HANDGUN WITH IMPROVED SAFETY MECHANISM

Abstract

Handguns are disclosed including improved safety mechanisms, improved magazine catch mechanisms, improved slide stop mechanisms, and improved optics mounts. Selected embodiments may include one or more than one of such improvements. Embodiments may be particularly suited to semi-automatic handguns, including 1911-style handguns and/or 2011-style handguns. Other embodiments may also be implemented in the context of different types of handguns.

Claims

1. A handgun comprising: a barrel; a firing mechanism including a firing pin and a trigger assembly; a slide; a frame; and a safety mechanism configured to selectively restrict actuation of the firing mechanism, wherein the safety mechanism includes a thumb safety mechanism configured to be selectively actuated between a safe configuration and a fire configuration, wherein the thumb safety mechanism includes a thumb safety lever, wherein the thumb safety lever includes a recessed channel, and wherein the thumb safety mechanism includes a thumb safety lever retention mechanism that includes a projecting retention member that is at least partially received within the frame and is biased to extend within the recessed channel.

2. The handgun of claim 1, wherein the projecting retention member includes at least one of a retention pin and a retention bearing.

3. The handgun of claim 1, wherein the recessed channel and the projecting retention member together define a safe detent, which is configured to bias the thumb safety lever to remain in the safe configuration, and a fire detent, which is configured to bias the thumb safety lever to remain in the fire configuration.

4. The handgun of claim 3, wherein the safe detent and the fire detent are separated from one another substantially vertically.

5. The handgun of claim 1, wherein the thumb safety lever retention mechanism further includes a projecting retention member biasing mechanism configured to bias the projecting retention member to extend within the recessed channel.

6. The handgun of claim 1, wherein the frame defines a thumb safety lever retention mechanism recess configured to at least partially contain the projecting retention member.

7. The handgun of claim 1, wherein the thumb safety mechanism is an ambidextrous thumb safety mechanism.

8. The handgun of claim 1, wherein the recessed channel includes a hollowed out portion that defines a curved profile in a horizontal direction, the hollowed out portion being configured to retain the projecting retention member in the recessed channel to prevent accidental removal of the thumb safety lever from the handgun.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a profile view illustrating examples of handguns according to the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the handguns of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the handguns of FIGS. 1-2.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a front, or muzzle-end, view of the handguns of FIGS. 1-3.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a rear, or grip-end, view of the handguns of FIGS. 1-4.

[0010] FIG. 6A is a top view of the handguns of FIGS. 1-5.

[0011] FIG. 6B is a top view of the handguns of FIGS. 1-5 with an optics adapter plate of an optics mount removed.

[0012] FIG. 6C is a top view of the handguns of FIGS. 1-5 with a cover plate of the optics mount installed.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the handguns of FIGS. 1-6.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a left side exploded view of the handguns of FIGS. 1-7.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a bottom exploded view of the handguns of FIGS. 1-8.

[0016] FIG. 10 is an exploded profile view of the handguns of FIGS. 1-9.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating an example of a region of a handgun that includes a thumb safety, according to the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a left side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a region of a handgun that includes a thumb safety, according to the present disclosure, taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 5.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a profile view illustrating an example of a portion of a thumb safety lever of a thumb safety mechanism of a handgun, according to the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a top view of the portion of the thumb safety lever of FIG. 13.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a profile view illustrating an example of a thumb safety lever of a thumb safety mechanism of a handgun, according to the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a top view of the thumb safety lever of FIG. 15.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a profile view illustrating an example of a magazine safety mechanism of a handgun, according to the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 18 is another view of the magazine safety mechanism of FIG. 17.

[0025] FIG. 19 is another view of the magazine safety mechanism of FIGS. 17-18.

[0026] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a portion of the magazine safety mechanism of FIGS. 17-19.

[0027] FIG. 21 illustrates an elongate catch mechanism body of the magazine safety mechanism of FIGS. 17-20.

[0028] FIG. 22 is another view of the elongate catch mechanism body of FIG. 21.

[0029] FIG. 23 is another view of the elongate catch mechanism body of FIGS. 21-22.

[0030] FIG. 24 is another view of the elongate catch mechanism body of FIGS. 21-23.

[0031] FIG. 25 illustrates the magazine safety mechanism of FIGS. 17-24 in a configuration that does not restrict actuation of the firing mechanism.

[0032] FIG. 26 illustrates the magazine safety mechanism of FIGS. 17-25 in a configuration that restricts actuation of the firing mechanism.

[0033] FIG. 27 is a left-side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a firing pin block mechanism of a handgun, according to the present disclosure, taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 5.

[0034] FIG. 28 is a more detailed view of a region of the firing pin block mechanism of FIG. 27.

[0035] FIG. 29 is a rear cross-sectional view illustrating the firing pin block mechanism of FIGS. 27-28, taken alone line 29-29 of FIG. 6.

[0036] FIG. 30 is a top view illustrating an example of a block mechanism plunger and a firing pin of the firing pin block mechanism of FIGS. 27-29.

[0037] FIG. 31 is a side view of the block mechanism plunger and firing pin of FIG. 30 configured to permit actuation of the firing pin.

[0038] FIG. 32 is a side view of the block mechanism plunger and firing pin of FIGS. 30-31 configured to restrict actuation of the firing pin.

[0039] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a magazine catch mechanism, according to the present disclosure, taken along line 33-33 of FIG. 2.

[0040] FIG. 34 is another cross-sectional view of the magazine catch mechanism of FIG. 33.

[0041] FIG. 35 is another cross-sectional view of the magazine catch mechanism of FIGS. 33-34.

[0042] FIG. 36 is a top view illustrating an example of a portion of a slide stop mechanism for a handgun, according to the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the portion of the slide stop mechanism of FIG. 36.

[0044] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the slide stop mechanism of FIGS. 36-37 installed within a handgun and taken along line 38-38 of FIG. 2.

[0045] FIG. 39 is a profile view of the portion of the slide stop mechanism of FIGS. 36-38.

[0046] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the slide stop mechanism of FIGS. 36-39 installed within a handgun and taken along line 40-40 of FIG. 2.

[0047] FIG. 41 is a profile view of an example of a slide assembly of a handgun, according to the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 42 is another profile view of the slide assembly of FIG. 41.

[0049] FIG. 43 is a right-side cross-sectional view of the slide assembly of FIGS. 41-42 taken along line 43-43 of FIG. 4.

[0050] FIG. 44 is another profile view of the slide assembly of FIGS. 41-43.

[0051] FIG. 45 is a right-side view of the slide assembly of FIGS. 41-44.

[0052] FIG. 46 is a top view of the slide assembly of FIGS. 41-45.

[0053] FIG. 47 is a profile view illustrating an example of an adapter plate of an optics mount of a handgun, according to the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 48 is a right-side view of the adapter plate of FIG. 47.

[0055] FIG. 49 is a top view of the adapter plate of FIGS. 47-48.

