Universal system for mounting optics

Abstract

A slide (50) for a firearm includes a top surface and an optical sight mounting surface (454) recessed into the top surface of the slide. At least one pin opening (456, 458) is defined through a portion of the optical sight mounting surface and is configured to receive a pin (428) for attaching an optical sight to the slide. At least one sight attachment opening (457, 459) is defined through the optical sight mounting surface to serve as another connection point for the optical sight. The pin opening and the sight attachment opening allow the optical sight to be attached directly to the slide of the firearm.

Description

[0001] UNIVERSAL SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING OPTICS

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention pertains generally to firearms and, in particular aspects, to a system for mounting an optical sight for a firearm.

[0004] To increase accuracy and allow for a user to aim a firearm, an optical sight may be added to the firearm. Common optical systems include the Trijicon RMR® and the Leupold Deltapoint® Pro. However, different mounting assemblies are needed to attach one of these optical systems to a firearm. Therefore, there remains a need for improvement in this field.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A firearm may include a frame and a slide positioned atop said frame. The slide may include a slide top surface, and an optical sight mounting portion on said slide top surface. In some examples, the optical sight mounting portion may be recessed into said slide top surface. The optical sight mounting portion may include an optical sight mounting surface. At least one first pin opening may be defined through said optical sight mounting surface. If there are more than one first pin openings, the first pin openings may be aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface. At least one second pin opening may be defined through said optical sight mounting surface. If there are more than one second pin openings, the second pin openings may be aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface.

[0007] A first optical sight may be attachable to said slide top surface. The first optical sight may include at least one pin recess defined through a bottom surface of said optical sight. Each of said at least one first pin openings may be positioned to receive a first optical sight pin for securing the first optical sight to said slide top surface. Each of said at least one second pin openings may be positioned to receive a second optical sight pin for securing a second optical sight to said slide top surface.

[0008] At least one first pin recess may be defined through the bottom surface of said first optical sight, and the first pin recess may be aligned with said at least one first pin opening so that the first optical sight pin is positioned within said first pin recess and said first pin opening when said first optical sight is positioned on said slide top surface. The first optical sight may cover each of said at least one second pin openings when said first optical sight is positioned on said slide top surface.

[0009] At least one first sight attachment opening may be defined through said optical sight mounting surface. Additionally, at least one first connection opening may be defined through the bottom surface of said first optical sight. Each of said at least one first sight attachment openings may be positioned to receive a first optical sight connector for securing the first optical sight to said slide top surface. An optical sight connector may be configured to fit within one of said at least one first sight attachment openings defined through said optical sight mounting surface and one of said at least one connection openings defined through said optical sight to secure said slide to said optical sight mounting surface. At least one plate attachment opening may be defined through said optical sight mounting surface of said slide, wherein each of said at least one plate attachment openings are threaded. If there are more than one plate attachment openings, the plate attachment openings may be aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface. Each of said at least one plate attachment openings may be positioned rearward of each of said at least one first pin openings and forward of each of said at least one second pin openings.

[0010] In some examples, when a first optical sight is positioned on said optical sight mounting surface, a first optical sight pin may be positioned in each of said at least one first pin openings and of said at least one second pin openings is empty. Likewise, when a second optical sight is positioned on said optical sight mounting surface, a second optical sight pin may be positioned in each of said at least one second pin openings and each of said at least one first pin openings is empty.

[0011] In some instances, at least one second sight attachment opening may be defined through said optical sight mounting surface. Each of said at least one second sight attachment openings may be positioned to receive a second optical sight connector for securing the second optical sight to said slide top surface. In some examples, more than one second sight attachment openings may be defined through said optical sight mounting surface, and the second sight attachment openings may be aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface.

[0012] In some examples, each of said at least one first pin openings are positioned forward of each of said at least one first sight attachment openings. Additionally, each of said at least one first pin openings may be positioned forward of each of said at least one second pin openings. In some examples, each of the second pin openings may be positioned rearward of said pair of second sight attachment openings on said optical sight mounting surface.

[0013] A method may comprise inserting a first connection pin into a first pin opening defined through an optical sight mounting surface on a top surface of a slide of a firearm. A first optical sight may be placed on said optical sight mounting surface. In some examples, the first optical sight may be mounted directly on said top surface of said slide. A first pin recess defined through a surface of said first optical sight may be aligned with said first pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface so that said connection pin is at least partially inserted into said first pin recess. An optical sight connector may be inserted through a first sight connection opening defined through said first optical sight and into an aligned first sight attachment opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface to secure said first optical sight to said top surface of said slide. The first optical sight covers a second pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface when said first optical sight is positioned on said top surface of said slide. The second pin opening may be configured to receive a second connection pin for securing a second optical slide to said top surface of slide.

[0014] Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with the frame and the slide removed.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with the frame and the slide removed.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slide of the firearm of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the optical sight mounting portion of the slide of FIG. 4.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the optical sight mounting portion of the slide of FIG. 4 with connection pins inserted into the connection pin openings.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with an optical sight attached to said slide.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the optical sight of the firearm of FIG. 7.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the optical sight of FIG. 8 attached to the slide of the firearm of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with an optical sight attached to said slide.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the optical sight of the firearm of FIG. 10.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the optical sight of FIG. 11 attached to the slide of the firearm of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with a plate attached to said slide.

[0029] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the plate of FIG. 13.

[0030] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for a method of installing an optical sight on the slide of the firearm of FIG. 1.

[0031] DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein arc contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0033] Directional terms, such as forward, rearward, top, bottom, etc., are used in this description with reference to the specific embodiment shown and used for purposes of clarity. It should be recognized that these terms are not meant to be limiting. For the purposes of this description, the term “forward” refers to the direction moving toward the front end of the barrel, where a bullet exits upon being fired. The term “rearward” refers to a direction moving toward the grip end of the firearm.

[0034] A side view of a firearm 20 is shown in FIG. 1. Firearm 20 includes a frame 30 that defines a magazine well 35 for receiving a magazine 40. A slide 50 is positioned atop the frame 30 so that the slide 50 may move along the length of the frame 30. A barrel 60 is supported within the slide 50. The firearm 20 also includes a trigger assembly 110 that is housed within the frame 30. In some embodiments, the trigger assembly 110 may be a double action trigger 112 that includes a primary trigger 113 and a secondary trigger 114 that is protected by a trigger guard 116.

[0035] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a right side view and a left side view, respectively, of the firearm 20 with the frame 30 and the slide 50 hidden to more clearly show the inner components of the firearm 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the trigger assembly 110 includes a trigger bar 120 that extends rearwardly from the trigger 112 and interacts with a sear assembly 130. The sear assembly 130 interacts with the firing pin 160 to allow release of the firing pin when the trigger 112 is pulled so that the firing pin may contact a loaded cartridge to fire the firearm 20.

[0036] A safety disassembly system 175 includes a safety disassembly lever 185 that is also capable of interaction with the sear assembly 130. The safety disassembly system 175 prevents accidental firing of the firearm 20 during disassembly of the firearm 20. In some embodiments, the safety disassembly lever 185 may also prevent disassembly of the firearm 20 when a magazine 40 is inserted into the magazine well. The safety disassembly lever 185 may also prevent insertion of a magazine 40 into the magazine well 35 when the safety disassembly system 175 is in a position to allow disassembly of the firearm 20.

[0037] A trigger housing 200 may be fit within the frame 30 and may provide support for the trigger assembly 110 and may also provide additional support for the frame 30. In addition to supporting the trigger assembly, the trigger housing 200 may also support the safety disassembly system 175. In some embodiments, the trigger housing 200 may define opposed openings through which a portion of the safety disassembly system 175 may be inserted. The trigger housing 200 may also provide support for a slide stop assembly 240. The slide stop assembly 240 may include a slide stop lever and a slide stop pin. The slide stop assembly 240 allows the slide 50 to be held in a rearward position.

[0038] A recoil spring assembly 260 is positioned below the barrel 60. The recoil spring assembly 260. The recoil spring assembly 260 assists to return the slide 50 to a forward position after the firearm 20 is fired.

[0039] A magazine catch assembly 310 is found within the frame 30 and adjacent to the magazine well 35 and the magazine 40 when the magazine 40 is loaded into the magazine well. The magazine catch assembly 310 holds the magazine 40 within the magazine well 35, and operation of the magazine catch assembly allows the magazine 40 to be released from the magazine well 35. In some embodiments, the magazine catch assembly 310 is designed to be ambidextrous so it may be operated by a right-handed or a left-handed user from either side of the firearm 20. Further, in some embodiments, the magazine catch assembly 310 may operate to prevent release of the magazine 40 from the magazine well 35 when the trigger 112 is pulled.

[0040] The firearm 20 also includes a manual safety assembly 340 which is positioned near the rearward end of the firearm 20. The manual safety assembly 340 may be in contact with and secured to a portion of the trigger housing 200. The manual safety assembly 340 may be rotatable with respect to the trigger housing 200, so that when the manual safety assembly 340 is rotated into an engaged orientation, the manual safety assembly 340 prevents rotation of the sear assembly 130. This prevents the firearm 20 from firing because the sear assembly 130 is unable to rotate to release the firing pin 160. A backstrap assembly 360 is attachable to a rearward face of the frame 30. The backstrap assembly 360 provides a grip for a user firing the firearm 20. The backstrap assembly 360 may be designed to ergonomically fit within the hand of a user to increase comfort and make the firearm 20 more secure and easier to handle. In some embodiments, the backstrap assembly 360 may be designed to be attached and detached from the frame 30 without the need for an additional tool. Additionally, in some embodiments, the backstrap assembly 360 may include a lanyard assembly 390 that allows a lanyard to be attached the firearm 20.

[0041] An optical sight assembly 410 may be positioned on the top of the slide 50 of firearm 20. The slide 50 may include multiple mounting locations for the optical sight assembly 410 so that different varieties of optical sight assemblies 410 may be attached to the slide 50 as desired without the need for different mounting plates to be installed on the slide 50.

[0042] A perspective view of the slide 50 of the firearm 20 is shown in FIG. 4. As shown, the slide 50 includes an optical sight mounting portion 450 that is defined on the slide 50. The optical sight mounting portion 450 of the slide 50 is recessed into a top surface 51 of the slide 50, forming a front optical sight mounting edge 451 and a rear optical sight mounting edge 452. An optical sight mounting surface 454 is defined between the front optical sight mounting edge 451 and the rear optical sight mounting edge 452.

[0043] Various connection members, such as pins or screws, may be used to attach an optical sight assembly 410 at the optical sight mounting portion 450 of the slide 50. FIG. 4 illustrates some examples of these connection members. For example, plate connectors 422 may be used to attach a plate to the slide 50. Forward and / or rearward connection pins may help further secure optical sight assemblies, or portions thereof, to the slide. For example, forward connection pins 426 may help to secure certain types of optical sight assemblies 410 to the slide 50 while rear connection pins 428 may be used to help secure other types of optical sight assemblies 410 to the optical sight mounting portion 450 of slide 50. In some embodiments, the connection pins may be cylindrical, in other embodiments, the connection pins may have a different shape. For example, in the embodiments shown, the forward connection pins 426 have a rounded triangular base and include a raised portion extending from the rounded triangular base. In other embodiments, other suitable shapes of connection pins may also be used to allow different varieties of optical sights to be attached to the slide 50 of the firearm 20. A rear sight slot 470 may be recessed into top surface 51 of the slide 50. The rear sight slot 470 may be used to mount a rear sight 472 (see FIG. 6) to the firearm 20. In some embodiments, the rear sight slot 470 may be a dovetail slot. In addition to the rear sight slot 470, a front post slot 476 may also be recessed into the top surface 51 of the slide 50 at a forward end of the slide 50. The front post slot 476 may be configured to receive a front post 478 (see FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the front post slot 476 is a dovetail slot and the front post 478 slides into the dovetail slot.

[0044] As shown in more detail FIG. 5, there are several mounting openings defined through the optical sight mounting surface 454 of the slide 50. In the embodiment shown, the mounting openings are arranged in pairs. Some of the mounting openings may correspond to the attachment points of a particular type of mounting plate that may be used to attach a desired optical sight to the firearm 20. Others of the mounting openings may correspond to the attachment points of a specific variety of optical sight to allow the optical sight to be attached directly to the slide 50 without the use of a mounting plate.

[0045] A pair of forward pin openings 456 are defined at least partially through the optical sight mounting surface 454 near the front optical sight mounting edge 451. The forward pin openings

[0046] 456 may be shaped to receive forward connection pins 426 (shown in FIG. 4). In some instances, the forward pin openings 456 may have non-symmetric shape, as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the forward pin openings 456 may be designed to correspond to the position of connection pins for a Trijicon RMR® red dot sight so that a Trijicon RMR® sight may be mounted directly to the slide 50.

[0047] In addition to the forward pin openings 456, a pair of forward sight attachment openings

[0048] 457 may be defined at least partially through the optical sight mounting surface 454 to provide a place to insert screws to further secure an optical sight to the slide 50. In some embodiments, the forward sight attachment openings 457 may be threaded to receive a threaded fastener. In some embodiments, the forward sight attachment openings 457 may be positioned to correspond to the position of mounting screws for the Trijicon RMR® red dot sight. For example, the forward sight attachment openings 457 may be positioned with respect to the forward pin openings 456, so that the Trijicon RMR® sight may be connected directly to the slide 50 with the connection pins of the Trijicon RMR® sight being secured at the forward pin openings and optical sight connectors to secure the Trijicon RMR® sight to the slide 50 inserted into the forward sight attachment openings 457.

[0049] A pair of rear pin openings 458 are defined at least partially through the optical sight mounting surface 454 near the rear optical sight mounting edge 452. The rear pin openings 458 may be shaped to receive the rear connection pins 428 (shown in FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the rear pin openings 458 may be designed to correspond to the position of connection pins for a Leupold Dcltapoint® Pro red dot sight so that a Leupold Deltapoint® Pro sight may be mounted directly to the slide 50.

[0050] In addition to the forward pin openings 456, a pair of rear sight attachment openings 459 may be defined at least partially through the optical sight mounting surface 454 to provide a place to insert screws to further secure an optical sight to the slide 50. In some embodiments, the rear sight attachment openings 459 may be threaded to receive a threaded fastener. In some embodiments, the rear sight attachment openings 459 may be positioned to correspond to the position of mounting screws for the Leupold Deltapoint® Pro red dot sight. For example, the rear sight attachment openings 459 may be positioned with respect to the rear pin openings 458, so that the Leupold Deltapoint® Pro sight may be connected directly to the slide 50 with the connection pins of the Leupold Deltapoint® Pro sight being secured at the forward pin openings and optical sight connectors to secure the Leupold Deltapoint® Pro sight to the slide 50 inserted into the rear sight attachment openings 459. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the rear sight attachment openings 459 are positioned forward of the rear pin openings 458 but rearward of the forward pin openings and the forward sight attachment openings 457.

[0051] A pair of plate attachment openings 460 may also be defined at least partially through the optical sight mounting surface 454. The plate attachment openings 460 may receive a fastener, such as plate connector 422, that may be used to secure a plate 480 to the slide 50. In the embodiment shown, the plate attachment openings 460 are positioned rearward of the forward pin openings 456 but forward of the forward sight attachment openings 457. In some embodiments, the plate attachment openings 460 may be threaded to receive a threaded fastener such as a screw to secure the plate to the slide 50.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, each set of openings 456, 457, 458, 459, and 460 are aligned on the optical sight mounting surface 454. For example, the forward pin openings 456 are aligned along the axis 556 extending along the width of the optical sight mounting surface 454. The forward sight attachment openings are aligned along axis 557. The rear pin openings 458 are aligned along axis 558 that extends along the width of the optical sight mounting surface 454. Similarly, the rear sight attachment openings 459 are aligned on axis 559 and the plate attachment openings 460 are aligned on axis 560.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows a view of the optical sight mounting portion 450 of the slide 50 with connection pins 426, 428 inserted into the pin openings 456, 458. As shown, the forward connection pins 426 are inserted into a respective forward pin opening 456, and the rear connection pins 428 are inserted into a respective rear pin opening 458. The forward connection pins 426 rest within the forward pin openings 456 so that a portion of the forward connection pin 426 extends above the optical sight mounting surface 454. Likewise, the rear connection pins 428 rest within the rear pin openings 458 so that a portion of the rear connection pin 428 extends above the optical sight mounting surface 454.

[0054] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the firearm 20 that includes an optical sight 430 attached to the top surface 51 of the slide 50 at the optical sight mounting portion 450 of slide 50. In the embodiment shown, the optical sight 430 is a Trijicon RMR® red dot sight and is attached directly to the top surface 51 of the slide 50 without requiring a separate mounting plate to be connected to the slide 50. The optical sight 430 includes connection openings 432 defined through a top surface 431 and a bottom surface 433 of the optical sight 430 so that the connection openings 432 extend completely through the optical sight 430. The connection openings 432 are designed to receive optical sight connectors 435 to secure the optical sight 430 to the slide 50. The optical sight 430 also includes a pair of pin recesses 434 (see FIG. 8) for receiving a pin to further secure the optical sight 430 to the slide 50.

[0055] Each of the connection openings 432 of the optical sight 430 is aligned with a respective forward sight attachment opening 457 defined through the top surface 51 of slide 50 when the optical sight 430 is placed on the optical sight mounting portion 450 of slide 50. An optical sight connector 435 may be inserted through the connection opening 432 and into the forward sight attachment opening 457 to mount the optical sight 430 to the top surface 51 of the slide. Likewise, each of the pin recesses 434 are aligned with a respective forward pin opening 456, so that the pin recess 434 may receive a mounting pin that is positioned in forward pin opening 456 to further secure optical sight 430 to the slide 50. As shown in FIG. 9, there are no openings defined through the optical sight 430 that align with the rear pin openings 458, so the optical sight 430 simply covers the rear pin openings 458. Therefore, rear pin openings 458 are unused when the optical sight 430 is installed on the firearm 20, but are available on the slide 50 in the event another type of optical sight is desired to be installed on the firearm 20.

[0056] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the firearm 20 that includes another embodiment of an optical sight 440 attached to the top surface 51 of the slide 50 at the optical sight mounting portion 450 of slide 50. In the embodiment shown, the optical sight 440 is a Leupold Deltapoint® red dot sight and is attached directly to the top surface 51 of the slide 50 without requiring a separate mounting plate to be connected to the slide 50. Optical sight 440 has a top surface 441 and includes connection openings 442 that extend through top surface 441 and a bottom surface 443 of the optical sight 440, for receiving optical sight connectors 445 to secure the optical sight 440 to the slide 50.

[0057] A perspective view of the optical sight 440 is shown in FIG. 11. As shown, the bottom surface 443 of the optical sight 440 and includes a pair of pin recesses 444 that are positioned rearwardly with respect to connection openings 442 and that are defined through the bottom surface 443 of the optical sight 440. In the embodiment shown, the pin recesses 444 do not extend through the top surface 441 of optical sight 440. Each pin recess 444 is configured to receive a pin to secure the optical sight 440 to the slide 50. In some embodiments, optical sight 440 may also include a pair of forward pin recesses that are defined through the bottom surface 443 of the optical sight 440 at a position forward of the connection openings 442 and the pin recesses 444. Similar to the pin recesses 444, the forward pin recesses 446 do not extend through the top surface 441 of the optical sight 440. The forward pin recesses 446 may optionally be used to receive a second set of pins for securing the optical sight 440 to slide 50.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 12, each of the connection openings 442 of the optical sight 440 is aligned with a respective rear sight attachment opening 459 defined through the top surface 51 of slide 50 when the optical sight 440 is placed on the optical sight mounting portion 450 of slide 50. An optical sight connector 445 may be inserted through the connection opening 442 and into the rear sight attachment opening 459 to mount the optical sight 440 to the top surface 51 of the slide. Likewise, each of the pin recesses 444 are aligned with a respective rear pin opening 458, so that the pin recess 444 may receive a mounting pin that is positioned in rear pin opening 458 to further secure optical sight 440 to the slide 50. Optionally, the forward pin recesses 446 may be aligned with the forward pin openings 456, and a pin inserted into the forward pin openings 456 may be inserted into forward pin recesses 446. However, in some embodiments the forward pin recesses 446 may not be used to secure the optical sight 440 to the slide 50.

[0059] Although the firearm 20 allows for optical sights to be mounted directly to the slide 50, the optical sight mounting portion 450 of the slide 50 may also receive a mounting plate 480 to allow for other types of optical sights to be installed on slide 50 or to cover the optical sight mounting portion 450 of the slide 50 when no optical sight is desired on firearm 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the plate 480 may be attached to the slide 50 at the optical sight mounting portion 450 of the slide 50. In some embodiments, the plate 480 may include attachment features for securing different varieties of optical sights to the slide 50 by attaching the optical slide to the plate 480 rather than directly to the slide 50.

[0060] A bottom perspective view of the plate 480 is shown in FIG. 14. As shown, the plate 480, includes a pair of plate screw openings 482 configured to receive plate screws that may attach the plate 480 to the slide 50. The plate screw openings 482 are aligned with the plate attachment openings 460 defined through the top surface 51 of the slide when the plate 480 is positioned at the optical sight mounting portion 450 of the slide 50. The plate connectors 422 may be inserted through the plate screw openings 482 of the plate 480 and then through the plate attachment openings 460 of the slide 50 to attach the plate 480 to the slide 50.

[0061] The plate 480 also includes forward connection pin recesses 486 that are aligned with the position of the forward pin openings 456 defined in the optical sight mounting portion 450 of slide 50. A forward connection pin 426 may be held within the forward pin opening 456 and the corresponding forward connection pin recess 486 so that the forward connection pin 426 is covered by the plate 480 and available for use if an optical sight assembly 410 is desired to be added to the firearm 20. Likewise, the plate includes rear connection pin recess 488 that are aligned with the position of the rear pin openings 458 defined in the optical sight mounting portion 450 of slide 50. A rear connection pin 428 may be held within the rear pin opening 458 and the corresponding rear connection pin recess 488 so that the rear connection pin 428 is covered by the plate 480 and available for use if an optical sight assembly 410 is desired to be added to the firearm 20. A flowchart 500 describing a method of installing an optical sight on a firearm is shown in FIG. 15. In a first stage 505, a connection pin is inserted into pin openings defined through the optical sight mounting surface on the top surface of the slide. The pin openings may be recessed into the optical sight mounting surface and the connection pins may fit within the pin openings so that a portion of the connection pin extends above the optical sight mounting surface.

[0062] In a second stage 510, the pin recesses in an optical sight are aligned with the connection pins that are positioned in the pin openings in the optical sight mounting surface. In a third stage 515, the optical sight is placed directly on the optical sight mounting surface of the slide so that the portion of the connection pins extending above the optical sight mounting surface enters the pin recesses of the optical sight. The connection pins may assist to secure the optical sight to the slide.

[0063] In a fourth stage 520, an optical sight connector is inserted into each sight connection opening defined through the optical sight. In a fifth stage 525, each optical sight connector is then inserted into a corresponding sight attachment opening that is defined through the optical sight mounting surface and that is aligned with the sight connection opening defined through the optical sight. In some embodiments, the optical sight connector may be threaded and the sight attachment opening may have corresponding threading so that the optical sight connector may be screwed into the sight connection opening.

[0064] To remove the optical sight from the slide, each of the optical sight connectors are removed from the sight attachment openings defined in the optical sight mounting surface and, optionally, removed from the corresponding sight connection opening defined through the optical sight. The optical sight is then pulled away from the optical sight mounting surface so that each connection pin is removed from the respective pin recess in the optical sight.

[0065] The first optical sight may then be replaced with a second optical sight that may have a different construction than the first optical sight. The method described in flowchart 500 may be repeated to install the second optical sight on the slide. For example, the location of the pin recesses on the second optical sight may be differ from the location of the pin recesses on the first optical sight. Therefore, the connection pins may be inserted into different pin openings in the optical sight mounting surface that align with the pin recesses of the second optical sight. The second optical sight may be then be placed directly on the optical sight mounting surface of the slide so that the portions of the connection pins extending above the optical sight mounting surface enter the pin recesses of the second optical sight. Optical sight connectors may be inserted into sight connection openings defined through the second optical sight and then inserted into corresponding sight attachment openings that are defined through the optical sight mounting surface. In some instances, the corresponding sight attachment openings for the second optical sight may be different than the sight attachment openings for the first optical sight.

[0066] The following numbered clauses set out specific embodiments that may be useful in understanding the present invention:

[0067] 1. A slide of a firearm comprising: a slide top surface; an optical sight mounting portion on said slide top surface, wherein said optical sight mounting portion includes an optical sight mounting surface; at least one first pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface, wherein each of said at least one first pin opening is positioned to receive a first optical sight pin for securing a first optical sight directly to said slide top surface; at least one second pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface, wherein each of said at least one second pin openings is positioned to receive a pin for securing a second optical sight directly to said slide top surface; wherein a first optical sight pin is positioned in each of said at least one first pin openings when said first optical sight is positioned on said optical sight mounting surface and each of said at least one second pin openings is empty when said first optical sight is positioned on said optical sight mounting surface; and wherein a second optical sight pin is positioned in each of said at least one second pin openings when said second optical sight is positioned on said optical sight mounting surface and each of said at least one first pin openings is empty when said second optical sight is positioned on said optical sight mounting surface.

[0068] 2. The slide of clause 1, further comprising: at least one first sight attachment opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface, wherein each of said at least one first sight attachment openings is positioned to receive a first optical sight connector for securing the first optical sight to said slide top surface. 3. The slide of clause 2, wherein there are a pair of first pin openings defined through said optical sight mounting surface and wherein said first pin openings are aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface.

[0069] 4. The slide of clause 3, wherein there are a pair of first sight attachment openings defined through said optical sight mounting surface, and wherein said first sight attachment openings are aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface.

[0070] 5. The slide of clause 4, wherein said pair of first pin openings arc positioned forward of said pair of first sight attachment openings on said optical sight mounting surface.

[0071] 6. The slide of clause 5, further comprising: at least one second sight attachment opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface, wherein each of said at least one second sight attachment openings is positioned to receive an optical sight connector for securing the second optical sight directly to said slide top surface.

[0072] 7. The slide of clause 6, wherein there are a pair of second pin openings defined through said optical sight mounting surface and wherein said second pin openings are aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface.

[0073] 8. The slide of clause 7, wherein there are a pair of second sight attachment openings defined through said optical sight mounting surface, and wherein said second sight attachment openings are aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface.

[0074] 9. The slide of clause 8, wherein said pair of second pin openings are positioned rearward of said pair of second sight attachment openings on said optical sight mounting surface.

[0075] 10. The slide of clause 9, further comprising: at least one plate attachment opening defined through the optical sight mounting surface.

[0076] 11. The slide of clause 10, wherein there are a pair of plate attachment openings defined through said optical sight mounting surface and wherein said plate attachment openings are aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface.

[0077] 12. The slide of clause 11 , wherein said pair of plate attachment openings are positioned rearward of said first pin openings and forward of said second pin openings.

[0078] 13. The slide of any preceding clause, wherein said optical sight mounting portion is recessed into said slide top surface. 14. A firearm comprising: a frame; a slide positioned atop said frame, wherein said slide includes a slide top surface; an optical sight mounting portion on said slide top surface, wherein said optical sight mounting portion includes an optical sight mounting surface; at least one first pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface; at least one second pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface; a first optical sight attachable to said slide top surface, wherein said first optical sight includes at least one pin recess defined through a bottom surface of said optical sight; wherein each of said at least one first pin openings are positioned to receive a first optical sight pin for securing the first optical sight to said slide top surface; wherein each of said at least one second pin openings are positioned to receive a second optical sight pin for securing a second optical sight to said slide top surface; and wherein said at least one first pin recess defined through the bottom surface of said first optical sight is aligned with said at least one first pin opening so that the first optical sight pin is positioned within said first pin recess and said first pin opening when said first optical sight is positioned on said slide top surface; and wherein said first optical sight covers each of said at least one second pin openings when said first optical sight is positioned on said slide top surface.

[0079] 15. The firearm of clause 14, further comprising: at least one first sight attachment opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface, wherein each of said at least one first sight attachment openings is positioned to receive a first optical sight connector for securing the first optical sight to said slide top surface.

[0080] 16. The firearm of clause 15, further comprising: at least one first connection opening defined through the bottom surface of said first optical sight.

[0081] 17. The firearm of clause 16, further comprising: at least one optical sight connector, wherein each of said at least one optical sight connectors is configured to fit within one of said at least one first sight attachment openings defined through said optical sight mounting surface and one of said at least one connection openings defined through said optical sight to secure said slide to said optical sight mounting surface.

[0082] 18. The firearm of clause 17, wherein each of said at least one first pin openings are positioned forward of each of said at least one first sight attachment openings.

[0083] 19. The firearm of one of clauses 13-18, further comprising: at least one second sight attachment opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface, wherein each of said at least one second sight attachment openings is positioned to receive a second optical sight connector for securing the second optical sight to said slide top surface.

[0084] 20. The firearm of one of clauses 13-19, wherein each of said at least one first pin openings are positioned forward of each of said at least one second pin openings.

[0085] 21. The firearm of one of clauses 13-20, further comprising: at least one plate attachment opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface of said slide, wherein each of said at least one plate attachment openings are threaded.

[0086] 22. The firearm of clause 21, wherein each of said at least one plate attachment openings are positioned rearward of each of said at least one first pin openings and forward of each of said at least one second pin openings.

[0087] 23. A method comprising: inserting a first connection pin into a first pin opening defined through an optical sight mounting surface on a top surface of a slide of a firearm; placing a first optical sight on said optical sight mounting surface and aligning a first pin recess defined through a surface of said first optical sight with said first pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface so that said connection pin is at least partially inserted into said first pin recess; inserting an optical sight connector through a first sight connection opening defined through said first optical sight and into an aligned first sight attachment opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface to secure said first optical sight to said top surface of said slide; and wherein said first optical sight covers a second pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface when said first optical sight is positioned on said top surface of said slide. 24. The method of clause 23, wherein said first optical sight is mounted directly on said top surface of said slide.

[0088] 25. The method of one of clauses 23-24, wherein said second pin opening is configured to receive a second connection pin for securing a second optical slide to said top surface of slide.

[0089] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A slide of a firearm comprising: a slide top surface; an optical sight mounting portion on said slide top surface, wherein said optical sight mounting portion includes an optical sight mounting surface; at least one first pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface, wherein each of said at least one first pin opening is positioned to receive a first optical sight pin for securing a first optical sight directly to said slide top surface; at least one second pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface, wherein each of said at least one second pin openings is positioned to receive a pin for securing a second optical sight directly to said slide top surface; wherein a first optical sight pin is positioned in each of said at least one first pin openings when said first optical sight is positioned on said optical sight mounting surface and each of said at least one second pin openings is empty when said first optical sight is positioned on said optical sight mounting surface; and wherein a second optical sight pin is positioned in each of said at least one second pin openings when said second optical sight is positioned on said optical sight mounting surface and each of said at least one first pin openings is empty when said second optical sight is positioned on said optical sight mounting surface.

2. The slide of claim 1, further comprising: at least one first sight attachment opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface, wherein each of said at least one first sight attachment openings is positioned to receive a first optical sight connector for securing the first optical sight to said slide top surface.

3. The slide of claim 2, wherein there are a pair of first pin openings defined through said optical sight mounting surface and wherein said first pin openings are aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface.

4. The slide of claim 3, wherein there are a pair of first sight attachment openings defined through said optical sight mounting surface, and wherein said first sight attachment openings are aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface.

5. The slide of claim 4, wherein said pair of first pin openings are positioned forward of said pair of first sight attachment openings on said optical sight mounting surface.

6. The slide of claim 5, further comprising: at least one second sight attachment opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface, wherein each of said at least one second sight attachment openings is positioned to receive an optical sight connector for securing the second optical sight directly to said slide top surface.

7. The slide of claim 6, wherein there are a pair of second pin openings defined through said optical sight mounting surface and wherein said second pin openings are aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface.

8. The slide of claim 7, wherein there are a pair of second sight attachment openings defined through said optical sight mounting surface, and wherein said second sight attachment openings are aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface.

9. The slide of claim 8, wherein said pair of second pin openings are positioned rearward of said pair of second sight attachment openings on said optical sight mounting surface.

10. The slide of claim 9, further comprising: at least one plate attachment opening defined through the optical sight mounting surface.

11. The slide of claim 10, wherein there are a pair of plate attachment openings defined through said optical sight mounting surface and wherein said plate attachment openings are aligned along a width of said optical sight mounting surface.

12. The slide of claim 11, wherein said pair of plate attachment openings are positioned rearward of said first pin openings and forward of said second pin openings.

13. The slide of claim 1, wherein said optical sight mounting portion is recessed into said slide top surface.

14. A firearm comprising: a frame; a slide positioned atop said frame, wherein said slide includes a slide top surface; an optical sight mounting portion on said slide top surface, wherein said optical sight mounting portion includes an optical sight mounting surface; at least one first pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface; at least one second pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface; a first optical sight attachable to said slide top surface, wherein said first optical sight includes at least one first pin recess defined through a bottom surface of said optical sight; wherein each of said at least one first pin openings are positioned to receive a first optical sight pin for securing the first optical sight to said slide top surface; wherein each of said at least one second pin openings are positioned to receive a second optical sight pin for securing a second optical sight to said slide top surface; and wherein said at least one first pin recess defined through the bottom surface of said first optical sight is aligned with said at least one first pin opening so that the first optical sight pin is positioned within said first pin recess and said first pin opening when said first optical sight is positioned on said slide top surface; and wherein said first optical sight covers each of said at least one second pin openings when said first optical sight is positioned on said slide top surface.

15. The firearm of claim 14, further comprising: at least one first sight attachment opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface, wherein each of said at least one first sight attachment openings is positioned to receive a first optical sight connector for securing the first optical sight to said slide top surface.

16. The firearm of claim 15, further comprising: at least one first connection opening defined through the bottom surface of said first optical sight.

17. The firearm of claim 16, further comprising: at least one optical sight connector, wherein each of said at least one optical sight connectors is configured to fit within one of said at least one first sight attachment openings defined through said optical sight mounting surface and one of said at least one first connection openings defined through said optical sight to secure said slide to said optical sight mounting surface.

18. The firearm of claim 17, wherein each of said at least one first pin openings are positioned forward of each of said at least one first sight attachment openings.

19. The firearm of claim 13, further comprising: at least one second sight attachment opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface, wherein each of said at least one second sight attachment openings is positioned to receive a second optical sight connector for securing the second optical sight to said slide top surface.

20. The firearm of claim 13, wherein each of said at least one first pin openings are positioned forward of each of said at least one second pin openings.

21. The firearm of claim 13 , further comprising : at least one plate attachment opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface of said slide, wherein each of said at least one plate attachment openings are threaded.

22. The firearm of claim 21, wherein each of said at least one plate attachment openings are positioned rearward of each of said at least one first pin openings and forward of each of said at least one second pin openings.

23. A method comprising: inserting a first connection pin into a first pin opening defined through an optical sight mounting surface on a top surface of a slide of a firearm; placing a first optical sight on said optical sight mounting surface and aligning a first pin recess defined through a surface of said first optical sight with said first pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface so that said connection pin is at least partially inserted into said first pin recess; inserting an optical sight connector through a first sight connection opening defined through said first optical sight and into an aligned first sight attachment opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface to secure said first optical sight to said top surface of said slide; and wherein said first optical sight covers a second pin opening defined through said optical sight mounting surface when said first optical sight is positioned on said top surface of said slide.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said first optical sight is mounted directly on said top surface of said slide.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein said second pin opening is configured to receive a second connection pin for securing a second optical slide to said top surface of slide.

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