Cartridge infeed apparatus for an automatic firing weapon

Abstract

A cartridge infeed apparatus for an automatic firing weapon comprising a conveyor channel, one side wall of which possesses a slot which is essentially parallel to the axis of the weapon. Partially extending into this slot is a cartridge located in the conveyor channel and which cartridge is to be inserted by the breechblock of the weapon into the weapon barrel. There are further provided two pivotable guide arms which, under the action of spring means, press the cartridge towards the aforementioned slot perpendicular to the direction of conveying of such cartridge. At the side of the guide arms opposite the cartridge there is arranged a pivotable pawl mechanism at which there is present a cam with control surfaces, said cam serving to actuate the pawl mechanism and bearing at a further cartridge located in the cartridge conveying direction behind the first-mentioned cartridge. The pawl mechanism can be rocked out of a work position, in which it is positioned behind the guide arms during the insertion of the cartridge, into a rest position in which the guide arms are rocked against the force of the spring means.