Abstract
This pistol dry fire device enables multiple dry fire trigger pulls with just one racking of the slide or cocking of the semi-automatic double action only pistol without any modifications to the pistol or the standard magazine. Since the device is constructed from an impact resistant material that is inserted behind the slide and in front of the flush mounted hammer, the hammer does not contact the firing in when the device is properly positioned, rotated 90 degrees and locked in place, preventing damage to the pin, but does allow the hammer to fall and the trigger to reset as when live fire is conducted. This reset then allows for another trigger pull without racking the slide. The device also creates a visual failsafe condition without interfering with the pistol's normal functions or sights.
Claims
1. In combination with a double action, semi-automatic pistol having a recessed hammer movable from a cocked position to an energy release position and a firing pin, a dry firing device composed of a resilient, energy absorbing material molded into a single piece, shaped to be easily inserted into the pistol, locked in place in the path of the hammer preventing contact between the hammer and firing pin when dry firing the pistol and removed from the pistol frame without the need to modify the pistol or magazine in any manner.
2. A dry firing device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said device, when locked in position, provides for multiple pistol dry firings with only a single racking of the slide or cocking of the firearm.
3. A dry firing device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said device projects from the pistol frame when locked in place so as to be readily visible, indicating the pistol is in a failsafe condition, without interfering with any of the pistol's functions or the view along the sights.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a section view of a typical pistol showing the installed placement of the dry fire device.
[0021] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the dry fire device showing the various features of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a top view of the dry fire device.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a front end view of the dry fire device.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view of the dry fire device.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the dry fire device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] An embodiment to be preferred of the pistol dry fire device of the present invention is here and in figures disclosed.
[0027] For clarity, within this document all reference to the dry fire device will correspond to the pistol dry fire device as oriented in FIG. 5; the top of the figure when oriented such that the text is upright corresponding to top of the pistol dry fire device, and the bottom of the figure when oriented such that the text is upright corresponding to the bottom of the pistol dry fire device. Likewise, all reference to the front of the pistol dry fire device will correspond to the leftmost part of the pistol dry fire device as viewed in FIG. 4 when oriented with the text upright.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a section view of a semi-automatic compact pistol for which the dry firing device 1 of this invention is applicable. It should be noted that the dry firing device of this invention 1 has applications to other makes of firearms of both the same and different calipers. The dry firing device of this invention made with different dimensions can be interchanged with other pistols equipped with similar hammer and firing pin designs.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the dry fire device 1 is shown installed in it's operating position located between the hammer 2 and firing pin 14 of the pistol. The indicated position of the hammer 2 is achieved by a slight pull on the trigger 9 which engages the hammer 2 through the trigger bar 3, holding it away from the firing pin 14 and supported by the hammer catch 6. The dry firing device 1 is inserted into the space between the hammer 2 and firing pin 14. Once inserted, the dry firing device 1 is rotated 90 degrees which engages a locking ring on the shaft of the device with a hold-open detent located on the pistol frame 4. For clarity, the complex shape of the pistol frame 4 is not entirely shown on FIG. 1. The pistol grip and trigger guard 5 are shown for reference but are not impacted by this invention. Dry firing is performed by completing the pull of the trigger 9 which further rotates the hammer 2. Once the full rotation of the hammer 2 is obtained, the trigger bar 3 disengages and the hammer spring 7 pulls the hammer 2 toward the firing pin 14. Motion of the hammer 2 is stopped by the dry fire device 1 which prevents it from contacting the firing pin 14. The firing pin 14 does not move and the firing pin spring 13 is not compressed by this action, thus no cartridge can be fired. Because no ignition of a cartridge occurs, the barrel 12 or slide 11 remain stationary and the recoil springs 10 are not engaged. A complete trigger pull and hammer fall is achieved in this manner. The pistol may be dry fired with or without a magazine 8 in place, unless the pistol design requires a magazine to be in place to be fired.
[0030] FIG. 2-6 show ordinant and isometric views of the dry firing device 1. The head 15 serves as a stop to insure the proper seating of the dry firing device 1 and prevent it from being inserted too far into the pistol. A sloped surface 16 provides clearance for an unobstructed view along the pistol's sights. Gripping ridges 17 on the bottom side of the head 15 are provided to assist the operator with holding the dry firing device 1 and to facilitate engagement of the locking ring 21. A hammer cut out 18 along the bottom edge of the head 15 provides the proper clearance for seating the dry firing device above the hammer 2. An upper shaft 19 is shaped to fit through an opening in the slide 11. The lower shaft 20 is sized to fit though the frame 4 opening. A locking ring 21 secures the dry fining device 1 in place when in use. Flat areas 23 on opposite sides of the locking ring 21 permit insertion of the device through the frame 4. Once seated and turned, the locking ring 21 rests against the sides of the opening in the frame 4, preventing withdrawal during use. The nose 22 is shaped to allow easy insertion through the various noted openings. Smooth transitions 24 are provided between each change in dimension to provide for smooth and easy insertion and retraction of the dry firing device 1. Radiused edges 25 are provided on all head 15 surfaces for snag-free operation and finger comfort.
[0031] The dry firing device as indicated in FIG. 1-6 is constructed as a single unit from a material characterized as energy absorbing and able to withstand compressive impact without failing or permanently deforming, having a smooth finish with a low coefficient of friction and able to withstand contact with lubricants and cleaning solvents expected to be used with the operation and cleaning of a pistol. The material shall be a synthetic, non-metallic and suitable for injection molded fabrication.
[0032] The dry firing device 1 remains clearly visible when installed. This permits the operator to be aware at all times that the invention is in place and preventing contact between the hammer 2 and firing pin 14, while allowing dry firing of the pistol without the need to re-cock the pistol between trigger 9 pulls.
[0033] This invention has the advantage of providing dry firing trigger pulls for practice without the need to modify the pistol in any manner and preventing possible damage to the hammer or firing pin which would otherwise be caused by their impact. Having thus described in detail a preferred embodiment of the pistol dry fire device of the present invention, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes not exemplified in the detailed description of the invention could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The presented embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and all alternate embodiments and changes to the embodiments shown herein which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the appended claims are therefore to be embraced therein.
