Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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DOUBLE ACTION MODEL 1911 PISTOL
This application claims priority from provisional application
serial No. 60/636,841, filed on December 16, 2004.
BACKGROUND
[001] 1. Field
[002] The disclosed embodiments relate to firearms and, more
particularly, to a model 1911 pistol capable of double action
operation.
[003] 2. Description of Earlier Related Developments
[004] Single and double action semi automatic pistols such as the
compact pistol disclosed in United States Patent 6,000,162
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety have
been used broadly. A very popular and prevalent pistol
configuration is the model 1911 pistol configuration, such as
made by Colt's Manufacturing Corp., and used as a single
action semi automatic pistol. In this form, the model 1911
pistol has had broad and extended historical use, bringing the
model 1911 world renown that is well deserved. With a slim
shape, and historical renown, the model 1911 continues as a
highly desired firearm. Further, there is a desire for a
model 1911 pistol with the convenience and expedience of
double action operation (the capability of cocking the hammer
and firing the firearm by actuation of the trigger).
Conventional double action firing mechanisms have an
arrangement generally illustrated for employment in the model
1911 frame. The slim profile of the model 1911 pistol frame
provides little room for inclusion of the firing mechanism for
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double action operation. One example of a model 1911 pistol
capable of double action operation is disclosed in U.S. Patent
No. 3,722,358 wherein conversion of existing (single action
only) pistols to double action (for the first shot) is
provided by addition of a cocking link between trigger and
hammer that is completely separate from the single action
mechanism. As may be realized, however, the use of a
completely separate cocking link from the mechanism is
inefficient and costly to manufacture (employing two separate
mechanisms to effect cocking and firing instead of one), and
also compromises the mechanical efficiency (the engagement
between the cocking link and hammer, in this example, is
necessarily close to the pivot pin of the hammer generating
little leverage against the mainspring) and operator "feel"
when firing the pistol. Other examples of conventional double
action pistols, use mostly pistol frames that are wider than
the model 1911 pistol. There is a desire to provide a pistol
having a model 1911 frame configuration where the pistol is
capable of double/single action operation or double action
only operation. The exemplary embodiments of the present
invention overcome the problems of conventional systems as
will be desired in greater detail below.
[005] SUMMARY OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[006] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment a model 1911
semiautomatic pistol is provided. The pistol has a receiver, a
barrel coupled to the receiver, a slide coupled to the
receiver, and a firing mechanism coupled to the receiver. The
firing mechanism is adapted for double action operation. The
firing mechanism has a hammer with a firing pin strike surface
and an engagement surface enabling single action operation of
the firing mechanism. The engagement surface is moveable
relative to the firing pin strike surface.
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[007] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a model 1911
semiautomatic pistol is provided. The pistol has a receiver, a
barrel coupled to the receiver, a breach slide coupled to the
receiver and a firing mechanism connected to the receiver. The
firing mechanism has a trigger and a hammer both pivotally
mounted to the receiver. The firing mechanism has a draw bar
connected to the trigger and linking the trigger and the
hammer so that the firing mechanism is capable of double
action operation, and single action operation. The double
action operation is full double action in that hammer cocking
from its battery position to fully rotated position and
release for firing is effected by the draw bar.
[008] In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, a model
1911 pistol is provided. The pistol has a receiver, a barrel
and a firing mechanism. The receiver has a model 1911 pistol
trigger guard. The barrel is coupled to the receiver and the
breach slide is moveably coupled to the receiver. The firing
mechanism is connected to the receiver and has a hammer and a
trigger moveably mounted to the receiver. The firing mechanism
is a double action mechanism with the trigger pivotally
mounted to the receiver with a user engagable portion disposed
inside the trigger guard for user double action actuation of
the firing mechanism. The firing mechanism has a draw bar
linking the trigger and hammer and effecting double action
actuation of the hammer. The draw bar is included within an
outer wall of the receiver.
[009] In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment, a
pistol is provided. The pistol has a receiver, a barrel
connected to the receiver, a breach slide moveable connected
to the receiver and a firing mechanism moveable connected to
the receiver. The firing mechanism has a hammer selectable
from different interchangeable hammers. At least one of the
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interchangeable hammers has engagement features enabling
double action only operation of the firing mechanism. Another
hammer of the different interchangeable hammers has engagement
features enabling both double action and single action
operation of the firing mechanism.
