FRAME-MOUNTED LASER AIMING DEVICE

Abstract

A revolver having a frame that defines a rectangular aperture to which a cylinder is mounted, and a laser aiming device that is mounted to the frame, rearward of the rectangular aperture. The laser aiming device is secured to the frame by a fastener that is inserted through an opening defined in a central position of the laser aiming device and into a corresponding hole formed in the frame. The alignment axis of the laser aiming device is proximate the firing axis of the revolver. The laser aiming device is light weight and lies substantially flush against the revolver, between the frame and the cylinder.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/378,153, filed Aug. 30, 2010, entitled “FRAME-MOUNTED LASER AIMING DEVICE”, the aforementioned application being hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a laser aiming device for a firearm and, more specifically, to a frame-mounted laser aiming device for a revolver.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Laser aiming devices are attached to firearms to improve the accuracy and precision of the user. In particular, the laser of the laser aiming device is aligned with a firing axis of the firearm and disposed as close to the firing axis as possible to reduce the divergence of the laser and the firing axis. However, since the laser cannot readily be disposed in-line with the firing axis, some divergence is inevitable.

That being the case, if the distance to the target is known (e.g., 7 meters), the laser aiming device can be adjusted to converge with the firing axis at the known distance to the target for improved results. This convergence point is referred to as the point of aim. However, if the distance to the target is not known or is variable, then the laser aiming device can be adjusted to run substantially parallel to the firing axis with a constant distance of deviation (e.g., 3 cm). Reducing this constant distance of deviation is difficult in known laser aiming devices.

There is a need for a laser aiming device that reduces the constant distance between the laser of the laser aiming device and the firing axis of the firearm, which run substantially parallel to one another.

Some known laser aiming devices do not even emit a visible laser, for instance, for far field aiming. In the context of far field aiming, these known laser aiming devices often project a red dot into the sight to indicate where the laser would be without actually transmitting a visible dot downfield. For short field aiming, known laser aiming devices may use other means, such as a laser emitter.

Laser aiming devices are traditionally attached to the firearm in two ways. First, the laser aiming devices can be attached, or otherwise mounted, to the firearm using a clamp. For instance, a laser aiming device can be mounted to a frame of the firearm along a top- or bottom-surface thereof (hereinafter referred to as a “mounted laser aiming device”). In this case, the laser aiming device can be disposed above or below a barrel of the firearm.

Second, the laser aiming devices can be integrally formed within a grip of the firearm. For instance, a laser aiming device can be integrally formed along one side of the grip, proximate the trigger and generally underlying the barrel (hereinafter referred to as a “grip-integrated laser aiming device”).

Each of these styles of laser aiming devices have certain advantages and disadvantages that must be weighed when deciding which style to use. First, in the mounted laser aiming device, the laser aiming device is highly adjustable and can be easily repositioned to align the laser with the firing axis of the firearm for a given distance to the target. The mounted laser aiming device is also, in general, readily removable or interchangeable for another device, such as another laser aiming device or a scope, if there is a need for repair or a change of configuration. However, interchanging the laser aiming device can require laser-sight collimation when the laser aiming device is re-attached. In addition, the mounted laser aiming device often prevents the firearm from being holstered.

In contrast, in the grip-integrated laser aiming device, the laser aiming device is not readily interchangeable and, therefore, does not require laser sight collimation. However, the grip-integrated laser aiming device is oddly shaped and often requires a holster specific to its design.

There is a need for a laser aiming device that is highly adjustable, that is readily installable, repairable and/or interchangeable, that maintains its current positioning unless and until the user intentionally makes an adjustment, and that reduces the need for laser-sight collimation if removed from the firearm.

Second, the mounted laser aiming device is prone to tampering or unintentional adjustment, for instance, if the laser aiming device is bumped, impacted, abraded or otherwise contacted. Beyond misaligning the mounted laser aiming device, this contact can damage the laser and a mounting means thereof. In contrast, the grip-integrated laser aiming device is protected by the frame of the firearm and is less susceptible to harm or tampering.

There is a need for a laser aiming device that is robust and protected from harmful contact and, therefore, reduces the need for laser-sight collimation.

