Semi-Automatic Pistol

Abstract

An improved M1911 pistol, method of making an improved M1911 pistol, and system for improving performance of an M1911 pistol. Replacement parts for the M1911 pistol include stainless steel, which may be a 17-4Ph metal. Improved replacement parts include an improved frame and an improved slide.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a structurally integral replacement part system generally useful for improving the performance and durability of previously known firearms, and in a specific though non-limiting embodiment to a part system useful for manufacturing and/or replacing certain parts of the 0.45 caliber M1911 series semi-automatic pistol invented by John Browning, for example, a Colt 1911 0.45 caliber pistol.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The basic Browning M1911 design has seen very little change throughout its long production life. The basic principle of the pistol is recoil operation. As expanding combustion gases force a bullet down the barrel, they give reverse momentum to an associated slide and barrel, which are locked together during this portion of the firing cycle. After the bullet has left the barrel, the slide and barrel continue rearward for a short distance.

[0003] At that point, a link pivots the barrel down and out of locking recesses formed in the slide, thereby bringing the barrel to a stop. As the slide continues rearward, a claw extractor pulls the spent casing from the firing chamber and an ejector strikes the rear of the case, thereby pivoting it out and away from the pistol. The slide then stops and is propelled forward by a spring to strip a fresh cartridge from the magazine and feed it into the firing chamber. At the forward end of its travel distance, the slide locks into the barrel and is ready to fire again.

[0004] Since its inception, the M1911 has lent itself to customization, with replacement sights, grips, and other aftermarket accessories being the most commonly offered replacement parts. Since the 1950s and the rise of competitive pistol shooting, many companies have been offering the M1911 as a base model for subsequent customization. Typical modifications range from changing the external finish, checkering the frame, and hand fitting custom hammers, triggers and sears.

[0005] Other modifications include compensators and the addition of accessories such as tactical lights and viewing scopes. A relatively common modification of the original Browning design is a full-length guide rod that runs the full length of the recoil spring. This change adds weight to the front of the pistol, but does not generally result in an increase in accuracy or reliability, and generally make the pistol much more difficult to disassemble.

[0006] Accordingly, there is need for modifications, replacement parts, and a system to increase the durability and performance of M1911 pistols.

SUMMARY

[0007] In an example embodiment of the present invention, an improved M1911 pistol is provided, including: a frame; a slide; a grip safety, a safety lock; a disconnector; a hammer; and a sear. Each of the frame, the slide, the grip safety, the safety lock, the disconnector, the hammer and the sear includes stainless steel. The stainless steel may be a 17-4Ph metal.

[0008] The improved M1911 pistol may include a plunger tube integrally connected to the frame. The improved M1911 pistol may include an ejector integrally connected to the frame. The improved M1911 pistol may include a ready finger position located in front of a trigger guard, which ready finger position may be configured to receive a trigger finger in a rest position. The improved M1911 pistol may include a flared magazine well. A stop within the flared magazine well may be lowered relative to an original magazine well.

[0009] The improved M1911 pistol may include a tactical rail attached just in front of a trigger guard. The tactical rail may include three slots. The improved M1911 pistol may include an extended magazine release. The improved M1911 pistol may include a performance barrel, busing, link and pin. The improved M1911 pistol may include a recoil reducer system. The improved M1911 pistol may include an extended slide stop and an extended safety lock. The improved M1911 pistol may include a rear sight and a front site. The front site may be a fiber optic site. The hammer may be a commander-style hammer. The grip safety may be a beavertail shaped safety.

[0010] In an example embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing replacement parts for an M1911 pistol is provided, including: casting the replacement parts with stainless steel. The casting may include a double solution annealing process. The stainless steel may a 17-4Ph metal. The replacement parts may include at least one of: a frame; a slide, a grip safety, a safety lock, a disconnector, a hammer; and a sear.

[0011] In an example embodiment of the present invention, a system for improving performance of an M1911 pistol is provided, including: replacing at least of a frame and a slide of the M1911 pistol with a stainless steel frame and a stainless steel slide. The stainless steel may be a 17-4Ph metal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a frame and slide of a firearm and an additional slide according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a firearm according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a frame of a firearm according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a slide according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 4A is a side view of the slide shown in FIG. 4.

