Abstract: Reinforcement elements are attached to the exterior surface of the slide of an automatic weapon to prevent cracking of the slide at its most vunerable locations.

Abstract: A break-open firearm having an improved cocking mechanism in which the hammer strut is extended to interact with the cocking rod without an intermediate energy-consuming arrangement.

Abstract: A method for aligning adjustable sights on a firearm with the point of bullet impact at a given range in which the sights are aligned during firing range testing including the use of a laser beam unit mounted on the firearm sights which beam indicates the alignment of the sights vis-a-vis the target.

Abstract: Broadly, the present invention is a telescopic base mount arrangement integrally formed by casting or other process with the receiver for the mounting and holding a telescope sight close to the barrel together with clamp engagement means.

Abstract: An ambidextrous magazine latch arrangement for a pistol in which a hand-operable cross lever is positioned by resilient means against a frame portion of the pistol handle with lever ends protruding on either side of the handle. The lever has a latch protrusion which protrudes into the magazine to hold the magazine. By applying hand pressure to either lever end the lever twists against the resilient means to withdraw the latch protrusion out of the magazine to release the magazine.

Abstract: A magazine floor plate latch mechanism including a lever pivotally mounted in the trigger guard which lever is sized, shaped and housed so that it cannot be actuated from within the trigger guard. The lever protrudes from an exit located in the front of the trigger guard a sufficient distance to be actuable from the front of the guard to accomplish arcuate lever rotation to release the floor plate. Preferably, the lever does not protrude past the front of the trigger guard, thereby precluding inadvertent operation by a foreign object striking the front of the trigger guard.

Abstract: A handgun handle construction including a handle frame, elastomer grip element portions positioned on the sides, including as desired on the front and back sides, of the handle frame. The elastomer grip element portions have recesses to each receive a non-deformable insert element. Fasteners hold the frame, grip element portions and inserts together.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a handgun having a frame, a trigger, a removable trigger guard mounted on the frame through a releasable latch mounted on the trigger guard and engageable with the frame wherein a spring mounted on the trigger guard urges (a) the latch to its frame engagement position and (b) urges the trigger to its at rest position.It is a feature of the invention that as the trigger is pulled to move it from its at rest position to its fire position the trigger guard latch arrangement is subjected to greater force thus increasing the force necessary to separate the frame and the guard and avoiding inadvertent detachment during recoil.It is also a feature of the invention that the rearward portion of the trigger guard is so shaped and configured to mate exactly with the handgun's grips, thus avoiding gaps between the grips and trigger guard which must occur in the use of conventionally shaped trigger guards, and which can pinch portions of the user's fingers.

Abstract: A handgun having an elongated frame with a barrel seated against the frame and threaded to the frame in which the threads and seating surfaces are spaced apart a sufficient distance so that a telescopic recess mount means integral with the frame can be located therebetween without weakening the frame.

Abstract: A rifle stock having its forearm, mid-stock and butt section comprised of a one piece plastic structural framework together with attached insert panels. The plastic framework is a lightweight readily moldable structure consisting of web walls having thicknesses, spacing and openings to facilitate such fabrication. Alternatively, the framework can be made of two or more framework elements fastened together.The framework has border recess areas for receiving panels of wood or other materials which panels are configured to fit into the recess areas and to be fastened to or urged against the framework recesses to strengthen the rifle stock and provide a more secure feel and pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A handgun grip arrangement in which both large and small grip panels may be interchangeably accommodated. A grip frame projection substantially smaller than the large grip depends from and forms part of the handgun frame.Pairs of large or pairs of small grip panels are opposingly positioned on opposite sides of the frame projection which grip panels have border engagement surfaces and frame projection engagement areas which surfaces are drawn into engagement and which engagement areas are caused to engage such frame projection by operation of fastener means.

Abstract: An ejector for automatic pistols having a reciprocating breech block, or slide, the ejector capable of being manually moved from an operating cartridge ejecting position to a disassembly position where it lowers a frame-mounted firing pin block and permits the slide to be disassembled by sliding forwardly. A slide latch arrangement permits the slide latch pivot axle to be held in a partially withdrawn mode during disassembly. When the pistol's magazine is in place, it holds the ejector in the operating position.