Third, the grip-integrated laser aiming devices are generally only accessible or actuable from one side of the firearm. The grip-integrated laser aiming devices cannot be actuated from both sides of the firearm with equal ease whether the firearm is held in the left or right hand of the user.

There is a need for a laser aiming device that is ambidextrous in nature and can be actuated with equal ease whether the firearm is held in the left or right hand of the user.

Fourth, the mounted laser aiming device can significantly increase the overall bulk and balance of the firearm. For instance, the mounted laser aiming device is attached to the exterior surface of the firearm, thereby increasing the overall size of the firearm. Further, the mounted laser aiming device requires mounting means to connect the laser aiming device and the firearm and must be encased on all sides by a housing that protects the laser aiming device from potentially harmful contact. Each of these additional components—the mounting means and the housing—increases the overall weight and impacts the balance of the firearm. In comparison, a grip-integrated laser aiming device is not as heavy as a mounted laser aiming device, in general.

There is a need for a laser aiming device that minimizes any impact on the overall weight and balance of the firearm having the laser aiming device.

The object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide an improved laser aiming device, which, among other desirable attributes, significantly reduces or overcomes the above-mentioned deficiencies of prior laser aiming devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a firearm having a frame that defines an aperture to which a cylinder is mounted and a laser aiming device that is mounted to the frame at a location that is aft of the aperture. The laser aiming device projects a beam of light above a side of the cylinder, substantially horizontal relative to a firing axis of a barrel of the firearm.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser aiming device that is releasably secured to a side of the frame of the firearm.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser aiming device that is compact and lies substantially flush with the contours of the firearm, thereby avoiding inadvertent contact and manipulation. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a laser aiming device that does not interfere with the holstering of a firearm to which the laser aiming device is mounted.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser aiming device that is robust and can withstand impact without the need for laser-sight collimation.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser aiming device that is readily adjustable for near and far field aiming.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser aiming device that maintains its current positioning unless and until the user intentionally makes an adjustment.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser aiming device that is readily installed and/or interchangeable with other laser aiming devices.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser aiming device that is ambidextrous and, thus, is equally accessible from both sides of the firearm.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser aiming device that does not significantly impact the weight or balance of the firearm.

These and other features of the present invention are described with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments of a frame-mounted laser aiming device for a firearm. The illustrated embodiments of the device of the present invention are intended to illustrate, but not limit, the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a revolver according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the revolver according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a revolver having a laser aiming device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the revolver having the laser aiming device according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the revolver having the laser aiming device according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the revolver having the laser aiming device according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the revolver having the laser aiming device according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the revolver having the laser aiming device according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the laser aiming device according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 illustrates another perspective view of the laser aiming device according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one exemplary embodiment of a firearm known in the art is shown generally at 10 and is hereinafter referred to as “firearm 10.” The firearm 10 is, preferably, a revolver that includes a frame 12, a cylinder 20, a barrel 22, and a firing mechanism 14. The operation and structure of the known firearm 10 is described in: U.S. Pat. No. 6,330,761 entitled “BLAST SHIELD APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY FOR A REVOLVER”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,294 entitled “REVOLVER-SAFETY LOCK MECHANISM”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,075 entitled “CYLINDER RETAINING MECHANISM”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,254,913 entitled “REVOLVER FOR FIRING HIGH VELOCITY AMMUNITION”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,263,795 entitled “EXTRACTOR FOR A REVOLVER”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/760,873 entitled “FIREARM HAVING NONMETALLIC COMPONENTS AND AN AMBIDEXTROUS CYLINDER RELEASE LEVER”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/760,927 entitled “FIREARM HAVING NONMETALLIC COMPONENTS AND AN EXTRACTOR YOKE LOCKUP”, which are incorporated herein by reference.

The frame 12 is generally comprised of two halves, an upper frame portion 24 and a lower frame portion 26. The lower frame portion 26 contains a back strap (not shown for clarity), a main spring housing (not shown for clarity) and a grip 28, as well as space for a portion of the firing mechanism 14.

The upper frame portion 24 contains the barrel 22 and the sight 30, as well as space for another portion of the firing mechanism. The upper frame portion 24 also contains: a rectangular aperture 32 into which the cylinder 20 is mounted, a locking bolt recess 34 that slidably receives a locking bolt 36, a yoke stud recess 38 into which a yoke stud 40 is secured and a yoke carve out 42 that is fitted to the yoke 44.

