[0001] The subject of the invention is a safety visual marker for firearms. The marker may
be used to inform about the possibility of safe handling of the arms, e.g., transporting
at sport facilities, placing on racks, displaying in shops, trade fairs or exhibitions.
[0002] The basic principle in terms of the safety of using firearms is to assume that the
danger associated with the firearms does not result from their production, but from
their combination with ammunition (the so-called human factor - it is not the firearm
that shoots, but the man). Without a bullet or cartridge, a firearm is merely a neutral
object incapable of firing, so it is not dangerous. The safety measures relevant at
the place of storage or during transportation shall be adapted to the type and place
of use of the firearm. Therefore, the safety measures vary depending on the practised
type of shooting.
The world structure of shooting sport:
[0003]
∘ Worldwide - International Shooting Sport Federation - ISSF
∘ Europe - European Shooting Confederation
∘ Poland - Polish Sport Shooting Association (Polski Zwi
![](https://data.epo.org/publication-server/image?imagePath=2024/08/DOC/EPNWA1/EP22461598NWA1/imgb0001)
zek Strzelectwa Sportowego);
∘ France - French Ball-Trap Federation (La Fédération Française de Ball-Trap FFBT), French Shooting Sport Federation (La Federation Française de Tir Sportive FFTS).
Structure of shooting sport in France
[0004] Taking France as the example, at shooting sport facilities (precision shooting ranges
and shooting ranges for Ball-Trap / Clay Pigeon shooting) associated with the above-mentioned
organisations, the following strict rules concerning the safety and the use of firearms
and ammunition apply:
- facilities that guarantee proper shooting activity (reception area separated from
the shooting area, marked shooting positions to isolate the shooters from the audience,
firearms storage zones, etc.);
- the shooters must have a valid permit issued by the appropriate shooting authority
or federations;
- an appropriate document (a permit, patent or licence) signed by a physician, certifying
the absence of health contraindications to practise given shooting discipline;
- after each shooting round, the firearm must be opened, unloaded and stored on a rack
or other place designated for that purpose;
- a ban on leaving the shooting post, moving around on the shooting path or leaving
it with the firearm unlocked or loaded;
- a ban on aiming with a firearm in a direction other than a shooting target;
- a ban on the use of shotgun bags that allow for carrying of unsecured and potentially
loaded firearms;
- only licensed shooters and other authorised persons (referees, instructors or designated
staff) may be present at shooting ranges.
[0005] Despite the application of the above principles, there are several situations that
may lead to a security risk, and the introduction of this technical solution eliminates
such risk.
[0006] This kind of situation occurs, among others, at Ball-Trap shooting ranges. Such a
shooting range is an open and vast area. It is difficult to control as a whole because
it allows practising several disciplines such as:
- a) some static disciplines on adapted shooting stands (Olympic Trap, Universal Trap,
American Trap, Double Trap);
- b) other dynamic disciplines in the natural, usually wooded, environment, such as
e.g. "hunting paths", moving target, boar shooting;
- c) temporary Ball-Trap stands. These makeshift shooting ranges are a part of a longstanding
tradition of hunting groups, which at the end of summer, before the start of the hunting
season, organise an annual day of Ball-Trap shooting. During such an event a considerable
number of participants, the shooters and spectators (audience) are gathering. The
shooters' skills are presented in open conditions.
[0007] The organisation of the events mentioned in point c) is subject to safety rules determined
by shooting organisations:
- the organiser is obligated to provide the participants with an individual day insurance
and equip themselves with a liability insurance while organising the event;
- apart from the administrative permissions from the landowners and the prefecture,
the FFBT provides guidance concerning the safety such as:
- a) using the firearms without transportation bags / holsters;
- b) holding an unlocked shotgun - even if it is unloaded - only at the shooting position
and only in the settled firing direction;
- c) moving only with the firearm angled down or with an open bolt without a bullet;
- d) loading the firearm only directly before firing a shot;
- e) ban on the shooters turning towards the audience, regardless of whether the firearm
is loaded or not;
- f) in case of a pause during firing, the firearm's safety system shall be put on at
the shooting position and emptied of ammunition.