[0056] FIG. 50 is a bottom view of the adapter plate of FIGS. 47-49.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0057] FIGS. 1-50 provide examples of handguns 10 and/or components thereof, according to the present disclosure. Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each of FIGS. 1-50, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of FIGS. 1-50. Similarly, all elements may not be labeled in each of FIGS. 1-50, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components, and/or features that are discussed herein with reference to one or more of FIGS. 1-50 may be included in and/or utilized with any of FIGS. 1-50 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] In general, elements that are likely to be included in a particular embodiment are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that may be optional are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are shown in solid lines may not be essential to all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIGS. 1-10 illustrate examples of handguns 10, according to the present disclosure. Handguns 10 also may be referred to herein as and/or may be semi-automatic handguns 10, firearms 10, and/or pistols 10. As collectively illustrated by FIGS. 1-10, handguns 10 include a plurality of components that include one or more of a magazine 30, a magazine well 40, a magazine catch mechanism 100, a barrel 50, a firing mechanism 70, a safety mechanism 200, a slide assembly 60, a slide stop mechanism 400, a frame 86, and/or an optics mount 300. Handguns 10 may have and/or define a left side 12, a right side 14, a top side 16, a bottom side 18, a front side 20, and/or a back side 22. Left side 12 is configured to face left when a user fires the handgun, and right side 14 is configured to face right when the user fires the handgun. Top side 16 is configured to face upward when the user fires the handgun, and bottom side 18 is configured to face downward when the user fires the handgun. Front side 20, which also may be referred to herein as a muzzle end of the handgun, is configured to face away from the user when the user fires the handgun, and back side 22, which also may be referred to herein as a breech-side and/or as a grip-side, is configured to face toward the user when the user fires the handgun.

[0060] Magazine 30 is configured to be selectively inserted within and/or removed from magazine well 40. Stated differently, magazine well 40 may be configured to receive magazine 30. Magazine 30 is configured to contain a plurality of cartridges 34, which may be fired by handgun 10. Examples of magazine 30 include a single-stack magazine, a double-stack magazine, a metallic magazine, a polymeric magazine, a composite magazine, and/or a drop-free magazine.

[0061] Magazine catch mechanism 100 is configured to retain, or selectively retain, magazine 30 within magazine well 40. In addition, magazine catch mechanism 100 is configured to be actuated, or selectively actuated, such as by the user of the handgun, to release the magazine from the magazine well, such as to permit and/or facilitate unloading of the handgun and/or reloading of the magazine. Examples of magazine catch mechanism 100 are discussed in more detail herein.

[0062] Barrel 50 is configured to receive a selected cartridge 34 from magazine 30, such as when the handgun is fired. In some examples, barrel 50 may be a tilting barrel, which may be cammed by a swinging link 52. This arrangement is sometimes known as a short recoil action. Additional and/or alternative actions include long recoil, blowback, gas-operated, piston-operated, etc. Additional and/or alternative examples of barrel 50 include a rifled barrel, a smoothbore barrel, a threaded barrel, a straight barrel, and/or a fluted barrel.

[0063] Firing mechanism 70 includes any suitable structure that is adapted, configured, designed, and/or constructed to permit and/or facilitate selective actuation and/or firing of handgun 10. As an example, firing mechanism 70 may include a firing pin 72. The firing pin is configured to be selectively actuated to strike a primer of the selected cartridge, such as to initiate firing of the selected cartridge. As another example, firing mechanism 70 may include a trigger assembly 76. Trigger assembly 76 is configured to be selectively actuated, by the user, to cause the firing pin to strike the primer of the selected cartridge. Examples of trigger assembly 76 include a single-action trigger assembly and a double-action trigger assembly. In some examples, firing mechanism 70 also includes a hammer 82, which is configured to be selectively actuated, such as by the trigger assembly, to actuate and/or to strike the firing pin. For purposes of this disclosure, a striker such as in a striker-fired firearm should also be considered a firing pin.

[0064] Safety mechanism 200 is configured to selectively restrict actuation of one or more components of firing mechanism 70, such as to restrict, block, and/or preclude firing of the selected cartridge by the handgun. Examples of safety mechanism 200 include a thumb safety mechanism 210, a magazine safety mechanism 240, and/or a firing pin block mechanism 260, examples of which are discussed in more detail herein.

[0065] Slide assembly 60 includes a slide 62, which is configured to be selectively actuated, by the user, to position the selected cartridge within the barrel. Additionally or alternatively, slide 62 is configured to be automatically actuated, such as responsive to firing of the selected cartridge, to eject a casing of the selected cartridge from the barrel, propel a bullet of the selected cartridge through the barrel, and/or to position a subsequent cartridge within the barrel.

[0066] Slide stop mechanism 400 is configured to selectively permit full actuation of slide 62, such as between an open configuration and a closed configuration, when magazine 30 includes at least one cartridge 34. Additionally or alternatively, slide stop mechanism 400 may be configured to retain, or to selectively retain, the slide in the open configuration when magazine 30 does not include at least one cartridge 34 and/or when a magazine follower 32 of the magazine contacts the slide stop mechanism and/or directs the slide stop mechanism to retain the slide in the open configuration. Slide stop mechanism 400 may also be used retain the slide in the open configuration manually, for example when a user presses upward on slide stop mechanism 400. Examples of slide stop mechanism 400 are discussed in more detail herein.

[0067] Frame 86, which also may be referred to herein as a receiver of handgun 10, is configured to define, at least partially define, contain, at least partially contain, house, at least partially house, support, and/or at least partially support one or more other components of handgun 10. Examples of the one or more other components include magazine well 40, magazine catch mechanism 100, barrel 50, firing mechanism 70, safety mechanism 200, slide assembly 60, and/or slide stop mechanism 400.

[0068] Optics mount 300, when present, is configured to facilitate mounting of an optic assembly, such as a reflex sight and/or a dot sight, to handgun 10. This may include mounting the optic assembly to slide assembly 60 and/or to slide 62 thereof. Examples of optics mount 300 are discussed in more detail herein.

[0069] As discussed, safety mechanism 200 may include thumb safety mechanism 210. Examples of thumb safety mechanism 210 are illustrated in FIGS. 11-16. Thumb safety mechanism 210 is configured to be selectively actuated, such as by the user of the handgun, between a safe configuration and a fire configuration. When in the safe configuration, the thumb safety mechanism is configured to restrict, resist, and/or stop actuation of one or more components of firing mechanism 70, thereby restricting, resisting, and/or stopping firing of the handgun. When in the fire configuration, the thumb safety mechanism is configured to permit actuation of the one or more components of the firing mechanism and/or not to restrict actuation of the one or more components of the firing mechanism. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that handgun 10 may include one or more other safety mechanisms 200, such as magazine safety mechanism 240 and/or firing pin block mechanism 260. In such a configuration, handgun 10 may be configured such that each individual safety mechanism 200 may, by itself, restrict, resist, and/or stop actuation of at least one corresponding component of firing mechanism 70, thereby restricting, resisting, and/or stopping firing of the handgun. Stated differently, each individual safety mechanism 200 may be required to be in a corresponding state and/or configuration that permits firing of the handgun prior to firing of the handgun.

[0070] As collectively illustrated by FIGS. 11-16, thumb safety mechanisms 210 include a thumb safety lever 212, which is configured to be selectively actuated, such as by a thumb of the user, to selectively transition the thumb safety mechanism between the safe configuration and the fire configuration. The thumb safety lever includes and/or is a retained thumb safety lever that is operatively attached to, or retained on, the frame via a thumb safety lever retention mechanism 222. Such a configuration may decrease a potential for the thumb safety lever to inadvertently separate and/or dislodge from the handgun, such as may occur if the handgun is dropped.