A forward end 46 of the lower frame portion 26 is shaped so as to accept a corresponding rearward end 48 of the upper frame portion 24. These upper and lower frame portions 24, 26 are joined together via pins to create a structurally rigid frame. The frame portions 24, 26 are comprised of metal stampings or inserts having a polymer over-molding on top of the inserts.

The frame 12 also includes a trigger 50 that is pivotally attached to the upper frame portion 24 and a separate trigger guard 52 that is releasably attached to both the upper and lower frame portions 24, 26.

The cylinder 20 is rotatably mounted on a cylindrical portion of the yoke 44. The cylinder 20 may be pivoted into and out of the rectangular aperture 32 in the upper frame portion 24 along the pivot path defined by the yoke 44. For instance, the cylinder 20 is rotated out of the page of FIG. 1. In addition, the cylinder 20 may be rotated about the yoke 44 (i.e., whether inside or out of the rectangular aperture 32).

A cylinder release lever 54 is mounted to an upper rear surface of the upper frame portion 24. Actuation of the cylinder release lever 54 enables the cylinder 20 to be pivoted out of the rectangular aperture 32.

Referring to FIGS. 3-8, a revolver 60 with a laser aiming device 62 according to the present invention is shown. The revolver 60 includes a frame 64 that defines a rectangular aperture 66 having a cylinder 68 mounted thereto.

A barrel 70 is mounted in the front of the frame 64, in register with one of the chambers of the cylinder 68. The barrel 70 defines a firing axis 72 of the revolver 60. A grip 74 is mounted to the frame 64, toward the rear of the revolver 60.

A wall 76 protrudes from a side 78 of the frame 64, to the rear of the rectangular aperture 66. As shown in FIG. 8, the wall 76 is curved to match the shape of the cylinder 68. The laser aiming device 62 is mounted to the side 78 of the frame 64 at a position adjacent and to the rear of the wall 76, the rectangular aperture 66 and the cylinder 68.

The laser aiming device 62 includes a substantially arcuate body portion 80 that has a rounded surface toward the rear of the revolver 60 (i.e., toward the grip 74) and a flat surface toward a front of the revolver 60 (i.e., toward the wall 76). The flat surface of the body portion 80 lies flush against the wall 76. The engagement of the flat surface of the body portion 80 of the laser aiming device 62 to the wall 76 of the frame 64 assists with the alignment of the laser aiming device 62 when mounted to the frame 64. In addition, the engagement of the flat surface of the body portion 66 of the laser aiming device 62 to the wall 76 of the frame 64 transfers impact forces experienced by the laser aiming device 62 to the frame 64.

The body portion 80 defines an opening 82 (shown in FIG. 4) in a central position thereof which receives a fastener 84, such as a screw. The fastener 84 secures the laser aiming device 62 to the frame 64 when inserted into the opening 82 and received by a corresponding hole 86 (shown in FIG. 8) in the frame 64.

It should be appreciated that the laser aiming device 62 is readily removable, replaceable and/or interchangeable for service and the like by unsecuring the fastener 84 from the frame 64.

The laser aiming device 62 also includes a substantially cylindrical portion 88 that is integrally formed to a top edge of the body portion 80. The body portion 80 and the cylindrical portion 88 house the various electromechanical components of the laser assembly, including a laser emitter, a lens, a battery, electrical wiring and the like (not shown for clarity). Preferably, the laser emitter and the lens are housed in the cylindrical portion 88, whereas the battery, the electrical wiring and other components are housed in the body portion 80.

Preferably, the body portion 80 and the cylindrical portion 88 of the laser aiming device 62 are made of non-metallic materials, such as a molded high-density polymer. However, the body portion 80 and the cylindrical portion 88 of the laser aiming device 62 can also be made of a range of other materials including metals, such as stainless steel.

The cylindrical portion 88 defines several apertures 90 that extend through the cylindrical portion 88. An activation button 92 and two angular adjustment mechanisms 94 are accessible through each of the several apertures 90.

