Firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon

Abstract

There is provided a firearm (3) with a closed sight (1) mounted thereon. The closed sight is received on top of a mounting pin (7) extending upwardly from the firearm (3). A locking fastener (28) extends through a side of the closed sight (1), in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the mounting pin (7), and a first end of the locking fastener (28) engages the mounting pin (7) to form an interlock, such that the closed sight (1) is securely mounted to the firearm (3).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application claims priority to United Kingdom (GB) Patent Application No. 2500501.8, filed on January 15, 2025, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.INTRODUCTIONField

[0002] The present disclosure concerns a firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon. The present disclosure also concerns a mounting system, a mounting pin and a locking fastener for use with a firearm.Background

[0003] Closed sights are widely used in firearms, typically featuring an enclosed optical system that protects the lens and electronics from environmental elements like dust, water and impact. Due to their enhanced durability and reliability, closed sights are favored in many applications. To attach a closed sight to a firearm, various mounting systems are employed to secure the sight to the firearm’s mount, mounting plate or slide.

[0004] Traditional mounting systems for closed sights require access to the top of the mounting platform during installation or removal. This is because the mounting hardware, such as pins, screws or bolts, is designed to engage from the top, passing through the base of the sight and downwardly securing it to the firearm. Requiring top access demands a portion of the closed sight for receiving the mounting hardware. This can either lead to a reduction in size of the optic, or an undesirable increase in size of the closed sight as a whole.

[0005] US2024191972A1 discloses an optical sight mounting system including a housing and an optical element supported by the housing. The housing includes a first surface defining a cavity accessible from a first cavity side of the housing and a bottom side of the housing and an opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The first surface is configured such that the first cavity is inaccessible from above. The first cavity is configured to accommodate a first fastener such that a head of the first fastener is supported by the first surface and such that a shaft of the first fastener extends through the bottom side of the housing. The optical element is disposed within the opening of the housing.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention seek to mitigate at least one of the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, embodiments of the present invention seek to provide an improved firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon.Summary

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon. It may be that the closed sight is received on top of a mounting pin extending upwardly from the firearm. It may be that a locking fastener extends through a side of the closed sight. It may be that the locking fastener extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the mounting pin. It may be that a first end of the locking fastener engages the mounting pin, for example to form an interlock, such that the closed sight is securely mounted to the firearm.

[0008] The inventors have recognized that by using such a mounting pin and locking fastener, a closed sight may be mounted to a firearm without necessarily requiring access from above. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the locking fastener may be accessed (for example inserted or screwed in) from the side of the closed sight, thereby engaging the mounting pin to form the interlock. In this way, a larger optic may be used for the closed sight without necessitating an increase in the overall footprint of the closed sight. Alternatively or additionally, design and / or assembly of the closed sight may be simplified. Furthermore, a larger focal length may be used for a lens of the closed sight (without necessitating an increase in the overall footprint of the closed sight), thereby increasing the optical clarity of the sight.

[0009] The firearm may be a small arms firearm. The firearm may be a handgun. The firearm may be a pistol.

[0010] A closed sight is known in the art to mean a sight wherein the light path is enclosed (i.e. not exposed to the external environment). It may be that the closed sight is a reflector sight.

[0011] It will be understood that upwardly from the firearm is defined in the context of normal use, in that the mounting pin extends upwardly from a top surface of the firearm. It may be that the mounting pin is attached to a mount of the firearm. The mount may be a mounting plate configured to attach to the firearm. The mount may be a portion of a slide of the firearm. The mount may be a portion of an upper surface of the firearm.

[0012] It may be that the closed sight is received on top of a plurality of, for example two, optionally four, mounting pins. It may be that two mounting pins extend upwardly from the firearm. It may be that two mounting pins extend upwardly from a rear end of a firearm mount. It may be that two mounting pins extend upwardly from the firearm, wherein the mounting pins are laterally spaced from a midline of the firearm. It may be that two mounting pins extend upwardly from the firearm, wherein the mounting pins are aligned along a front / rear axis of the firearm.

[0013] It may be that a plurality of, for example two, optionally four locking fasteners extend through one or more sides of the closed sight. It may be that the or each locking fastener engages with a respective mounting pin. It may be that two locking fasteners extend into opposing sides of the closed sight.