[0008] Obviously, such events are not completely risk-free because of the topography of
the location of the event, audience type, firearms used, the lack of experience in
ball-trap shooting of some of the participants.
[0009] Another situation that should be considered is the use of firearms during hunting
- which will be done on the example of France. There are more than a million hunters
in France, with an average age of 57-58. The hunting season lasts for almost half
a year and hunters use firearms of various calibres. A considerable part of the hunting
firearms is characterised by high killing power and very long range. Currently, hunting
is subject to the following safety rules:
- obtaining a hunting permit issued after passing an exam, which comprises a theoretical
test and practical elements;
- in a vehicle the firearm should be transported unloaded and it cannot be loaded until
the moment, when the hunter intends to fire;
- firing at human height is prohibited, as is shooting through a hedge or shrubbery,
towards roads, paths, railway tracks, residential buildings or transmission power
lines.
[0010] After a closer analysis a lot of these guidelines are hard to apply because of the
wide range of used firearms. For hunting small animals (birds or hares and rabbits)
most hunters use semi-automatic three-shot shotguns or double-barrel guns. Legal regulations
impose the use of bullets on ungulate animals (wild boars, roe deer, chamois and deer),
which means that large calibre shotguns with ammunition range well exceeding 1000
m are used. In this case, it shall be ensured, as far as possible, that the shot is
fired in such a way that the projectile does not continue its trajectory for several
hundred metres in the area beyond the hunter's line of sight. The difficulty is verifying
if the shotguns and semi-automatic shotguns are properly disarmed (an open bolt and
empty magazine) while not being used for hunting.
[0011] Despite all the safety guidelines issued by the departmental hunting associations,
there have been 3325 accidents in the last twenty years, including 421 fatal ones:
70% of them are "self-accidents", largely caused by improper handling of firearms.
The use of firearms in these different environments can lead to certain safety risks
during training or recreational shooting involving potentially different groups of
recipients (experienced or beginner shooters). The most common risks include unlocked
shotguns during transportation or on racks without indication if they are loaded or
not. This problem occurs less frequently at shooting sport stands, which have closed
shooting zones, where the control of security activities is easier. Although current
laws concerning firearms are restrictive, accidents are rarely associated with deliberate
carelessness. Very often they are caused by "forgetting to unload" and later handling
of a loaded firearm as if it was unloaded.
[0012] A safety feature for short- and long-barrelled firearms, in the form of a plug with
protrusions inserted into the barrel, is known from Chinese patent application
CN109855470. In the US patent
US4835894 a plug was described as inserted into the firing chamber and with a small handle
for quick removal. A similar form of protection is known from another American patent
US5097613 or
US6250008. In turn, in application
US20160273877A1, a protection was described in the form of a strap attached to the outlet of the
barrel of the gun. In the description of the international application
PCT WO2021121966A1 a two-piece protection was revealed, with one of the elements in the shape of a
cartridge with a hole directed towards the outlet and with the second element inserted
into the barrel from the side of its outlet in such a way that its end sinks into
the hole of the first element. In German patent
DE102005021910B4 a protection for the revolver type firearms was described that is placed between
the body and the clip (the cylinder), which prevents firing. This protection has a
short handle for inserting and removing the protection. The US patent application
US20180045480A1 describes a lock of the shell ejection window. The lock is in the form of an elongated
plug inserted into the above mentioned window.
[0013] The invention faces the problem of providing a firearm safety marker to indicate
an empty firing chamber, which would allow easy visual verification of the firearm
protection by all persons within the visual range of the firearm unit. In addition,
the construction of the marker should enable its easy placement in the firing chamber.
However, after its placement, the marker should not fall out of the chamber during
handling of the firearm, e.g. during transportation. What is more, the use of such
a marker should be possible in different types of firearms.