The activation button 92 controls the operation of the laser. Preferably, the activation button 92 alternates the laser between “ON” and “OFF” states. However, the laser can include additional states (i.e., intermediate intensity levels of the laser, pre-set orientation configurations of the alignment axis and the like) that are cycled through using the activation button 92.

The angular adjustment mechanisms 94 control the elevation or pitch (i.e., up/down relative to the firing axis 72) and the windage or yaw (i.e., left/right relative to the firing axis 72) of the beam of light generated by the laser, allowing the point of aim to be adjusted, for instance, for near or far field aiming. Preferably, the angular adjustment mechanisms 94 comprise a hex-bit screw mechanism that is retracted within the cylindrical portion 88 to avoid inadvertent actuation or manipulation. By rotating either of the hex-bit screws of the angular adjustment mechanisms 94, the angular orientation of the beam of light projected from the laser is adjusted relative to the firing axis 72.

It should be appreciate that, since the angular adjustment mechanisms 94 are independent of the attachment mechanism of the laser aiming device 62 to the revolver 60, the relative positions of the angular adjustment mechanisms 94 are maintained unless and until the user intentionally makes an adjustment and are, for instance, not adjusted when the laser aiming device 62 is removed from or installed to the frame 64. Accordingly, the laser aiming device 62 reduces the amount of collimation that is required relative to known removable laser aiming devices.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 7-8, one of the angular adjustment mechanisms 94 is positioned on the side surface of the cylindrical portion 88. Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, the activation button 92 and one of the angular adjustment mechanisms 94 are positioned along a top surface of the cylindrical portion 88.

It should be appreciated that, in this position, the activation button 92 is readily accessible with substantially equal ease whether the revolver 62 is held in the left or right hand of the user. Accordingly, the laser aiming device 62 is ambidextrous.

Referring to FIG. 4, the cylindrical portion 88 protrudes laterally from the frame 64. In particular, a window 96, through which the laser emitter projects the beam of light, is disposed on a front surface 98 of the cylindrical portion 88. The window 96 extends perpendicularly from the side 78 of the frame 64 between the lateral apex of the cylinder 68 when the revolver 60 is in the cylinder-closed position, as shown in FIG. 4, and a top surface 100 of the revolver 60. The window 96, which corresponds to an alignment axis 101 of the laser aiming device 62, shown in FIG. 3, is proximate the firing axis 72 of the revolver 60, and substantially horizontal thereto. In other words, the cylindrical portion 88 is positioned at a substantially forty-five degree angle (45°) from the radial center of the cylinder 68 to the top and the side 78 of the revolver (i.e., as viewed along the firing axis 78), and the beam of light (i.e., the alignment axis 101) generated by the laser aiming device 62 projects from above and to a side of the cylinder 68.

It should be appreciated that the window 96 of the laser aiming devices 62 and the alignment axis 101 of the laser is proximate the barrel 70 and the firing axis 72 of the revolver 60. Accordingly, the laser aiming device 62 of the present invention reduces the constant distance between the alignment axis of the laser and the firing axis of the revolver relative to known laser aiming devices.

It should be appreciated that the laser aiming device 62 is compact and lies substantially flush with contours of the revolver 60, the contours including the side 78 of the frame 64 and the cylinder 68. Accordingly, the laser aiming device 62 is shielded from inadvertent actuation, manipulation and impact.

In addition, it should be appreciated that the revolver 60 with the laser aiming device 62 can be holstered in the same holster that services a revolver 60 without the laser aiming device 62 and without interfering with the holstering process. The laser aiming device 62 does not protrude forward beyond the after end of the cylinder 68. Thus, the laser aiming device 62 facilitates holstering.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, an opposing side 102 of the revolver 60 (i.e., relative to the side 78 to which the laser aiming device 62 is mounted) includes an opposing wall 104 and a lobe 106 that protrudes therefrom, to the rear of the rectangular aperture 66 and the cylinder 68. The opposing wall 104 is similarly positioned on the opposing side 102 of the revolver 62 relative to the wall 76 on the side 78 of the revolver 60. The opposing wall 104 shields the ammunition cartridges mounted in the chambers of the cylinder 68.

The opposing wall 104 and the lobe 106 counter-balance the weight of the wall 76 and the laser aiming device 62.