[0014] It may be that the first end of the locking fastener comprises an engaging portion. It may be that the mounting pin comprises a receiving portion configured to engage with the engaging portion. It may be that the receiving portion comprises an indent in the mounting pin. It may be that the engaging portion is the first end of the locking fastener.

[0015] It may be that formation of the interlock is configured to urge the closed sight towards the firearm. It may be that the engaging portion and receiving portion comprise complementary sloped surfaces. The interlock may be progressively formed by progressive engagement of the engaging portion with the receiving portion. It may be that the complementary sloped surfaces are configured to urge the closed sight against the firearm as the locking fastener progressively engages the mounting pin. It may be that urging of the engaging portion against the receiving portion causes translation of the locking fastener relative to the mounting pin in a substantially vertical direction. It may be that progressive translation of the locking fastener against the mounting pin urges the locking fastener, and consequently the closed sight, downwards onto the mount of the firearm.

[0016] A closed sight may comprise: a base; a housing arranged on the base, together defining an inner chamber; and a light source; wherein the light source is arranged to emit light into the inner chamber. The closed sight may comprise a lens within the inner chamber, wherein the light source is positioned at the focal point of the lens. The housing may comprise a front window (wherein front is taken to be the side facing the target during use). The front window may comprise a transparent panel. The housing may comprise a rear window (wherein rear is taken to be the side facing the user during use). The rear window may comprise a transparent panel. The housing may comprise a roof. The housing may comprise two or more sides. The housing may be six sided. The chamber may be substantially cuboidal. The weight of the sight may be no more than 55g, for example in the range 40-50g. The base may comprise a first portion which is covered. The base may comprise a second portion which is exposed (i.e. open to the external environment). The light source may comprise one or more LEDs. The sight may be a red dot sight. The light source may be attached to the base, held by the base, or otherwise associated with the base.

[0017] The chamber may be sealed (i.e. the sight may be waterproof). The chamber may be sealed by a combination of the base, the roof of the housing, the sides of the housing and the front and rear windows of the housing. A sealed sight may be particularly desirable for use in harsh environments.

[0018] It may be that the mounting pin is received within a mounting cavity of a base of the closed sight. It may be that the mounting cavity is formed within the base of the closed sight. It may be that the mounting cavity extends partway into the closed sight. It may be that mounting cavity extends only partway into the closed sight. The mounting cavity may be a blind bore in a base of the closed sight. In this way, the or each mounting cavity may not extend into an inner chamber of the closed sight. It may be that the base of the closed sight comprises a plurality, for example two, mounting cavities, each mounting cavity corresponding to a mounting pin extending upwardly from the firearm.

[0019] It may be that the mounting pin comprises an elongate body with a longitudinal length and a width, for example a radial width. It may be that the receiving portion comprises a beveled indent in the elongate body. It may be that the beveled indent is defined by an upper side having an angled surface that tapers inwardly toward a radial base of the beveled indent. It may be that the beveled indent is further defined by a lower side having an angled surface that tapers inwardly toward a radial base of the beveled indent.

[0020] It may be that the locking fastener comprises an elongate body with a longitudinal length and a width, for example a radial width. A longitudinal length of the or each mounting pin may extend in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal length of the or each respective locking fastener. The beveled indent may be a portion of the mounting pin configured to face the engaging portion of the locking fastener. It may be that the engaging portion of the locking fastener engages with the upper side and / or radial base of the beveled indent. It may be that engagement of the engaging portion with the upper side of the beveled indent forms the interlock and / or urges the locking fastener towards, for example downwards towards, the firearm, thereby urging the closed sight towards the firearm. It may be that engagement of the engaging portion with the radial base of the beveled indent delimits a maximum extension of the locking fastener into the closed sight.

[0021] It may be that the engaging portion has a tapered profile corresponding to the beveled indent of the receiving portion. It may be that the tapered profile corresponds to the angled surface of the upper side and / or the lower side of the beveled indent. It may be that an angle between a line parallel to the angled surface of the upper side and a normal of the base of the beveled indent is between 15° and 45°, for example 30°. It may be that an angle between a line parallel to the angled surface of the lower side and a normal of the base of the beveled indent is between 15° and 45°, for example 30°. It may be that an angle between the upper and lower surfaces of the beveled indent is between 30° and 90°, for example 60°.