[0071] Thumb safety lever retention mechanism 222 includes any suitable structure that is adapted, configured, designed, and/or constructed to retain the thumb safety lever on the frame. As an example, thumb safety lever 212 may define a recessed channel 220, and thumb safety lever retention mechanism 222 includes a projecting retention member 224, which is at least partially received within frame 86 and/or within a thumb safety lever retention mechanism recess 88 of frame 86. The projecting retention member is biased, such as via a projecting retention member biasing mechanism 226, to extend from the frame and/or into the recessed channel, thereby providing a positive interlock between the frame and the thumb safety lever and/or resisting separation of the thumb safety lever from the frame. Examples of projecting retention member 224 include a retention pin and/or a retention bearing such as a rotating ball bearing configured to interface with a detent. Examples of projecting retention member biasing mechanism 226 include a resilient projecting retention member biasing mechanism and/or a spring projecting retention member biasing mechanism. The projecting retention member biasing mechanism also is at least partially received and/or contained within frame 86 and/or within thumb safety lever retention mechanism recess 88 thereof.

[0072] Thumb safety mechanism 210, including thumb safety lever 212 thereof may define a plurality of detents, which are configured to retain, or to bias, the thumb safety lever toward and/or to two or more distinct relative orientations with respect to frame 86. As an example, recessed channel 220 and projecting retention member 224 together may define a safe detent and a fire detent. The safe detent is configured to bias the thumb safety lever to remain in the safe configuration, while the fire detent is configured to bias the thumb safety lever to remain in the fire configuration.

[0073] In some examples, the safe detent and the fire detent may be separated from one another substantially vertically relative to the position of handgun 10 when it is in use. Thus thumb safety lever 212 may be actuated by the user pressing it upward or downward with the user's thumb.

[0074] In some examples, the recessed channel 220 may include a portion that is hollowed out (or partially hollowed out) in the lateral or horizontal direction. That is, recessed channel 220 may include a profile that is curved in the lateral direction (e.g., including a rounded portion that is configured to receive projecting retention member 224). Projecting retention member 224 may be retained in this hollowed out portion of recessed channel 220, such that thumb safety lever 212 may be prevented from accidentally being removed from handgun 10. For example, to remove thumb safety lever 212 for cleaning or maintenance, a user may compress biasing mechanism 226 and retract projecting retention member 224 from the hollowed out portion, allowing removal of thumb safety lever 212.

[0075] In some examples, the thumb safety lever retention mechanism is configured to be actuated, or selectively actuated, such as by the user and independent from the thumb safety lever, to facilitate separation of the thumb safety lever from the frame, when desired. As an example, the user may press projecting retention member 224 into thumb safety lever retention mechanism recess 88 of frame 86 to facilitate separation of the thumb safety lever from the frame.

[0076] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that thumb safety mechanism 210 may include and/or be an ambidextrous thumb safety mechanism, such as is configured to be actuated by both a left-handed and a right-handed shooter and/or to be actuated from both the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun. As an example, thumb safety lever 212 may include and/or be a first thumb safety lever 214, which is positioned on one of the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun. In addition, thumb safety mechanism 210 may include a second thumb safety lever 216, which is positioned on the other of the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun.

[0077] In such a configuration, thumb safety mechanism 210 may define a thumb safety interface 218 between the first thumb safety lever and the second thumb safety lever. The thumb safety interface is configured to operatively interlock the first thumb safety lever and the second thumb safety lever such that actuation of one of the first thumb safety lever and the second thumb safety lever actuates, or also actuates, the other of the first thumb safety lever and the second thumb safety lever. Additionally or alternatively, the thumb safety interface may be a clearance-adjustable thumb safety interface, which may be configured to facilitate adjustment therewithin of a clearance between the first thumb safety lever and the second thumb safety lever. As an example, a region of the thumb safety interface that is defined by the first thumb safety lever and/or by the second thumb safety lever may be configured to be deformed and/or bent to facilitate formation of an interference fit between the first thumb safety lever and the second thumb safety lever within the thumb safety interface. Such a configuration may decrease a potential for vibration and/or rattling of the first thumb safety lever and/or of the second thumb safety lever, such as during carry, operative use, and/or firing of the handgun.

[0078] As also discussed, safety mechanism 200 may include magazine safety mechanism 240. Magazine safety mechanism 240 is configured to selectively restrict actuation of firing mechanism 70 when magazine 30 is not received, or not fully received, within magazine well 40. Additionally or alternatively, magazine safety mechanism 240 may be configured to permit actuation of the firing mechanism and/or not to restrict actuation of the firing mechanism when the magazine is received, or fully received, within the magazine well.

[0079] Magazine safety mechanism 240 includes any suitable structure that may selectively restrict, selectively permit, and/or selectively not restrict actuation of the firing mechanism based, at least in part, on a position of the magazine within the magazine well. Examples of magazine safety mechanism 240 are illustrated in FIGS. 17-26. As illustrated therein, magazine safety mechanism 240 is at least partially defined by magazine catch mechanism 100 of handgun 10. As an example, magazine safety mechanism 240 may include and/or be a magazine trigger safety mechanism, which is configured to selectively restrict actuation of trigger assembly 76 when magazine 30 is not received, or not fully received, within magazine well 40. Additionally or alternatively, the magazine trigger safety mechanism is configured to permit actuation of the trigger assembly and/or not to restrict actuation of the trigger assembly when the magazine is received, or fully received, within the magazine well.

[0080] In a specific example, magazine catch mechanism 100 includes a catch mechanism recess 106, such as is defined by and/or within an elongate catch mechanism body 102 of the magazine catch mechanism. In such examples, trigger assembly 76, or a trigger bow 78 of the trigger assembly, includes a trigger assembly extension 80. In such a configuration, the magazine catch mechanism is configured such that the catch mechanism recess is selectively positioned to receive the trigger assembly extension, and to permit actuation of the trigger assembly, when the magazine is received, or fully received, within the magazine well. This is illustrated in FIGS. 17-19 and 25. In addition, the magazine catch mechanism is configured to selectively restrict actuation of the trigger assembly when the magazine is not received, or not fully received, within the magazine well. As an example, and as illustrated in FIG. 26, the magazine catch mechanism is configured such that the catch mechanism recess is positioned not to receive the trigger assembly extension, thereby restricting actuation of the trigger assembly, when the magazine is not received, or not fully received, within the magazine well.

[0081] As also discussed, safety mechanism 200 may include firing pin block mechanism 260. Examples of firing pin block mechanism 260 are illustrated in FIGS. 27-32. The firing pin block mechanism is configured to restrict actuation of firing pin 72 and/or to selectively permit actuation of the firing pin responsive to actuation of trigger assembly 76.

[0082] Firing pin block mechanism 260 includes any suitable structure that is adapted, configured, designed, and/or constructed to restrict actuation of the firing pin and/or to selectively permit actuation of the firing pin responsive to actuation of the trigger assembly. As an example, the firing pin block mechanism includes a block mechanism plunger 262. As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 30-32, the block mechanism plunger may define a plurality of orientations relative to the firing pin. These orientations include orientations that permit actuation of the firing pin, as illustrated in FIG. 31, as well as orientations that restrict actuation of the firing pin, as illustrated in FIG. 32.

[0083] In specific examples, and with continued reference to FIGS. 30-32, firing pin 72 may define a plunger-receiving restriction 74. In such examples, block mechanism plunger 262 is configured to contact firing pin 72 within the plunger-receiving restriction when the firing pin block mechanism is configured to restrict actuation of the firing pin, as illustrated in FIG. 32. Additionally or alternatively, and as discussed in more detail herein, block mechanism plunger 262 is configured to selectively translate, responsive to actuation of the trigger mechanism, such that the block mechanism plunger does not contact the firing pin within the plunger-receiving restriction, thereby permitting actuation of the firing pin, as illustrated in FIG. 31.