It should be appreciated that the wall 76 and the laser aiming device 62 are substantially balanced by the opposing wall 104 and the lobe 106. Accordingly, the revolver 60 with the laser aiming device 62 is balanced about the vertical center of the revolver.

Referring to FIG. 8, the revolver 60 is shown with the laser aiming device 62 exploded therefrom. The opening 82 in the body portion 80 of the laser aiming device 62 includes a tapered recess 108 that surrounds the opening 82 and is fitted to a head of the fastener 84.

The side 78 of the frame 64 is substantially flat in the area where the laser aiming device 62 is mounted, excluding the wall 76.

The side 78 of the frame 64 defines two holes, one of which is the corresponding hole 86 that receives the fastener 84 and the other of which is a firing mechanism hole 110 that receives a screw inserted into the frame 64 (i.e., to interact with the firing mechanism housed therein).

The side 78 of the frame 64 also includes several other additional holes 112, therein or therethrough.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10, the laser aiming device 62 is shown in increased detail. For instance, the cylindrical portion 88 extends forward beyond a front surface 111 of the body portion 80. In addition, each of the activation button 92 and the angular adjustment mechanisms 94 are located in a recessed position that is within the respective aperture 90 of the cylindrical portion 88.

The body portion 80 of the laser aiming device 62 includes a depending lip 114 that extends from the flat surface and is also fitted to the wall 76. The depending lip 114 increases the contact surface between the laser aiming device 62 and the frame 64, thereby facilitating alignment of the laser aiming device 62 when attached to the frame 64.

The bottom of the body portion 80 is tapered to match the general shape of the cylinder 68.

Also, the body portion 80 includes a bulbous protrusion 116 from the rear end thereof.

With specific reference to FIG. 10, an underside 118 of the laser aiming device 62 is shown. The underside 118 of the body portion 80 includes a number of peg-like protrusions 120 that extend perpendicularly outward therefrom. One of the peg-like protrusions 120 extends from the bulbous protrusion 116 and another of the peg-like protrusions 120 extends from a juncture of the depending lip 114 and the bottom of the body portion 80. When the laser aiming device 62 is mounted to the frame 64, the peg-like protrusions 120 are inserted into respective ones of the holes 112 formed in the side 78 of the frame 64, which aligns the laser aiming device 62 relative to the frame 64.

As shown in FIG. 10, the body portion 80 is substantially hollow and defines a cavity 122.

It should be appreciated that the laser aiming device 62 being made of non-metallic components and being substantially hollow results in a relatively light weight structure. Accordingly, the overall weight of the revolver 60 with the laser aiming device 62 is not substantially increased.

In addition, it should be appreciated that the lobe 106 does not need to be heavy or sizeable to counter-balance the laser aiming device 62. In fact, the laser aiming device 62 can be sufficiently light that counter-balancing is not even required.

A backing 124 covers the cavity 122. The backing 124 is aligned in the cavity 122 by the insertion of small protrusions 126 from the body portion 80 into small openings 128 in the backing 124.

The backing 124 defines a mated opening 130 that is in register with the opening 82 in the body portion 80 and the corresponding opening 86 in the frame 64.

The backing 126, which is made of a metallic material, defines two U-shaped slots 132 that have leaf springs 134 formed therein. The leaf springs 134 retain batteries (not shown for clarity), such as cylindrical or pill-shaped batteries, in engagement with electrodes (not shown for clarity) positioned internally within the body portion 80. A rubber stopper 136 is formed on the backing 126 to electrically isolate the backing 126 from the frame 64.

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 broader aspects of the present invention.

For instance, the laser aiming device of the present invention can be mounted on any firearm having any firing mechanism, not just revolvers. The exact operation of the firearm, although discussed in brief above, is not intended to limit the laser aiming device of the present invention in any way.

For example, the present invention is particularly suited for use with firearms having non-metallic components, as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/648,902 entitled “FIREARM HAVING NONMETALLIC COMPONENTS”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/650,038 entitled “AN AUTOMATIC FIRING PIN BLOCK SAFETY FOR A FIREARM”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/650,124 entitled “A MANUAL SLIDE AND HAMMER LOCK SAFETY FOR A FIREARM”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/650,217 entitled “A CONFIGURABLE SIGHT FOR A FIREARM”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/074,734 entitled, “INTEGRAL, FRAME-MOUNTED LASER AIMING DEVICE”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/074,824 entitled “TWO-PIECE TRIGGER AND SPRING RETENTION SYSTEM”, which are owned by the assignee of the present invention and are incorporated by reference herein.