[0022] It may be that the angle of the tapered profile of the engaging portion to the longitudinal axis of the locking fastener is between 30° and 90°, for example 60°. It may be that an angle between a line parallel to the tapered profile of the engaging portion and a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the locking fastener is between 30° and 90°, for example 60°. It has been found that the angles discussed herein may provide an optimum interlock given the limited space provided.

[0023] It may be that the engaging portion has a frustoconical shape. It may be that the engaging portion resembles a cone with a flattened end, the flattened end being the first end of the locking fastener. There may be a curved transition between the flattened end and the tapered profile.

[0024] It may be that the beveled indent extends circumferentially around the mounting pin. It may be that the beveled indent extends circumferentially partway around the mounting pin. It may be that the beveled indent extends circumferentially entirely around the mounting pin.

[0025] It may be that the mounting pin comprises a thread engaged with a corresponding threaded hole of a mount of the firearm. It may be that the mounting pin comprises flattened portions configured to engage with a tool, such as a spanner.

[0026] It may be that the locking fastener is threadably received within a locking cavity of the closed sight, such that screwing of the locking fastener into the locking cavity is configured to urge the engaging portion against the receiving portion. It may be that in use a longitudinal axis of the locking cavity is substantially horizontal. It may be that a base of the closed sight comprises the locking cavity. It may be that the locking cavity is formed within a base of the closed sight.

[0027] It may be that a second end of the locking fastener comprises: a central screw drive cavity for applying torque to the locking fastener. It may be that the central screw drive cavity is configured to receive a torx tool. It may be that the second end of the locking fastener comprises at least two peripheral screw drive cavities for applying torque to the locking fastener. It may be that each peripheral screw drive cavity is a scalloped shape in a peripheral edge of a head of the locking fastener. It may be that the peripheral screw drive cavities are arranged on opposing sides of the head of the locking fastener. It may be that the peripheral screw drive cavities are configured to receive a tool for applying torque to the locking fastener. It may be that the peripheral screw drive cavities provide a means of applying greater torque to the locking fastener than the central screw drive cavity. For example, since the peripheral screw drive cavities are laterally spaced from a central axis of the locking fastener, a greater torque may be applied. Alternatively or additionally, a long tool may be inserted into one of the peripheral screw drive cavities in a direction substantially parallel to the head of the locking fastener, such that leverage may be used to apply significant torque to the locking fastener. It will be appreciated that applying significant torque to the locking fastener may provide significant force against the mounting pin, thereby securely mounting the closed sight to the firearm. Secure mounting may be particularly desirable during use, where vibrations, impacts and / or high acceleration events may otherwise act to loosen the closed sight from the firearm.

[0028] It may be that a thread of the mounting pin and / or the locking fastener is a standard metric thread, optionally between an M3 and an M5 size, for example an M4 size. It may be that a thread of the mounting pin and / or the locking fastener has a major diameter of 4mm, and / or a pitch of 0.7mm. It may be that a thread of the mounting pin and / or the locking fastener is the equivalent imperial size to any of the above. It may be that a maximum diameter of the locking fastener is between 3mm and 6mm, for example 4.5mm. It may be that a maximum diameter of the engaging portion is 3mm. It may be that a length of the locking fastener is between 5mm and 10mm, for example 8mm. It may be that the central screw drive cavity is a standard torx size, optionally between T4 and T8, for example T6. It may be that centers of the peripheral screw drive cavities are radially spaced from one another by between 1mm and 5mm, for example 3mm.

[0029] It may be that a maximum diameter of the mounting pin is between 3mm and 5mm, for example 4mm. It may be that a diameter of the radial base of the beveled indent is between 1mm and 4mm, for example 2.5mm. It may be that a longitudinal extent of the radial base of the beveled indent is between 1mm and 2mm, for example 1.2mm. It may be that a length of the mounting pin is between 6mm and 30mm, optionally between 6mm and 10mm, for example 8mm.

[0030] It may be that one of the firearm and the closed sight comprises a locating protrusion, and the other one of the firearm and the closed sight comprises a locating recess for receiving the locating protrusion, such that correct location of the closed sight on the firearm is facilitated. It may be that the firearm, for example the mount, comprises the locating protrusion, and the closed sight comprises the locating recess. It may be that the firearm, for example the mount, comprises four locating protrusions, one on each corner. It may be that the closed sight comprises four locating recesses, one on each corner of the base of the closed sight.