[0010]'BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing aspects and other features of the exemplary
embodiments are explained in the following description, taken
in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] Fig. 1 is a left side isometric view of a pistol incorporating
features in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] Fig. 2 is a partial exploded isometric view of the pistol
shown in Fig. 1;
[0014] Fig. 3 is a right side partial exploded isometric view of the
pistol shown in Fig. 1;
[0015] Fig. 4 is a partial isometric view of the rear of a hammer
assembly for the pistol shown in Fig. 1;
[0016] Fig. 5A is a partial right side view of a firing assembly for
the pistol shown in Fig. 1;
[0017] Fig. 5B is another partial right side view of the hammer,
sear, and decock lever of the firing assembly shown in Fig.
5A;
[0018] Fig. 6 is a partial right side view of a firing assembly for
the pistol shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment;
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[0019] Fig. 7A is another partial right side view of the firing
assembly in Fig. 6 with the firing assembly in a different
position;
[0020] Fig. 7B is a partial left side isometric view of the firing
assembly in the position shown in Fig. 6;
[0021] Fig. 7C is an isometric view of the hammer of the firing
assembly shown in Fig. 6;
[0022] Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C are top, right and front views
respectively of the trigger for the pistol shown in Fig. 1;
[0023] Figs. 9A, 9B and 9C are top, left and rear views respectively
of the draw bar for the pistol shown in Fig. 1;
[0024] Figs. 10A, 10B and 10C are top, left and rear views
respectively of a bracket for the pistol shown in Fig. 1;
[0025] Figs. 11A, 11B and 11C are top, left and rear views
respectively of the right decocking lever for the pistol
shown in Fig. 1;
[0026] Figs. 12A, 12B and 12C are top, right and front views
respectively of the left decocking lever for the pistol shown
in Fig. 1;
[0027] Figs. 13A, 13B and 13C are top, left and rear views
respectively of a mainspring housing for the pistol shown in
Fig. 1; and
[0028] Figs. 14A, 14B are exploded isometric views that respectively
show the right and left grips and portions of the firing
mechanism housed therein of the pistol in Fig. 1.
[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)
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[00301 Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown an isometric view of
a firearm 10 incorporating features of an exemplary
embodiment. The firearm 10 is illustrated as a model 1911
pistol semi-automatic, though various features, as will be
described further below, of the present invention are equally
applicable to any suitable firearm. The pistol 10 has a
receiver or frame 12, a barrel 14, a breach slide 15, a firing
mechanism 16, and a removable cartridge magazine 18. Although
the present invention will be described with the reference to
the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be
understood that the present invention can be embodied in
various different types and kinds of alternate embodiments and
different types and kinds of firearms. In addition, any
suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be
used.
[00311 Referring also to Fig's. 2 and 3, a partial exploded
isometric view of the pistol 10 is shown. As noted above
pistol 10 in this embodiment is a model 1911 semi-automatic
pistol, such as manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Corp.,
and the components of the pistol are substantially the same as
a model 1911 pistol except as otherwise described below. In
this exemplary embodiment, pistol 10 is capable of both double
action and single action operation as will be described below.
The frame 12 may be preferably a one-piece member made of
metal. However, the frame could be a multi-piece assembly
including other materials such as plastic. The frame 12 has a
stock or handgrip section 20 with a cartridge magazine
receiving area 22, a trigger guard section 24 and a slot (not
shown) for the trigger assembly. In the embodiment shown, the
trigger assembly employs a pivoting trigger with an offset
crank and engaging a draw bar. The trigger guard section 24
is sized and shaped substantially the same as that of a model
1911 pistol trigger guard. In this manner, the trigger guard
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24 has the shape of a 1911 pistol while accommodating a
trigger with sufficient throw to accommodate full double
action and single action operation as will be described. The
barrel 14 has a bottom rear lug 30. The lug 30 has a slot 32.