[0014] The subject of the invention is a firearm visual safety marker comprising a rear
portion and a front portion, a signalling-gripping portion, a connecting extension
and at least one guide for inserting into a firing chamber, characterised in that
the signalling-gripping portion comprises a first planar element and a second planar
element connected to each other at the right angle, and the first planar element contains
a flat connecting extension, which is connected with at least one guide in the front
portion of the marker for insertion into at least one firing chamber of a layout of
firearm firing chambers,
wherein the signalling-gripping portion contains a signalling portion and a gripping
portion, wherein the marker in the front portion contains the signalling portion of
the signalling-gripping portion and at least one guide,
wherein the marker in the rear portion contains the gripping portion of the signalling-gripping
portion.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gripping portion of the visual marker
comprises a notch for strapping.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the visual marker comprises a system
of at least two guides.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the guide system corresponds to
the layout of the firearm's firing chambers.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first planar element comprises
a side support surface.
[0019] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the signalling-gripping portion
comprises means for breaking the signalling-gripping portion for activating fluorescence.
[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the signalling-gripping portion
comprises light sources, wherein the light sources are electrically connected to an
electric power supply and to a switch.
[0021] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting extension comprises
a straight portion and an arcuate portion.
[0022] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a clearance needle bar is attached
to the guide for inserting into the barrel of the firearm, wherein the clearance needle
bar ends with a needle bar ball.
[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first planar element comprises
an aperture for locking the clearance needle bar.
[0024] With reference to the subject of the invention, individual structural elements should
be understood as:
- 1. visual marker-an equipment used to secure a single-and multiple-barrelled shotgun, rifles (hunting
firearm) and pistols or revolvers, by placing it in the firing chamber or chambers
of the secured firearm. It enables visual verification of the safety of the firearm;
- 2. signalling module (signalling portion) - a visual marker's element - located above the guide or guides. If it consists of
four flat surfaces, in principle they are placed at 90° to each other. The angle of
inclination of the surfaces to each other, as well as their size and number, may be
variable;
- 3. guide - in principle a cylindrical element placed in the firing chamber or chambers. The
number and size of guides shall be dependent on and adapted to the type of the secured
firearm;
- 4. connecting element - a flat element, constituting an extension of the part of the signalling module,
located between the signalling module and the guide. Its shape and size depend on
the type of the secured firearm unit;
- 5. grip module (gripping portion) - an element located at the rear part of the visual marker in relation to the direction
of the barrel that enables operating the marker. It can be a semi-open element. In
a semi-open form, this element allows for simple and safe attachment (strapping) of
the marker to the shooting vest or another part of the clothing element of the person
using the secured firearm.
[0025] The proposed solution, according to the invention, includes a number of advantages.
The safety visual marker for firearms, according to the invention, guarantees a very
high level of safety and ensures that all firearms units with a properly installed
marker are safe and unloaded - therefore, it is impossible to fire from them. An additional
level of security is ensured by the ease of visual verification of firearm security
by all persons within the visual range of the firearm unit with a properly installed
visual marker. The insertion of a visual marker into the firing chamber makes it possible
to visually check the security of the firearm easily and continuously.