[0031] The sight may comprise a locking plug. It may be that the locking plug extends through a base of the closed sight, in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the locking fastener. The locking plug may engage the locking fastener to inhibit removal of the locking fastener from the closed sight. It may be that a thread of the locking fastener depresses and / or cuts into the locking plug in use.

[0032] It may be that the locking plug is made from plastics, optionally nylon.

[0033] In a second aspect, the invention provides a mounting system for providing the firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon of the first aspect. It may be that the mounting system comprises: a firearm; a closed sight; a mounting pin; and a locking fastener. It may be that the mounting pin is configured to extend upwardly from the firearm, and the locking fastener is configured to extend through a side of the closed sight, in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the mounting pin, such that a first end of the locking fastener engages the mounting pin to form an interlock, such that the closed sight may be securely mounted to the firearm.

[0034] In a third aspect, the invention provides a mounting system for mounting a closed sight onto a firearm. It may be that the mounting system comprises a closed sight comprising a base arrangeable, in use, adjacent to a mount of a firearm. It may be that the base comprises a mounting cavity configured to receive a mounting pin. It may be that the closed sight further comprises a side comprising a locking cavity, the locking cavity extending perpendicularly to the mounting cavity and conjoining the mounting cavity, such that a mounting pin received within the mounting cavity may extend into the locking cavity. It may be that the mounting system comprises a mounting pin configured for attachment to the mount of the firearm and for receipt into the mounting cavity of the base. It may be that the mounting system comprises a locking fastener configured for insertion into the locking cavity. It may be that the closed sight is configured such that insertion of the mounting pin within the mounting cavity followed by insertion of the locking fastener into the locking cavity enables engagement of the locking fastener with the mounting pin, such that the closed sight is lockably securable to the mounting pin.

[0035] It will be appreciated that a side of the closed sight may be a left side, a right side, a rear side and / or a front side. It may be that a side of the closed sight is a substantially vertical side connecting a base and a top of the closed sight. It may be that the mounting cavity and the locking cavity are substantially longitudinal bores in a housing of the closed sight. It may be that a longitudinal axis of the mounting cavity intersects a longitudinal axis of the locking cavity, such that the cavities are conjoined within a housing of the closed sight.

[0036] It may be that the mounting system further comprises the mount of the firearm.

[0037] It may be that the mount is a portion of the slide of the firearm or a mounting plate configured to attach to the firearm.

[0038] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a mounting pin and / or a locking fastener for use with the firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon of the first aspect, or the mounting system of the second or third aspects.

[0039] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of mounting a closed sight to a firearm, the method comprising: providing the mounting system of the second aspect or the third aspect; and screwing the locking fastener into a side of the closed sight until the locking fastener engages with the mounting pin, such that the closed sight is lockably secured to the mounting pin.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon, the closed sight comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprises a front window, a rear window and a lens onto which a reticle of the closed sight is projected, the closed sight being received on top of two mounting pins extending upwardly from the firearm and partially into the housing of the closed sight, each mounting pin having a tapered indent; wherein two screw-threaded locking fasteners extend into opposing sides of the closed sight, at a height level with the tapered indents, each screw threaded locking fastener comprising a tapered end having a complementary shape to the tapered indent of each mounting pin, such that screwing of each screw threaded locking fastener into the closed sight engages the tapered end against the tapered indent to urge the closed sight downwards towards the firearm, thereby securely mounting the closed sight to the firearm.

[0041] While the present disclosure provides particular advantages for a closed sight, it will be appreciated that it may also be appropriate and / or beneficial for use with an open sight. An open sight is known in the art to mean a sight wherein the light path is not enclosed (i.e. exposed to the external environment). Thus, all aspects and embodiments disclosed herein may also be used with an open sight instead of a closed sight.

[0042] In a first example, there is provided a firearm with a sight mounted thereon, the sight being received on top of a mounting pin extending upwardly from the firearm, wherein a locking fastener extends through a side of the sight, in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the mounting pin, and a first end of the locking fastener engages the mounting pin to form an interlock, such that the sight is securely mounted to the firearm.

[0043] In a second example, there is provided a mounting system for providing the firearm with a sight mounted thereon of the first example, the mounting system comprising: a firearm; a sight; a mounting pin; and a locking fastener, wherein the mounting pin is configured to extend upwardly from the firearm, and the locking fastener is configured to extend through a side of the sight, in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the mounting pin, such that a first end of the locking fastener engages the mounting pin to form an interlock, such that the sight may be securely mounted to the firearm.

