Magnetic Breechface Assembly for Muzzleloading Firearm

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/567,236 filed Mar. 19, 2024 which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of muzzleloading firearms or muzzleloaders, and more particularly to a magnetic breechface assembly to assist in loading and unloading a primer from the breechplug.

Muzzleloading firearms commonly utilize a primer such as a shotshell primer, large rifle primer (LRP), or small rifle primer to ignite a powder charge to fire a bullet projectile from a barrel of the firearm. Because the primers are typically small and the ejection port of a firearm such as a rifle is also small and often crowded by a mounted telescopic sight (scope), it is sometimes difficult to align the primer with its corresponding hole in a breechplug of the firearm.

There have been numerous attempts to make the primer-breechplug relationship easier to deal with. For example, a magnetic tool or a tool with a spring clip may be used to assist with loading and unloading a primer into and out of a breechplug but having one more items to carry and keep up with may be inconvenient for a hunter in the field. Other attempted solutions have been expensive, complicated, and required modifications to the firearm rather than a simple substitution of a part.

The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of a magnetic primer positioning, seating and sealing device, and to a breechface assembly incorporating such a device for use in a muzzleloading firearm, as well as to a muzzleloading firearm incorporating such a device. Example embodiments of the magnetic primer positioning, seating and sealing device, breechface assembly, and muzzleloading firearm of the present invention are operable to magnetically assist in engaging, loading, and unloading a primer or other ignition source to and from a breechplug in a muzzleloading firearm.

Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description or can be learned from the description or through practice of the embodiments. Other aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, all of which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate example embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the related concepts of the present disclosure.

According to one example embodiment, a primer positioning, seating and scaling device for use in a muzzleloading firearm includes an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve concentrically positioned within the outer sleeve, and at least one magnet positioned in the inner sleeve. For instance, the at least one magnet can be embodied as a plurality of magnets positioned in a circumferentially spaced array around the inner sleeve.

According to another example embodiment, a primer positioning, seating and sealing device for use in a muzzleloading firearm includes an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve concentrically positioned within the outer sleeve, and a magnet concentrically positioned within the outer sleeve and adjacent the inner sleeve. For instance, the magnet can be embodied as an annular-shaped magnet concentrically positioned within the outer sleeve and adjacent the inner sleeve.

According to another example embodiment, a breechface assembly for use in a muzzleloading firearm includes a bolt having a bolt body and a bolt nose extending coaxially from the bolt body. The breechface assembly further includes a primer positioning, seating and scaling device concentrically positioned around the bolt nose. The primer positioning, seating and scaling device includes an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve concentrically positioned within the outer sleeve, and at least one magnet. For instance, the at least one magnet can be embodied as a plurality of magnets positioned in a circumferentially spaced array around the inner sleeve or an annular-shaped magnet concentrically positioned within the outer sleeve and adjacent the inner sleeve.

According to another example embodiment, a magnetic breechface assembly for a muzzleloading firearm includes an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve concentrically positioned within the outer sleeve, and a magnet concentrically positioned within the outer sleeve and adjacent the inner sleeve.

According to another example embodiment, a method of retrofitting a muzzleloading firearm includes installing a magnetic breechface assembly in combination with a bolt of the muzzleloading firearm, the magnetic breechface assembly comprising at least one magnet for cooperatively positioning an ignition source relative to a breechplug of the muzzleloading firearm.

Muzzleloading firearms commonly utilize a primer to ignite a powder charge to fire a bullet or projectile from a barrel of the firearm. It is sometimes difficult for a user to align the primer with its corresponding hole in a breechplug of the firearm. There have been numerous attempts to make the primer-breechplug relationship easier to deal with, including use of a magnetic tool or a tool with a spring clip to assist with the loading and unloading of the primer in the breechplug. However, carrying additional items may be inconvenient for a hunter in the field, and other attempted solutions have been expensive, complicated, and required modifications to the firearm rather than a simple substitution of a part.