[0017] FIG. 4B is a top view of the slide shown in FIG. 4.

[0018] FIG. 4C is an isometric view of the slide shown in FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 4D is a rear view of the slide shown in FIG. 4.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of a slide according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of a frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a side view of a frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7A is a rear view of the frame shown in FIG. 7.

[0024] FIG. 7B is an opposite side view of the frame shown in FIG. 7.

[0025] FIG. 7C is an isometric view of the frame shown in FIG. 7.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a side view of a frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 8A is a rear view of the frame shown in FIG. 8.

[0028] FIG. 8B is an opposite side view of the frame shown in FIG. 8.

[0029] FIG. 8C is an isometric view of the frame shown in FIG. 8.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a side view of a frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 9A is a top view of the frame shown in FIG. 9.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a side view of a disconnector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 10A is a rear view of the disconnector shown in FIG. 10.

[0034] FIG. 10B is an opposite side view of the disconnector shown in FIG. 10.

[0035] FIG. 10C is an isometric view of the disconnector shown in FIG. 10.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a side view of a sear according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 11A is a rear view of the sear shown in FIG. 11.

[0038] FIG. 11B is a bottom view of the sear shown in FIG. 11.

[0039] FIG. 11C is an opposite side view of the sear shown in FIG. 11.

[0040] FIG. 11D is an isometric view of the sear shown in FIG. 11.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a rear view of a grip safety according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 12A is a side view of the grip safety shown in FIG. 12.

[0043] FIG. 12B is a front view of the grip safety show in FIG. 12.

[0044] FIG. 12C is an opposite side view of the grip safety shown in FIG. 12.

[0045] FIG. 12D is an isometric view of the grip safety shown in FIG. 12.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a top view of a hammer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 13A is a side view of the hammer shown in FIG. 13.

[0048] FIG. 13B is a rear view of the hammer shown in FIG. 13.

[0049] FIG. 13C is an opposite side view of the hammer shown in FIG. 13.

[0050] FIG. 13D is an enlarged view of section B of FIG. 13C.

[0051] FIG. 13E is an isometric view of the hammer shown in FIG. 13.

[0052] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a slide stop according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 14A is a bottom view of the slide stop shown in FIG. 14.

[0054] FIG. 14B is a rear view of the slide stop shown in FIG. 14.

[0055] FIG. 14C is an enlarged view of section A of FIG. 14B.

[0056] FIG. 14D is a side view of the slide stop shown in FIG. 14.

[0057] FIG. 14E is an opposite side view of the slide stop shown in FIG. 14.

[0058] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a safety lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 15A is a side view of the safety lock shown in FIG. 15.

[0060] FIG. 15B is an enlarged view of cross-section D-D of FIG. 15A.

[0061] FIG. 15C is an enlarged view of section B of FIG. 15A.

[0062] FIG. 15D is an enlarged view of cross-section A-A of FIG. 15A.

[0063] FIG. 15E is a rear view of the safety lock shown in FIG. 15.

[0064] FIG. 15F is an enlarged view of cross-section E-E of FIG. 15A.

[0065] FIG. 15G is opposite side view of the safety lock shown in FIG. 15.

[0066] FIG. 15H is a bottom view of the safety lock shown in FIG. 15.

[0067] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a mainspring housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] FIG. 16A is a side view of the mainspring housing shown in FIG. 16.

[0069] FIG. 16B is cross sectional view of cross section A-A of FIG. 16A.

[0070] FIG. 16C is a bottom view of the mainspring housing shown in FIG. 16.

[0071] FIG. 16D is a rear view of the mainspring housing shown in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] In order to overcome various shortcomings identified in the weapons found in the prior art, the present inventors have developed a number of proposed alterations, substitutions and replacement parts that improve the performance, efficiency and durability of an M1911 pistol, without substantially increasing the weight, cost or complexity of disassembly of the weapon.

[0073] For example, in one embodiment, an altered M1911 pistol comprises a stainless steel casting; in one specific embodiment, the stainless steel is a 17-4Ph metal. To date, this is believed to be the only civilian version of the weapon so cast.