[0084] Turning to FIGS. 27-29, and in some examples, firing pin block mechanism 260 includes a block mechanism plunger spring 268, which is configured to bias firing pin block mechanism plunger 262 to restrict actuation of the firing pin, such as to the orientation that is illustrated in FIG. 32. As also illustrated in FIGS. 27-29, block mechanism plunger 262 may define a longitudinal plunger recess 266, and the block mechanism plunger spring is received, or at least partially received, within the longitudinal plunger recess. In such examples, the block mechanism plunger may define a plunger recess opening 264, which is configured to open into, or to receive the block mechanism plunger spring into, longitudinal plunger recess 266. As illustrated, the plunger recess opening may face upward and/or may face toward optics mount 300.

[0085] With continued reference to FIGS. 27-29, slide assembly 60 and/or slide 62 thereof may define a plunger-receiving recess 64, which is configured to receive, to contain, and/or to house block mechanism plunger 262. As also illustrated, slide assembly 60 and/or slide 62 thereof may define an optics mount surface 302, which may at least partially define optics mount 300, and plunger-receiving recess 64 may extend into the slide assembly from the optics mount surface.

[0086] As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 28, firing pin block mechanism 260 includes a plunger lever 270 and a trigger bow lever 272. The plunger lever and the trigger bow lever are configured such that, responsive to actuation of trigger assembly 76, trigger bow lever 272 may selectively act upon plunger lever 270 to cause block mechanism plunger 262 to selectively permit actuation of the firing pin. Stated differently, and as discussed, the block mechanism plunger is biased, such as via block mechanism plunger spring 268, to restrict actuation of the firing pin, such as is illustrated in FIG. 32. However, upon actuation of trigger bow lever 272 via motion of trigger bow 78, plunger lever 270 may urge the block mechanism plunger to a configuration that permits actuation of the firing pin, as illustrated in FIG. 31.

[0087] Returning to FIG. 28, trigger bow lever 272 may define a trigger bow-contacting lobe 274. The trigger bow-contacting lobe is shaped for smooth sliding contact with trigger bow 78 during actuation of the trigger assembly. As examples, the trigger bow-contacting lobe may be smooth, may be rounded, and/or may be arcuate to provide the smooth sliding motion.

[0088] Firing pin block mechanism 260 may provide a number of distinct benefits over conventional firing pin block mechanisms that do not include block mechanism plunger 262, block mechanism plunger spring 268, plunger lever 270, trigger bow lever 272, trigger bow-contacting lobe 274, and/or plunger-receiving recess 64 that are disclosed herein. As an example, block mechanism plunger 262 is relatively shorter when compared to the conventional firing pin block mechanism. As another example, receipt of block mechanism plunger spring 268 within longitudinal plunger recess 266 once again may cause an overall height of the combination of the block mechanism plunger and the block mechanism plunger spring to be relatively shorter when compared to the conventional firing pin block mechanism. This may permit and/or facilitate inclusion of optics mount 300 within handguns 10 and/or permitting a lower-profile optics mount 300 in handguns 10 when compared to handguns that include the conventional firing pin block mechanism.

[0089] As yet another example, the presence of trigger bow-contacting lobe 274 may permit and/or facilitate refinement of the feel of trigger assembly 76 and/or of an amount of motion imparted to block mechanism plunger 262 during actuation of the trigger assembly. As examples, the trigger bow-contacting lobe may be machined, polished, filed, and/or sanded to change the feel of the trigger assembly and/or to change the amount of motion imparted to the block mechanism plunger.

[0090] As discussed, handguns 10 may include magazine catch mechanism 100. Magazine catch mechanism 100 includes any suitable structure that is adapted, configured, designed, and/or constructed to retain, or to selectively retain, magazine 30 within magazine well 40, and more specific examples of magazine catch mechanism 100 are illustrated in FIGS. 33-35.

[0091] As illustrated, magazine catch mechanism 100 includes elongate catch mechanism body 102, and frame 86 may define a catch mechanism body-receiving recess 90. The elongate catch mechanism body and the catch mechanism body-receiving recess are shaped and/or sized such that a projection of the elongate catch mechanism body, taken along catch mechanism body longitudinal axis 104 thereof, fits within a projection of the catch mechanism body-receiving recess taken along the catch mechanism body longitudinal axis. Stated differently, elongate catch mechanism body 102 is shaped and/or sized to slide completely, or entirely, through catch mechanism body-receiving recess 90, such as between left side 12 and right side 14 of handgun 10. In addition, and as discussed in more detail herein, elongate catch mechanism body 102 is reversible within catch mechanism body-receiving recess 90. Stated differently, the elongate catch mechanism body is capable of being positioned, within catch mechanism body-receiving recess 90, in two different relative orientations that are 180-degrees apart from one another. Stated still differently, magazine catch mechanism 100 may include and/or be an ambidextrous magazine catch mechanism that is configured to be selectively transitioned between a right-handed configuration and a left-handed configuration.

[0092] As also illustrated, magazine catch mechanism 100 includes a catch mechanism insert 108, which is positioned at least partially within, or at least partially within an interior region of, elongate catch mechanism body 102. Catch mechanism insert 108 may define a catch mechanism retention tab 110, which may project from a catch mechanism retention tab opening 114 of elongate catch mechanism body 102, as perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0093] Returning to FIGS. 33-35, frame 86 may define a first catch mechanism retention tab recess 92 and a second catch mechanism retention tab recess 94, which is spaced apart from the first catch mechanism retention tab recess. First catch mechanism retention tab recess 92 is positioned to receive the catch mechanism retention tab when the magazine catch mechanism is configured for actuation by one of a left-handed user and a right-handed user (as in one of the left-handed configuration and the right-handed configuration), and second catch mechanism retention tab recess 94 is positioned to receive the catch mechanism retention tab when the magazine catch mechanism is configured for actuation by the other of the left-handed user and the right-handed user (as in the other of the left-handed configuration and the right-handed configuration).

[0094] With the above in mind, and when the catch mechanism retention tab is received within the first catch mechanism retention tab recess, the magazine catch mechanism and the frame together may define a first relative position of the magazine catch mechanism along catch mechanism body longitudinal axis 104 of the elongate catch mechanism body. In addition, when the catch mechanism retention tab is received within the second catch mechanism retention tab recess, the magazine catch mechanism and the frame together define a second relative position, which differs from the first relative position, of the magazine catch mechanism along the catch mechanism body longitudinal axis of the elongate catch mechanism body.

[0095] As also illustrated in FIGS. 33-35, magazine catch mechanism 100 includes a magazine catch biasing mechanism 112. The magazine catch biasing mechanism is configured to bias the catch mechanism insert toward a selected side of the elongate catch mechanism body, thereby biasing elongate catch mechanism body 102 to a specific and/or defined orientation with respect to frame 86 when catch mechanism retention tab 110 is received within first catch mechanism retention tab recess 92 or second catch mechanism retention tab recess 94.

[0096] As discussed, handguns 10 may include slide stop mechanism 400. Slide stop mechanism 400 includes any suitable structure that is adapted, configured, designed, and/or constructed to selectively permit full actuation of slide 62 and/or to selectively retain the slide in the open configuration. More specific examples of slide stop mechanism 400 are illustrated in FIGS. 36-40. Slide stop mechanism 400 may include and/or be an ambidextrous slide stop mechanism, such as is configured to be actuated from both the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun and/or by both the left-handed user and the right-handed user.