The embodiments described herein provide a solution to the aforementioned problems associated with certain muzzleloading firearms in the form of a magnetic primer positioning, seating and sealing device and breechface assembly that can magnetically assist in engaging, loading, and unloading a primer or another ignition source to and from a breechplug in a muzzleloading firearm. The primer positioning, seating and sealing device and breechface assembly can include one or more magnets such as a series of magnets positioned in and about the primer positioning, seating and sealing device in one example or an annular-shaped magnet positioned within the primer positioning, seating and sealing device in another example. The magnet or magnets are operable in many cases to assist in engaging, loading, and unloading a primer to and from a breechplug of a muzzleloading firearm.

For context,illustrate various views of an example muzzleloading firearm (or “firearm”) with an example breechface assemblypositioned inside according to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the firearmwith the breechface assemblypositioned inside according to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the breechface assemblyaccording to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates another cross-sectional side view of the breechface assemblywith certain components removed from view according to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example inner sleeveand example magnets,,,,of the breechface assemblyaccording to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates an exploded perspective view of the breechface assemblyaccording to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to, among other components the muzzleloading firearmin this example includes a breechface assembly, a moving bolt(or “bolt”), a primer positioning, seating and sealing device, a breechplug, a barrel, and an igniter or primer(or “primer”). The boltis releasably or detachably coupled to the primer positioning, seating and sealing device, and the breechplugis positioned in and removably coupled to the barrel. The primeris positioned in a sealed manner between and detachably coupled to the primer positioning, seating and sealing deviceand the breechplug. The primeris included in this example for illustration only and it may be omitted in other examples without deviating from the intended scope of the present disclosure. The primercan be embodied as a.primer, large rifle primer, small rifle primer, or another ignition source in various examples. The breechface assemblyincludes the moving boltand the primer positioning, seating and sealing deviceamong other components in various examples herein. In some cases, the breechface assemblycan further include at least one of the breechplugor the primeramong other components. The breechface assemblycan be embodied and implemented in many examples as a magnetic breechface assembly having a magnetic primer positioning, seating and sealing deviceas described herein.

The boltincludes a bolt body, locking lugs,, a bolt nose, and a firing pin. The bolt noseis embodied as a stepped bolt nose having a first bore segmentat its end and a second bore segmentextending between the bolt bodyand the bore segment. The bolt nosefurther includes an outer shoulderthat is defined by the bore segments,as shown in this example. For instance, the bore segmentextends from an end of the bolt noseto the outer shoulder, and the bore segmentextends from the bolt bodyto the outer shoulder. The outer shoulderis operable to at least partly interact with, guide, support, and concentrically or coaxially align one or more components of the primer positioning, seating and scaling deviceduring operation of the firearmas shown in this example and described herein. The firing pinis concentrically or coaxially and movably positioned within the bolt bodyand the bolt noseof the bolt. The firing pinis operable to concentrically or coaxially move through and beyond the bolt noseof the bolt. For instance, the firing pinis concentrically or coaxially positioned within the bolt bodyrelative to a centerline ℄ of the boltand it is concentrically or coaxially movable beyond bore segmentof the bolt nosealong the centerline ℄ of the bolt. The firing pinis operable to move beyond the bore segmentof the bolt noseto contact or strike the primerduring operation of the firearm.

The primer positioning, seating and sealing deviceincludes an outer sleeveand an inner sleeveconcentrically or coaxially positioned within the outer sleeve. For instance, the inner sleeveis concentrically or coaxially positioned within the outer sleeverelative to the centerline ℄ of the bolt. The firearmfurther includes an actuating springconcentrically or coaxially positioned within the outer sleeveand around the bore segmentof the bolt noseas shown in this example. The actuating springcan be included in the primer positioning, seating and sealing deviceas an integral or integrated component in many examples. For instance, the inner sleeveand the actuating springcan be embodied such that one end of the actuating springis formed or integrated into an end of the inner sleeve. In other examples, the actuating springmay be embodied as a modular or separate component that can be included in the firearmand interact with the inner sleeveduring operation of the firearmas described herein. For instance, the actuating springcan be concentrically or coaxially positioned around the bore segmentrelative to the centerline ℄ of the boltand between the bolt bodyand the inner sleeve. In some cases, one end of the actuating springcan be rigidly coupled to the bolt body(e.g., formed or integrated into the bolt body) and an opposite end of the actuating springcan be an uncoupled or free end that is configured and operable to interact with or contact the inner sleeve. In other cases, opposite ends of the actuating springcan be uncoupled or free ends that are configured and operable to interact with or contact the bolt bodyand the inner sleeve, respectively. When compressed during operation of the firearm, the actuating springis operable to apply equal and opposite forces against the bolt bodyand the inner sleeve.