Claims

1. A firearm for illuminating a target located at a distance from the firearm, the firearm comprising:

a frame having a grip for holding the firearm, the frame defining a mounting hole located above the grip; and

a laser aiming device defining an opening therethrough, the opening corresponding in size and shape to the mounting hole in the frame, the laser aiming device being mounted independently from the grip to the frame by a fastener extending through the opening and into the mounting hole.

2. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the laser aiming device being mounted to the frame along one side thereof.

3. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the laser aiming device lies substantially flush with the contours of the frame.

4. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the laser aiming device includes an angular adjustment mechanism to adjust the direction of a projected laser from the laser aiming device.

5. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the laser aiming device includes an actuation mechanism for actuation of a laser emitter located therein, the actuation mechanism being located adjacent a top surface of the frame for access by a thumb of a user.

6. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the direction of a laser emitted from the laser aiming device is unaffected by removal and installation of the laser aiming device from and to the frame.

7. The firearm of claim 1, further comprising a cylinder, the frame defining a rectangular aperture, the cylinder being pivotally connected to the frame to allow the cylinder to pivot into and out of the rectangular aperture, the laser aiming device being mounted to the frame to project a laser from within the laser aiming device over the cylinder, such that the laser is proximate and substantially parallel to a barrel of the firearm.

8. The firearm of claim 1, further comprising a lobe extending from the opposite side of the frame to which the laser aiming device is attached, the lobe being substantially equivalent in weight to the laser aiming device to symmetrically balance the firearm about a center plane.

9. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the laser aiming device includes a substantially flat inner surface corresponding to and intimately contacting a flat outer surface of the frame.

10. The firearm of claim 9, wherein the flat inner surface of the laser aiming device includes peg-like protrusions extending outward therefrom, the side of the frame defining corresponding alignment holes to align the laser aiming device relative to the frame during mounting of the laser aiming device to the side of the frame.

11. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the laser aiming device being readily installed and/or interchangeable with other laser aiming devices.

12. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a wall extending outward from the side of the frame, the laser aiming device having a flat front surface located adjacent to the wall to assist in the alignment of the laser aiming device and to transfer impact forces experienced by the laser aiming device to the frame of the firearm.

13. A revolver for illuminating a target located at a distance from the revolver, the revolver comprising:

a frame defining a rectangular aperture;

a cylinder being pivotally mounted within the rectangular aperture;

a grip being mounted to an end of the frame; and

a laser aiming device mounted to the frame at a location rearward of the rectangular aperture and above the grip, the grip being replaceable without removal of the laser aiming device.

14. The revolver of claim 13, wherein the laser aiming device defines an opening in a central position, the frame defining a mounting hole corresponding in size and shape to the opening in the aiming device, the laser aiming device being mounted to the frame by a fastener extending through the opening and into the mounting hole.

15. The revolver of claim 13, wherein the laser aiming device being readily installed and/or interchangeable with other laser aiming devices.

16. A laser aiming device for use on a firearm including a grip and a frame, the frame having a top surface and a side with a mounting hole and alignment holes located along an aft portion of the frame above the grip, the laser aiming device comprising:

a housing having a side surface being complementary in size and shape to the side of the aft portion of the frame that is above the grip, an opening extending through the housing corresponding in size and shape to the mounting hole in the side of the frame for attachment of the laser aiming device to the side of the frame; and

a laser emitter being located within the housing.

17. The laser aiming device of claim 16, wherein laser aiming device defines a window along a forward surface to allow an emitted laser to be projected from the laser emitter.

18. The laser aiming device of claim 16, wherein the laser aiming device is substantially constructed from non-metallic components.

19. The laser aiming device of claim 16, further comprising an adjustment mechanism for changing a direction of a laser emitted from the laser aiming device.

20. The laser aiming device of claim 16, further comprising an actuation mechanism for actuation of the laser emitter, the actuation mechanism being located to be accessed through a top hole defined in the housing, the top hole being located adjacent to the top surface of the frame for access by a thumb of a user.