After closer reviewing the patent and included illustrations, I have come to the conclusion that this patent is not for a big bore / big game hunting rifle.
This patent is for a subsonic / suppressed low pressure small bore MINO (Muzzleloader In Name Only) small game / target rifle similar to a conventional pneumatic / springer air rifle. I say this because the only thing loaded from the muzzle is the bullet. The bullet is seated down through a drop tube that has to be inserted into the suppressed portion so the bullet can be inserted into the barrel portion and seated onto the "seat pin(s)". The rimfire primer module also includes the propellant and is inserted from the breech end. So, basically, a crimped or conical nosed cartridge from 1/2" to 3" in length, without a bullet. This is where the "muzzleloader" ends for me personally. When the propellant and bullet is no longer loaded through the muzzle, IMO, it is no longer a "muzzleloader". I don't care if it is just a small game / target / novelty rifle.
The seat pins and short 10" barrel would prevent it from being a serious higher pressure big bore hunting rifle. The seat pins are inserted by drilling a hole perpendicularly INTO the bore and the pin can be fastened in place by several different methods. Such as welding, threaded screw, epoxies, brazing, etc,. Once the wall of the bore, especially in the combustion area is compromised, this is no longer more than a low pressure rifle at that point alone. The patent provides for 1 up to 5 or 6 of these "seat pins". Sorry, but for a serious muzzleloader design, this one is all full of holes for me.
Obviously, the rifle being discussed in this thread, is not the same rifle depicted in that patent!
