Firearm Sound Suppressor with Peripheral Venting

This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. Patent Application, entitled “Firearm Sound Suppressor With Peripheral Venting,” filed on Feb. 25, 2022, and having application Ser. No. 17/681,246, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application filed on Feb. 26, 2021 and having application Ser. No. 63/154,564, the entirety of each of said applications being incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to firearms. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus and methods for a noise and flash suppressor for firearms that exhibits a relatively low back pressure to reduce toxic fumes that may be inhaled during firing a weapon.

Firearms, such as pistols and rifles, generally utilize expanding high-pressure gases generated by a burning propellant to expel a projectile from the weapon at a relatively high velocity. When the projectile, or bullet, exits a muzzle end of the weapon's barrel, a bright, “muzzle flash” of light and a high-pressure pulse of combustion gases accompany the bullet. The rapid pressurization and subsequent depressurization caused by the high-pressure pulse gives rise to a loud sound known as “muzzle blast,” which, like muzzle flash, can readily indicate to a remote enemy both the location of the weapon and the direction from which it is being fired. In some situations, such as covert military operations, it is highly desirable to conceal this information from the enemy by suppressing the muzzle flash and/or substantially reducing the amplitude of the muzzle blast.

The muzzle blasts of firearms may be reduced by using sound suppressors, such as “noise suppressors” and “silencers.” Suppressors generally reduce muzzle blast by reducing and controlling the energy level of propellant gases accompanying a projectile as it exits the muzzle end of the weapon. Suppressors typically comprise an elongated tubular housing containing a series of baffles that define a plurality of successive internal chambers. The internal chambers control, delay, and divert the flow, expansion, and exit of the propellant gases. The internal chambers further serve to reduce the temperature of the propellant gases so as to cause a corresponding reduction in the noise produced by the propellant gases as they ultimately exit the suppressor. A rear portion of a typical suppressor may include a mechanism for removably attaching the suppressor to a firearm, and a front portion generally includes an opening for the exit of projectiles. Further, the front portion of suppressors typically are located sufficiently forward of the muzzle end of firearms to effectively reduce flash.

In some embodiments, suppressors are configured to reduce the temperature and pressure of propellant gases by introducing the gases into a succession of expansion chambers so as to give rise to a controlled expansion of the gases. In other embodiments, however, suppressors may be of a “multi-stage” variety that is configured to divert a portion of the propellant gases through a plurality of radial vents to one or more un-baffled, radially disposed “blast suppressor” chambers before being introduced into the succession of expansion chambers. Although multi-stage suppressors are relatively more complex to implement, they generally provide more opportunities to delay and cool the propellant gases, and hence, to reduce muzzle blast sound levels overall.

Existing suppressors have certain drawbacks that generally hinder their operation and/or efficiency. For example, one drawback to existing suppressors is that with extended use, particulate contaminates comprising propellant gases condense and are deposited on interior surfaces, such as the surfaces of the baffles, of the suppressors. These deposits include carbon from burnt propellant, lead from projectiles, and in the case of the use of “jacketed” projectiles, copper, Teflon, and/or molybdenum disulfide. While these deposits can usually be cleaned away with suitable solvents, they are typically hard and adhesive in nature, making it difficult or impossible to effectively clean the suppressor without damaging its parts.

Another drawback to existing multi-stage suppressors is that conventional sound and flash suppression generally causes higher back pressures within the suppressors. Higher back pressure is known to expose an operator of a weapon to toxic fumes arising due to firing the weapon. As such, a potential risk to the health of the operator grows in direct proportion to the amount of time spent using the weapon.

Another drawback to existing multi-stage suppressors is that the blast suppressor chambers generally experience substantially greater radial pressures and temperatures than the succession of baffled expansion chambers. The difference in pressure and temperature does not ordinarily present a problem during intermittent firing of a weapon, wherein sufficient time passes between rounds to allow the pressure and temperature within the suppressor to abate. During a relatively high rate of fire, such as sustained fully automatic fire, the difference in pressure and temperature may cause the outer tubular housing of the suppressor to fail prematurely. In some instances, the outer tubular housing may “blow out” due to sustained local pressures and temperatures during fully automatic firing of the weapon.