[0074] A clear advantage to this approach is that the resulting weapon will better stand up to extreme conditions and battering. For example, it has been found that 17-4Ph metal can be reduced to approximately 150 degrees below surrounding ambient temperatures, and then brought up to approximately 150 degrees above surrounding ambient temperatures without incursion of molecular change within the metal. A 17-4Ph metal is also the most rust resistant of the stainless steels, and can sustain multiple hours of continuous salt spray without suffering deleterious performance effects.

[0075] In one embodiment, annealing is done with a double solution annealing process, thereby achieving a Rockwell hardness of approximately 34-36 on the receiver and approximately 42-46 on the slide. In contrast, the vast majority of handguns currently offered for sale comprise a Rockwell hardness level of 26 or less.

[0076] In a recent performance, the inventors subjected multiple test samples to both a drop test and a mallet test, each of which are specifically designed to assess whether a firearm is likely suspect to inadvertent firing or other forms of unintended discharge. While there are several firearm industry-recognized standards for drop tests, the inventors applied drop test requirements adopted by the State of California because those standards are amongst the strictest in the United States. A twenty-four (24) ounce mallet was used for the mallet test. Each of the subject samples passed both tests.

[0077] In many versions of the prior art, the plunger tube will come loose during the firing process, thereby resulting in failure of the weapon. This shortcoming is so pronounced that sometimes the internal plunger spring will eject from the firearm with such force that it cannot later be relocated.

[0078] To overcome this shortcoming, the inventors manufacture the plunger tube as part of the frame itself; in other words, the integral plunger tube is machined directly onto the frame, thereby rendering it impossible to loosen or fall off the frame because it is manufactured structurally integral therewith.

[0079] This same process is then repeated with the ejector, so that there is no subsequent fitting or drilling stage. For a home firearm builder, this eliminates several tedious steps in the building process, as well as any concern regarding rail damage or a roll pin sticking out into the frame rail due to improper installation.

[0080] Most novice shooters, and even many experienced shooters, have difficulty remembering to keep their trigger index finger out of the trigger guard until it is time to shoot. The inventors consider that a leading cause of this failure is the fact that in all known prior art models there isn't any specific place the trigger finger should necessarily rest. The weapon disclosed herein therefore further comprises a "ready-one" finger position located directly in front of the trigger guard and to the rear of the tactical rail that will serve as a natural rest point and reminder to the shooter to obey this basic firearm safety rule.

[0081] In another embodiment the weapon comprises an improved "beavertail" shaped grip safety, so that when the shooter's hand reaches its most optimum gripping position, a maximum hand/grip relationship relative to the slide is achieved. This modification confers greater control over the firearm, thereby resulting in a quicker recovery time for subsequent shots, and a reduction in the amount of recoil felt by the shooter.

[0082] Also, all of the sharp edges of the grip are reduced and opened up relative to the trigger housing. Similarly, reducing frame dimensions supports a better grip, and improves holstering due to a reduction of drag imparted by the holster material.

[0083] In another embodiment, a flared magazine well is added, and the stop within the magazine well is lowered, thereby allowing for more brands of magazine to be accepted. This change also facilitates a faster loading of the magazine.

[0084] In other embodiments, a tactical rail is installed just in front of the trigger guard; in one specific though non-limiting embodiment, the tactical rail comprises three slots instead of the usual one slot offered by typical manufactures, thereby allowing a greater variety of accessories to be added.

[0085] In further embodiments, an extended magazine release is included, and in still further embodiments, a performance barrel, bushing, link and pin are added, e.g. barrels, bushings, links and pins offered by Storm Lake Match.RTM.. In further embodiments still, a recoil reducer system is included, such as the Sprinco Recoil Reducer.RTM., which substantially reduces the felt recoil, thereby allowing for quicker recovery for the next shot.

[0086] In other embodiments, the pistol is equipped with an extended slide stop and an extended thumb safety; in a presently preferred embodiment, these parts also made from 17-4Ph stainless steel, thereby allowing for the longest possible weapon life. In a further embodiment, these parts are also melted for comfort and fit, and reduced drag while replacing or drawing the weapon from a holster.

[0087] In other embodiments the gun comes with a rear sight (e.g., area site from Ghost Ring.RTM.) and a fiber optic front sight. As those of skill in the pertinent arts will attest, a Ghost Ring.RTM. rear site will put the shooter on target with an ease not generally experienced with other sight combinations.