[0097] As illustrated, slide stop mechanism 400 may include a first slide stop mechanism lever 402 and a second slide stop mechanism lever 404. The first slide stop mechanism lever is configured to be actuated by the user from one of the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun, and the second slide stop lever is configured to be actuated by the user from the other of the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun.

[0098] As also illustrated, slide stop mechanism 400 may include a slide stop mechanism interface 406 between the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever. The slide stop mechanism interface is configured to operatively interlock the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever such that actuation of one of the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever actuates the other of the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever. Additionally or alternatively, the slide stop mechanism interface may be a clearance-adjustable slide stop mechanism interface configured to facilitate adjustment therewithin of a clearance between the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever. As an example, a region of the slide stop mechanism interface that is defined by the first slide stop mechanism lever and/or by the second slide stop mechanism lever may be configured to be deformed and/or bent to facilitate formation of an interference fit between the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever within the slide stop mechanism interface. Such a configuration may decrease a potential for vibration and/or rattling of the first slide stop mechanism lever and/or of the second slide stop mechanism lever, such as during carry, operative use, and/or firing of the handgun.

[0099] As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 36-37 and 39-40, and in some examples, one of the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever may include a projecting region 408. Projecting region 408 may project from the one of the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever and/or may project toward the other of the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever. In such examples, and as illustrated in FIG. 40, slide stop mechanism 400 also includes a slide stop biasing mechanism 410, which is configured to bias the slide stop mechanism to selectively permit full actuation of the slide between the open configuration and the closed configuration. Stated differently, slide stop biasing mechanism 410 may urge the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever downward and/or away from slide assembly 60 and/or slide 62 thereof.

[0100] As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 37-39, one (or the other) of the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever includes a lever projection 412. In such examples, and as illustrated in FIG. 38, frame 86 includes lever projection recess 96, which is configured to receive the lever projection and/or to retain the one of the fist slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever within the frame during separation of the first slide stop mechanism lever from the second slide stop mechanism lever.

[0101] As discussed, handguns 10 may include optics mount 300. Optics mount 300 includes any suitable structure that is adapted, configured, designed, and/or constructed to facilitate mounting of the optic assembly to the handgun, to the slide assembly, and/or to the slide. More specific examples of optics mount 300 are illustrated in FIGS. 41-50.

[0102] As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 41-46, handgun 10 and/or slide assembly 60 may include a front sight 66 and a rear sight 68. Front sight 66 and rear sight 68 are operatively attached to slide 62 and/or defined by slide 62, and optics mount 300 may be positioned rearward, or toward back side 22 relative to, rear sight 68. Such a configuration may permit and/or facilitate simultaneous operative use of the sights and the optic assembly, such as to may permit and/or facilitate co-witnessing of the sights and the optic assembly.

[0103] As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 6B and 41-43, optics mount 300 includes an optics mount surface 302, which is at least partially formed and/or defined by slide 62. Optics mount 300 also includes at least one receiver recoil lug-receiving region 304, which may extend from optics mount surface 302 and/or into receiver 86. Optics mount 300 also includes a plurality of threaded holes 306, which may extend from the optics mount surface and/or into the receiver. The plurality of threaded holes may define, or be positioned in, a plurality of distinct mounting patterns, which may correspond to a plurality of distinct conventional optics thread mounting patterns. Examples of the plurality of distinct conventional optics thread mounting patterns include a Docter thread mounting pattern, a Noblex thread mounting pattern, an Aimpoint Acro thread mounting pattern, an RMSc thread mounting pattern, and/or an RMR thread mounting pattern.

[0104] As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 44-50, optics mount 300 also includes an optics adapter plate 310, which is adapted, configured, shaped, and/or sized to interface between optics mount surface 302 and the optic assembly. Stated differently, optics adapter plate 310 is configured to adapt the optic assembly to optics mount surface 302, such as via defining a desired overall height of the optic assembly relative to a remainder of the slide assembly.

[0105] Optics adapter plate 310 may define a first plate side 312 that is adapted, configured, shaped, and/or sized to interface with optics mount surface 302 and/or to define a face-to-face contact with the optics mount surface. As an example, first plate side 312 includes at least one adapter plate-receiver lug 314, as illustrated in FIGS. 48 and 50. The at least one adapter plate-receiver lug is adapted, configured, shaped, sized, and/or positioned to be received within the at least one receiver recoil lug-receiving region, such as to precisely position the optics adapter plate relative to the slide and/or to resist relative motion between the optics adapter plate and the slide when the handgun is fired.

[0106] Optics adapter plate 310 also may define a second plate side 316 that is adapted, configured, shaped, and/or sized to interface with the optic assembly and/or to define a face-to-face contact with the optic assembly. As an example, second plate side 316 includes at least one adapter plate-optic lug 318, as illustrated in FIGS. 44-48. The at least one adapter plate-optic lug is configured to be received within at least one optic lug-receiving region of the optic assembly. A position of the at least one adapter plate-optic lug, on the optics adapter plate, may correspond to one, or only one, conventional optics recoil lug position. Examples of the conventional optics recoil lug position include a Docter recoil lug position, a Noblex recoil lug position, an Aimpoint Acro recoil lug position, an RMSc recoil lug position, and/or an RMR recoil lug position.

[0107] Optics adapter plate 310 also includes a plurality of optic assembly mounting holes, which may extend between the first plate side and the second plate side. The plurality of optics assembly mounting holes are a plurality of smooth, or unthreaded, optics assembly mounting holes. A relative orientation among the plurality of optic assembly mounting holes may correspond to a relative orientation among only a subset of the plurality of threaded holes. Stated differently, the plurality of optic assembly mounting holes are positioned to provide access to only the subset of the plurality of threaded holes. Stated still differently, the optics adapter plate may cover, or prevent access to, at least one threaded hole of the plurality of threaded holes.

[0108] The relative orientation among the plurality of threaded holes may correspond to one, or only one, conventional optics thread mounting pattern. Examples of the conventional optics thread mounting pattern include a Docter thread mounting pattern, a Noblex thread mounting pattern, an Aimpoint Acro thread mounting pattern, an RMSc thread mounting pattern, and/or an RMR thread mounting pattern.

[0109] As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 48 and 50, and in some examples, first plate side 312 also includes a plunger retention structure 322. The plunger retention structure may extend from the optics adapter plate and/or from the first plate side of the optics adapter plate and is shaped and/or positioned to retain block mechanism plunger 262 and/or block mechanism plunger spring 268 within plunger-receiving recess 64 of slide 60, as illustrated in FIG. 28. Stated differently, optics adapter plate 310 is configured to retain the block mechanism plunger of the firing pin block mechanism within the slide and/or to retain the block mechanism plunger spring of the firing pin block mechanism within the slide.

[0110] As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 43, and in some examples, optics mount surface 302 may include an undercut region 308. The undercut region is adapted, configured, shaped, and/or sized to correspond to, to mirror, and/or to mate with a corresponding region 324 of optics adapter plate 310, as perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 48. In some such examples, the undercut region is shaped to precisely position the optics adapter plate relative to the optics mount surface in at least one dimension. In some such examples, the at least one dimension may be along a transverse axis that extends between the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun.

