Abstract: A thumb rest mechanism for a firearm having a frame, providing a thumb rest mount secured to the frame and having a mount member defining a mount surface. A thumb rest being releasably secured to the mount member in engagement with the mount surface and having a thumb engaging surface oriented at a suitable angle for recoil resisting engagement by the thumb of a firearm user and being of roughened character for non-slip engagement by the thumb of the firearm user. A protective plate extending from the thumb rest a protecting the users thumb from contact and potential damage by a moveable firearm component.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanical sighing mechanism for firearms has a sight blade mount defining an internal passage having first and second outwardly flaring passage end surfaces. An adjustment screw having an external tapered surface is in engagement with the first of the outwardly flaring passage end surfaces. A sight blade structure defines a sight adjustment member having an internally threaded screw passage that receives the adjustment screw. A lock nut is threaded onto the adjustment screw and has an external tapered surface in engagement with the second outwardly flaring passage end surface. The sight blade mount defines a slot through which a support for the sight adjustment member is movable, providing for windage adjustment of the sight blade structure by rotation of the adjustment screw. The tapered surfaces of the adjustment screw and lock nut provide for locking of the sight blade at any desired position.

Abstract: A universal magazine release mechanism for firearms has a frame defining a cartridge magazine chamber receiving a cartridge magazine and having a magazine release receptacle intersecting the cartridge magazine chamber. A magazine release member is mounted within the magazine release receptacle and has linear movement to a magazine retaining position and a magazine release position. A spring urges the magazine release member toward the magazine retaining position. A magazine release button extends from the magazine release member and is exposed externally of the firearm frame for engagement and linear movement by the thumb of a user's hand. The magazine release member is selectively positioned to locate the magazine release button for thumb actuation by a right-handed user or a left-handed user.

Abstract: A universal magazine release mechanism for firearms has a frame defining a cartridge magazine chamber receiving a cartridge magazine and having a magazine release receptacle intersecting the cartridge magazine chamber. A magazine release member is mounted within the magazine release receptacle and has linear movement to a magazine retaining position and a magazine release position. A spring urges the magazine release member toward the magazine retaining position. A magazine release button extends from the magazine release member and is exposed externally of the firearm frame for engagement and linear movement by the thumb of a user's hand. The magazine release member is selectively positioned to locate the magazine release button for thumb actuation by a right-handed user or a left-handed user.

Abstract: A firearm, such as a handgun, rifle, machine gun, etc. has a frame assembly having a barrel defining a cartridge chamber and includes a magazine for serially positioning cartridges at a pickup location relative to said frame assembly and barrel. A reciprocating member, such as a slide or bolt is provided in the firearm assembly for moving cartridges from said pickup location into the cartridge chamber of the barrel and for extracting the cartridge cases of spent cartridges from the cartridge chamber and ejecting them from said firearm. The reciprocating member is machined to define a breech face recess. A cartridge specific breech face element is removably secured within the breech face recess to adapt the firearm to fit a cartridge of desired caliber and configuration. The breech face element can be provided in specifically desired dimensions to compensate for wide tolerances or wear of the reciprocating member.

Abstract: A firearm, such as a handgun, rifle, machine gun, etc. has a frame assembly having a barrel defining a cartridge chamber and includes a magazine for serially positioning cartridges at a pickup location relative to said frame assembly and barrel. A reciprocating member, such as a slide or bolt is provided in the firearm assembly for moving cartridges from said pickup location into the cartridge chamber of the barrel and for extracting the cartridge cases of spent cartridges from the cartridge chamber and ejecting them from said firearm. The reciprocating member is machined to define a breech face recess. A cartridge specific breech face element is removably secured within the breech face recess to adapt the firearm to fit a cartridge of desired caliber and configuration. The breech face element can be provided in specifically desired dimensions to compensate for wide tolerances or wear of the reciprocating member.

Abstract: A friction minimizing element such as a smooth hardened ball, a dimple in the sear spring (steel, stainless, plastic, carbon fiber or titanium material) is employed to minimize sliding friction between the spring and the disconnector or between other sliding components of a firearm mechanism, particularly the trigger mechanism of a handgun or other firearm. In addition, the same technology can be applied to the trigger bow of a semi-automatic handgun by placing an additional ball or dimple in the trigger bow that minimizes sliding friction between the rear transverse element of the trigger bow and the disconnector of the trigger mechanism. The benefits of the sear spring or the trigger bow modifications can be applied together or separately in the trigger mechanism. Each adds an individual benefit of minimizing sliding friction between engaging trigger components and thus preventing trigger creep as the trigger mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: A firearm having a frame, barrel, trigger guard and firing assembly and having a trigger for actuating the firing assembly. A trigger mount is connected to the trigger and, when the trigger is in assembly within the frame, is at least partially positioned within the trigger guard. The trigger mount defines a first interlocking geometry. A plurality of trigger shoe elements each having a differing geometry and dimension and provided with a finger engaging portion are provided for selection by a user. Each of the trigger shoe elements defines a second interlocking geometry which is capable of mating with the first interlocking geometry of the trigger mount. Thus, a user of the firearm is enabled to release and remove a trigger shoe from the trigger mount, even when the trigger is in assembly within the firearm and replace it with a trigger shoe element of a different design and dimension and thereby achieve the desired fit and “feel” of the firearm which is desired by the user.

Abstract: A frame/handgrip assembly is provided for autoloading handguns of the Model 1911 A1 type which incorporates a gripless preferably metal frame structure having guide rails for receiving a conventional slide and having a configuration for receiving other standard 1911 A1 components. The frame structure defines opposed handgrip seats including one or more keyways. An integral handgrip structure is provided having spaced connector elements having one or more internal keys for establishing mating, interlocked structural relationship with the handgrip seats. The handgrip structure incorporates an integral trigger guard and both the trigger guard and the connecting elements of the handgrip are physically interlocked with the frame structure by means of screws, pins, etc. The frame and handgrip structures may cooperatively define a wide internal cartridge magazine receptacle for receiving a wide, staggered row, enhanced volume cartridge magazine.