A barrel link 38 connects the lug 30 to the frame 12 with a
pin 19 and extends through the slot 32. The barrel link 38
causes the barrel 14 to move relative to the frame 12 under
impetus from the breach slide. The slide 15 is slidingly
mounted to the top of the frame 12. A main portion of the
barrel 14 is located in a main channel of the slide 15 and
guided by barrel bushing 106. The rear of the slide has a
firing pin 40 therein preloaded by firing pin spring 124
against firing pin stop 126. An extractor 128 is also retained
in the slide by firing pin stop 126 for ejection of spent
cartridges. A firing pin plunger 132 and plunger spring 134
are provided to prevent the firing pin from advancing to the
cartridge when the firing pin is improperly engaged. Plunger
lever 182 is pivotally coupled to frame 12 with hammer pin 64.
Except as otherwise described below, the firing pin 40, firing
pin plunger 132, spring 134 and lever 182 are substantially
similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,555,861,
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Plunger
lever 182 has protrusions 232 and 234 that cooperate with the
draw bar 76 in combination with trigger 28 to rise the firing
pin plunger 132 and allow the firing pin to advance to the
cartridge when the firing pin is properly engaged by hammer
assembly 42. Front and rear sights 138, 139 are on slide 15.
Recoil spring plug 140 is coupled to slide 15 housing recoil
spring 142, the opposite end of which engages recoil spring
guide 144 coupled to frame 12. The recoil spring 142 biases
the slide forward relative to frame 12. Either manually or by
firing action, when the slide 15 is moved rearward on the
frame 12, the barrel 14 is moved rearward by the slide 15. As
the barrel 14 is moved rearward, interaction between the
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barrel 14 and barrel link 38 causes. the rear of the barrel to
move downward. Slide stop 146 is pivotally mounted in frame
12. Plunger tube 148, slide stop plunger 150, plunger spring
152 and spiral pin 154 are mounted to frame 12. In alternate
embodiments other types of barrels and/or barrel mounting
systems could be provided. In alternate embodiments, any
suitable type of slide could also be provided. in addition,
any suitable type of firing pin or striker could be provided.
Magazine catch 176, magazine catch and gate spring 178 and
magazine catch lock 180 are provided coupled to frame 12 to
retain and release the magazine 18. Ejector 184 and ejector
pin 186 cooperate with extractor 218 to eject spent cartridges
from firearm 10 after firing.
[00321 Referring also to Figs. 7B, and 14A, 14B the handgrip
section of the pistol 10 will be described. The pistol 10
includes two handgrip panels 120, 121 except as otherwise
noted, the handgrip panels 120, 121 are substantially the same
as model 1911 pistol handgrip panels. The panels 120 are
mounted to the frame 12 on opposite sides of the handgrip
section 20. In this embodiment, the handgrip section 20 has
fastener holes 122 on each side. The holes 122 are located at
top and the bottom of the handgrip section respectively. The
right side panel 120 has matching holes 130, 131. Fasteners
136, 137 are inserted into holes 130, 131 and screwed into the
bushings 210 where the bushings 210 are inserted into the
holes 122 of frame 12. In alternate embodiments, the panels
may be fastened to the handgrip section of the pistol frame
using any other suitable means such as snap on detents.
[00331 Referring again to Fig. 2, firing mechanism 16 includes
the trigger assembly 28, the draw bar 76, the firing pin 40
and a hammer assembly 42. Referring also to Fig. 4, the hammer
assembly 42 includes a first hammer member 44 and a second
hammer member 46 movably or pivotally mounted to the hammer.
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In this embodiment, the second hammer member has a general
hook shape and is referred hereinafter as the hammer hook. In
alternate embodiments, the second hammer member may have any
other desired shape. The hammer hook 46 engages a hammer
engagement end of the draw bar 76 to move the draw bar forward
(and therefor the trigger) when the pistol is being fired in
single action mode. The first hammer member 44 is made of
metal, such as extruded, stamped or cast metal. In alternate
embodiments, the first hammer member may be made of any
suitable material. The first hammer member 44 has a striking
face 48, a mounting hole 50, a rear slot 54, and two rear
holes 56 (only one of which is shown in Fig. 4) on opposite
sides of the rear slot 54. In this embodiment, the first
hammer member has a recess or pocket 52 formed into a side of
the first hammer member. The groove or pocket 52 is sized
with stops 188, 190 for a predetermined gap between the hammer
hook and the stops. The predetermined gap (also Figs. 4A and
5A) allows the hammer hook 46 to travel relative to the first
hammer member 44 in the direction indicated by arrow Dl in
Fig. 5A. This relative travel between hammer hook and member
44 allows the hammer hook to clear the frame assembly, and in
particular the posts 196, 198 (see Fig. 2) retaining the
mainspring housing at the rear of the frame, during hammer
rotation. The hammer hook 46 also moves to allow increased
rotation of the hammer member 44 when released to strike the
firing pin. The first hammer member has a first step surface
110. A second step surface 208 and draw bar catch or
engagement surface 202 are also formed on the hammer member as
shown in Fig. 4. The configuration of the steps and draw bar
catch surfaces on the hammer member are merely exemplary, and
in alternate embodiments the hammer member may have any other
desired configuration. Side pocket 52 is shown in the right
side of the hammer member 44, though in alternate embodiments,
the pocket may be disposed in any other side of the first
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hammer member. The pocket is sized,to admit the hook therein.