[0026] The subject of the invention is illustrated in the figure with the following elements
presented:
- fig. 1a - a visual marker for a horizontal double-barrelled shotgun - three-dimensional
projection;
- fig. 1b - a visual marker for a horizontal two-barrelled shotgun - two-dimensional
projection - side view;
- fig. 2 - a visual marker for a single barrel shotgun;
- fig. 3 - a visual marker for a vertical double-barrelled shotgun;
- fig. 4a - a visual marker for side-loading firearms (including shotguns, pistols,
other side-loading firearms) - three-dimensional projection;
- fig. 4b - a visual marker for side-loading firearms (including shotguns, pistols,
other side-loading firearms) - two-dimensional projection - front view;
- fig. 5a and 5b - exemplary guide layouts in a safety visual marker for a pistol;
- fig. 6a-6g - exemplary guide layouts in a visual marker in multi-barrelled shotguns;
- fig. 7a-7b - examples of a marker for a vertical double-barrelled shotgun (fig. 7a)
and a horizontal double-barrelled shotgun (fig. 7b);
- fig. 8a-8g - examples of a marker with guides of various shapes;
- fig. 9 - a three-dimensional projection of the marker with seals on the guides;
- fig. 10-a three-dimensional projection of the marker with indicated break line;
- fig. 11-a three-dimensional projection of the marker with electrically powered light
sources;
- fig. 12 - a three-dimensional projection of a marker for use in a firearm with a five-round
ammunition cylinder;
- fig. 13a - a three-dimensional projection of a marker for use in a firearm with a
six-round ammunition cylinder;
- fig. 13b - a three-dimensional projection of a marker for use in a firearm with a
ten-round ammunition cylinder.
Example 1 Visual Safety Marker for Firearms
[0027] According to the invention, the visual safety marker for firearms 1 is made of two
planar elements 1a and 1b. The first planar element 1a is connected to the second
planar element 1b in such a way that the element 1a is oriented perpendicularly to
the element 1b. The first element 1a is attached to the second element 1b, respectively,
so that the upper edges of the first element 1a and of the second element 1b are at
the same height relative to each other and face each other at 90° angle. The number
of planar elements is not limited by the presented example of realisation and need
not be limited to two. The angles of intersection of the planar elements may also
be variable. The connection of the first planar element 1a and the second planar element
1b defines the signalling-gripping part 2 of the marker 1. Essentially, marker 1 contains
a front portion and a rear portion. In the front portion of the marker 1, there is
a signalling module 2a of the signalling-gripping portion 2, for signalling to a person
within the visual range of the firearm about the absence of ammunition in the firing
chamber of the secured firearm. In addition, at least one guide 4 for inserting into
the firing chamber of the firearm is also provided in the front portion. In the rear
portion of the marker 1, there is a grip module 2b for holding the marker 1 while
using it. This element can also be used to attach (strap) the marker 1 to the shooter's
clothing (e.g., shooting sports vest, ammunition belt used during hunting, key lanyard,
other elements). A notch made in the grip module 2b as seen in fig. 1b may be used
for strapping. The signalling module 2a of the marker 1 is constructed of the front
surfaces of the first planar element 1a and the front surfaces of the second planar
element 1b. The grip module 2b of the marker 1 is constructed of the rear surfaces
of the first planar element 1a and the rear surfaces of the second planar element
1b. In fig. 1a and 1b, the given surfaces are marked with reference to respective
modules, i.e., 2a and 2b. However, by comparing fig. 1a and fig. 1b, it will be apparent
to an expert in this field that the variant realisations of the invention shown in
fig. 2-5 comprise the same modules arranged in a structurally identical manner. The
first planar element 1a in the lower part opposite the upper edge comprises a flat
connecting extension 3, constituting a connector (connecting element) between the
first element 1a and the guide 4. The extension 3 may be an extension of the first
element 1a (fig. 1a) or be a separate structural element attached to the extension
of the element 1a (fig. 4a, fig. 5). In each of the two cases mentioned, the extension
3 comprises at least one guide 4 for inserting into firing chamber of firearms, wherein
the mentioned guide 4 is attached to the extension 3 from the side of the signalling
module 2a of the planar element of the second visual marker 1 for the firearm. The
guide 4 has essentially a cylindrical shape in the transverse section. Depending on
the purpose of the marker 1, the extension 3 may comprise one guide (fig. 2, fig.