[0044] In a third example, there is provided a mounting system for mounting a sight onto a firearm, the mounting system comprising: a sight comprising a base arrangeable, in use, adjacent to a mount of a firearm, the base comprising a mounting cavity configured to receive a mounting pin, the sight further comprising a side comprising a locking cavity, the locking cavity extending perpendicularly to the mounting cavity and conjoining the mounting cavity, such that a mounting pin received within the mounting cavity may extend into the locking cavity; and a locking fastener configured for insertion into the locking cavity; wherein the sight is configured such that insertion of a mounting pin within the mounting cavity followed by insertion of the locking fastener into the locking cavity enables engagement of the locking fastener with the mounting pin, such that the sight is lockably securable to the mounting pin.

[0045] In a fourth example, there is provided a mounting pin and / or a locking fastener for use with the firearm with a sight mounted thereon of any of the first example, or the mounting system of the second or third examples.

[0046] In a fifth example, there is provided a method of mounting a sight to a firearm, the method comprising: screwing a locking fastener into a side of the sight until the locking fastener engages with a mounting pin, such that the sight is lockably secured to the mounting pin.

[0047] In a sixth example, there is provided a firearm with a sight mounted thereon, the sight comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprises a lens onto which a reticle of the sight is projected, the sight being received on top of two mounting pins extending upwardly from the firearm and partially into the housing of the sight, each mounting pin having a tapered indent; wherein two screw-threaded locking fasteners extend into opposing sides of the sight, at a height level with the tapered indents, each screw threaded locking fastener comprising a tapered end having a complementary shape to the tapered indent of each mounting pin, such that screwing of each screw threaded locking fastener into the sight engages the tapered end against the tapered indent to urge the sight downwards towards the firearm, thereby securely mounting the sight to the firearm.

[0048] In the above-mentioned examples the sight may be an open sight.

[0049] It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa. Description of the Drawings

[0050] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closed sight mounted to a firearm;

[0052] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a closed sight and a mount of a firearm;

[0053] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the closed sight of FIG. 2;

[0054] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a locking fastener engaged with a mounting pin;

[0055] FIG. 5 is a side view of two locking fasteners, each one engaged with a mounting pin;

[0056] FIG. 6 is a top view of a locking fastener engaged with a mounting pin and a locking plug; and

[0057] FIG. 7 is a side view of the locking fastener and the mounting pin of FIG. 6.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closed sight 1 mounted to a firearm 3. The front of the firearm 3 (and the closed sight 1) points towards the top-left of the drawing, while the rear of the firearm 3 (and the closed sight 1) points towards the bottom-right of the drawing. This is the same orientation used in FIG. 2.

[0059] FIG. 2 a perspective exploded view of a closed sight 1 and a firearm 3. Only the mount 5 of the firearm 3 is shown for clarity. The mount 5 has a roughly rectangular footprint. It will be understood that the mount 5 may be a mounting plate configured to attach to the firearm 3, a portion of a slide of a firearm 3, or a portion of a top surface of a firearm 3.

[0060] Like FIG. 1, the front of the firearm 3, closed sight 1 and mount 5 points in the direction of the top-left of the drawing, while the rear is in the direction of the bottom-right of the drawing.

[0061] The mount 5 comprises two mounting pins 7 extending upwards from a top surface thereof. The mounting pins 7 are situated towards the rear of the mount 5, are laterally spaced from a midline of the mount 5, and are aligned along a front / rear axis of the mount 5. The mount 5 also comprises four locating protrusions 9 extending upwardly from the mount 5. A locating protrusion 9 is located at one each of the four corners of the top surface of the mount 5. The functionality of these mounting pins 7 and locating protrusions 9 is described further below, when describing FIGS. 3-6.

