GB836372A - Improvements in or relating to firearm barrels - Google Patents

Abstract

836,372. Firearm barrels. OLIN MATHIESON CHEMICAL CORPORATION. April 12, 1957, No. 12013/57. Classes 92 and 119 A firearm barrel comprises a thin liner 30, Fig. 2, and an outer jacket 32 of non- metallic fibres bonded to each other and to the liner in mutual stress-transmitting relation. In one form strands 44, Fig. 5, of glass fibres are wound on the liner 30 previously provided with a layer of resin binder which is also applied to the strands. The strands may be wound on the liner in different ways to give both radial and longitudinal strength to the jacket. Figs. 6-9 (not shown) indicate some of the variations. Instead of resin binders, metallic materials may be used as binders, e.g. by winding metal coated fibres which are subsequently bonded by heat and/or pressure. Instead of glass fibres, nylon or other linear polymer fibres may be used. One or all of the layers of fibres may be in the form of woven fibre tape or cloth which is wound on the liner, and the wound jacket may be covered with a woven cylindrical sleeve which is subsequently bonded to the jacket. The liner 30 may be made of various metals or alloys and may be in normal heat treated or auto-fretted condition. The liner may also be made of non-metallic material. The liner 30, Fig. 13, may be expanded by forcing or drawing a button 70 therethrough, so that the fibres in the jacket are placed under permanent tension. The button 70 may be also used to provide the rifling in the barrel liner. Instead of winding the fibres directly on the liner, the jacket may be formed on a mandrel and then slipped over the liner and bonded thereto. Alternatively fibres in the form of a mat or resin slurry may be applied to the liner and subsequently moulded to shape. The jacket may be formed of sheets or tape comprising a fibrous material and a pressure sensitive adhesive, thus eliminating the need of any other binder and the curing thereof. The jacket may also be provided with a coating of metal foil such as brass or stainless steel. The Specification also describes. several graded obstruction firing tests for the firearm barrels.