The hammer hook 46 may be a plate made of metal or any other
suitable material. The plate 46 may be stamped from a hardened
metal member. The material for the hook may be different than
the first hammer member. In this embodiment, the plate 46 has
a mounting hole 58, sized for pin 64 and a bottom projection
60 with a surface 62 and scallop 63. Surface 62, as shown in
Fig. 5A, is provided to engage draw bar 76 on cocking of
hammer 44. Scallop 63 is provided to clear posts 196, 198 of
the hammer release members upon firing. As seen best in Fig.
5A, a cutout or recess 268 within mainspring housing 160 is
provided to allow hammer hook 46 freedom of movement relative
to the main spring housing. The plate 46 may rotate within
pocket 52 within a limited rotation angle until surface 192 of
hook 46 engages stop surface 188 of hammer member 44 (for
example, during cocking of the hammer 42), and / or surface
194 of hook member 46 engages stop surface 190 of hammer
member 44 (for example during release or decocking of the
hammer 42 ) .
[0034] The shapes of the pocket 52 and the portion of the hook
46 in the pocket interlock the two members together. In
alternate embodiments, any other suitable interlocking means
may be used between the hammer member and draw bar engagement
member of the hammer. The holes 50, 58 align with each other,
and hammer pin 64 extends through the two holes 50, 58 to
pivotably mount the hammer hook in the hammer member and the
hammer assembly 42 to the frame 12. As will be described in
greater detail below and seen best in Fig. 5A, the projection
60 extends out of the pocket 52 and past the bottom end of the
first hammer member 44 so that the hammer hook 46 may engage
the rearmost surface of the draw bar regardless of the
vertical position of the rear end of the draw bar. When
assembled, the right sides of the two members 44, 46 may be
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flush with each other. The interlocking nature of the two
members allows the first hammer member 44 to rotate hammer
hook 46 when the first hammer member is rotated about pin 64.
In alternate embodiments other types of hammer assemblies
could be provided. In addition, alternative or additional
means could be provided to interlock the two hammer members
together. As seen in Fig. 4, a strut pin 56 is mounted in the
holes 56 and spans the rear slot 54. The hammer strut 68
extends into the slot 54. As seen in Fig. 2, the strut 68 is
spring loaded by a spring 70 against the strut pin 66. The
strut 68 engages spring 70 through mainspring cap 156. Spring
70 engages mainspring housing 160 through mainspring retainer
pin 158 and roll pin 162. As may be realized the use of the
hammer hook enables the double action mechanism to be fitted
within the frame of the Model 1911 pistol.
[003 5] Referring also to Figs. 13A, 13B and 13C are top, left
and rear views respectively of mainspring housing 160. The
mainspring housing 160 is coupled to receiver housing 12 via
projections 260 in slots (not shown) and held by mainspring
housing pin 164 (see Fig. 2). The combination of mainspring 70
and strut 68 biases the top of the hammer assembly 42 in a
forward direction. In this embodiment, right and left
decocking levers 166, 168 (see Fig. 2) are pivotally mounted
by posts 196, 198 through bore 200 in receiver frame 12 and
bore 201 in mainspring housing 160. In this embodiment, the
decocking levers 166, 168 are interlocked thereby allowing
decocking of the hammer 42 by operating either the left or
right lever. For example, the respective posts 196, 198 may
have keyed features 196K, 198K that interlock when assembled
to the frame where the rotational motion of one is imparted to
the other (see Figs. 11A-11C, and 12A-12C). As seen also in
Figs. 5B, decocking lever 168 has a sear engagement member 276
for engagement of the sear 100 when decocking the hammer as
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will be described in greater detail below. In alternate
embodiments, any other suitable decocking lever may be used.