4a, fig. 5) or two guides (fig. 1, fig. 3), wherein in the case of a double-barrelled
firearm, e.g., a double-barrelled shotgun, the guides 4 are attached vertically or
horizontally on the extension 3, respectively. There are also firearms consisting
of more than two barrels. Figures 6a-6g illustrate examples of the visual marker 1
for such type of firearm, in which the marker 1 comprises three to five guides 4,
wherein all the guides 4 may have the same diameter (e.g., fig. 1a) or different diameters
(e.g., fig. 6e). The guides 4 may have a diameter that is approximately 1 mm smaller
than the diameter of the firing chamber of a given type of firearm for easy insertion
of the guides 4 into the firing chamber of a given type of secured firearm unit. In
this case, seals (fig. 9) may optionally be attached to the guides 4 to securely settle
the marker in the firing chamber. In the case of multi-barrel shotguns (more than
two barrels, fig. 6a-7b), one or two diameters of the guides 4 may correspond to the
diameter of the barrel, or barrels, and the other guides may be significantly smaller
in diameter than the diameter of the barrels secured by them. In each of the cases
of the secured shotgun, in order for marker 1 to be correctly attached, all the chambers
of the secured firearm unit must be empty, the firearm must be unloaded and, in the
case of a shotgun, it must be opened ("break-open").
[0028] The shape of marker 1, i.e., the vertical surfaces (elements 1a and 1b) positioned
perpendicularly above the protected firearm unit at 90° angle, ensures visibility
at different angles of inclination (when the shotgun is "broken") as well as within
a 360° radius regardless of the direction of the shotgun (long-barrelled firearm)
or its operator, as well as the inclination of the firearm in relation to the person
performing the visual verification. Marker 1 is visible to people around the person
that uses the shotgun both at the time of placing the shotgun on the shoulder (a standard
way of carrying the shotgun around an open shooting sports facility), carrying it
in the position in which it is "placed over the forearm at hip height", and when the
shotgun is placed on the rack/stand for shotguns at shooting stands (in the southern
part of Europe called
fosse) or inside the club building.
[0029] Regardless of the number of guides 4 in different variants of the realisation of
the marker 1, said guides may have different shapes in transverse section and longitudinal
section. Various shapes of the guides 4 provide a better fit to the firing chamber,
which translates into a lower risk of spontaneous sliding out of the marker 1 from
the barrel. Exemplary shapes of the guides are shown in fig. 8a-8h. However, the guide
4 may have a shape adapted to the barrels of different lengths.
[0030] In the case of short firearms, the visual marker comprises an additional structural
support element 5 in the form of a side flat surface with perpendicular 90° inclination
towards the direction of the barrel, and relative to and attached to the first planar
element 1a. The support element 5 allows the pistol or rifle to be placed in a safe
side lying position with the barrel facing the firing target with a vertically and
horizontally visible signalling element. Although the variant of realisation of the
marker 1 shown in fig. 9 relates primarily to a short-barrelled firearm, such a support
element 5 may also be used in variants of the marker for long-barrelled firearms.
Material
[0031] The material used to produce the marker according to the invention should have the
following characteristics:
- a) plasticity-fine adjustment to the inside of the barrel;
- b) smoothness (not causing excessive slippage) - this especially applies to guides
placed in the barrel and it serves the purpose of eliminating the possibility of scratching
the inner part of the barrel;
- c) resistance to external factors - sun, rain, temperature variability.
[0032] Such material should not be prone to distortion during repeated and prolonged use.
On the other hand, it should react to the relatively low pressure exerted on the visual
marker during the process of placing it in the barrel. The type of material should
eliminate the possibility of the marker sliding out of the barrel both when carrying
the firearm, placing it on the rack or using it. There are situations when the rifle
or shotgun is in a position other than parallel to the ground. Examples of the materials
include proper types of plastic, gel material, silicone of appropriate hardness, caoutchouc
or foam of appropriate hardness, (MyCoComposite mushroom mass (
www.Ecovative.com) in the case the marker is made of ecological material).
Colour schemes
[0033] The colour of the visual marker for the purpose of fulfilling its role should be
particularly bright and reflective in order to obtain the greatest possible visibility.
