This invention relates to safety mechanisms for semiautomatic pistols.
Magazine safeties prevent a firearm, such as a semiautomatic pistol, from being fired if a magazine is withdrawn (usually even partially withdrawn) from the magazine well of the pistol or other firearm. Magazine safeties are thought to improve the safe handling of firearms, especially for activities related to field stripping and cleaning. Magazine safeties also provide a way to render a firearm inoperable, allowing for safer storage when the magazine is stored separate from the firearm. Furthermore, certain jurisdictions and authorities (notably the state of California, various police departments and government militaries) have enacted legislation or imposed purchasing requirements mandating the use of magazine safeties on firearms sold in the jurisdiction or purchased for use.
The invention concerns a safety mechanism for a firearm and a firearm having a safety. The firearm, for example, a semiautomatic pistol has a frame defining a magazine well for receiving an ammunition magazine and a trigger bar movably mounted on the frame. In an example embodiment the safety mechanism comprises a first lever mountable on the frame adjacent to the magazine well. The first lever comprises a first arm pivotable about a first pivot axis into and out of the magazine well, and a second arm positioned on an opposite side of the first pivot axis, A second lever has a first end pivotably attached to the second arm and a second end attachable to the frame. The second end is pivotable about a second pivot axis oriented parallel to the first pivot axis. When the first arm pivots into the magazine well the second lever pivots into a position blocking motion of the trigger bar which would discharge the firearm.
An example embodiment further comprises a biasing spring engaging one of the first and second levers for biasing the first arm into the magazine well. In a specific example embodiment the biasing spring acts between the frame and the second lever. By way of further example a spur may extend from the second lever. The spur is engageable with the trigger bar when the first arm pivots into the magazine well.
An example embodiment further comprises a pin extending between the second arm and the first end of the second lever. The pin defines a floating axis of rotation between the second lever and the second arm parallel to the first and second pivot axes.
In another example safety mechanism and firearm, the safety mechanism comprises a housing mountable on the frame adjacent to the magazine well. A first lever is mounted on the housing. The first lever comprises a first arm pivotable about a first pivot axis into and out of the magazine well, and a second arm positioned on an opposite side of the first pivot axis. A second lever has a first end pivotably attached to the second arm and a second end attached to the housing. The second end is pivotable about a second pivot axis oriented parallel to the first pivot axis. When the first arm pivots into the magazine well the second lever pivots into a position blocking motion of the trigger bar which would discharge the firearm.
An example embodiment further comprises a biasing spring engaging one of the first and second levers for biasing the first arm into the magazine well. In a specific example the biasing spring acts between the housing and the second lever. A further example embodiment comprises a spur extending from the second lever. The spur is engageable with the trigger bar when the first arm pivots into the magazine well. An example embodiment further comprises a pin extending between the second arm and the first end of the second lever. The pin defines an axis of rotation parallel to the first and second pivot axes. In an example embodiment the housing comprises at least one plate.
It is advantageous to bias the mechanism 12 so that the first arm 28 is urged to pivot into the magazine well 16 (see
Operation of the example magazine safety 12 according to the invention is illustrated in
It is expected that magazine safety mechanisms according to the invention will permit more reliable and safe operation of semiautomatic firearms.
This application is based upon and claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/829,968, filed Apr. 5, 2019, which application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20200318922 A1 | Oct 2020 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62829968 | Apr 2019 | US |