[0062] The closed sight 1 comprises a housing 12, comprising two opposing upstanding side walls 14 and a roof 16 extending therebetween. The side walls 14 extend substantially perpendicularly up from a base 18 of the closed sight 1. Two mounting cavities (not shown) are located in the base 18 of the sight 1, configured to receive the two mounting pins 7 (see FIG. 3 for more detail on the cavities located in the base 18 of the closed sight 1). The top of the roof 16 is substantially horizontal, opposing the substantially horizontal plane of the base 18. The housing 12 further comprises a front window (not shown in FIG. 1), extending down from the front edge 20 of the roof 16 to the base 18. The housing 12 further comprises a rear window 22, extending down from the rear edge 24 of the roof 16 to the base 18. The rear window 22 extends in a substantially perpendicular direction between the base 18 and roof 16. The housing 12 defines a closed inner chamber, which comprises a lens and an LED mounted towards the rear of the sight 1. The LED is positioned to direct a beam of light onto the lens, and is positioned at the focal point of the lens such that the light is reflected back in a parallel beam from the lens to the user’s eye (creating an infinity image of a reticule over the target). The ‘closed’ nature of the sight, resulting from the arrangement of the housing and windows described above is known per se. However, aspects of the first embodiment of the invention (described further below) enable such a sight to be relatively large, without unduly increasing the mounting footprint.

[0063] Each side wall 14 of the closed sight 1 comprises a locking cavity 26. Each locking cavity 26 is located at a corner of each side wall 14 at the junction between the rear and the base 18 of the closed sight 1. Each locking cavity 26 extends into the closed sight 1 in a direction substantially normal to each side wall 14, and substantially perpendicular to the upwards extension of each mounting pin 7.

[0064] Two locking fasteners 28 are shown exploded outwards from each side wall 14 of the closed sight 1, aligned with the locking cavities 26. It will be appreciated that the closed sight 1 is received on top of the mounting pins 7, and the locking fasteners 28 are screwed in towards the interior of the closed sight 1 to engage with the mounting pins 7 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0065] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the closed sight 1 of FIG. 2, showing the underside of the base 18. The base 18 comprises two mounting cavities 30, each configured to receive a mounting pin (not shown for clarity). Each mounting cavity 30 is a blind bore that extends upwards into the base 18, along an axis normal to and into the page. The locking fasteners 28 are shown extended into the locking cavities 26 on either side of the sight 1. Each locking fastener 28 extends through the respective locking cavity 26 which extends in a vertical axis parallel to the plane of the page. A first end of each locking fastener 28 is shown projecting into each respective mounting cavity 30, where the first end would engage with the mounting pin if it were present.

[0066] The base 18 comprises four locating recesses 32, one on each corner of the base 18. Each locating recess 32 is configured to receive a locating protrusion 9 of the mount 5, so that the closed sight 1 may be correctly and easily located on the mount 5 of the firearm 3.

[0067] The base 18 also comprises two locking plug cavities 34, which extend into the base 18 along an axis parallel to the longitudinal extent of the mounting cavities 30. Each locking plug cavity 34 is configured to receive a locking plug (not shown). A portion of the threads of each locking fastener 28 is visible through each locking plug cavity 34. Thus, when a locking plug is present in a locking plug cavity 34, insertion of a locking fastener 28 into the locking cavity 26 causes the threads of the locking fastener 28 to engage with the locking plug by embedding into the locking plug. Thus, a locking plug present within the locking plug cavity 34 inhibits removal of the locking fastener 28. This may enhance the durability of mounting.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a locking fastener 28 engaged with a mounting pin 7. The surrounding components are not shown for clarity. The mounting pin 7 is a substantially elongate component, having a longitudinal length and a radial width. The mounting pin 7 has a threaded base portion 36, which is configured to engage with a threaded hole of a firearm mount. Above the threaded base portion 36 is a first band 38 of the mounting pin 7. The first band 38 comprises two flattened sections 40 on opposing radial sides (only one is shown in the drawing). In combination, the two flattened sections 40 are configured to engage with a tool, for example a spanner, so that significant torque may be applied to the mounting pin 7 when it is screwed into a threaded hole of a firearm mount. Thus, the flattened sections 40 provide a more secure means of mounting.

[0069] Above the first band 38 is a receiving portion 42 of the mounting pin 7. The receiving portion 42 is in the shape of a beveled indent defined by an upper side 44 having an angled surface that tapers inwardly toward a radial base 46 of the beveled indent. The beveled indent is further defined by a lowed side 48 having an angled surface that tapers inwardly towards the radial base 46. Above the receiving portion 42 of the mounting pin 7 is a second band 50, which defines the top of the mounting pin 7.