Additionally, the colour of the marker should make it visible from the greatest possible
distance. Examples of colours that may apply include bright colours: bright celadon,
orange, green, yellow, red, pink.
[0034] It is possible to create the marker 1 according to the invention with the possibility
of breaking the elements of the signalling module 2a in order to activate the illumination
- fluorescent version (fig. 10). This feature would be particularly important when
using the firearm in the dark - for example, at the end of hunting and the gathering
of shooters after hunting, the movement of a group of shooters to vehicles or homes.
The signalling module would incorporate chambers containing substances that, when
mixed, would create a fluorescent effect. An element or elements separating these
chambers, designed in such a way as to be easily broken or crushed, would allow the
user to initiate a chemical process emitting light. The duration of the chemical reaction
emitting light, its colour and intensity would depend on the needs of a specific model
of the marker.
[0035] It is possible to make the marker 1 according to the invention equipped with active
light elements supplied with power (a replaceable battery or a battery charged by
means of a USB connection), as shown in fig. 11. The energy source located in the
guide 4 would supply the light sources (or other light-emitting components - e.g.,
LEDs) located on the surface of the components of the signalling module 2. It should
be pointed out that the energy source can be placed in another component of the marker
1, and the indicated solution is only an example. Thanks to such a solution, the visual
marker according to the invention would be visible in the dark, increasing its safety
qualities.
Training shooting cycle - ball-trap, long firearm, shotgun
[0036] Undertaking actions on the application of adequate safety measures related to trap
shooting training should begin from the moment of arrival at the shooting sport stands.
During transport, the shotgun must be dismantled into three elements (the fore-end,
barrel and stock) and placed in a special locked transport case. Only after arriving
at the shooting range can the shotgun be assembled in accordance with the safety rules.
It should be noted that the shotgun must remain break-open when moving around the
facility. After assembling the shotgun, the shooter is obliged to register their presence
and only then can they go to the shooting posts. After setting out the equipment,
putting on protective headphones and glasses, which is an absolute requirement of
safety rules, the training may begin. The shooter either records a round of shots
(match) using a magnetic card and an appropriate reader (automatic shooting posts),
or, in any other safe manner accepted at the facility, alone or with other shooters
can start a shooting round. Both Universal Trap and Olympic Trap consist of five posts
for shooters. Six shooters moving between five shooting posts can participate at the
same time in the 25-shot round. After firing one or two shots at the clay pigeon,
the shooter moves to the next shooting post. In each round - during training or competition
-the shooter shoots no more than 25 darts (five clay pigeons from five individual
shooting posts). The shooter moving between the posts should carry a broken shotgun.
Moving between the fifth post (last firing post on the right side of
the stand) and the first post (last firing post on the left side of the stand), the shotgun
must be brake-open and the firing chambers empty (in the case of a semi-automatic
shotgun - the firing chamber and the magazine).
[0037] Each time the shooter has the right to close the shotgun only directly before shooting
the clay pigeons.
[0038] One of the main differences between double- and single-barrelled shotguns is the
number of cartridges that fit in them. In accordance with the current safety standards,
single-barrelled semi-automatic sports shotguns have the possibility of loading up
to three cartridges - there are two cartridges in the magazine and a third in the
firing chamber.
[0039] In open shooting stands used for sport shooting (ball-trap shooting), it is allowed
to place two cartridges in semi-automatic shotguns - one in the firing chamber and
the other in the magazine. Due to the construction of this type of shotguns after
firing the first shot, at the end of the shooting round or during the pause in the
use of the shotgun, there is no possibility of "break-opening" it. The consequence
of this is the inability to visually control the safety of the shotgun and the loading
condition of the firing chamber and the magazine. This applies to both carrying around
this type of shotgun, operating it, and placing it on a rack or stand.
[0040] Many people using this type of shotgun have a habit (contrary to safety requirements)
of loading three cartridges (two in the magazine and a third in the firing chamber).
