The techniques described herein relate to methods and apparatus for firearm safety mechanisms, visual safety indicators, and related techniques. A firearm includes a handle comprising one or more buttons disposed at least partially within a surface of the handle, such that the one or more buttons can be in contact with an operator's hand when the operator grasps the handle; a safety mechanism in mechanical communication with the trigger. The safety mechanism comprises: a first position that blocks actuation of the trigger; and a second position that does not block actuation of the trigger; and at least one processor configured to: upon determining an input code matches a stored code, transmits a signal to the safety mechanism to change the safety mechanism from the first position to the second position so that the firearm can be fired by the operator.

A pistol slide, including an upper part configured to guide a barrel of the pistol, a lower part configured to guide a recoil spring guide rod and a recoil spring, wherein the upper part and lower part are manufactured independently and coupled together to serve as the pistol slide.

A pistol slide, including an upper part configured to guide a barrel of the pistol, a lower part configured to guide a recoil spring guide rod and a recoil spring, wherein the upper part and lower part are manufactured independently and coupled together to serve as the pistol slide.

Slide cover plates, and handguns including the slide cover plates, where the slide cover plates include a primary cover plate portion and a sealing cover plate portion that is movably coupled to the primary cover plate portion so that the sealing cover plate portion has an open position and a closed position, and when in its closed position the slide cover plate provides protection for the interior of the handgun, and when in its open position the slide cover plate does not interfere with the forward movement of the pistol slide.

Slide cover plates, and handguns including the slide cover plates, where the slide cover plates include a primary cover plate portion and a sealing cover plate portion that is movably coupled to the primary cover plate portion so that the sealing cover plate portion has an open position and a closed position, and when in its closed position the slide cover plate provides protection for the interior of the handgun, and when in its open position the slide cover plate does not interfere with the forward movement of the pistol slide.

A pocket pistol having at least one barrel in alignment with at least one associated chamber for receiving a firearm cartridge; a barrel release trigger; a double-action firing trigger; and a frame carrying the at least one barrel, the barrel release trigger, and the firing trigger, and defining a cavity within the frame carrying a hammer set and a firing pin.

A charging handle accessory has an upper portion with a pair of parallel, spaced-apart sidewalls connected at their upper extent. The upper portion is configured to be assembled over an upper portion of the charging slide. A lower portion has a pair of parallel, spaced-apart sidewalls connected at one end. Each of the sidewalls of the lower portion has a lip configured to engage a lower extent of the charging slide. A sliding connection is provided at the lower extent of the upper portion and the upper extent of the lower portion, wherein the upper and lower portions are coupled together in sliding relation. A fastener extends between the upper and lower portions to secure the upper and lower portions against sliding relative to one another and secure them on the charging slide of the firearm.

A charging handle accessory has an upper portion with a pair of parallel, spaced-apart sidewalls connected at their upper extent. The upper portion is configured to be assembled over an upper portion of the charging slide. A lower portion has a pair of parallel, spaced-apart sidewalls connected at one end. Each of the sidewalls of the lower portion has a lip configured to engage a lower extent of the charging slide. A sliding connection is provided at the lower extent of the upper portion and the upper extent of the lower portion, wherein the upper and lower portions are coupled together in sliding relation. A fastener extends between the upper and lower portions to secure the upper and lower portions against sliding relative to one another and secure them on the charging slide of the firearm.

The handgun contains a frame composed of polymer material, the frame contains a channel formed therein, wherein the channel contains sides, and a forward rail positioned within the channel.

A modular handgun system comprises an elongated universal trigger frame having a barrel locking block, a pair of slide rails, and an accessory rail. The trigger frame is adapted to have a trigger assembly mounted thereto. The system further comprises a grip frame having an elongated channel and a hand grip extending downwardly from the elongated channel. The trigger frame is removably mounted in the elongated channel of the grip frame. The accessory rail of the trigger frame is positioned forward of a forward end of the elongated channel of the grip frame so as to be exposed. The system further comprises a slide and barrel assembly slidably mounted on the slide rails of the trigger frame.