In this embodiment, member 276 is disposed on lever 168, shown
in Figs. 12A-12C, for example purposes, and in alternate
embodiments the decocking member may be disposed on any
desired lever. Surfaces 218, 220 of decocking levers 166, 168
may be captured behind recesses 222, 224 of grips 120, 121
respectively capturing the levers after the grips are
assembled to the frame 12. The end portion (only end portion
222E of recess 222 is shown in Fig. 14A, the end portion of
recess 224 may be similar but opposite hand) of recesses 222,
224 form a clearance with surface 218, 220 of the decocking
levers allowing the levers to move freely relative to the hand
grip panels. Thus mounted, the levers 196, 198 may be rotated
relative to the frame about posts 196, 198 between a down
position (shown in Fig 4) and an up or decocking position (not
shown.
[00361 The decocking levers are biased in the down position by
spring 172 (see Figs. 2 and 14B). Referring also to Fig's
10A-10C, decocking lever spring bracket 170, in this
embodiment the bracket is shown having general "J" shape for
example purposes and in alternate embodiments the bracket may
have any desired shape or may be replaced by a hole machined
into the receiver frame. J-bar 170 is coupled to frame 12 by
bushing 210 through hole 204 and 122 of frame 12. J-bar 170
may be disposed into and constrained not to rotate within
frame 12 by groove or slot 212 in frame 12 (see Fig. 2). Hole
214 in J-bar 170 supports one end of decocking lever spring
172, the other end of which engages the left decocking lever
168 at hole 216 to bias right and left decocking levers 166,
168 down in the disengaged position. The right and left
decocking levers 166, 168 are provided to release a cocked
hammer (e.g. hammer is in position with stop 208 engaging sear
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100) without firing the weapon. In alternate embodiments other
types of decocking assemblies could be provided. In this
embodiment, the bar 170 and spring 172 may be housed at least
partially within recess 224 of grip 121 (see Fig. 14B).
[00371 Referring also to Fig. 3, a partial exploded isometric
view of the pistol 10 is shown. Referring also to Fig's 8A, 8B
and 8C, are top, right and front views respectively of trigger
assembly 28. The trigger assembly 28 generally comprises a
trigger member 72 and a draw bar 76. The trigger has a pivotal
mount with an offset crank and fits within the trigger guard
of the model 1911 pistol receiver. The pivotal mount of the
trigger is positioned to allow sufficient motion within the
trigger guard for full double action operation (i.e. rotating
the hammer member 44 from its battery position, against the
slide when the slide is in firing ready position, see Fig. 5A,
to the fully rotated position (i.e. maximum rotation of
hammer, and disengagement of sear 100 from hammer). The
trigger member 72 is shown as a one piece member for example
purposes. The trigger member 72 has a bottom finger contact
section 78, a middle section with a pocket 80 and a mounting
hole 82, and a top section 84 with a side projection 88. The
top section 84 and side projection 88 define the offset crank
of the trigger. The width of the finger contact section 78 is
about the same width of the slot 26 in the frame 12. A trigger
pin 92 extends through the holes 82, 90 and also retains side
plate 174 covering draw bar 76. The pin 92 is connected to the
frame 12 across the slot 26 (not shown) through hole 90. This
pivotably mounts the trigger member 72 to the frame 12. The
top section 84 is relatively thin and extends from only this
right side of the trigger member 72.
[0038] Referring also to Figs. 9A, 9B and 9C which respectively
are top, left and rear views of the draw bar 76. In this
embodiment, draw bar 76 allows both double action and single
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action operation of firearm 10. Draw bar 76 may have a thin
profile that allows mounting in a groove 254 (see Fig. 3)
formed into outer wall surface of the receiver frame 12. Draw
bar 76 as a result, does not extend through interior of
receiver frame. The draw bar in the exemplary embodiment is
offset from the barrel and located on one side of the barrel.