The outer sleeveis embodied as a stepped outer sleeve having a first end, a second endopposite the first end, a first bore segmentat the first end, and a second bore segmentat the second end. The first endand the bore segmentare embodied and operable to be positioned adjacent the breechplugduring operation of the firearm. The second endand the bore segmentare embodied and operable to be removably coupled to the boltby way of the locking lugs,during operation of the firearm.

The bore segmenthas a first annular cross-sectional shape that defines a first central opening or borethrough a portion of the outer sleeve. The bore segmenthas a second annular cross-sectional shape that defines a second central opening or borethrough another portion of the outer sleeve. The bores,are concentrically or coaxially defined relative to the centerline ℄ of the boltand together the bores,define an inner shoulderwithin the outer sleeveas shown in this example. For instance, the boreextends from the first endof the outer sleeveto the inner shoulder, and the boreextends from the second endof the outer sleeveto the inner shoulder. The inner shoulderis embodied and operable to at least partly interact with and support a corresponding outer shoulder on the inner sleeveas described further herein. The outer sleevefurther includes an outer shoulderthat is defined by the bore segments,as shown in this example. For instance, the bore segmentextends from the first endof the outer sleeveto the outer shoulder, and the bore segmentextends from the second endof the outer sleeveto the outer shoulder. The outer shoulderis embodied and operable to at least partly interact with and be supported by the locking lugs,of the boltduring operation of the firearm.

The inner sleeveis embodied as a stepped inner sleeve having a first end, a second endopposite the first end, a first bore segmentat the first end, and a second bore segmentat the second end. The first endand the bore segmentare embodied and operable to be positioned adjacent the breechplugduring operation of the firearm. The first endand the bore segmentare further embodied and operable during such operation to at least partly interact with, guide, support, and concentrically or coaxially align the primerrelative to the centerline ℄ of the boltas shown in this example and described further herein. The second endand the bore segmentcan include or at least be operable to interact with one end of the actuating springduring operation of the firearm. The second endand the bore segmentare further embodied and operable during such operation to at least partly interact with, be guided by, supported by, and concentrically or coaxially aligned by the bore segmentof the bolt noserelative to the centerline ℄ of the boltas shown in this example and described further herein. The bore segmentis also embodied and operable during operation of the firearmto at least partly interact with, be guided by, supported by, and concentrically or coaxially aligned by the bore segmentof the bolt noserelative to the centerline ℄ of the boltas shown in this example and described further herein.

The bore segmenthas a first annular cross-sectional shape that defines a first central opening or boreat the first endof the inner sleeve. The boreextends from the first endof the inner sleeveinto an inner portion of the bore segment. The bore segmenthas a second annular cross-sectional shape that defines a second central opening or boreat the second endof the inner sleeve. The boreextends from the second endof the inner sleeveinto an inner portion of the bore segment. Each of the bore segments,also has another annular cross-sectional shape that partly defines a third central opening or boreextending through the inner sleevebetween the bores,. For instance, the boreis defined by and extends through a portion of each of the bore segments,from the boreto the bore.