After each shooting round or shooting down of the clay pigeon at the first shot, there
is a high probability of leaving cartridges in the magazine and the firing chamber
(if three cartridges were loaded into the shotgun before the shot was fired, which
is not in accordance with the currently applicable safety standards), or only in the
firing chamber. This can lead to accidental firing.
[0041] After the shooting round, the shotgun should be "brake-open" and the firing chambers
checked to ensure they are empty - then marker 1. should be inserted into them. Visual
marker 1 should be placed in the vertical position with the signalling module facing
upwards. The guiding elements should be inserted into the firing chambers of the secured
firearm. The marker should be pushed to the part connecting the guide element with
the signalling module. Each guiding element should be placed in a separate firing
chamber. Marker 1 placed in the firing chambers is a visible confirmation of the absence
of cartridges in the firing chambers and is a technical protection of a firearm preventing
it from firing. In the case of single-barrelled centre-loading shotguns or shotguns,
the attached marker 1 prevents the insertion of the cartridge into the firing chamber,
as well as the firing of the shot, due to the inability to use the lock in relation
to the shotgun. The visibility of the marker 1 placed in the firearm is a visual signal
that the firing chambers are empty.
Training shooting cycle - long firearm, hunting shotgun, shooting stand
[0042] In this case, the first phase related to the course of the training does not change
until the moment of arrival at the shooting post. The character of this type of shooting
training is associated with much greater distance to the shooting target and the location
of appropriate shooting posts. After arriving at the training post - or, in case of
lack thereof at the spot of firing - the shooter prepares themself and the shotgun
to fire. Typically, the shooter must move to the target stand to place a shooting
target there. In principle, the shooter should not leave the firearm at the shooting
post - they should always have it with them. However, there are often cases when the
firearm remains on the shooting table or at the shooting post. Shooting target is
often placed at a distance of several dozen or even several hundred metres from the
shooter. The shooter that moves to place the target walks in the open shooting area.
It is difficult for both of them and for other people in sight to assess whether their
firearm or firearms of other users of the shooting range is loaded. After placing
the target, the shooter returns to the shooting post, prepares the shotgun, places
the bullet in the firing chamber or inserts the magazine into the shotgun, and after
closing the lock, the rifle is armed and ready to fire. The shooter takes a round
of single shots (typically from three to five) and heads to the target stand in order
to evaluate the result and determine the trajectory of the projectile. At the end
of each shooting round or during the period of temporary pause in using the shotgun,
the marker should be placed in the firing chamber, which prevents the loading of the
firing chamber and proper usage of the lock.
Use of hunting firearm - the hunt
[0043] Statistically, the highest number of accidents occurs during hunting, especially
in the phase before and after the hunt itself. Therefore, the marker 1 should be placed
in the secured hunting firearm especially during these phases. If the hunt ends at
night or after dusk and there is a phase called "catch sharing" and a large number
of people are present, it is necessary to use a marker to reduce the risk of accidents.
Marker for firearms adapted for left-handed users
[0044] The figures show variants of the visual marker 1 intended to secure firearms used
by right-handed persons. For the purpose of securing firearms used by left-handed
persons, the visual marker shall be a mirror reflection of the above-described variants
of the visual marker 1.
Handguns (fig. 4a, 4b and 5, 5a).
[0045] This variant of realisation of the invention is applicable to pistols. When placed
in the barrel of the secured firearm, the clearance needle bar is a proof of the lack
of any element in the barrel, and thus of the possibility of safely firing another
shot. There are cases (especially in small-calibre firearms, i.e., .22 calibre (5.56
mm sport firearm, used in shooting sports league, shooting national competitions,
masters' championships of Europe, the Olympics)) when the tip of the bullet (projectile)
cracks under the force exerted on it, and a part of it remains blocked in the barrel.
