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.

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.

An example grip safety interlock can include a lower receiver with a trigger assembly, a safety selector having a detent channel, a grip having an internal recess, an extended detent pin having a detent point and an interference abutment surface, a grip safety lever having an interference ledge, and a lever bias spring positioned within the grip, extending between the grip and the grip safety lever. The grip safety lever can be positioned to pivot within the internal recess of the grip, and the extended detent pin can extend within the grip such that the detent point contacts the detent channel of the safety selector. The lever bias spring can push the grip safety lever to a first pivot position such that the interference ledge of the grip safety lever abuts the interference abutment surface of the extended detent pin to prevent movement and rotation of the safety selector.

An example grip safety interlock can include a lower receiver with a trigger assembly, a safety selector having a detent channel, a grip having an internal recess, an extended detent pin having a detent point and an interference abutment surface, a grip safety lever having an interference ledge, and a lever bias spring positioned within the grip, extending between the grip and the grip safety lever. The grip safety lever can be positioned to pivot within the internal recess of the grip, and the extended detent pin can extend within the grip such that the detent point contacts the detent channel of the safety selector. The lever bias spring can push the grip safety lever to a first pivot position such that the interference ledge of the grip safety lever abuts the interference abutment surface of the extended detent pin to prevent movement and rotation of the safety selector.

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 firearm has a frame with a trigger guard connected to the frame and defining a trigger space. The trigger guard has an upper limit, a trigger extending from the frame into the trigger space, and a grip connected to the frame adjacent the trigger guard. The grip has a back surface adapted for engagement by a gripping hand and a safety actuator adjacent to the back surface. The safety actuator is movable between a compressed position in which firearm operation is enabled, and a released position in which firearm operation is disabled. The safety actuator is at a level above the upper limit of the trigger guard.

A firearm has a frame with a trigger guard connected to the frame and defining a trigger space. The trigger guard has an upper limit, a trigger extending from the frame into the trigger space, and a grip connected to the frame adjacent the trigger guard. The grip has a back surface adapted for engagement by a gripping hand and a safety actuator adjacent to the back surface. The safety actuator is movable between a compressed position in which firearm operation is enabled, and a released position in which firearm operation is disabled. The safety actuator is at a level above the upper limit of the trigger guard.

A novel firearm safety feature includes arresting surfaces for preventing the fall of a hammer in the event of a spontaneous failure of other firearm parts. In a particular embodiment a safety lug has an arresting surface and the hammer has a complementary arresting surface. In the event of a spontaneous failure, the arresting surface and the complementary arresting surface create a positive engagement and prevent the hammer from falling. In another embodiment, a grip safety includes an arresting surface and the hammer includes a complementary arresting surface. In the event of a spontaneous failure, the arresting surface and the complementary arresting surface create a positive engagement and prevent the hammer from falling.

A novel firearm safety feature includes arresting surfaces for preventing the fall of a hammer in the event of a spontaneous failure of other firearm parts. In a particular embodiment a safety lug has an arresting surface and the hammer has a complementary arresting surface. In the event of a spontaneous failure, the arresting surface and the complementary arresting surface create a positive engagement and prevent the hammer from falling. In another embodiment, a grip safety includes an arresting surface and the hammer includes a complementary arresting surface. In the event of a spontaneous failure, the arresting surface and the complementary arresting surface create a positive engagement and prevent the hammer from falling.

An example grip safety interlock can include a lower receiver with a trigger assembly, a safety selector having a detent channel, a grip having an internal recess, an extended detent pin having a detent point and an interference abutment surface, a grip safety lever having an interference ledge, and a lever bias spring positioned within the grip, extending between the grip and the grip safety lever. The grip safety lever can be positioned to pivot within the internal recess of the grip, and the extended detent pin can extend within the grip such that the detent point contacts the detent channel of the safety selector. The lever bias spring can push the grip safety lever to a first pivot position such that the interference ledge of the grip safety lever abuts the interference abutment surface of the extended detent pin to prevent movement and rotation of the safety selector.