The bores,,are concentrically or coaxially defined relative to the centerline ℄ of the bolt. Together, the bores,define an inner shoulderwithin the bore segmentof the inner sleeveas shown in this example. For instance, the boreextends from the first endof the inner sleeveto the inner shoulder, and the boreextends from the borein the bore segmentto the inner shoulder. The inner shoulderis embodied and operable to at least partly interact with, guide, support, and concentrically or coaxially align a first bore segmentof the primerrelative to the centerline ℄ of the boltduring operation of the firearmas shown in this example. Together, the bores,define an inner shoulderwithin the bore segmentof the inner sleeveas shown in this example. For instance, the boreextends from the second endof the inner sleeveto the inner shoulder, and the boreextends from the borein the bore segmentto the inner shoulder. The inner shoulderis embodied and operable to at least partly interact with and support the outer shoulderon the bolt nose. The inner sleevefurther includes an outer shoulderthat is defined by the bore segments,as shown in this example. For instance, the bore segmentextends from the first endof the inner sleeveto the outer shoulder, and the bore segmentextends from the second endof the inner sleeveto the outer shoulder. The outer shoulderis embodied and operable to at least partly interact with and be supported by the inner shoulderof the outer sleeveduring operation of the firearm. For instance, the actuating springcan bias (e.g., push) the outer shoulderand the bore segmentof the inner sleevetoward the inner shoulderand the bore segmentof the outer sleeve, respectively.

The primer positioning, seating and sealing devicecan further include one or more magnets in various example configurations. For instance, the primer positioning, seating and sealing devicecan include one or more magnets in the inner sleeve. The inner sleevein the example shown includes magnets,,,,(or “magnets”) positioned in the inner sleeve. The primer positioning, seating and sealing devicein various examples includes the outer sleeve, the inner sleeve, and the magnets. In some cases, the primer positioning, seating and sealing devicecan further include the actuating spring.

In example embodiments, the magnetsare positioned in a circumferentially spaced array around the bore segmentof the inner sleevein the example shown. The magnetscan be positioned in another region of the inner sleevesuch as the bore segmentin other examples. For instance, the magnetscan be positioned in a circumferentially spaced array around the bore segmentin a same, similar, or different manner as compared to the circumferentially spaced array shown in this example. In another example, one or more first magnetssuch as the magnets,,,,can be positioned in the bore segment(e.g., in a circumferentially spaced array around the bore segment) and one or more second, additional magnetscan be positioned in the bore segment(e.g., in a circumferentially spaced array around the bore segment). In yet another example, an additional magnetcan be positioned within the boreof the outer sleevebetween the inner sleeveand the actuating spring. For instance, in addition to one or more magnetsbeing positioned in at least one of the bore segments,, an additional magnethaving an annular cross-sectional shape can be positioned in the boreof the outer sleevebetween the inner sleeveand the actuating springwith the actuating springbiasing (e.g., pushing) the additional magnettoward the inner sleeveduring operation of the firearm. The magnetscan be positioned at a same or similar axial location around the inner sleevein some cases or they can be axially spaced from one another or axially staggered relative to one another around the inner sleevein other examples.

The magnetscan be embodied with the inner sleeveas a permanently fixed and integral component formed or otherwise integrated into the inner sleeveduring fabrication in some examples. In other cases, the magnetscan be embodied as modular or separate components that can be coupled to the inner sleevesuch as by attachment to the inner sleeveor insertion into one or more openings, slots, channels, or other structures formed in the inner sleeve.

The inner sleevein the example shown further includes a circumferentially spaced array of openings,,,,formed through the bore segment. In place of or in addition to the openings,,,,formed through the bore segment, one or more openings that are the same as, similar to, or different from the openings,,,,can be formed through the bore segmentin some cases. The openings,,,,are evenly spaced from one another around the bore segmentin this example. The spacing between one or more pairs of the openings,,,,may be different relative to other pairs of the openings,,,,in another example. The magnets,,,,are positioned in the openings,,,,, respectively, in the example shown.

One or more of the magnetscan be embodied as or include a neodymium magnet in many cases. For instance, at least one of the magnetscan be embodied as or include a grade N52 neodymium magnet or another grade of neodymium magnet. The magnetscan have axially aligned polarity or diametrically aligned polarity. For instance, the polarity of one or more of the magnetscan be axially aligned. In another example, the polarity of one or more of the magnetscan be diametrically aligned. In still another example, one or more first magnetscan have axially aligned polarity and one or more second magnetscan have diametrically aligned polarity.

