System for shooting using compressed gas

Abstract

A shooting system providing a barrel with an open forward end and a closed rear end and a projectile containing a propellant under pressure located in the barrel. A wad in the bore has a forward holding member allowing the rearward portion of the projectile to be moved rearwardly in the bore and be longitudinally slidably frictionally fitted in the holding member while the holding member is in sealing engagement circumferentially of and between the barrel and the projectile whereby the projectile is in a loaded state. The holding member also allows the projectile to move forwardly out of the holding member in the firing state. The wad also has a rearward sealing portion in circumferential sealing engagement with the barrel and radially spaced from the rearward portion of the projectile whereby the closed rearward end of the bore, the sealing member, and the projectile form a firing chamber. When the valve is actuated, propellant expands into the firing chamber where it is contained by the closed rearward end of the barrel and the sealing member and applies maximum pressure on the projectile to force it out of the holding member and the barrel thereby firing the projectile. An alternative embodiment provides a barrel with a longitudinally expandable goffered rear end portion forming part of the firing chamber whereby in the firing mode and upon release of the expanding propellant into the chamber, the propellant both expands the goffered section longitudinally and forces the projectile out of the barrel.