Abstract: A recoil-operated pistol has an arrangement which lowers the barrel bore axis and reduces the effect of felt recoil on the user. The pistol has a frame having a handgrip adapted to receive a magazine and a slide mounted for alternating longitudinal movement. A barrel carrier is mounted for alternating longitudinal horizontal movement along the frame and has a barrel rotatably connected to it near its muzzle end. The axis of the barrel bore when in the position for firing is below the lips of the magazine. An actuating mechanism under the influence of the recoiling barrel carrier rotates the barrel upwards such that the breech end of the barrel moves upwards to allow a cartridge to be removed. The recoiling barrel carrier urges the slide rearwards to facilitate the extraction and feeding of cartridges.

Abstract: A gas-operated pistol which comprises a frame having a handgrip and adapted to receive a magazine. A slide is mounted for alternating longitudinal movement along the frame. A barrel is provided which is able to pivot at its muzzle end and rotate upwards from a locking engagement via locking means with the frame to allow a cartridge to be removed. An actuating means rotates the barrel upwards after the high pressure period has passed. A cylinder is located above the barrel and communicates with the barrel bore via a passage. The action of propellant gases in the cylinder on the piston urges the slide rearwards. This arrangement reduces the effect of felt recoil on the firer when using very powerful cartridges.

Abstract: A self-loading firearm operating on the short-recoil principle which comprises a frame having a handgrip and adapted to receive a magazine. A breech block slide is mounted for alternating longitudinal movement along the frame. A barrel is provided which is able to move rearwards while positively locked with the slide member by locking means. An actuating means disengages the barrel from the slide after the high pressure period has passed. A variable volume chamber means is fixed to the underside of the barrel which communicates with the barrel bore via a passage to receive pressurized gases upon firing. The action of the variable volume chamber means retards the motion of the barrel and slide assembly allowing a lighter slide to be used for a specific cartridge type.