This invention concerns a magazine catch for semi-automatic pistols.
Prior art magazine catches used on automatic pistols such as the Model 1911 are not suitable for use with modern pistols having molded polymer frames. Such a magazine catch requires that an undercut slot be formed in the pistol frame surrounding the aperture which receives the magazine catch. This slot is engaged by the catch retaining mechanism to retain the catch within the frame. It is difficult and cost prohibitive to mold such a slot in a polymer frame. There is an opportunity to improve the design of polymer frame pistols with respect to the design and operation of the magazine catch.
The invention concerns a magazine catch for a firearm. In one example embodiment the magazine catch comprises a housing having first and second ends oppositely disposed. The housing defines an actuating button positioned at the first end and a retaining head positioned at the second end. A dog is positioned on the retaining head. The dog is engageable with the magazine to retain the magazine within the firearm. A channel is defined by the housing. The channel extends lengthwise therealong. A first recess is positioned at the first end of the housing. A second recess is positioned at the second end of the housing. A plunger is received within the channel. A first end of the plunger is received within the first recess and a second end of the plunger is received within the second recess. The plunger is movable along its longitudinal axis within the channel. A projection extends from the plunger transversely to the longitudinal axis. A biasing spring acts between the housing and the plunger and biases the plunger toward the second recess.
By way of example the dog projects transversely from the housing. In an example embodiment, the housing defines a plurality of notches adjacent to the retaining head. Each notch is adapted to receive the projection. The plunger is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relatively to the housing so as to align the projection with any one of the plurality of notches. In a specific example embodiment the housing defines three notches.
Further by way of example the housing defines an aperture in the second end. The aperture provides access to the second end of the plunger. In an example embodiment the second end of the plunger defines a slot oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the plunger.
The invention further encompasses a firearm fed ammunition from a magazine. In one example embodiment the firearm comprises a frame defining a magazine well for receiving the magazine and an opening extending through the frame. The opening is positioned proximate to the magazine well. A magazine catch is received within the opening. In an example embodiment the magazine catch comprises a housing having first and second ends oppositely disposed. The housing defines an actuating button positioned at the first end and a retaining head positioned at the second end. A dog is positioned on the retaining head. The dog extends into the magazine well and is engageable with the magazine to retain the magazine within the magazine well. A channel is defined by the housing. The channel extends lengthwise therealong. A first recess is positioned at the first end of the housing. A second recess is positioned at the second end of the housing. A plunger is received within the channel. A first end of the plunger is received within the first recess and a second end of the plunger received within the second recess. The plunger being movable along its longitudinal axis within the channel. A projection extends from the plunger transversely to its longitudinal axis. A biasing spring acts between the housing and the plunger and biases the plunger toward the second recess and into engagement with the frame. The housing is movable transversely to the frame between a first position wherein the dog engages and retains the magazine within the magazine well, and a second position, wherein the dog is disengaged from the magazine, the biasing spring biasing the housing into the first position.
In an example embodiment the dog projects transversely from the housing. Further by way of example the housing defines a plurality of notches adjacent to the retaining head. Each notch is adapted to receive the projection. The plunger is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relatively to the housing so as to align the projection with any one of the plurality of notches. In a specific example embodiment the housing defines three notches. In a further example the housing defines an aperture in the second end. The aperture provides access to the second end of the plunger. In an example embodiment, the second end of the plunger defines a slot oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the plunger.
A projection 44 extends transversely from the plunger 36. Projection 44 is positioned toward the plunger's second end 40 and is engageable with any one of three notches 46, 48, and 50 located in housing 24 adjacent to the retaining head 28. Engagement between the projection 44 and the notches secures the rotational orientation of the plunger 36 within the channel 30 as shown by a comparison of
As shown in
It is expected that magazine catches according to the invention will provide design improvements to pistols, especially those comprising molded polymer frames because the design does not require complex frame undercuts and can use the standard “pull” pocket features common to molding practice.
This application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/691,858, filed Jun. 29, 2018 and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
4236337 | Beretta | Dec 1980 | A |
4521985 | Smith | Jun 1985 | A |
4573280 | Malhotra | Mar 1986 | A |
4599818 | Fedora | Jul 1986 | A |
4713902 | Wigton | Dec 1987 | A |
4759144 | Egan et al. | Jul 1988 | A |
4949492 | Clifton, Jr. | Aug 1990 | A |
5058301 | Lishness et al. | Oct 1991 | A |
6141895 | Rost | Nov 2000 | A |
8166691 | Karfiol | May 2012 | B1 |
9964372 | O'Clair | May 2018 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
672094 | Feb 1939 | DE |
0364408 | Apr 1990 | EP |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
62691858 | Jun 2018 | US |