[0111] As illustrated in FIG. 6C, and in some examples, a cover plate 330 may cover optics mount surface 302. Cover plate 330 may be utilized when the optic assembly is not, or is not going to be, mounted to handgun 10 via optics mount 300. The cover plate may be utilized to improve the overall aesthetics of handguns 10 that do not have optical assemblies mounted thereon. Additionally or alternatively, and similar to adapter plate 310, cover plate 330 may be utilized to retain the block mechanism plunger of the firing pin block mechanism within the slide and/or to retain the block mechanism plunger spring of the firing pin block mechanism within the slide.

[0112] As used herein, the term and/or placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with and/or should be construed in the same manner, i.e., one or more of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the and/or clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to A and/or B, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as comprising may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

[0113] As used herein, the phrase at least one, in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entities in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase at least one refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, at least one of A and B (or, equivalently, at least one of A or B, or, equivalently at least one of A and/or B) may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases at least one, one or more, and and/or are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions at least one of A, B, and C, at least one of A, B, or C, one or more of A, B, and C, one or more of A, B, or C, and A, B, and/or C may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.

[0114] In the event that any patents, patent applications, or other references are incorporated by reference herein and (1) define a term in a manner that is inconsistent with and/or (2) are otherwise inconsistent with, either the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure or any of the other incorporated references, the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure shall control, and the term or incorporated disclosure therein shall only control with respect to the reference in which the term is defined and/or the incorporated disclosure was present originally.

[0115] As used herein the terms adapted and configured mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms adapted and configured should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply capable of performing a given function but that the element, component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements, components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa.

[0116] As used herein, the phrase, for example, the phrase, as an example, and/or simply the term example, when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, including structurally and/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0117] As used herein, at least substantially, when modifying a degree or relationship, may include not only the recited substantial degree or relationship, but also the full extent of the recited degree or relationship. A substantial amount of a recited degree or relationship may include at least 75% of the recited degree or relationship. For example, an object that is at least substantially formed from a material includes objects for which at least 75% of the objects are formed from the material and also includes objects that are completely formed from the material. As another example, a first length that is at least substantially as long as a second length includes first lengths that are within 75% of the second length and also includes first lengths that are as long as the second length.

[0118] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of handguns according to the present disclosure are presented in the following enumerated paragraphs.

[0119] A1. A handgun comprising at least one, or one or more, of: [0120] a magazine configured to contain a plurality of cartridges; [0121] a magazine well configured to receive the magazine; [0122] a magazine catch mechanism configured to retain the magazine within the magazine well and to be selectively actuated, by a user of the handgun, to release the magazine from the magazine well; [0123] a barrel configured to receive a selected cartridge of the plurality of cartridges from the magazine, optionally wherein the barrel is a tilting barrel that is cammed by a swinging link; [0124] a firing mechanism including a firing pin, which is configured to be selectively actuated to strike a primer of the selected cartridge to initiate firing of the selected cartridge, and a trigger assembly, which is configured to be selectively actuated, by the user, to cause the firing pin to strike the primer of the selected cartridge, optionally wherein the trigger assembly is a single-action trigger assembly, optionally wherein the firing mechanism further includes a hammer configured to be selectively actuated to actuate the firing pin; [0125] a safety mechanism configured to selectively restrict actuation of the firing mechanism; [0126] a slide assembly including a slide configured to be at least one of selectively actuated to position the selected cartridge within the barrel and automatically actuated, responsive to firing of the selected cartridge, to eject a casing of the selected cartridge from the barrel and position a subsequent cartridge within the barrel; [0127] a slide stop mechanism configured to at least one of selectively permit full actuation of the slide between an open configuration and a closed configuration when the magazine includes at least one cartridge of the plurality of cartridges and to retain the slide in the open configuration responsive to a magazine follower of the magazine contacting the slide stop mechanism; [0128] a frame, or a receiver, configured to at least partially contain, at least partially house, and/or at least partially support at least one of the magazine well, the magazine catch mechanism, the barrel, the firing mechanism, the safety mechanism, the slide assembly, and the slide stop mechanism; and [0129] an optics mount configured to facilitate mounting of an optic assembly to the slide; [0130] wherein the handgun defines a left side, which is configured to face left when the user fires the handgun, and a right side, which is configured to face to the right when the user fires the handgun.

[0131] A2. The handgun of paragraph A1, wherein the safety mechanism includes a thumb safety mechanism configured to be selectively actuated, by the user, between a safe configuration, optionally in which the thumb safety mechanism is configured to restrict actuation of the firing mechanism, and a fire configuration, optionally in which the thumb safety mechanism is configured to at least one of permit actuation of the firing mechanism and not to restrict actuation of the firing mechanism.

[0132] A3. The handgun of paragraph A2, wherein the thumb safety mechanism includes a thumb safety lever configured to be selectively actuated by a thumb of the user to selectively transition the thumb safety mechanism between the safe configuration and the fire configuration.

[0133] A4. The handgun of paragraph A3, wherein the thumb safety lever is a retained thumb safety lever that is operatively attached to the frame via a thumb safety lever retention mechanism.

[0134] A5. The handgun of paragraph A4, wherein the thumb safety lever retention mechanism is configured to be actuated, by the user and independent from the thumb safety lever, to facilitate separation of the thumb safety lever from the frame.

[0135] A6. The handgun of any of paragraphs A4-A5, wherein the thumb safety lever defines a recessed channel, and further wherein the thumb safety lever retention mechanism includes a projecting retention member that is at least partially received within the frame and is biased to extend within the recessed channel, optionally wherein the projecting retention member includes at least one of a retention pin and a retention bearing.

[0136] A7. The handgun of paragraph A6, wherein the recessed channel and the projecting retention member together define a safe detent, which is configured to bias the thumb safety lever to remain in the safe configuration, and a fire detent, which is configured to bias the thumb safety lever to remain in the fire configuration.

[0137] A8. The handgun of any of paragraphs A4-A7, wherein the thumb safety lever retention mechanism further includes a projecting retention member biasing mechanism configured to bias the projecting retention member to extend within the recessed channel, optionally wherein the projecting retention member biasing mechanism includes at least one of a resilient projecting retention member biasing mechanism and a spring projecting retention member biasing mechanism.

[0138] A9. The handgun of any of paragraphs A4-A8, wherein the frame defines a thumb safety lever retention mechanism recess configured to at least partially contain at least one of a/the projecting retention member and a/the projecting retention member biasing mechanism of the thumb safety lever retention mechanism.

[0139] A10. The handgun of any of paragraphs A3-A9, wherein the thumb safety lever is a first thumb safety lever positioned on one of the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun, and further wherein the thumb safety mechanism includes a second thumb safety lever positioned on the other of the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun.

[0140] A11. The handgun of paragraph A10, wherein the thumb safety mechanism defines a thumb safety interface between the first thumb safety lever and the second thumb safety lever, optionally wherein at least one of: [0141] (i) the thumb safety interface is configured to operatively interlock the first thumb safety lever and the second thumb safety lever such that actuation of one of the first thumb safety lever and the second thumb safety lever actuates the other of the first thumb safety lever and the second thumb safety lever; and [0142] (ii) the thumb safety interface is a clearance-adjustable thumb safety interface configured to facilitate adjustment therewithin of a clearance between the first thumb safety lever and the second thumb safety lever.

[0143] A12. The handgun of any of paragraphs A2-A11, wherein the thumb safety mechanism is an ambidextrous thumb safety mechanism configured to be actuated from both the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun.