[0070] The locking fastener 28 is a substantially elongate component, having a longitudinal length and a radial width, resembling a screw. In use, the longitudinal length of the locking fastener 28 is perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the mounting pin 7. A first end of the locking fastener 28 is shown on the left-hand side of the locking fastener 28, which comprises an engaging portion 52. The engaging portion 52 has a frustoconical shape, where the tapered profile of the frustum corresponds to the angled surface of the upper side 44 (and optionally the lower side 48) of the beveled indent of the receiving portion 42. A top of the engaging portion 52 is shown engaged with the receiving portion 42 (see FIG. 5 for more detail).

[0071] To the right of the engaging portion 52 is a thread 54, configured to engage with an interior thread of a locking cavity 26 in the base 18 of the closed sight 1 (see FIG. 2). To the right of the thread 54 is a head 58 of the locking fastener 28. The head 58 comprises a central screw drive cavity 60 at the radial center of the locking fastener 28. The central screw drive cavity 60 is configured to receive a torx tool. The head 58 also comprises two peripheral screw drive cavities 62 on opposing radial sides of the head 58. Each peripheral screw drive cavity 62 is a scalloped shape. It will be appreciated that the central screw drive cavity 60 enables the application of torque to the locking fastener 28 with a torx tool. The peripheral screw drive cavities 62 provide for an alternative, or enhanced, application of torque to the locking fastener 28 using a tool, or tools, with projections configured for insertion into the peripheral screw drive cavities 62. In this way, the head 58 provides options for the application of significant torque to the locking fastener 28.

[0072] It will be understood that application of torque in a clockwise direction to the locking fastener 28 causes translation of the locking fastener 28 along a horizontal direction X into the locking cavity 26 of the closed sight 1. As most clearly shown in FIG. 4, once the engaging portion 52 of the locking fastener 28 begins to engage with the receiving portion 42 of the mounting pin 7, the tapered profile of the frustum engages with the angled surface of the upper side 44 of the beveled indent of the receiving portion 42. Further inward movement of the locking fastener, causes downward translation of the locking fastener 28 (and hence the base 18 of the sight) in the vertical direction Y. Progressive screwing of the locking fastener 28 into the cavity 26, thus progressively urges the closed sight 1 towards the firearm 3. Thus, engagement of the locking fastener 28 with the mounting pin 7 forms an interlock, securely clamping the sight onto the firearm 3.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a side view of two locking fasteners 28, each one engaged with a mounting pin 7. The surrounding components are not shown for clarity. It will be appreciated that each locking fastener 28 is screwed into each opposing side of the closed sight 1, such that the locking fasteners 28 engage the respective mounting pins 7 from opposite directions to evenly secure the closed sight 1 to the mount 5 of the firearm 3 on both sides.

[0074] The inventors have recognized that by using such a mounting pin and locking fastener, a closed sight may be mounted to a firearm without necessarily requiring access from above. As explained above, the locking fastener may instead be screwed in from the side of the closed sight, to engage the mounting pin. In this way, a larger optic may be used for the closed sight without necessitating an increase in the overall footprint of the closed sight. This may, for example, enable a relatively large focal length to be used, thereby increasing the optical clarity of the sight.

[0075] FIG. 6 is a top view of a locking fastener 28 engaged with a mounting pin 7 and a locking plug 64. As described above, the locking plug 64 is received within a locking plug cavity 34 extending upwards into the base 18 of the closed sight 1. As the locking fastener 28 is screwed into the locking cavity 26 towards the mounting pin 7 (in a direction from right to left in the drawing), the thread 54 of the locking fastener 28 digs into the locking plug 64, which is made from a compliant material such as nylon. Thus, friction between the locking plug 64 and the thread 54 acts to inhibit removal of the locking fastener 28 from the closed sight 1.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a side view of the locking fastener 28 and the mounting pin 7 of FIG. 6. The locking fastener 28 is shown at the top of the drawing with its longitudinal axis oriented horizontally, and has a broken line extending from the horizontal / central longitudinal axis of the locking fastener 28. Another broken line extends from and is parallel to the tapered surface of the engaging portion 52. The angle between these broken lines is denoted ‘A’.

