Designing Small Weapons

This book focuses on developing small weapons, following the lifecycle of a firearm from design to manufacture. It demonstrates how modern technologies can be used at every stage of the process, such as design methodologies, CAD/CAE/CAM software, rapid prototyping, test benches, materials, heat and surface treatments, and manufacturing processes. Several case studies are presented to provide detailed considerations on developing specific topics. Small weapons are designed to be carried by one person; examples are pistols, revolvers, rifles, carbines, shotguns, and submachine guns. Beginning with a review of the history of weapons from ancient to modern times, this book builds on this by mapping out recent innovations and state-of-the-art technologies that have advanced small weapon design. Presenting a comprehensive guide to computer design tools used by weapon engineers, this book demonstrates the capabilities of modern software at all stages of the process, looking at the computer-aided design, engineering, and manufacturing. It also details the materials used to create small weapons, notably steels, engineering polymers, composites, and emerging materials. Manufacturing processes, both conventional and unconventional, are discussed, for example, casting, powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and heat and surface treatments. This book is essential reading to those in the field of weapons, such as designers, workers in research and development, engineering and design students, students at military colleges, sportsmen, hunters, and those interested in firearms. Dr. Jose Martin Herrera-Ramirez is a military engineer with experience in the field of weapon and ammunition development. After receiving his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the Paris School of Mines in France, he was the head of the Applied Research Center and Technology Development for the Mexican Military Industry (CIADTIM). He now researches the development of metallic alloys and composites at the Research Center for Advanced Materials (CIMAV) in Chihuahua, Mexico. Dr. Luis Adrian Zuñiga-Aviles is a military engineer with wide experience in the field of weapon and ammunition development. He was head of the prototypes and simulation departments at the Applied Research Center and Technology Development for the Mexican Military Industry (CIADTIM) and head of engineering of the Production directorate. He received his PhD in Science and Technology on Mechatronics from the Center for Engineering and Industrial Development (CIDESI) in Queretaro, Mexico. He now researches the new product design and development for military application, machinery, robotics, and medical devices in the Faculty of Medicine at the Autonomous University of Mexico State (UAEMex) and the Faculty of Engineering at UAEMex as part of the Researchers for Mexico program CONACYT.

Reviews the tools necessary for development of weapons in recent history Provides clear instruction on using computer design tools and the capabilities of modern software in designing light weapons Covers the life cycle of light weapons, from design to production of weapon parts to heat treatments Explains the cutting edge technologies employed in the development of light weapons, both during the design process and also in the manufacturing process Applies interdisciplinary methods from science and engineering to the development of light weapons

This work deals with the classification, construction, design and theory of different kinds of small arms (hand-firing weapons, heavy machine guns and small-calibre automatic cannons). It provides the necessary knowledge and information to designers, workers in research and development, students at military colleges and all those with an interest in firearms.

This book initiates with the story of the evolution of firearms to enable the reader to appreciate the sequence of the development of firearms. It discusses different classes of small arms, their mechanics, internal and external ballistics. Further, it covers the design idea of barrels and actions, various operating principles and relevant discussion on ammunition and propellants. The principle of quality in the design of the small arms is also elaborated in the desired degree. The book brings out the relevance of modern manufacturing technologies like MIM and various surface treatments, and polymers for enhancement of product quality. To appreciate the sophistication of the architecture, the book presents the anatomical details of a few small arms of reputes. Provides complete understanding of overall small weapon systems Explores mechanics and physics of small arms Discusses proper design, quality control, and manufacturing process selections for a good weapon Covers common type of weapon failures and catastrophic failure Includes relevance of manufacturing processes The book is aimed at professionals and graduate students in Mechanical Design, Armament Design, Gun Design including personnel in the military, paramilitary, police, and all other armed forces and their maintenance crews.

This work deals with the classification, construction, design and theory of different kinds of small arms (hand-firing weapons, heavy machine guns and small-calibre automatic cannons). It provides the necessary knowledge and information to designers, workers in research and development, students at military colleges and all those with an interest in firearms.