The draw bar is included within the receiver frame of the
model 1911 pistol. In this embodiment, the draw bar groove or
channel 254 is formed into the outer side of the receiver
frame 12 and has access opening 290 allowing raised cam 206 on
the draw bar to contact and engage slide rail 15. In
alternate embodiments, the draw bar channel or recess may be
formed in an inside surface of the receiver frame. The frame
12 has cutout 292 to allow engagement finger 94 on draw bar 76
to extend through the receiver and respectively engage the
hammer, for hammer cocking action, and engage the sear 100 for
firing as compared to a conventional 1911 that has no cutout.
The trigger draw bar 76 has a longitudinal portion with a
front end 236 with hole 238 that is pivotably mounted on the
side projection 84 (see Fig. 3). As seen best in Fig. 9B,
front end 236 has offset portion 240 allowing draw bar 76 to
be joined to trigger side projection 84, and allow for travel
of the trigger and draw bar without interference with barrel
link 38 or the link pin. This end joined to the trigger has an
upward bend allowing a connection to the trigger without
interference with the pin for barrel pivoting where the
location also increases mechanical advantage for easier
trigger pull during double action operation. In the exemplary
embodiment, the width of the front end of the draw bar 76 may
be about the same width as the side projection 88 though in
alternate embodiments draw bar 76 may have any desired shape.
The rear end of the bar 76 may have an inwardly extending
lateral projection 94 and a hole 96. The inwardly extending
projection 94 has an inner portion 242 and outer portion 244
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that have a step between them with a different shape as shown.
As may be realized from Fig. 5A, the inner portion 242 engages
surface 202 of hammer member 44, surface 66 of hammer hook 46,
the sear 100 and protrusion 232 of plunger lever 181. The
outer portion 244 is a span section and may have any desired
shape. As seen best in Fig. 9A, draw bar 76 formed steps 250,
252 allowing the draw bar to clear magazine 18 during
operation.
[0039] The channel 254 formed on the outside of receiver frame
12 to accept draw bar 76 is sized to allow draw bar motion in
both directions indicated by X and Y arrows in Fig. 3, while
draw bar 76 is operable offset laterally form the barrel 14
centerline. The channel may be formed by any suitable means.
In alternate embodiments, the channel may be formed within
interior surfaces of the frame eliminating use of covers 174.
The combination of grip 120 and cover 174 prevent exposure of
the firing mechanism 16 and the draw bar 76 to the outside of
firearm 10. As may be realized use of cover 174 allows access
for machining the channel in the receiver and access for
assembly of the firing mechanism. A cammed profile 206 is
provided to cooperate with slide 15 for positioning the draw
bar relative to the hammer, plunger lever and seal for proper
operation of the firing mechanism. The raised cam section 206
may project through opening 290 to contact and act against
bottom of slide rail for double action and single action
position as will be described below. A spring 98 is provided
with one end connected to the frame 12 at hole 256 and an
opposite end connected to the draw bar 76 at the hole 96. The
spring 98 biases the draw bar 76 in a rearward and up
direction. This maintains contact between the draw bar and
hammer hook 46 at the rear of the draw bar and between the
draw bar and bottom of breach slide 15. The spring is seated
within recess 222 of grip 120 (see Figs. 7B and 14A). The
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recess 222 is sufficient in size to accommodate freedom of
movement of the spring while still having a surface to allow
the grip to be fastened flush to frame 12. The grips are
provided in combination with frame 12 and formed to define a
housing with the shape of a model 1911 pistol. The draw bar
spring 98 extends through the inner surface of the grip to be
admitted into a groove in receiver frame 12 as a draw bar
spring slot. The rear projection 94, when the draw bar 76 is
pulled forward is positioned to contact the engagement surface
202 of hammer 44 and pivot the hammer assembly 42 about the
hammer pin 64 to cock the hammer.