The magnetscan each have the same dimensions, geometry, material, and properties (e.g., magnetic strength) in many cases. In other examples, one or more of the magnetscan have at least one of a dimension, geometry, material, or property that differs from that of another magnet. The magnetsin one example can each be embodied to have an outer diameter (OD) of approximately 0.5 inch (in), an inner diameter (ID) of approximately 0.25 in, and a thickness of approximately 0.125 in. In other examples, one or more magnetscan have at least one of an OD that is less than or greater than 0.5 in, an ID that is less than or greater than 0.25 in, or a thickness that is less than or greater than 0.125 in. In some cases, one or more of the magnetscan have a geometry that is different from the geometry of the magnetsshown in this example.

The breechplughas a first end, a second endopposite the first end, and a bore segmentformed at the first end. The breechplugis concentrically or coaxially positioned in and removably coupled to the barrelrelative to the centerline ℄ of the bolt. The bore segmenthas an annular or a quasi-annular cross-sectional shape that defines a central opening or bore. The boreis concentrically or coaxially defined relative to the centerline ℄ of the boltand it is embodied and operable to at least partly interact with, guide, and support a second bore segmentof the primerduring operation of the firearm.

The breechplugfurther includes an internal channel or boreand an internal charge chamber or bore. One end of the boreopens to the boreand is adjacent to the primerwhen the primeris positioned within the firearm. The boreextends concentrically or coaxially through the breechplugrelative to the centerline ℄ of the boltfrom the boreto the charge chamber or boreformed in the breechplug. The charge chamber or boreextends concentrically or coaxially through the breechplugrelative to the centerline ℄ of the boltfrom the boreto the second endof the breechplug.

The magnetsare embodied and operable to at least partly facilitate engaging, loading, and unloading of the primerto and from the primer positioning, seating and sealing deviceand the breechplugduring operation of the firearm. For instance, the magnetscan be embodied and operable to impart or apply a magnetic pull or magnetic attraction on the primerdirectly or at least partly through the bolt nose. The magnetic pull imparted or applied by the magnetscan cause the primerto concentrically or coaxially align with the inner sleeveand the breechplugrelative to the centerline ℄ of the boltduring operation of the firearm. For instance, the magnetscan cause the bore segmentof the primerto concentrically or coaxially align with the boreof the inner sleeveand cause the bore segmentof the primerto concentrically or coaxially align with the boreof the breechplug. The magnetic pull imparted or applied by the magnetscan further cause the bore segmentof the primerto be biased toward (e.g., pulled toward), seat against, contact, or otherwise interact with the inner shoulderin a scalable manner inside the inner sleeveduring operation of the firearm. For instance, the magnetscan cause the bore segmentof the primerto be positioned against and biased toward the inner shoulderwithin the boreof the inner sleeveduring operation of the firearm. The primercan further include a magnetically-attracted adapter or carrier in some examples such as a stainless steel material (e.g., 416 stainless steel) or other magnetically-attracted material that can facilitate or enhance the magnetic bias of the magnetson the primer. For instance, the bore segmentof the primercan be embodied as or include a magnetically-attracted material. In another example, the primercan include a magnetically-attracted material positioned at least partly around the bore segment.

The magnetic strength of the magnetscan be sufficient to bias the bore segmentof the primertoward the inner shoulderwhile still allowing the primerto be extracted from the firearmwithout the use of a tool. For instance, the magnetic strength of the magnetsin many cases can be sufficient to bias the bore segmentof the primertoward the inner shoulderwhile still allowing a user to remove the primerfrom the firearmusing only a finger.

A bullet or other projectile can be positioned within the barreladjacent to the second endof the breechplugand in front of a defined amount of powder charge such as gunpowder that can be located in the charge chamber or boreduring operation of the firearmin many examples. An ignition caused by the primeroccurs in the boreof the breechplugduring such operation and travels along the boreof the breechpluguntil it reaches the gunpowder in the charge chamber or boreof the breechplug. An explosion occurs when the ignition reaches the gunpowder in the charge chamber or bore, thrusting the bullet out the end of the barrel.

illustrate various views of the firearmwith another example breechface assemblypositioned inside according to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the firearmwith the breechface assemblypositioned inside according to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the breechface assemblyaccording to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates another cross-sectional side view of the breechface assemblywith certain components removed from view according to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates a perspective view of an example inner sleeveand an example magnetof the breechface assemblyaccording to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates an exploded perspective view of the breechface assemblyaccording to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure. The breechface assemblyis an example alternative embodiment of the breechface assemblydescribed herein with reference to. The breechface assemblyis an example of a magnetic breechface assembly embodiment having an annular-shaped magnet concentrically or coaxially positioned within the outer sleeve.

