Handgun illumination device

Abstract

An illumination device for a handgun is disclosed that generally comprises a housing, an illumination device within the housing, and an illumination trigger. The housing can mount to an end of a magazine for a handgun. The illumination trigger can activate the illumination device when the illumination trigger is pressed. The illumination device can include an LED or an incandescent light source. In addition, the illumination device can be configured so that the illumination device directs light parallel to an axis of a barrel of the handgun. The illumination device also can be configured so that the illumination device directs light at an angle to an axis of a barrel of the handgun.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention disclosed herein relates generally to the field of illumination devices for handguns. More specifically, the invention relates to a trigger-activated illumination device for a handgun that can be mounted to an end of a handgun magazine.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Armed conflicts frequently occur at night in low light situations. Criminals often prefer to commit crime under the cover of darkness to protect their anonymity and to give them the element of surprise. For a handgun user to defend against threats in low light situations, the handgun user must be able to see a target and identify the target as a threat. This identification requires a source of light.[0005]Many handgun users respond to the need for illumination by carrying a flashlight. These handgun users usually hold their handgun in one hand and use the other hand to hold the flashlight. However, this technique has many downsides. First, because...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes an illumination device for a handgun that allows the user to hold the gun with one or two hands, while still using it. The device is easy to find and use, and does not affect the balance of the gun or prevent it from fitting into a holster. Additionally, it can be quickly turned on and off without taking the user's hand off the gun.

Problems solved by technology

Armed conflicts frequently occur at night in low light situations.

However, this technique has many downsides.

First, because these handgun users can only hold the handgun with one hand, they have a less stable grip on their handgun, causing their accuracy to diminish.

Second, it takes these handgun users time to find and deploy their flashlight.

During this time these handgun users are not fully defended against the threat of an assailant.

Third, these handgun users may not have their flashlight near their handgun at all times, or they may have their flashlight nearby but not be able to locate it in the heat of the moment.

Furthermore, these handgun users may have their flashlight nearby in a known location—such as a bedside table—but accidentally knock their flashlight to the floor when trying to retrieve it.

However, this technique also has many downsides.

In addition, attaching a light to the barrel may interfere with the handgun user's ability to aim the gun by altering the weight of the barrel.

Also, an illumination device for a handgun is needed that does not prevent the handgun from fitting into a holster.

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