[0040] Fig. 5A shows the bar 76 pulled forward to a point where
the projection 94 is engaged with hammer member 44. Sear 100
is pivotably mounted to the frame 12 by a sear pin 102. The
bottom end 104 of the sear 100 is biased forward by a sear
spring (not shown). The top end 108 of the sear 100 is located
to engage a stop surface 110 on the hammer assembly 42 when
the hammer member is sitting on the safety shelf 108 of the
sear 100 in the battery position (sear 100 is shown in Fig. 5A
slightly forward of the position when the hammer is at
battery, see also Fig. 5B). When the draw bar 76 is pulled
forward for example by a user moving the trigger assembly 28,
the projection 94 of draw bar 76 is moved forward. The
projection 94 contacts the catch surface 202 of hammer member
44 and causes the hammer assembly 42 to rotate. If the trigger
assembly 28 is released by the user before the projection 94
is pulled off of the surface 202 in a forward direction, the
hammer assembly 42 is returned to the battery position, shown
in Fig. 5B, where the end 108 of the sear 100 contacts the
stop surface 110 of hammer member 44 to stop the striking
surface 48 from striking the rear end of the firing pin 40. As
the trigger assembly 28 is moved by a user through a full pull
or stroke, hammer rotation causes second stop surface 208 to
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move past sear surface 108B, that is disposed to engage stop
surface 208 on the hammer when in the cocked position. Before
the draw bar projection 94 is pulled off of the surface 202,
the draw bar projection 94 contacts the lower projection 232
of plunger lever 182 moving plunger 132 up and the draw bar
projection 94 contacts the end surface of the sear 100 thereby
moving the sear forward. This causes the sear 100 to rotate,
as indicated by arrow A in Fig. 5A, moving the top end 108 of
the sear 100 out of the path of the stop surface 110 and 208.
As the draw bar 76 comes into the contact with the sear, the
draw bar remains engaged with hammer surface 202 positioning
the hammer member 44 in its fully rotated position. In this
position, clearance may exist between second stop surface 208
and second sear surface 108B allowing smooth motion of the
sear in direction A to clear the hammer stop surfaces. Thus,
when the projection 94 is pulled off of the surface 202, the
hammer assembly 42 can pivot forward to strike the rear end of
the firing pin 40 without the sear 100 stopping the full
motion of the hammer assembly and where the firing pin 40 is
free to strike a cartridge as depression or recess 270 in
plunger 132 aligns with firing pin 40 allowing it to pass.
Otherwise, if the trigger is not pulled back sufficiently the
plunger 132 blocks recess 296 in pin 40. After the pistol 10
is fired, the slide 15 moves rearward and engages cammed end
206 of draw bar 76 camming the draw bar down to a position
where projection 94 is aligned with recess 100R in sear 100.
The sear 100, biased to battery position (shown in Fig. 5B)
cams the draw bar projection 94 into the recess, thereby
allowing the sear 100 to return back to its biased position
shown in Fig. 5B. As the slide 15 returns to its battery
position, the surface 108B of the sear 100 engages the hammer
assembly 42 at the cocked stop surface 208. Thus, the hammer
assembly 42 remains cocked and is prevented from striking the
firing pin 40 a second time. Additionally, the surface 66 of
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hammer hook 46 engages with the rear surface of projection 94
of draw bar 76 and guides the draw bar biased by the draw bar
spring upwards so that projection 94 is aligned with and is
capable of engaging the surface 202 of hammer member 44 such
that pulling on trigger assembly 28 fires the weapon in a
single action mode (as the hammer 44 is now in the cocked
position). As an alternative to firing an initial shot with
the hammer in the position shown in Fig. 5A, the user may
first cock the hammer assembly 42 by pulling on hammer 44 (or
operating the slide) until the surface 108B of the sear 100
catches the hammer assembly 42 at the cocked stop surface 208.
Here, the hammer assembly 42 remains cocked and is prevented
from striking the firing pin 40. As before, the surface 66 of
hammer hook 46 engages with the rear surface of projection 94
of draw bar 76 and cooperates with the surface 202 of hammer
member 44 such that pulling on trigger assembly 28 fires the
weapon in a single action mode as the hammer 44 is in the
cocked position. If the user wishes to decock the hammer
without firing either after an initial shot or after cocking
the hammer as previously described the user may use the left
or right decock levers 166, 168. Here, the decock lever 168 is
raised in direction 274 and lowers from spring load in
direction 278 with decock protrusion 276 releasing the sear
and catching the hammer.