Referring to, among other components the muzzleloading firearmin this example includes a breechface assembly, bolt, a primer positioning, seating and sealing device, the breechplug, the barrel, and the primer. The boltis releasably or detachably coupled to the primer positioning, seating and sealing device, and the breechplugis positioned in and removably coupled to the barrel. The primeris positioned in a sealed manner between and detachably coupled to the primer positioning, seating and sealing deviceand the breechplug. The primeris included in this example for illustration only and it may be omitted in other examples without deviating from the intended scope of the present disclosure. The primercan be embodied as aprimer, large rifle primer, small rifle primer, or another ignition source in various examples. The breechface assemblyincludes the moving boltand the primer positioning, seating and sealing deviceamong other components in various examples herein. In some cases, the breechface assemblycan further include at least one of the breechplugor the primeramong other components. The breechface assemblycan be embodied and implemented in many examples as a magnetic breechface assembly having a magnetic primer positioning, seating and sealing deviceas described herein.

The boltincludes the bolt body, the locking lugs,, the bolt nose, and the firing pinin the example shown. The bolt noseis embodied as a stepped bolt nose having the bore segment, the bore segment, and the outer shoulderin this example. The outer shoulderis operable to at least partly interact with, guide, support, and concentrically or coaxially align one or more components of the primer positioning, seating and sealing deviceduring operation of the firearmas shown in this example and described herein.

The primer positioning, seating and sealing deviceat least includes the outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, and a magnetin many examples. The inner sleeveand the magnetare concentrically or coaxially positioned within the outer sleevein the example shown. For instance, the inner sleeveand the magnetare each concentrically or coaxially positioned within the outer sleeverelative to the centerline ℄ of the bolt. The inner sleeveis an example alternative embodiment of the inner sleevedescribed herein with reference to. The openings,,,,and the magnets,,,,are omitted from the inner sleevein the example shown. In other examples, the inner sleevecan include any or all of the openings,,,,or the magnets,,,,. The magnetis an alternative example embodiment of the magnetsdescribed herein with reference to.

The primer positioning, seating and sealing devicecan further include the actuating springconcentrically or coaxially positioned within the outer sleeveand around the bore segmentof the bolt noseas shown in this example. The actuating springcan be included in the primer positioning, seating and sealing deviceas an integral or integrated component in many examples. For instance, the actuating springand at least one of the magnetor the inner sleevecan be embodied such that one end of the actuating springis formed or integrated into an end of the magnetor the inner sleeve. In other examples, the actuating springmay be embodied as a modular or separate component that can be included in the firearmand interact with at least one of the magnetor the inner sleeveduring operation of the firearmas described herein. For instance, the actuating springcan be concentrically or coaxially positioned around the bore segmentrelative to the centerline ℄ of the boltand between the bolt bodyand at least one of the magnetor the inner sleeve. In some cases, one end of the actuating springcan be rigidly coupled to the bolt body(e.g., formed or integrated into the bolt body) and an opposite end of the actuating springcan be an uncoupled or free end that is configured and operable to interact with or contact at least one of the magnetor the inner sleeve. In other cases, opposite ends of the actuating springcan be uncoupled or free ends that are configured and operable to interact with or contact the bolt bodyat one end and at least one of the magnetor the inner sleeveat the other end. When compressed during operation of the firearm, the actuating springis operable to apply equal and opposite forces against the bolt bodyand at least one of the magnetor the inner sleeve.