This, in turn, may lead to distension and explosion of the barrel when firing another
shot. The functions of the additional elements are as follows:
- clearance needle bar 6 - a straight element of cylindrical shape inserted into the barrel of the secured
firearm, passing through the entire length of the barrel and visible at the end of
the barrel element, when seen from the side of the firing chamber. The needle bar
6 is attached to the central outer part of the guide 4;
- ball of the needle bar 7 - in accordance with the description, it enables reducing the marker size after training
or after using the firearm by placing it in the locking slot 8. Such a way of placing
the needle bar 6 has also influenced its protection against damage.
- aperture locking the clearance needle bar 8 - its lower part, with dimensions larger than those of the ball of the needle bar
7, allows the ball 7 to be easily inserted into it. The upper part, corresponding
to the diameter of the needle bar 6, is used to block ball 7.
Precision shooting club - rifle, pistol, revolver
[0046] After each shooting round (typically a round of 5 shots), the magazine should be
removed, the firing chamber checked to ensure no cartridge remains in it (if it does,
it should be removed) and the visual marker 1 placed in the firing chamber of the
secured pistol/rifle. Then the secured firearm should be placed on the shooting table.
[0047] When firing a revolver, after each shooting round (typically a round of 5 shots)
the cylinder should be opened, the cylinder chambers checked to ensure no bullets
remain there (if they do, they should be removed) and the visual marker placed in
the firing chambers of the cylinder. Then the secured firearm should be placed on
the firing table. An example of a variant of the marker 1 for use in firearm with
an ammunition cylinder for five revolver-type bullets is shown in figure 12. In the
case of a marker used in revolvers, the connector 3 is extended and its extension
is arcuate in shape to match the shape of the ammunition cylinder. The number of guides
4 and their diameter, the width of the connecting element 3, the radius of curvature
of its arcuate part and the length of its straight part depends on the type of the
secured revolver (fig. 12, fig. 13a-b). In addition, in the case of a revolver, the
spacing of the guides 4 on the connector may vary depending on the capacity of the
ammunition cylinder. For example, fig. 12 shows a marker to be used with an ammunition
drum for five bullets, and fig. 13a - for six bullets. Whereas fig. 13b illustrates
a marker to be used with an ammunition drum for 10 bullets.
1. A visual safety marker for firearms comprising a rear portion and a front portion,
a signalling-gripping portion, a connecting extension and at least one guide for inserting
into a firing chamber, characterised in that the signalling-gripping portion (2) comprises a first planar element (1a) and a second
planar element (1b) connected to each other at the right angle, and the first planar
element (1a) contains a flat connecting extension (3), which is connected with at
least one guide (4) in the front portion of the marker (1) for insertion into at least
one firing chamber of a layout of firearm firing chambers, wherein the signalling-gripping
portion (2) contains a signalling portion (2a) and a gripping portion (2b), wherein
the marker (1) in the front portion contains the signalling portion (2a) of the signalling-gripping
portion (2) and at least one guide (4), wherein the marker (1) in the rear portion
contains the gripping portion (2b) of the signalling-gripping portion (2).
2. The marker according to claim 1, characterised in that the gripping portion (2b) of the visual marker (1) comprises a notch for strapping.
3. The marker according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that it comprises a system of at least two guides (4).
4. The marker according to claim 3, characterised in that the system of guides (4) corresponds to the layout of firearm firing chambers.
5. the marker according to claim 1, characterised in that the first planar element (1a) comprises a side support surface (5).
6. The marker according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the signalling-gripping portion (2) comprises means for breaking the signalling-gripping
portion (2) for activating the fluorescence.
7. The marker according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the signalling-gripping portion (2) comprises light sources, wherein the light sources
are electrically connected to an electric power supply means and a switch.
8. The marker according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting extension (3) comprises a straight portion and an arcuate portion.
9. The marker according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a clearance needle bar (6) is attached to the guide (4) for inserting into the barrel
of the firearm, wherein the clearance needle bar ends with a needle bar ball (7).
10. The marker according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first planar element (1a) comprises an opening (8) for locking the clearance
needle bar (7).