Montana Patent of the Month – October 2024
PROOF Research, Inc. has revolutionized firearm barrel design with their innovative hybrid composite projectile barrel, offering a fusion of strength, precision, and durability. By addressing critical stress points that compromise traditional hybrid barrels, this invention sets a new standard in ballistic performance.
At the heart of the design is an inner liner with a cylindrical structure, seamlessly coupled with an outer composite layer made from a matrix reinforced with continuous fibers. The combination of these materials reduces overall weight without sacrificing the rigidity needed for high-performance shooting. However, what truly distinguishes this barrel is its advanced locking features, strategically engineered in the breech and muzzle transition regions.
These regions—prone to stress concentrations during firing—are reinforced with mechanical locking elements such as ribs, grooves, or radial pins. These features distribute thermal and mechanical stresses more evenly across the barrel, preventing failures at the adhesive interface between the metal inner liner and composite outer layer. This ensures the barrel remains structurally intact even under extreme conditions, such as rapid heating from sustained firing.
Additionally, the intricate geometry of the locking features—whether aligned axially, helically, or with notched ridges—enhances bonding and dissipates force effectively. The result is a barrel that not only withstands operational stresses but also delivers superior accuracy and stability.
With this innovative approach, PROOF Research addresses longstanding challenges of hybrid barrels, such as thermal expansion mismatch and adhesive limitations. By marrying advanced materials with precision engineering, they’ve crafted a barrel that’s lighter, tougher, and more reliable—ideal for professionals and enthusiasts seeking peak performance in the field. This breakthrough exemplifies how thoughtful design can elevate traditional firearms technology to new heights.
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