The inner sleeveis embodied as a stepped inner sleeve having a first end, a second endopposite the first end, a first bore segmentat the first end, and a second bore segmentat the second end. The first endand the bore segmentare embodied and operable to be positioned adjacent the breechplugduring operation of the firearm. The first endand the bore segmentare further embodied and operable during such operation to at least partly interact with, guide, support, and concentrically or coaxially align the primerrelative to the centerline ℄ of the boltas shown in this example and described further herein. The second endand the bore segmentcan include or at least be operable to interact with one end of the magnetduring operation of the firearm. The second endand the bore segmentare further embodied and operable during such operation to at least partly interact with, be guided by, supported by, and concentrically or coaxially aligned by the bore segmentof the bolt noserelative to the centerline ℄ of the boltas shown in this example and described further herein. The bore segmentis also embodied and operable during operation of the firearmto at least partly interact with, be guided by, supported by, and concentrically or coaxially aligned by the bore segmentof the bolt noserelative to the centerline ℄ of the boltas shown in this example and described further herein.

The bore segmenthas a first annular cross-sectional shape that defines a first central opening or boreat the first endof the inner sleeve. The boreextends from the first endof the inner sleeveinto an inner portion of the bore segment. The bore segmenthas a second annular cross-sectional shape that defines a second central opening or boreat the second endof the inner sleeve. The boreextends from the second endof the inner sleeveinto an inner portion of the bore segment. Each of the bore segments,also has another annular cross-sectional shape that partly defines a third central opening or boreextending through the inner sleevebetween the bores,. For instance, the boreis defined by and extends through a portion of each of the bore segments,from the boreto the bore.

The bores,,are concentrically or coaxially defined relative to the centerline ℄ of the bolt. Together, the bores,define an inner shoulderwithin the bore segmentof the inner sleeveas shown in this example. For instance, the boreextends from the first endof the inner sleeveto the inner shoulder, and the boreextends from the borein the bore segmentto the inner shoulder. The inner shoulderis embodied and operable to at least partly interact with, guide, support, and concentrically or coaxially align the bore segmentof the primerrelative to the centerline ℄ of the boltduring operation of the firearmas shown in this example. Together, the bores,define an inner shoulderwithin the bore segmentof the inner sleeveas shown in this example. For instance, the boreextends from the second endof the inner sleeveto the inner shoulder, and the boreextends from the borein the bore segmentto the inner shoulder. The inner shoulderis embodied and operable to at least partly interact with and support the outer shoulderon the bolt nose. The inner sleevefurther includes an outer shoulderthat is defined by the bore segments,as shown in this example. For instance, the bore segmentextends from the first endof the inner sleeveto the outer shoulder, and the bore segmentextends from the second endof the inner sleeveto the outer shoulder. The outer shoulderis embodied and operable to at least partly interact with and be supported by the inner shoulderof the outer sleeveduring operation of the firearm. For instance, the actuating springcan bias (e.g., push) the outer shoulderand the bore segmentof the inner sleevetoward the inner shoulderand the bore segmentof the outer sleeve, respectively.

The magnetcan be embodied with at least one of the actuating springor the inner sleeveas a permanently fixed and integral component formed or otherwise integrated into the actuating springor the inner sleeveduring fabrication in some examples. In other cases, the magnetcan be embodied as a modular or separate component that can be coupled to at least one of the actuating springor the inner sleevesuch as by attachment or insertion into one or more openings, slots, channels, or other structures formed in the magnetor the inner sleeve.

The magnetcan be embodied as or include a neodymium magnet in many cases. For instance, the magnetcan be embodied as or include a grade N52 neodymium magnet or another grade of neodymium magnet. The magnetcan have axially aligned polarity or diametrically aligned polarity. For instance, the polarity of the magnetcan be axially aligned in some cases or diametrically aligned in other cases. The magnetin one example can be embodied to have an ID that corresponds with an OD of the bore segmentof the bolt nose.

The magnetis embodied and operable to at least partly facilitate engaging, loading, and unloading of the primerto and from the primer positioning, seating and scaling deviceand the breechplugduring operation of the firearmillustrated in. For instance, the magnetcan be embodied and operable to impart or apply a magnetic pull on the primerdirectly or at least partly through the bolt nose. The magnetic pull imparted or applied by the magnetcan cause the primerto concentrically or coaxially align with the inner sleeveand the breechplugrelative to the centerlineof the boltduring operation of the firearm. For instance, the magnetcan cause the bore segmentof the primerto concentrically or coaxially align with the boreof the inner sleeveand cause the bore segmentof the primerto concentrically or coaxially align with the boreof the breechplug. The magnetic pull imparted or applied by the magnetcan further cause the bore segmentof the primerto be biased toward (e.g., pulled toward), seat against, contact, or otherwise interact with the inner shoulderin a scalable manner inside the inner sleeveduring operation of the firearm. For instance, the magnetcan cause the bore segmentof the primerto be positioned against and biased toward the inner shoulderwithin the boreof the inner sleeveduring operation of the firearm. The primercan further include a magnetically-attracted adapter or carrier in some examples such as a stainless steel material (e.g., 416 stainless steel) or other magnetically-attracted material that can facilitate or enhance the magnetic bias of the magneton the primer. For instance, the bore segmentof the primercan be embodied as or include a magnetically-attracted material. In another example, the primercan include a magnetically-attracted material positioned at least partly around the bore segment.

The magnetic strength of the magnetcan be sufficient to bias the bore segmentof the primertoward the inner shoulderwhile still allowing the primerto be extracted from the firearmwithout the use of a tool. For instance, the magnetic strength of the magnetin many cases can be sufficient to bias the bore segmentof the primertoward the inner shoulderwhile still allowing a user to remove the primerfrom the firearmusing only a finger.

A bullet or other projectile can be positioned within the barreladjacent to the second endof the breechplugand in front of a defined amount of powder charge such as gunpowder that can be located in the charge chamber or boreduring operation of the firearmin many examples. An ignition caused by the primeroccurs in the boreof the breechplugduring such operation and travels along the boreof the breechpluguntil it reaches the gunpowder in the charge chamber or boreof the breechplug. An explosion occurs when the ignition reaches the gunpowder in the charge chamber or bore, thrusting the bullet out the end of the barrel.

show an example embodiment in which a ring-shaped neodymium magnet is incorporated into the rear of the spring-loaded primer positioning, seating and scaling device. In some embodiments, the axial length of the bore segmenton the inner sleevecan be shorter compared to the axial length of the bore segmenton the inner sleeve. For instance, the axial length of the bore segmentcan be shorter relative to the bore segmentto account for a thickness of the magnet.

In some example embodiments, the magnetic breechface assemblyoris an original equipment component of the muzzleloading firearmas a part of a bolt assembly of the firearm. In other embodiments, the magnetic breechface assemblyormay be embodied and operable as a retrofit component or subassembly, for example by provision of a modified bolt or bolt modification kit configured to replace corresponding parts of the muzzleloading firearm. The embodiments of the present disclosure further include a method of modification of the muzzleloading firearmby retrofitting such a modified bolt and/or magnetic breechface assembly components of an existing firearm. The embodiments of the present disclosure further include methods of using the muzzleloading firearmhaving the magnetic breechface assemblyoras disclosed to insert and remove primers such as the primerto and from the breechplugof the firearm, optionally including the use of a magnetic adaptor or carrier on the primeras disclosed.

The features, structures, or characteristics described above may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner, and the features discussed in the various embodiments are interchangeable, if possible. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided in order to fully understand the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the technical solution of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, materials, and the like may be employed. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure.

Combinatorial language, such as “at least one of X, Y, and Z” or “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless indicated otherwise, is used in general to identify one, a combination of any two, or all three (or more if a larger group is identified) thereof, such as X and only X, Y and only Y, and Z and only Z, the combinations of X and Y, X and Z, and Y and Z, and all of X, Y, and Z. Such combinatorial language is not generally intended to, and unless specified does not, identify or require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to be included. The terms “about” and “substantially,” unless otherwise defined herein to be associated with a particular range, percentage, or related metric of deviation, account for at least some manufacturing tolerances between a theoretical design and manufactured product or assembly, such as the geometric dimensioning and tolerancing criteria described in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME®) Y 14.5 and the related International Organization for Standardization (ISO®) standards. Such manufacturing tolerances are still contemplated, as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, although “about,” “substantially,” or related terms are not expressly referenced, even in connection with the use of theoretical terms, such as the geometric “perpendicular,” “orthogonal,” “vertex,” “collinear,” “coplanar,” and other terms.