistance, toughness, and strength.