[00411 Referring now to Fig. 6, there is shown a firing
mechanism for a model 1911 pistol similar to pistol 10 adapted
for a double action only operation in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment. Except as otherwise noted, the firing
mechanism 16A in this embodiment is substantially similar to
firing mechanism 16 described before. Firing mechanism 16A
has a hammer assembly 280 that is interchangeable with hammer
assembly 42. Thus, firing mechanism 16A in this exemplary
embodiment may be converted to firing mechanism 16, or vice
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versa, by substitution of hammer assembly 280 with hammer
assembly 42. Hammer assembly 280, in this embodiment allows
only double action operation of the firing mechanism. In
other words, in a double action only configuration, the hammer
assembly 280 cannot be locked in a cocked position and firing
may only be effected via the trigger. In this embodiment,
left and right decocking levers may not be provided, with
associated elimination of the supporting "J"-bar and decocking
lever biasing spring. The hand grips, similar to grips 120,
121 may be modified in that case to extend and cover the area
where the decocking levers were located. In this embodiment,
the hammer assembly 280 may not have a second hammer member
similar to hammer hook 440. In this embodiment, the cocked
hammer sear step (similar to stop surface 208) on the hammer
may also not be provided (replaced in the exemplary-embodiment
shown in Fig. 7C with a smooth surface). Alternately,
components such as the j-bar, de-cock lever, and the hammer
hook may simply be left on the firearm and the hammer replaced
for the conversion from double/single to double only action.
By leaving the features in firearm 10 to accept the
double/single action components, or double action only
components that are interchangeable, the result is a model
1911 semi-automatic pistol that may be readily switched from
double/single action to double only action and vice versa by
swapping hammer assemblies. Referring still to Fig_ 6, the
firing mechanism 16A is shown in the battery position with the
trigger 28 relaxed. Referring also to Fig. 7A, bar 76 is
pulled forward to a point where the projection 94 is engaged
with hammer 280. As noted before, sear 100 is pivotably
mounted to the frame 12 by a sear pin 102. The bottom end 104
of the sear 100 is biased forward. The top end 108 of the sear
100 is located to engage a stop surface 284 on the hammer 280
when the trigger member is in the battery position slightly
behind the position shown in Fig. 6. When the draw bar 76 is
CA 02590831 2007-06-15
pulled forward by a user moving the: trigger assembly 28, the
projection 94 of draw bar 76 is moved forward as shown in Fig.
7A. The projection 94 contacts the catch surface 282 of hammer
280 and causes the hammer 280 to rotate in direction C2. If
the trigger assembly 28 is released by the user before the
projection 94 is pulled off of the surface 282 in a forward
direction, the hammer assembly 280 is returned to the battery
position shown in Fig. 6 where the end 108 of the sear 100
contacts the stop surface 284 of hammer 280 to stop the
striking surface (similar to surface 48) from hitting the rear
end of the firing pin 40. If the trigger assembly 28 is moved
by a user through a full pull or stroke, before the projection
94 is pulled off of the surface 282, the draw bar projection
94 contacts the lower projection 232 of plunger lever 182
moving plunger 132 up and the draw bar projection 94 contacts
the rear of the sear 100 and moves it forward. This causes the
sear 100 to rotate as indicated by arrow A (see Fig. 7A)
moving the top end 108 of the sear 100 out of the path of the
stop surface 284. Thus, when the projection 94 is pulled off
of the surface 282, the hammer 280 can pivot forward to strike
the rear end of the firing pin 40 without the sear 100
stopping the full motion of the hammer and where the firing
pin 40 is free to strike a cartridge as depression or recess
270 in plunger 132 aligns with pin 40 allowing it to pass.
After the pistol 10 is fired, the slide 15 moves rearward and
engages cammed end 206 of draw bar 76 to cam draw bar down and
allow the sear 100 to return back to its biased position shown
in Fig. 6. As the slide 15 returns to its battery position,
the top surface 108 of the sear 100 catches the hammer
assembly 280 at the surface 284. Thus, the hammer assembly 280
is prevented from striking the firing pin 40 a second time. If
the user tries to cock the hammer assembly 280, the hammer
will rotate but return to the battery position shown in Fig. 6
when released and will not remain cocked. In this manner,
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pulling on trigger assembly 28 fires the weapon in a double
action only mode. Pistol 10 is a true double action pistol,
whether in the double action only or in double/single action
form, that allows multiple strikes at the cartridge in the
event of misfire by pulling the trigger only (i.e. without
having rack the slide or cock the hammer by hand.)
[0042] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only
illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and
modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art
without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the
present invention is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within
the scope of the appended claims.
[0043I What is claimed is:
