Magazine disconnect mechanism

Abstract

A magazine disconnect is operable to prevent firing the gun by trigger pull when a magazine is not present in the magazine well. The magazine disconnect includes a blocking component that is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. In one example, the blocking component is a lever located rearward of the magazine well and arranged so that installing a magazine into the magazine well causes the lever to rotate the non-blocking position. In absence of the magazine, the lever is biased to the blocking position where it blocks firing the handgun by trigger pull. The blocking component can engage trigger bar, sear, or other component of the fire control assembly.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 520,742 filed on Aug. 21, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to handguns and more particularly to a magazine disconnect mechanism for a semiautomatic handgun.BACKGROUND

[0003] Handguns, such as autoloading semiautomatic handguns, utilize a removable magazine to hold ammunition. Even after removing the magazine, it is possible that a round may remain in the chamber. Prior to takedown for cleaning, best practices dictate that the operator clear ammunition from the chamber by racking the slide, followed by visually inspecting the chamber and physically feeling the chamber to be sure no ammunition remains. Such practices are effective when followed every time; however, in some instances, the user may fail to follow these practices and an unintentional discharge can result on models where pulling the trigger is required for disassembly.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure is directed to a magazine disconnect mechanism that disables firing the handgun by pulling the trigger when the magazine is removed. The mechanism includes a blocking component that is biased to a blocking position and that is moved to a non-blocking position when a magazine is installed in the magazine well. In the blocking position, the blocking component, such as a lever, obstructs longitudinal movement of the trigger bar, movement of the sear, or movement of another component that is coupled to the trigger, thereby preventing the gun from firing by attempting to pull the trigger. Inserting a magazine into the magazine well moves the blocking component to the non-blocking position, enabling the gun to be fired normally by pulling the trigger. When a magazine is not present in the magazine well, a spring biases the blocking component to the blocking position to prevent firing the gun by trigger pull. In one example, the blocking component is a lever that obstructs longitudinal movement of the trigger bar when the lever is in the blocking position. Accordingly, the trigger bar cannot move longitudinally (e.g., forward) sufficiently to make contact with and pivot the sear and release the striker.

[0005] The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been selected principally for readability and instructional purposes and not to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a front, side, and bottom perspective view showing part of a handgun fire control assembly with a magazine disconnect mechanism in a non-blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a longitudinal cross section of part of a fire control assembly with a magazine disconnect mechanism in a non-blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a front, side, and bottom perspective view showing part of a handgun fire control assembly with a magazine disconnect mechanism in a blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a front, side, and bottom perspective view showing components of a handgun fire control assembly with a magazine disconnect mechanism in a blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a side view showing a longitudinal cross section of part of a fire control assembly with a magazine disconnect mechanism in a blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a side and rear perspective view showing a left side of a magazine disconnect mechanism in a blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 7A and 7B show perspective views of a lever retention bracket and fastener of a magazine disconnect mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 8A-8D illustrate perspective views showing a blocking component of a magazine disconnect mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a side and bottom perspective view showing a handgun receiver with a magazine disconnect mechanism in a non-blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a side and bottom perspective view showing the handgun receiver of FIG. 9 with the magazine disconnect mechanism in a blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a longitudinal section of a handgun with the receiver of FIG. 9, where the handgun includes a magazine seated in the magazine well and the lever of the magazine disconnect mechanism in a non-blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a side view showing a longitudinal section of the handgun and receiver of FIG. 11, where the magazine has been removed from the magazine well and the lever of the magazine disconnect mechanism has reverted to a blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 13 is a front, side, and bottom perspective view showing part of a handgun receiver and a magazine, where a disconnect mechanism is in a blocking position, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] The figures depict various embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. Numerous variations, configurations, and other embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed discussion.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Disclosed is a magazine disconnect mechanism for a handgun that prevents firing the gun by trigger pull when the magazine is removed from the magazine well. The magazine disconnect mechanism includes a blocking member that can move between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. For example, the blocking member can be a lever, a pin, a block, a wedge, or some other structure that can rotate, pivot, slide, be cammed, be lifted, or otherwise move to a non-blocking position in response to a magazine being installed in the magazine well. Upon removing the magazine, the blocking member reverts to a blocking position.

[0021] In one example embodiment, the disconnect mechanism includes a lever located rearward of the magazine well and that can rotate between the blocking position and the non-blocking position. When a magazine is installed into the magazine well, the magazine makes contact with an end of the lever and pivots or rotates the lever to the non-blocking position, allowing the handgun can be fired normally by pulling the trigger. On the other hand, when the magazine is removed from the magazine well, a spring biases the lever to the blocking position. In the blocking position, for example, the lever is aligned to block longitudinal movement of the trigger bar, which in turn prevents the trigger from being pulled sufficiently to cause the trigger bar to engage and release the sear and fire the gun. Thus, firing the gun by trigger pull is disabled. In other embodiments, the lever can be adapted to contact or otherwise block movement of one or more other components that interact with the trigger bar, such as the sear or a striker block actuator.

[0022] In another embodiment, the blocking member translates laterally from the blocking position to the non-blocking position. When a magazine is installed in the magazine well, for example, the sloped upper sidewall of the magazine contacts part of the blocking member and cams the blocking member laterally to move it to a non-blocking position. Upon removing the magazine, a spring returns the blocking member to the blocking position where it obstructs movement of the trigger bar, the sear, or some other component of the fire control assembly.OVERVIEW

[0023] For some semiautomatic handguns, the takedown procedure includes removing the magazine, clearing the chamber of ammunition, then pulling the trigger to release the striker. If a round is inadvertently left in the chamber, pulling the trigger can fire the gun. Additionally, some organizations require that security personnel carry a gun with the magazine removed so that if a gun is stolen from the security guard, for example, the gun is inoperable without the magazine. Thus, a need exists for a mechanism that prevents firing the gun by trigger pull when the magazine is removed from the magazine well.

[0024] The present disclosure addresses this need and others by providing a magazine disconnect mechanism that prevents firing the gun by trigger pull when a magazine is removed (or disconnected) from the magazine well. In its blocking position, the magazine disconnect mechanism disables firing by blocking longitudinal movement of the trigger bar, either directly or indirectly.

[0025] The disconnect mechanism is discussed and shown in the context of a semiautomatic handgun having a receiver that is removable from a grip module; however, concepts of the present disclosure are not limited to such modular handguns and can be applied to handguns where the receiver and grip are made as a single component. Additionally, examples of the disconnect mechanism are disclosed as acting on the sear. In other embodiments, the sear can be omitted so that the trigger bar directly engages the striker.

[0026] As discussed herein, terms referencing direction, such as upward, downward, forward, rearward, left, right, front, back, etc., are used for convenience to describe embodiments of handgun components when the handgun is oriented in a traditional firing position with the barrel extending horizontally and the grip extending downward. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by these directional references, and it is contemplated that a handgun and its components described herein can be used in any orientation.

[0027] Note that while generally referred to herein as a magazine disconnect for consistency and ease of understanding the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited to that terminology and the magazine disconnect alternately can be referred to as a disconnect mechanism, a trigger-blocking mechanism, a magazine-actuated mechanism, a trigger bar block, or other terms. Numerous configurations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a front, side, and bottom perspective view showing part of a handgun fire control assembly 50 with a magazine disconnect mechanism 100 in a non-blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fire control assembly 50 includes a trigger bar 52 operably coupled to a trigger 54 (shown, e.g., in FIGS. 9-10). When the trigger 54 is pulled or released, the trigger bar 52 moves longitudinally along the receiver 40. From a cocked condition, for example, pulling the trigger 54 draws the trigger bar 52 forward into contact with the sear 56, thereby pivoting the sear 56 and releasing the striker 58 (shown, e.g., in FIGS. 11-12) to fire the gun. Although in this example the trigger bar 52 moves forward as a result of a trigger pull, in other embodiments pulling the trigger 54 can move the trigger bar 52 in a rearward direction to engage the sear 56. The magazine disconnect mechanism 100 can be adapted for such an embodiment, as will be appreciated. In yet other embodiments, the magazine disconnect mechanism 100 is adapted for use with a fire control assembly 50 that does not have a sear 56, such as where the trigger bar 52 interacts directly with the striker 58.

[0029] In this example, the magazine disconnect mechanism 100 includes a bracket 110 coupled directly or indirectly to the receiver 40, for example, by using a threaded fastener 112. The bracket 110 is secured to a lower end of a sear housing 57, which is attached to the receiver 40. The bracket 110 has a post 114 that extends laterally. The disconnect mechanism 100 also includes a blocking component that is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. In this example, the blocking component is configured as a lever 120 that is pivotable or rotatable about a post 114 or pin between a non-blocking position (e.g., shown in FIG. 1) and a blocking position (e.g., shown in FIG. 3). As shown, the post 114 extends laterally from the bracket 110 and the lever 120 is mounted on the post 114. A spring 122, such as a torsion spring, biases the lever 120 towards the blocking position.

[0030] In this example, the bracket 110 is a separate component that is attached to the sear housing 57. In other embodiments, the bracket 110 and / or the post 114 can be formed integrally as part of the receiver 40 or integrally as part of the sear housing 57. In yet other embodiments, the bracket 110 and / or post 114 can be part of a handgun grip module 44 or frame, whether being monolithic with the grip module or frame or being an attached component such as a pin or fastener that is attached to or otherwise installed and protrudes laterally into the gun.

[0031] The lever 120 is positioned along a rearward portion of the magazine well 46 (shown in FIG. 12). As such, when a magazine 48 is installed in the magazine well 46, the magazine 48 contacts the lever and rotates the lever to the non-blocking position. In this example, the magazine is omitted to more clearly show components of the magazine disconnect mechanism 100. In the non-blocking position, as shown in this example, the lever 120 does not occupy the magazine well 46.

[0032] Other orientations for the non-blocking position can be used provided that the lever 120 does not occupy the magazine well 46 and the trigger is not blocked from firing directly or indirectly. Other positions for the blocking position are also available. For example, the lateral protrusion 124 can rotate into a blocking position behind the sear leg 52a of the trigger bar 52 so as to obstruct rearward movement of the trigger bar 52.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a longitudinal section of part of a fire control assembly 50 with a magazine disconnect mechanism 100, where the lever 120 is in a non-blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the lever 120 has been rotated to the non-blocking position. In the non-blocking position, the trigger bar 52 moves longitudinally in response to pulling the trigger 54. During this longitudinal movement, an engagement surface on the trigger bar 52 actuates the sear 56 to release the striker 58 (shown in FIGS. 11-12). In this example, the engagement surface is on a sear leg 52a that extends laterally from a rear end of the trigger bar. In other embodiments, the engagement surface can be a notch, an opening, a tab, a hook, or other feature on the trigger bar 52 that is configured to actuate the sear 56. As noted above, the trigger bar 52 can move longitudinally in a forward or rearward direction in response to pulling the trigger.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a front, side, and bottom perspective view showing part of a handgun fire control assembly 50 with a magazine disconnect mechanism 100 in a blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The spring 122 (not visible) has rotated the lever 120 to the blocking position so that a lateral protrusion 124 on the lever 120 is positioned to contact the sear engagement surface of the trigger bar 52, such as sear leg 52a, to block longitudinal movement (e.g., forward movement) of the trigger bar 52. In the blocking position, the lateral protrusion 124 can make contact with the sear leg 52a of the trigger bar 52 or can be spaced slightly from the sear leg 52a as appropriate to stop trigger bar 52 movement prior to the trigger bar 52 engaging the sear 56. In other embodiments, the lever 120 can be adapted to directly block the sear 56 or a striker block actuator 128. The striker block actuator 128 is a lever that disengages the striker safety. For example, when the trigger is pulled, the striker block actuator 128 rotates, translates, or otherwise moves from a first position in which it blocks forward travel of the striker to a second position in which it does not block forward travel of the striker. In some embodiments, the striker block actuator 128 is part of the trigger bar 52. Here, the sear 56 and striker block actuator 128 interact with the trigger bar 52. As such, blocking the movement of the sear 56 or striker block actuator 128 also blocks movement of the trigger bar 52, and therefore the trigger 54. In some embodiments, the trigger bar 52 need not have a sear leg 52a and contact between the trigger bar 52 and the sear 56 is accomplished by some other sear engagement surface.

[0035] As viewed in FIG. 3 and as also shown in FIG. 5, the lever 120 is oriented upward and rearward toward the sear leg 52a of the trigger bar 52. For example, when the gun is positioned with the bore axis extending horizontally, the lever 120 extends upward and rearward at an angle α of 15-45°, such as 20-30°, or about 25°. In this position, an upper part or first end 120a of the lever 120 contacts the sear housing 57, which is attached to the receiver 40. The sear housing 57 blocks functions as a stop to block further rotation of the lever 102. As such, forward movement of the trigger bar 52 into engagement with the lever 120 does not pivot the lever 120 out of the blocking position. In other embodiments, the lever 120 can stop on the receiver 40, grip module 44, or another component of the firearm. An opposite second end 120b of the lever 120 extends into the magazine well 46 where it is positioned to be engaged by a magazine as it is installed in the magazine well.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a front, side, and bottom perspective view showing components of a fire control assembly 50, part of a receiver 40, and a magazine disconnect mechanism 100 in a blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the embodiment discussed above with reference to FIG. 3, the lever 120 is retained by a bracket 110 that is attached to the sear housing 57. Here, since no magazine is present in the magazine well, the lever 120 has been rotated to a blocking position where the lateral protrusion 124 is positioned to contact the sear leg 52a of the trigger bar 52. Alternately, or in addition, the lever 120 can be adapted to engage the sear 56 or the striker block actuator 128 to prevent firing the gun from an attempted trigger pull.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a side view showing a longitudinal section of part of a fire control assembly 50 with a lever 120 of a magazine disconnect mechanism 100 in a blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lever 120 can rotate about a post 114 on the lever bracket 110, which is attached to the sear housing 57. The lever 120 extends upward and rearward at an angle α of 15-45°, including 20-30°, or about 25° with respect to the horizontal. A second end 120b of the lever 120 extends into the magazine well 46 (shown in FIG. 12) and the first end 120a of the lever 120 is stopped on the sear housing 57. The sear leg 52a of the sear 52 is spaced slightly from the lateral protrusion 124 on the lever 120. Note that the distance between the sear leg 52a and the lateral protrusion 124 is less than a distance from the sear leg 52a to the sear 56. As a result, if the trigger bar 52 moves forward toward the sear 56, the sear leg 52a will first contact the lever 120 and block the sear leg 52a from contacting the sear 56.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a left-side and rear perspective view showing part of a handgun receiver 40 with a magazine disconnect mechanism 100 in a blocking position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bracket 110 is attached to a bottom end of the sear housing 57 by a fastener 112. The first end 120a of the lever 120 abuts the sear housing 57 adjacent the receiver 40; the second 120b of the lever 120 extends forward and down into the magazine well.

[0039] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate perspective views showing a bracket 110 and fastener 112, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7A is a front and right-side perspective view and FIG. 7B is a front and left-side view. In this embodiment, the bracket 110 has a bracket body 110a sized and configured to mate with the lower end of the sear housing 57. A fastener opening 110b is defined in the bracket body 110a for securing the bracket 110 to the sear housing 57. Tabs 110c extend laterally from the rear and bottom margins of the bracket body 110 to stabilize the bracket 110 and facilitate orienting the bracket 110 on the sear housing 57. A post 114 extends laterally from an upper portion of the bracket body 110a. The bracket body 110 defines a fastener opening 110b for the fastener 112. The bracket 110 can have any one of a variety of geometries, depending on the component to which it attaches and the geometry of neighboring components, as will be appreciated.

[0040] FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate various views of a lever 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8A is a side view, FIG. 8B is a front perspective view, FIG. 8C is a top perspective view, and FIG. 8D is a bottom perspective view. The lever 120 extends from a first end 120a to a second end 120b and defines a pin opening 120c sized to receive the post 114 on the bracket 110. As shown here, the pin opening 120c is located approximately midway between the first end 120a and the second end 120b, allowing the lever 120 to rotate about the post 114. The first end 120a has a split or forked geometry so that one portion of the first end 120a can stop on another component and another portion of the first end 120a can engage the trigger bar 52. The lever 120 is not limited to the geometry shown in this example and can have other geometries and features as deemed appropriate for a particular fire control assembly 50.

[0041] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate side and bottom perspective views showing a handgun receiver 40 with a magazine disconnect mechanism 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 9, the lever 120 of the magazine disconnect mechanism 100 is in a non-blocking position, and in FIG. 10 the lever 120 of the magazine disconnect mechanism 100 is in a blocking position. To more clearly show components of the magazine disconnect mechanism 100, the magazine is not illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0042] In these examples, the receiver 40 is configured to be removably installed in a grip module of a semiautomatic handgun. The receiver 40 includes components of the fire control assembly 50 as well as the magazine disconnect mechanism 100, including the trigger 54, striker block actuator 128, trigger bar 52, and sear housing 57. Opposite sidewalls of the receiver 40 define part of a magazine well 46 that is configured to receive a magazine 48 (shown in FIG. 11). The lever 120 of the magazine disconnect mechanism 100 is positioned at the rear of the magazine well 46 such that installing a magazine into the magazine well 46 pivots the lever 120 from the blocking position to the non-blocking position.

[0043] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate side views showing a longitudinal section of a handgun 20 with the receiver 40 of FIG. 9, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The handgun 20 includes a grip module 44, a receiver 40 installed in the grip module 44, and a slide assembly 30 slidably mounted on the receiver 40. In some embodiments, the grip module 44 is made of polymeric materials, although metal can be used. The slide assembly 30 includes a slide 32, a barrel 34. A striker 58 is aligned with the bore of the barrel 34.

[0044] In FIG. 11, a magazine 48 seated in the magazine well 46, causing the lever 120 of the magazine disconnect mechanism 100 to occupy a non-blocking position. Note here that the second end portion 120b of the lever 120 contacts the magazine 48, thereby preventing the lever 120 from rotating to the non-blocking position. In FIG. 12, the magazine 48 has been removed from the magazine well 46 and the lever 120 of the magazine disconnect mechanism 100 has reverted to a blocking position.

[0045] FIG. 13 illustrates a side, front, and bottom perspective view showing part of a receiver 40 with fire control assembly 50 and disconnect mechanism 100. Part of a magazine 48 is shown below the magazine well 46. In this example, the blocking component of the magazine disconnect mechanism 100 is configured as a block 130 that can move laterally between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. Spring 122 biases the block 130 towards a blocking position where the block 130 obstructs movement of the trigger bar 52 by contact with the sear leg 52a, or by contact with some other component of the fire control assembly 50. Here, when the magazine 48 is installed into the magazine well 46, a sloped upper face 49 of the magazine 48 contacts an actuator 132 connected to the block 130, camming the block 130 laterally to a non-blocking position. Numerous other configurations can be used, including where the blocking component is a block, wedge, pin, lever, ball detent device, or other structure, and where the blocking component moves to the blocking position by being pivoted, rotated, slid, lifted, cammed, pushed, depressed, or some other movement.

[0046] In use, the magazine disconnect mechanism is useful to prevent firing the gun when the magazine is removed from the magazine well. Accordingly, when a gun is stored separately from a magazine, the gun is inoperable if found or picked up by someone who does not have the magazine. When the magazine is seated in the magazine well, the disconnect mechanism is inactive and therefore allows the gun to fire normally by pulling the trigger.FURTHER EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0047] The following examples pertain to further embodiments, from which numerous permutations and configurations will be apparent.

[0048] Example 1 is a magazine disconnect for a firearm having a magazine well, fire control components, and a trigger operably coupled to the fire control components. The magazine disconnect includes a blocking component that is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. When a magazine is seated in the magazine well of the firearm, the blocking component is in the non-blocking position and allows firing of the firearm by pulling the trigger. When no magazine is present in the magazine well, the blocking component is biased to the blocking position and positioned to contact one or more of the fire control components to obstruct firing the firearm by pulling the trigger.

[0049] Example 2 includes the magazine disconnect of Example 1, where the blocking component comprises a lever that is rotatable between the blocking position and the non-blocking position, and wherein the lever is biased to the blocking position by a spring.

[0050] Example 3 includes the magazine disconnect of Example 2, where the lever is located rearward of the magazine well when the lever is in the non-blocking position.

[0051] Example 4 includes the magazine disconnect of Example 3, where installing the magazine in the magazine well rotates the lever against spring bias to the blocking position.

[0052] Example 5 includes the magazine disconnect of Example 1, where the blocking component is movable laterally between the blocking position and the non-blocking position.

[0053] Example 6 includes the magazine disconnect of Example 1, wherein the fire control components include a sear operable between a cocked position and a fire position, and wherein the blocking component obstructs moving the sear to the fire position when the blocking component is in the blocking position.

[0054] Example 7 includes the magazine disconnect of Example 1, where the fire control components include a trigger bar operably connected to the trigger and movable longitudinally in response to pulling the trigger, a sear operable between a cocked position and a fire position, and where the trigger bar is configured to move longitudinally to contact and move the sear to the fire position. The blocking component obstructs moving the trigger bar into contact with the sear when the blocking component is in the blocking position.

[0055] Example 8 is a firearm comprising a receiver defining at least part of a magazine well and including fire control components operably coupled to a trigger and a blocking component coupled to the receiver adjacent the magazine well and movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. The blocking component occupies the non-blocking position when a magazine is in the magazine well. The blocking component is biased to the blocking position when the magazine is absent from the magazine well and prevents firing the handgun via trigger pull.

[0056] Example 9 includes the firearm of Example 8, where the blocking component is a lever that is rotatable between the blocking position and the non-blocking position.

[0057] Example 10 includes the firearm of Example 9, where the fire control components include a sear and the lever is positioned to block movement of a sear to a fire position when the lever is in the blocking position.

[0058] Example 11 includes the firearm of Example 9, where the fire control components include a sear, a trigger, and a trigger bar operatively connected to the trigger, and where the lever is located rearward of the magazine well.

[0059] Example 12 includes the firearm of Example 8, where the fire control components include a trigger bar operatively coupled to a trigger, and wherein the blocking component is arranged to block longitudinal movement of the trigger bar when in the blocking position.

[0060] Example 13 includes the firearm of Example 12, where the trigger bar is configured to move longitudinally and engage the sear in response to pulling the trigger, and wherein the blocking component is positioned to contact the trigger bar when the blocking component is in the blocking position, thereby preventing the trigger bar from contacting the sear.

[0061] Example 14 includes the firearm of Example 12, where the blocking component blocks the trigger bar from moving forward to contact the sear.

[0062] Example 15 includes the firearm of Example 8, where the fire control components include a striker block actuator, and wherein the lever is positioned to block movement of the striker block actuator when the lever is in the blocking position.

[0063] Example 16 includes the firearm of Example 8 and includes a sear housing attached to the receiver, where the blocking component is coupled to the sear housing.

[0064] Example 17 includes the firearm of Example 16 and further includes a bracket attached to the sear housing and having a pin extending laterally. The blocking component is configured as a lever that can rotate about the pin between the blocking position and the non-blocking position.

[0065] Example 18 includes the firearm of Example 17 and further includes a torsion spring configured and arranged to bias the lever to the blocking position.

[0066] Example 19 includes the firearm of Example 18, where a first end of the lever is arranged to stop on the sear housing when the lever is in the blocking position.

[0067] Example 20 includes the firearm of Example 19, where the firearm is a semiautomatic handgun including a grip module configured to house the receiver and including a slide assembly configured to be mounted to the receiver. The grip module contains a magazine catch configured to retain and selectively release a detachable magazine.

[0068] The foregoing description of example embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Future-filed applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in a different manner and generally may include any set of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein.

Claims

1. A magazine disconnect for a firearm having a magazine well, fire control components, anda trigger operably coupled to the fire control components, the magazine disconnect comprising:a blocking component movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position;wherein when a magazine is seated in the magazine well of the firearm, the blocking component is in the non-blocking position and allows firing of the firearm by pulling the trigger, and when no magazine is present in the magazine well, the blocking component is biased to the blocking position and positioned to contact one or more of the fire control components to obstruct firing the firearm by pulling the trigger.

2. The magazine disconnect of claim 1, wherein the blocking component comprises a lever that is rotatable between the blocking position and the non-blocking position, and wherein the lever is biased to the blocking position by a spring.

3. The magazine disconnect of claim 2, wherein the lever is located rearward of the magazine well when the lever is in the non-blocking position.

4. The magazine disconnect of claim 3, wherein installing the magazine in the magazine well rotates the lever against spring bias to the blocking position.

5. The magazine disconnect of claim 1, wherein the blocking component is movable laterally between the blocking position and the non-blocking position.

6. The magazine disconnect of claim 1, wherein the fire control components include a sear operable between a cocked position and a fire position, and wherein the blocking component obstructs moving the sear to the fire position when the blocking component is in the blocking position.

7. The magazine disconnect of claim 1, wherein:the fire control components include a trigger bar operably connected to the trigger and movable longitudinally in response to pulling the trigger;the fire control components include a sear operable between a cocked position and a fire position;the trigger bar is configured to move longitudinally to contact and move the sear to the fire position; andwherein the blocking component obstructs moving the trigger bar into contact with the sear when the blocking component is in the blocking position.

8. A firearm, comprising:a receiver defining at least part of a magazine well and including fire control components operably coupled to a trigger; anda blocking component coupled to the receiver adjacent the magazine well and movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position;wherein the blocking component occupies the non-blocking position when a magazine is in the magazine well; andwherein the blocking component is biased to the blocking position when the magazine is absent from the magazine well and prevents firing the handgun via trigger pull.

9. The firearm of claim 8, wherein the blocking component is a lever that is rotatable between the blocking position and the non-blocking position.

10. The firearm of claim 9, wherein the fire control components include a sear and the lever is positioned to block movement of a sear to a fire position when the lever is in the blocking position.

11. The firearm of claim 9, wherein the fire control components include a sear, a trigger, and a trigger bar operatively connected to the trigger, and wherein the lever is located rearward of the magazine well.

12. The firearm of claim 8, wherein the fire control components include a trigger bar operatively coupled to a trigger, and wherein the blocking component is arranged to block longitudinal movement of the trigger bar when in the blocking position.

13. The firearm of claim 12, wherein the trigger bar is configured to move longitudinally and engage the sear in response to pulling the trigger, and wherein the blocking component is positioned to contact the trigger bar when the blocking component is in the blocking position, thereby preventing the trigger bar from contacting the sear.

14. The firearm of claim 12, wherein the blocking component blocks the trigger bar from moving forward to contact the sear.

15. The firearm of claim 8, wherein the fire control components include a striker block actuator, and wherein the lever is positioned to block movement of the striker block actuator when the lever is in the blocking position.

16. The firearm of claim 8, comprising a sear housing attached to the receiver, wherein the blocking component is coupled to the sear housing.

17. The firearm of claim 16, further comprising:a bracket attached to the sear housing and having a pin extending laterally;wherein the blocking component is configured as a lever configured to rotate about the pin between the blocking position and the non-blocking position.

18. The firearm of claim 17, further comprising a torsion spring configured and arranged to bias the lever to the blocking position.

19. The firearm of claim 18, wherein a first end of the lever is arranged to stop on the sear housing when the lever is in the blocking position.

20. The firearm of claim 19, wherein the firearm is a semiautomatic handgun comprising:a grip module configured to house the receiver; anda slide assembly configured to be mounted to the receiver;wherein the grip module contains a magazine catch configured to retain and selectively release a detachable magazine.

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