[0144] A13. The handgun of any of paragraphs A2-A12, wherein the thumb safety mechanism includes any suitable structure, function, and/or feature of any of the thumb safety mechanisms that are illustrated and/or described herein.

[0145] A14. The handgun of any of paragraphs A1-A13, wherein the safety mechanism includes a magazine safety mechanism configured to selectively restrict actuation of the firing mechanism when the magazine is not received, or not fully received, within the magazine well and to at least one of permit actuation of the firing mechanism when the magazine is received, or fully received, within the magazine well and not to restrict actuation of the firing mechanism when the magazine is received, or fully received, within the magazine well.

[0146] A15. The handgun of paragraph A14, wherein the magazine safety mechanism is at least partially defined by the magazine catch mechanism.

[0147] A16. The handgun of any of paragraphs A14-A15, wherein the magazine safety mechanism is a magazine trigger safety mechanism optionally configured to selectively restrict actuation of the trigger assembly when the magazine is not received, or not fully received, within the magazine well and to at least one of permit actuation of the trigger assembly when the magazine is received, or fully received, within the magazine well and not to restrict actuation of the trigger assembly when the magazine is received, or fully received, within the magazine well.

[0148] A17. The handgun of any of paragraphs A14-A16, wherein the magazine catch mechanism includes a catch mechanism recess, wherein the trigger assembly, or a trigger bow of the trigger assembly, includes a trigger assembly extension, and further wherein at least one of: [0149] (i) the magazine catch mechanism is configured such that the catch mechanism recess is selectively positioned to receive the trigger assembly extension, and to permit actuation of the trigger assembly, when the magazine is received, or fully received, within the magazine well; [0150] (ii) the magazine catch mechanism is configured to selectively restrict actuation of the trigger assembly when the magazine is not received, or not fully received, within the magazine well; and [0151] (iii) the magazine catch mechanism is configured such that the catch mechanism recess is positioned not to receive the trigger assembly extension when the magazine is not received, or not fully received, within the magazine well.

[0152] A18. The handgun of any of paragraphs A14-A17, wherein the magazine safety mechanism includes any suitable structure, function, and/or feature of any of the magazine safety mechanisms that are illustrated and/or described herein.

[0153] A19. The handgun of any of paragraphs A1-A18, wherein the safety mechanism includes a firing pin block mechanism configured to restrict actuation of the firing pin and to selectively permit actuation of the firing pin responsive to actuation of the trigger assembly.

[0154] A20. The handgun of paragraph A19, wherein the firing pin block mechanism includes a block mechanism plunger.

[0155] A21. The handgun of paragraph A20, wherein the firing pin defines a plunger-receiving restriction, and further wherein at least one of: [0156] (i) the block mechanism plunger contacts the firing pin within the plunger-receiving restriction when the firing pin block mechanism is configured to restrict actuation of the firing pin; and [0157] (ii) the block mechanism plunger is configured to selectively translate, responsive to actuation of the trigger assembly, such that the block mechanism plunger does not contact the firing pin within the plunger-receiving restriction when the firing pin block mechanism selectively permits actuation of the firing pin.

[0158] A22. The handgun of any of paragraphs A20-A21, wherein the firing pin block mechanism further includes a block mechanism plunger spring configured to bias the firing pin block mechanism plunger to restrict actuation of the firing pin.

[0159] A23. The handgun of paragraph A22, wherein the block mechanism plunger defines a longitudinal plunger recess, and further wherein the block mechanism plunger spring is at least partially received within the longitudinal plunger recess.

[0160] A24. The handgun of paragraph A23, wherein the block mechanism plunger defines a plunger recess opening, which is configured to receive the block mechanism plunger spring, and further wherein the plunger recess opening faces toward the optics mount.

[0161] A25. The handgun of any of paragraphs A20-A24, wherein the slide assembly defines a plunger-receiving recess configured to receive the block mechanism plunger.

[0162] A26. The handgun of paragraph A25, wherein slide assembly defines an optics mount surface that at least partially defines the optics mount, and further wherein the plunger-receiving recess extends into the slide assembly from the optics mount surface.

[0163] A27. The handgun of any of paragraphs A20-A26, wherein the firing pin block mechanism further includes a plunger lever and a trigger bow lever, wherein, responsive to actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger bow lever is configured to selectively act upon the plunger lever to cause the block mechanism plunger to selectively permit actuation of the firing pin.

[0164] A28. The handgun of paragraph A27, wherein the trigger bow lever defines a trigger bow-contacting lobe shaped for smooth sliding contact with the trigger bow during actuation of the trigger assembly.

[0165] A29. The handgun of any of paragraphs A19-A28, wherein the firing pin block mechanism includes any suitable structure, function, and/or feature of any of the firing pin block mechanisms that are illustrated and/or described herein.

[0166] A30. The handgun of any of paragraphs A1-A29, wherein the magazine catch mechanism is an ambidextrous magazine catch mechanism configured to be selectively transitioned between a right-handed configuration and a left-handed configuration.

[0167] A31. The handgun of any of paragraphs A1-A30, wherein the magazine catch mechanism includes an elongate catch mechanism body, wherein the frame defines a catch mechanism body-receiving recess.

[0168] A32. The handgun of paragraph A31, wherein the elongate catch mechanism body and the catch mechanism body-receiving recess together are shaped such that a projection of the elongate catch mechanism body, taken along a catch mechanism body longitudinal axis thereof, fits within a projection of the catch mechanism body-receiving recess taken along the catch mechanism body longitudinal axis.

[0169] A33. The handgun of any of paragraphs A31-A32, wherein the magazine catch mechanism further includes a catch mechanism insert positioned at least partially within an interior region of the elongate catch mechanism body, and further wherein the catch mechanism insert defines a catch mechanism retention tab that projects from a catch mechanism retention tab opening of the elongate catch mechanism body.

[0170] A34. The handgun of paragraph A33, wherein the frame defines a first catch mechanism retention tab recess positioned to receive the catch mechanism retention tab when the magazine catch mechanism is configured for actuation by one of a left-handed user and a right-handed user, and further wherein the frame defines a second catch mechanism retention tab recess that is spaced apart from the first catch mechanism retention tab recess and is positioned to receive the catch mechanism retention tab when the magazine catch mechanism is configured for actuation by the other of the left-handed user and the right-handed user.

[0171] A35. The handgun of paragraph A34, wherein, when the catch mechanism retention tab is received within the first catch mechanism retention tab recess, the magazine catch mechanism and the frame together define a first relative position of the magazine catch mechanism along a/the catch mechanism body longitudinal axis of the elongate catch mechanism body, and further wherein, when the catch mechanism retention tab is received within the second catch mechanism retention tab recess, the magazine catch mechanism and the frame together define a second relative position, which differs from the first relative position, of the magazine catch mechanism along the catch mechanism body longitudinal axis of the elongate catch mechanism body.

[0172] A36. The handgun of any of paragraphs A33-A35, wherein the magazine catch mechanism further includes a magazine catch biasing mechanism configured to bias the catch mechanism insert toward a selected side of the elongate catch mechanism body.

[0173] A37. The handgun of any of paragraphs A30-A36, wherein the elongate catch mechanism body defines a/the catch mechanism recess of a/the magazine safety mechanism of the safety mechanism.

[0174] A38. The handgun of any of paragraphs A30-A37, wherein the magazine catch mechanism includes any suitable structure, function, and/or feature of any of the magazine catch mechanisms that are illustrated and/or described herein.