[0088] In other embodiments, a commander-style hammer having a round configuration for reducing the chance of the gun getting caught on a garment or holster is also provided, and in still further embodiments a lanyard ring attachment is disposed on a lower portion of the main spring housing is to facilitate tethering of the weapon to the shooter. In other embodiments, gripping serrations disposed on both the front and rear of the slide allows multiple ways to rack the slide.

[0089] Finally, the weapon is equipped with a smooth, crisp trigger pull, so that additional (and oftentimes expensive) gunsmithing is avoided. Exotic wood grips, such as Coco Bolo.RTM., are typically installed, and optional grips for tactical use are made available.

[0090] In one presently preferred embodiment, the resulting firearm is then packaged and sold with two stainless steel eight-round magazines, a cleaning brush, a custom metal barrel brushing wrench tool, and a compilation of useful National Rifle Association safety literature. In a further preferred embodiment, an associated gun case used for storage and transportation is airline drop-test approved, and equipped with a plurality of locking devices, for example two padlocks, in order to secure the case to the satisfaction of airport security.

[0091] Example embodiments of the present invention may be seen in FIGS. 1 to 16D. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6 to 9, embodiments of the present invention include pistols 10 having improved frames 26, which may be smaller in dimension than a frame being replaced. The frames may be stainless steel and may be 17-4Ph stainless steel. A ready finger position may be located in front of trigger guard 22.

[0092] Embodiments may include improved slides 12, which may be stainless steel and in certain embodiments, 17-4Ph stainless steel. See, e.g., FIGS. 1 to 2, and 4 to 5. Further embodiments may include improved grip safety 18. See, e.g., FIGS. 1 to 2 and 12 to 12D. Embodiments may also include improved safety lock 14, hammer 16, plunger 20, grip attachment surface 24, disconnector 28, sear 30 and slide stop 32. Each of these features may be stainless steel and in certain embodiments, 17-4Ph stainless steel.

[0093] The foregoing specification is provided only for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to describe all possible aspects of the present invention. While the invention has herein been shown and described in detail with respect to several exemplary embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that minor changes to the description, and various other modifications, omissions and additions may also be made without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

Claims

1. An improved M1911 pistol, comprising: a frame; a slide; a grip safety a safety lock; a disconnector; a hammer; and a sear; wherein each of the frame, the slide, the grip safety, the safety lock, the disconnector, the hammer and the sear includes stainless steel.

2. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, wherein the stainless steel is a 17-4Ph metal.

3. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising a plunger tube integrally connected to the frame.

4. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising an ejector integrally connected to the frame.

5. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising a ready finger position located in front of a trigger guard, which ready finger position is configured to receive a trigger finger in a rest position.

6. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising a flared magazine well.

7. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 6, wherein a stop within the flared magazine well is lowered relative to an original magazine well of the M1911 pistol.

8. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising a tactical rail attached in front of a trigger guard.

9. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 8, wherein the tactical rail comprises three slots.

10. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising an extended magazine release.

11. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising a performance barrel, busing, link and pin.

12. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising a recoil reducer system.

13. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising an extended slide stop and an extended safety lock.

14. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising a rear sight and a front site.

15. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 14, wherein the front site is a fiber optic site.

16. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, wherein the hammer is a commander-style hammer.

17. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, wherein the grip safety is a beavertail shaped safety.

18. A method of manufacturing replacement parts for an M1911 pistol, comprising: casting the replacement parts with stainless steel.

19. The method of manufacturing replacement parts for an M1911 pistol of claim 18, further comprising a double solution annealing process.

20. The method of manufacturing replacement parts for an M1911 pistol of claim 18, wherein the stainless steel is a 17-4Ph metal.

21. The method of manufacturing replacement parts for an M1911 pistol of claim 18, wherein the replacement parts include at least one of: a frame; a slide, a grip safety, a safety lock, a disconnector, a hammer; and a sear.

22. A system for improving performance of an M1911 pistol, comprising: replacing at least one of a frame and a slide of the M1911 pistol with a stainless steel frame and a stainless steel slide.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the stainless steel is a 17-4Ph metal.