[0077] Below the locking fastener 28, a mounting pin 7 is shown with its longitudinal axis oriented vertically. A broken line extends horizontally / perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the mounting pin 7. Another broken line extends from and is parallel to the upper side 44 of the beveled indent. The angle between these broken lines is also denoted ‘A’. Thus, it may be that the tapered engaging portion 52 of the locking fastener 28 and the angled surface of the beveled indent of the mounting pin 7 are complementary and have the same angle ‘A’. It may be that the angle ‘A’ is between 15° and 45°, for example 30°. It has been found by the inventors that angles falling within this range may provide optimum engagement between the locking fastener 28 and mounting pin 7 given the dimensions of the closed sight.

[0078] Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

[0079] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon,the closed sight being received on top of a mounting pin extending upwardly from the firearm, wherein a locking fastener extends through a side of the closed sight, in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the mounting pin, and a first end of the locking fastener engages the mounting pin to form an interlock, such that the closed sight is securely mounted to the firearm.

2. The firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon according to claim 1, wherein formation of the interlock is configured to urge the closed sight towards the firearm.

3. The firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the locking fastener comprises an engaging portion, and wherein the mounting pin comprises a receiving portion configured to engage with the engaging portion.

4. The firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon according to claim 3, wherein the mounting pin comprises an elongate body with a longitudinal length and a radial width, and wherein the receiving portion is a beveled indent in the elongate body.

5. The firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon according to claim 4, wherein the engaging portion has a tapered profile corresponding to the beveled indent of the receiving portion.

6. The firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon according to claim 5, wherein the engaging portion has a frustoconical shape.

7. The firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon according to claim 4, wherein the beveled indent extends circumferentially around the mounting pin.

8. The firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon according to claim 3, wherein the locking fastener is threadably received within a locking cavity of the closed sight, such that screwing of the locking fastener into the locking cavity is configured to urge the engaging portion against the receiving portion.

9. The firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon according to claim 1, wherein the mounting pin comprises a thread engaged with a corresponding threaded hole of a mount of the firearm.

10. The firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon according to claim 1, wherein a second end of the locking fastener comprises: a central screw drive cavity for applying torque to the locking fastener; and at least two peripheral screw drive cavities for applying torque to the locking fastener.

11. The firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon according to claim 1, wherein one of the firearm and the closed sight comprises a locating protrusion, and the other one of the firearm and the closed sight comprises a locating recess for receiving the locating protrusion, such that correct location of the closed sight on the firearm is facilitated.

12. The firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon according to claim 1, wherein the closed sight comprises a locking plug, the locking plug engaging the locking fastener to inhibit removal of the locking fastener from the closed sight.

13. The firearm with a closed sight mounted thereon according to claim 12, wherein the locking plug is made from plastics, optionally nylon.

14. A mounting system for mounting a closed sight onto a firearm, the mounting system comprising:a closed sight comprising a base arrangeable, in use, adjacent to a mount of a firearm, the base comprising a mounting cavity configured to receive a mounting pin, the closed sight further comprising a side comprising a locking cavity, the locking cavity extending perpendicularly to the mounting cavity and conjoining the mounting cavity, such that a mounting pin received within the mounting cavity may extend into the locking cavity; anda locking fastener configured for insertion into the locking cavity,wherein the closed sight is configured such that insertion of a mounting pin within the mounting cavity followed by insertion of the locking fastener into the locking cavity enables engagement of the locking fastener with the mounting pin, such that the closed sight is lockably securable to the mounting pin.

15. The mounting system according to claim 14, further comprising the mount of the firearm and a mounting pin configured for attachment to the mount of the firearm and for receipt into the mounting cavity of the base.

16. The mounting system according to claim 15, wherein the mount is a portion of a slide of the firearm or a mounting plate configured to attach to the firearm.

17. A mounting system for mounting a closed sight to a firearm, the mounting system comprising:a closed sight comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprises a front window, a rear window and a lens onto which a reticle of the closed sight is projected, the closed sight being received on top of two mounting pins extending upwardly from the firearm and partially into the housing of the closed sight, each mounting pin having a tapered indent,wherein two screw-threaded locking fasteners extend into opposing sides of the closed sight, at a height level with the tapered indents, each screw threaded locking fastener comprising a tapered end having a complementary shape to the tapered indent of each mounting pin, andsuch that screwing of each screw threaded locking fastener into the closed sight engages the tapered end against the tapered indent to urge the closed sight downwards towards the firearm, thereby securely mounting the closed sight to the firearm.

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