Abstract: A hammer spur construction that is adapted to enable cocking of the hammer without interference of the cocking thumb with a scope mounted on the firearm. The spur top surface, in its uncocked position is disposed so that a plane or line tangent to the midpoint along the length of the spur top surface is substantially normal to the hammer striking surface.

Abstract: For a handgun, interchangeable barrel and shroud combinations including a short barrel and shroud adapted to be interchanged with a longer barrel and shroud in which the longer shroud has integral therewith, a rearwardly extending elongated arm for supporting from the rear end thereof, a rear sight. The rear sight may be adjustable for elevation only or for elevation and windage.

Abstract: A locked breech mechanism for a firearm having a trigger, cylinder, and hammer and in which the cylinder is adapted to accommodate cartridges such as a bottleneck cartridge. The breech mechanism includes a breech member disposed between the hammer and cylinder in combination with an operating member. The breech operating member is in the form of a yoke member having a rest position in which the breech member is disengaged from a cartridge in the cylinder, and an active position in which the breech member is engaged with and locked against the cartridge.

Abstract: A barrel and shroud construction for reducing recoil and jumping of the firearm. Gases are tapped from the rifled barrel through a plurality of radially arranged passages in the barrel into a circumferential expansion chamber defined between the barrel and shroud. The gases are vented from the circumferential expansion chamber via a pair of venting orifices disposed rearwardly of the radially arranged passages.

Abstract: A front gun sight for a firearm that is readily removable and yet easily locked in position. The sight comprises a top exposed section having an insert of contrasting color and a lower section received in a slot in the outer surface of the barrel or shroud. The lower section has a dovetail configuration that locks against a rod or bar extending across the slot and further receives a locking screw passing through the barrel or shroud and engaging the dovetail from a direction orthogonal to the rod.