Still another problem with existing suppressors pertains to their ability to effectively suppress muzzle flash. Many existing suppressors are known to exhibit a relatively large muzzle flash when a first round is fired through the suppressor, such as when the weapon has not been recently fired. Immediately subsequent rounds, however, typically do not exhibit this relatively large muzzle flash.

Given the above-mentioned drawbacks to existing suppressors, there is a desire to develop a firearm sound suppressor that exhibits a relatively low back pressure, thereby reducing toxic fumes inhaled by a practitioner during firing a weapon, while effectively suppressing sound and flash due to firing the weapon.

An apparatus and methods are provided for a suppressor to be coupled with a muzzle end of a barrel of a firearm to reduce muzzle blast and muzzle flash. The suppressor comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A front portion within the housing comprises a series of cylindrical gas expansion chambers for attenuating the temperature and energy of propellant gases. An annular gas expansion chamber surrounds the series of cylindrical gas expansion chambers and is configured to direct a portion of the propellant gases from a rear portion of the suppressor to peripheral vents disposed at the distal end. The rear portion comprises multiple lateral chambers for deflecting and rebounding a portion of the propellant gases before passing the propellant gases into the annular gas expansion chamber. Circumferential apertures disposed between the cylindrical gas expansion chambers and the annular gas expansion chamber are configured to direct a portion of the propellant gases from the series of cylindrical gas expansion chambers into the annular gas expansion chamber. Ledges are disposed on an exterior of the series of cylindrical gas expansion chambers and configured to direct the propellant gases distally through the annular gas expansion chamber toward the peripheral vents. The annular gas expansion chamber comprises a continuous chamber that spans a portion of the length of the suppressor and opens to the peripheral vents.

In an exemplary embodiment, a suppressor for coupling with a muzzle end of a barrel of a firearm for reducing muzzle blast and eliminating muzzle flash comprises: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end; a front portion within the housing comprising a series of cylindrical gas expansion chambers for attenuating the temperature and energy of propellant gases; an annular gas expansion chamber surrounding the series of cylindrical gas expansion chambers for directing a portion of the propellant gases to peripheral vents disposed at the distal end; and a rear portion comprising multiple lateral chambers for deflecting and rebounding a portion of the propellant gases before entering the annular gas expansion chamber.

In another exemplary embodiment, the proximal end is adapted to couple the suppressor to the muzzle end by way of a suitable retaining mechanism or other suitable device. In another exemplary embodiment, the distal end comprises: a front plate; a central bore adapted to provide an exit to a projectile fired from the firearm; and the series of peripheral vents disposed between the front plate and the housing for releasing propellant gases.

In another exemplary embodiment, the front portion includes a series of baffles that are separated from one another by cylindrical spacers. In another exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical spacers are coaxially disposed within the front portion such that a central aperture comprising each of the baffles is coaxially aligned with a central bore comprising the distal end. In another exemplary embodiment, baffles near the rear portion include a blast baffle and are relatively thicker than other baffles within the front portion so as to withstand the pressure and temperature of propellant gases exiting the rear portion. In another exemplary embodiment, pairs of adjacent baffles and intervening cylindrical spacers generally define the cylindrical gas expansion chambers. In another exemplary embodiment, the series of cylindrical gas expansion chambers are configured to reduce the temperature of the propellant gases.

In another exemplary embodiment, one or more circumferential apertures are disposed between the cylindrical gas expansion chambers and the annular gas expansion chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more circumferential apertures are configured to direct the propellant gases from the cylindrical gas expansion chambers into the annular gas expansion chamber.

In another exemplary embodiment, the annular gas expansion chamber comprises a continuous chamber that spans a portion of the length of the suppressor and opens to the peripheral vents. In another exemplary embodiment, the portion of the length of the suppressor comprises a majority of the length of the suppressor. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more cylindrical spacers comprising the series of cylindrical gas expansion chambers include an exterior ledge configured for directing the propellant gases toward the peripheral vents. In another exemplary embodiment, the exterior ledge extends circumferentially around an exterior of a cylindrical spacer and includes a sloped surface and an acutely angled surface. In another exemplary embodiment, the exterior ledges are configured to keep the propellant gases flowing distally through the annular gas expansion chamber until exiting the peripheral vents. In another exemplary embodiment, the sloped surface is configured to offer little resistance to the propellant gases flowing in a distal direction while the acutely angled surface is configured to offer a relatively greater resistance to the propellant gases flowing in a proximal direction toward the rear portion.

In another exemplary embodiment, the rear portion comprises a firearm attachment that includes a central bore and three long tines that extend into a back end member. In another exemplary embodiment, a lateral gas expansion chamber is disposed between a portion of the long tines and the back end member and is adapted to divert and allow for expansion of a portion of the propellant gases entering the through the central bore. In another exemplary embodiment, curved interior surfaces of the back end member forward of the long tines define a primary gas expansion chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the curved interior surfaces are adapted to deflect a portion of the propellant gases toward one or more vents disposed at a rear of the primary gas expansion chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more vents are configured to allow the portion of the deflected propellant gases to exit the primary gas expansion chamber and enter a blast suppression chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the blast suppression chamber is disposed between a tapered blast deflector and a portion of the back end member that surrounds the lateral gas expansion chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, a rear portion of the blast suppression chamber exits into a rear-most portion of the annular gas expansion chamber such that the portion of the deflected propellant gases travel around the tapered blast deflector before entering the annular gas expansion chamber and exiting through the peripheral vents.

In an exemplary embodiment, a suppressor for a firearm comprises: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end; a front portion for attenuating the temperature and energy of propellant gases; an annular gas expansion chamber for directing a portion of the propellant gases to peripheral vents disposed at the distal end; and a rear portion for deflecting and rebounding a portion of the propellant gases before entering the annular gas expansion chamber.

In another exemplary embodiment, the front portion includes a series of cylindrical gas expansion chambers for attenuating the temperature and energy of the propellant gases; the annular gas expansion chamber surrounds the series of cylindrical gas expansion chambers; and the rear portion includes multiple lateral chambers for deflecting and rebounding the propellant gases. In another exemplary embodiment, the front portion includes a series of baffles that are separated from one another by cylindrical spacers. In another exemplary embodiment, pairs of adjacent baffles and intervening cylindrical spacers generally define cylindrical gas expansion chambers configured to reduce any of the temperature of the propellant gases, the pressure of the propellant gases, the velocity of the propellant gases, or any combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more circumferential apertures are configured to direct propellant gases from the cylindrical gas expansion chambers into the annular gas expansion chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the annular gas expansion chamber comprises a continuous chamber that extends from the rear portion to the peripheral vents.

In another exemplary embodiment, one or more ledges are disposed within the annular gas expansion chamber for directing propellant gases toward the peripheral vents. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more ledges are disposed circumferentially around an interior of the annular gas expansion chamber and include a sloped surface and an acutely angled surface. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more ledges are configured to keep the propellant gases flowing distally through the annular gas expansion chamber until exiting the peripheral vents.

In another exemplary embodiment, the rear portion comprises a firearm attachment that includes a central bore and three long tines that extend into a back end member. In another exemplary embodiment, a lateral gas expansion chamber is disposed between a portion of the long tines and the back end member and is adapted to divert and allow for expansion of a portion of propellant gases entering the through the central bore. In another exemplary embodiment, a primary gas expansion chamber comprises curved interior surfaces of the back end member forward of the long tines.

In another exemplary embodiment, the curved interior surfaces are adapted to deflect a portion of propellant gases toward one or more vents disposed at a rear of the primary gas expansion chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the primary gas expansion chamber and the vents include one or more ledges for directing propellant gases toward a blast suppression chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the ledges are disposed along a least a portion of a circumference of the primary gas expansion chamber and the vents.

In another exemplary embodiment, the blast suppression chamber is disposed between a tapered blast deflector and a portion of the back end member that surrounds the lateral gas expansion chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, a rear portion of the blast suppression chamber exits into a rear-most portion of the annular gas expansion chamber such that the portion of the deflected propellant gases travel around the tapered blast deflector before entering the annular gas expansion chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the tapered blast deflector is configured to inhibit a back-flow of propellant gases from the blast suppression chamber into the primary gas expansion chamber.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for a suppressor for a firearm comprises: forming a housing having a proximal end and a distal end; arranging a front portion for attenuating the temperature and energy of propellant gases; disposing an annular gas expansion chamber around the front portion for directing a portion of the propellant gases to peripheral vents disposed at a distal end; and configuring a rear portion for deflecting and rebounding a portion of the propellant gases before entering the annular gas expansion chamber.

In another exemplary embodiment, disposing the annular gas expansion chamber includes surrounding the front portion with the housing such that the annular gas expansion chamber is disposed between an exterior of the front portion and an interior of the housing.

In another exemplary embodiment, the gas expansion chamber between an exterior of the front portion and an interior of the housing is semi-annular or consisting of a series of passages of some other cross-sectional shape directing a portion of the propellant gases to peripheral vents disposed at a distal end.

In another exemplary embodiment, the annular or otherwise shaped gas expansion chamber comprises more than one chamber in series to provide a path for directing a portion of the propellant gases to peripheral vents disposed at a distal end.

In another exemplary embodiment, the annular or otherwise shaped gas expansion chamber directs a portion of the propellant gases to a cylindrical gas expansion chamber that is in communication with the peripheral vents disposed at a distal end.

In an exemplary embodiment, a suppressor for a firearm comprises: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end; a front portion comprising a plurality of cylindrical gas expansion chambers for attenuating temperature and energy of propellant gases; an annular gas expansion chamber disposed between an outside surface of the plurality of cylindrical gas expansion chambers and an inner surface of the housing for directing a portion of the propellant gases distally to peripheral vents disposed at the distal end; a plurality of apertures disposed radially between each of the cylindrical gas expansion chambers and the annular gas expansion chamber; and a rear portion comprising a lateral gas expansion chamber and a primary gas expansion chamber for deflecting and rebounding a portion of the propellant gases before entering the annular gas expansion chamber.

In another exemplary embodiment, each cylindrical gas expansion chamber comprises a pair of adjacent baffles and an intervening cylindrical spacer. In another exemplary embodiment, the apertures are disposed around the circumference of the cylindrical spacers.

In another exemplary embodiment, the annular gas expansion chamber comprises a continuous chamber that extends from a blast suppression chamber comprising the rear portion to the peripheral vents. In another exemplary embodiment, the annular gas expansion chamber includes one or more ledges for directing propellant gases toward the peripheral vents. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more ledges extend circumferentially around the outside surface of the plurality of cylindrical gas expansion chambers. In another exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more ledges includes a sloped surface facing the distal end and an acutely angled surface facing the proximal end.

In another exemplary embodiment, the primary gas expansion chamber includes a curved interior surface configured to withstand pressure and temperature of the propellant gases. In another exemplary embodiment, the curved interior surface is configured to divert a first portion of the propellant gases through a blast suppression chamber into the annular gas expansion chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the primary gas expansion chamber includes one or more vents for directing the first portion of the propellant gases into the blast suppression chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more ledges are disposed along a least a portion of a circumference of the primary gas expansion chamber and the one or more vents.

In another exemplary embodiment, the blast suppression chamber includes a tapered blast deflector that exits into a rear-most portion of the annular gas expansion chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the tapered blast deflector is configured to inhibit a back-flow of the first portion of the propellant gases. In another exemplary embodiment, the blast suppression chamber is disposed between the lateral gas expansion chamber and the annular gas expansion chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the blast suppression chamber is disposed circumferentially within the rear portion.

In another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of apertures allows a second portion of the propellant gases to pass from the cylindrical gas expansion chambers into the annular gas expansion chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the first portion of the propellant gases mixes with the second portion of the propellant gases.

In another exemplary embodiment, the rear portion includes a back end member configured to receive a firearm attachment that includes a central bore and three long tines that extend into the back end member. In another exemplary embodiment, the lateral gas expansion chamber is disposed between the back end member and the three long tines.

These and other features of the concepts provided herein may be better understood with reference to the drawings, description, and appended claims.

While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure should be understood to not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the suppressor for firearms and methods disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, specific numeric references such as “first chamber,” may be made. However, the specific numeric reference should not be interpreted as a literal sequential order but rather interpreted that the “first chamber” is different than a “second chamber.” Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” is defined as meaning connected either directly to the component or indirectly to the component through another component. Further, as used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

In general, muzzle blasts of firearms may be reduced by using sound suppressors, such as “noise suppressors” and “silencers.” Existing suppressors have certain drawbacks that generally hinder their operation and/or efficiency. One drawback to existing suppressors is that sustained pressure and temperature differentials arising during relatively high rates of fire a weapon may cause the suppressor to prematurely fail due to blowing out an exterior housing comprising the suppressor. Another drawback to existing suppressors is they may exhibit a relatively large muzzle flash when a first round is fired through the suppressor, such as when the weapon has not been recently fired. Another drawback to existing suppressors is their relatively high back pressures generally expose practitioners to toxic fumes that present potential health risks. Embodiments presented herein provide suppressors that exhibit relatively low back pressures, thereby reducing toxic fumes inhaled by practitioners, while effectively minimizing muzzle flash and muzzle blast.

illustrates a right-side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a suppressorcoupled to the muzzle end of a barrelof a firearm, such as a rifle, in accordance with the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the suppressoris coupled with the barrelby way of a retaining mechanism. For example, such a retaining mechanism may be implemented as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,948,415, 7,676,976, 7,946,069, 8,091,462, and 8,459,406, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. It is contemplated, however, that the suppressormay be attached to the barrelby way of any of various suitable devices and/or techniques.

illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a suppressorthat may be coupled to the muzzle end of a barrelof a firearm, as shown in. The suppressoris a generally elongate member comprising a housingand having a proximal endand a distal end. As will be appreciated, the proximal endis adapted to couple the suppressorto the muzzle end of the barrel, such as by way of the above-mentioned retaining mechanismor other suitable device. The distal endcomprises a front plate, a central bore, and a series of peripheral ventsdisposed between the front plateand the housing. In some embodiments, the peripheral ventsmay be arranged to vent propellant gases in a distal direction or radially outward around the circumference of the housing, without limitation. The central boreis adapted to provide an exit to a projectile, or a bullet, fired from the firearmwhile the peripheral ventsare configured to provide an exit to expanding propellant gases accompanying the firing of the projectile. In some embodiments, the central boremay be implemented with a tapered portion and an untapered portion, as described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,680, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the embodiment of the suppressorillustrated herein, the housingis shown having a cylindrical shape, or being substantially tubular in nature. It should be understood, however, that the housingis not limited to being cylindrical and/or tubular in shape or having a circular cross-sectional shape. For example, the housingmay have a cross-sectional shape comprising any of square, rectangular, oval, and the like, without limitation. Further, the housingmay comprise different shapes and sizes along the length of the housing. In some embodiments, for example, a first portion of the housingmay be tubular while a second portion of the housingmay having a non-tubular shape, such as a rectangular shape. Further, in some embodiments, the first portion of the housingmay comprise a tube having a first diameter while the second portion may comprise a tube having a second diameter that is larger or smaller than the first diameter. Other suitable configurations of the housingwill become apparent to those skilled in the art.

illustrates a cross-sectional view of the suppressorof, taken a long a midline. As will be appreciated, the suppressorgenerally is of a “multi-stage” variety that is configured to divert a portion of propellant gases through a plurality of lateral blast suppression chambers before mixing the gases with a portion of propellant gases introduced into a succession of expansion chambers, as disclosed in greater detail herein. It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the suppressormay comprise a multiplicity of components that may be assembled, such as by way of laser welding as detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,088,259, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, however, the suppressormay be monolithic in nature, and thus the suppressormay be formed by way of 3D printing or other similar techniques, without limitation.

The interior of the suppressormay be broadly separated into a front portionand a rear portion. The front portioncomprises a series of bafflesthat are separated from one another by cylindrical spacersof various suitable sizes. The cylindrical spacersare coaxially disposed within the front portionsuch that a central aperturecomprising each of the bafflesis coaxially aligned with the central bore. Bafflesandnear the rear portion, including a blast baffle, are relatively thicker than other baffleswithin the front portionso as to withstand the pressure and temperature of propellant gases exiting the rear portion. As will be appreciated, each pair of adjacent bafflesand the intervening cylindrical spacergenerally defines a cylindrical gas expansion chamber. As such, the front portionincludes a longitudinally stacked series of cylindrical gas expansion chambersthat are configured to control, delay, and divert the flow, expansion, and exhausting of the propellant gases, as well as to reduce their temperature.

As best shown in, one or more circumferential aperturesmay be disposed between the cylindrical gas expansion chambersand an annular gas expansion chamberthat is disposed between an outside surface of the spacersand an inner surface of the housing. The circumferential aperturesmay be formed in any of a front end, a rear end, or both the front and rear ends of the spacers, such that when an end of a spaceris abutted against an opposing end of an adjacent baffle, a radial opening or vent is established between and the abutting ends. Additional details pertaining to the circumferential aperturesare provided in U.S. Pat. No. 10,088,259 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The circumferential aperturesare configured to direct propellant gases in a radial direction from the cylindrical gas expansion chambersinto the annular gas expansion chambersurrounding the spacers. As shown in, the annular gas expansion chambercomprises a continuous chamber that spans a portion of the length of the suppressorand opens to the peripheral vents. As such, the housingis supported by mountsdisposed at the distal endof the suppressor. As shown in, one or more of the cylindrical spacersmay include an exterior ledgeconfigured to direct the propellant gases toward the peripheral vents. The exterior ledgegenerally extends circumferentially around the exterior of the cylindrical spacerand includes a sloped surfaceand an acutely angled surface. The sloped surfaceis configured to offer little resistance to propellant gases passing over the ledgein a distal direction while the acutely angled surfaceis configured to offer a relatively greater resistance to propellant gases flowing proximally toward the rear portionof the suppressor. Thus, the exterior ledgesserve to keep the propellant gases flowing distally through the annular gas expansion chamberuntil ultimately exiting the suppressorthrough the peripheral vents.

It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, any one or more of the ledgesmay be disposed on an inner surface of the housing, in lieu of extending along the exterior of the cylindrical spacers. As will be appreciated, ledgesdisposed on the inner surface of the housingmay include a sloped surface and an acutely angled surface that are substantially similar to the surfaces,described above. As such, the sloped and acutely angled surfaces comprising the ledgesdisposed inside the housingare configured to encourage the propellant gases flowing distally through the annular gas expansion chamber.

Turning, again, to, the rear portionof the suppressorcomprises a firearm attachmentthat includes a central boreand three long tinesthat extend into a back end member. As shown in, a lateral gas expansion chamberis disposed between a portion of the long tinesand the back end member. The lateral gas expansion chamberis adapted to divert a portion of the propellant gases entering the suppressorthrough the central boreand allow for expansion of the propellant gases.

As shown in, the back end memberincludes curved interior surfacesforward of the long tinesthat define a primary gas expansion chamber. The curved interior surfacesare adapted to deflect a portion of the propellant gases accompanying a fired bullet toward a rear of the primary gas expansion chamber. Multiple ventsat the rear of the chamberallow a portion of the deflected propellant gases to exit the primary gas expansion chamberand enter a blast suppression chamber. In an embodiment illustrated in, the primary gas expansion chamberincludes six vents. In other embodiments, however, any number of ventsmay be disposed in the primary gas expansion chamber, without limitation.

As shown in, the blast suppression chamberis disposed between a tapered blast deflectorand a portion of the back end memberthat surrounds the lateral gas expansion chamber. A rear portion of the blast suppression chamberexits into a rear-most portion of the annular gas expansion chamber. Thus, the deflected propellant gases are caused to travel around the tapered blast deflectorbefore entering the annular gas expansion chamberand exiting through the peripheral vents, as described herein.