[0175] A39. The handgun of any of paragraphs A1-A38, wherein the slide stop mechanism is an ambidextrous slide stop mechanism configured to be actuated from both the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun.

[0176] A40. The handgun of any of paragraphs A1-A39, wherein the slide stop mechanism includes a first slide stop mechanism lever, which is configured to be actuated by the user from one of the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun, and a second slide stop mechanism lever, which is configured to be actuated by the user from the other of the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun.

[0177] A41. The handgun of paragraph A40, wherein the slide stop mechanism further includes a slide stop mechanism interface between the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever, optionally wherein at least one of: [0178] (i) the slide stop mechanism interface is configured to operatively interlock the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever such that actuation of one of the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever actuates the other of the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever; and [0179] (ii) the slide stop mechanism interface is a clearance-adjustable slide stop mechanism interface configured to facilitate adjustment therewithin of a clearance between the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever.

[0180] A42. The handgun of any of paragraphs A40-A41, wherein one of the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever includes a projecting region that projects toward the other of the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever, and further wherein the slide stop mechanism includes a slide stop biasing mechanism configured to bias the slide stop mechanism to selectively permit full actuation of the slide between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[0181] A43. The handgun of paragraph A42, wherein the other of the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever includes a lever projection, and further wherein the frame defines a lever projection recess configured to receive the lever projection and to retain the other of the first slide stop mechanism lever and the second slide stop mechanism lever operatively attached to the frame during separation of the first slide stop mechanism lever from the second slide stop mechanism lever.

[0182] A44. The handgun of any of paragraphs A39-A43, wherein the slide stop mechanism includes any suitable structure, function, and/or feature of any of the slide stop mechanisms that are illustrated and/or described herein.

[0183] A45. The handgun of any of paragraphs A1-A44, wherein the handgun further includes a front sight and a rear sight, wherein the front sight and the rear sight both are at least one of operatively attached to the slide and defined by the slide, and further wherein the optics mount is positioned rearward relative to the rear sight.

[0184] A46. The handgun of any of paragraphs A1-A45, wherein the optics mount includes an/the optics mount surface that is at least partially defined by the slide.

[0185] A47. The handgun of paragraph A46, wherein the optics mount further includes at least one receiver recoil lug-receiving region that extends into the receiver from the optics mount surface.

[0186] A48. The handgun of any of paragraphs A46-A47, wherein the optics mount further includes a plurality of threaded holes that extends into the receiver from the optics mount surface.

[0187] A49. The handgun of paragraph A48, wherein the plurality of threaded holes defines a plurality of distinct mounting patterns that correspond to a plurality of distinct conventional optics thread mounting patterns, optionally wherein the plurality of distinct conventional optics thread mounting patterns includes at least two of: [0188] (i) a Docter thread mounting pattern; [0189] (ii) a Noblex thread mounting pattern; [0190] (iii) an Aimpoint Acro thread mounting pattern; [0191] (iv) an RMSc thread mounting pattern; and [0192] (v) an RMR thread mounting pattern.

[0193] A50. The handgun of any of paragraphs A46-A49, wherein the optics mount further includes an optics adapter plate shaped to interface between the optics mount surface and the optic assembly.

[0194] A51. The handgun of paragraph A50, wherein a first plate side of the optics adapter plate is shaped to at least one of: [0195] (i) interface with the optics mount surface; and [0196] (ii) define a face-to-face contact with the optics mount surface.

[0197] A52. The handgun of paragraph A51, wherein the first plate side includes at least one adapter plate-receiver lug configured to be received within the at least one receiver recoil lug-receiving region.

[0198] A53. The handgun of any of paragraphs A51-A52, wherein a second plate side of the optics adapter plate is shaped to at least one of: [0199] (i) interface with the optic assembly; and [0200] (ii) define a face-to-face contact with the optic assembly.

[0201] A54. The handgun of paragraph A53, wherein the second plate side includes at least one adapter plate-optic lug configured to be received within at least one optic lug-receiving region of the optic assembly.

[0202] A55. The handgun of paragraph A54, wherein a position of the at least one adapter plate-optic lug corresponds to one, or only one, of: [0203] (i) a Docter recoil lug position; [0204] (ii) a Noblex recoil lug position; [0205] (iii) an Aimpoint Acro recoil lug position; [0206] (iv) an RMSc recoil lug position; and [0207] (v) an RMR recoil lug position.

[0208] A56. The handgun of any of paragraphs A53-A55, wherein the optics adapter plate further includes a plurality of optic assembly mounting holes that extends between the first plate side and the second plate side.

[0209] A57. The handgun of paragraph A56, wherein the plurality of optic assembly mounting holes is a plurality of unthreaded optic assembly mounting holes.

[0210] A58. The handgun of any of paragraphs A56-A57, wherein at least one of: [0211] (i) a relative orientation among the plurality of optic assembly mounting holes corresponds to a relative orientation among only a subset of the plurality of threaded holes; and [0212] (ii) the plurality of optic assembly mounting holes is positioned to provide access to only the subset of the plurality of threaded holes.

[0213] A59. The handgun of any of paragraphs A56-A58, wherein a/the relative orientation among the plurality of optic assembly mounting holes corresponds to one, or only one, of: [0214] (i) a Docter thread mounting pattern; [0215] (ii) a Noblex thread mounting pattern; [0216] (iii) an Aimpoint Acro thread mounting pattern; [0217] (iv) an RMSc thread mounting pattern; and [0218] (v) an RMR thread mounting pattern.

[0219] A60. The handgun of any of paragraphs A53-A59, wherein the first plate side further includes a plunger retention structure that extends from the optics adapter plate and is shaped and positioned to retain at least one of a/the block mechanism plunger and a/the block mechanism plunger spring of a/the firing pin block mechanism within a/the plunger-receiving recess of the slide.

[0220] A61. The handgun of any of paragraphs A50-A60, wherein the optics adapter plate is configured to cover at least one threaded hole of the plurality of threaded holes.

[0221] A62. The handgun of any of paragraphs A50-A61, wherein the optics adapter plate is configured to at least one of: [0222] (i) retain a/the block mechanism plunger of a/the firing pin block mechanism within the slide; and [0223] (ii) retain a/the block mechanism plunger spring of the firing pin block mechanism within the slide.

[0224] A63. The handgun of any of paragraphs A50-A62, wherein the optics mount surface includes an undercut region configured to receive a corresponding region of the optics adapter plate.

[0225] A64. The handgun of paragraph A63, wherein the undercut region is shaped to precisely position the optics adapter plate relative to the optics mount surface in at least one dimension, optionally wherein the at least one dimension is a transverse axis that extends between the left side of the handgun and the right side of the handgun.

[0226] A65. The handgun of any of paragraphs A1-A64, wherein the optics mount includes any suitable structure, function, and/or feature of any of the optics mounts that are illustrated and/or described herein.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0227] The handguns disclosed herein are applicable to the firearms, shooting, and sporting goods industries.

[0228] Embodiments may include any or all of the disclosed improvements (e.g., improved safety mechanisms, improved magazine catch mechanisms, improved slide stop mechanisms, and improved optics mounts). Each of such features is believed to have independent utility. While each of these features has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, when the disclosure, the preceding numbered paragraphs, or subsequently filed claims recite a or a first element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0229] Applicant reserves the right to submit claims directed to certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one or more of the disclosed features and are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in that or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.