Catch Lever Damper for Firearm

Abstract

A firearm damper for dampening the impact of a catch lever against the frame or receiver is provided. A resilient polymer is placed between the catch lever and an upper surface of the frame or receiver for reducing the transfer of recoil force and improving the performance of the catch lever.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 660,297 titled CATCH LEVER DAMPER FOR FIREARM, and filed on Jun. 14, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for dampening contacting parts in a firearm, and specifically, to dampening the interaction between a catch lever and a frame.BACKGROUND

[0003] When a semi-automatic handgun has expended its last round, the magazine follower typically engages with a catch lever that locks the slide back so that the shooter knows that the magazine is empty. The catch lever often extends slightly from the pistol frame and is positioned in such a way that it can be lowered with the shooter's thumb to release the slide to go forward into battery. Often, the catch lever pivots in a vertical direction around a pin that is fixed horizontally. The magazine follower forces the proximal end of the catch lever upward so that the catch can interface with a notch on the slide, forcing the slide to remain in a locked, rearward, out-of-battery position. A spring is positioned to bias the catch lever downward until the magazine follower engages catch lever. The spring is designed to prevent the catch lever from catching the slide during operation and under recoil. The catch lever can be released by the shooter when a loaded magazine is inserted. The catch lever can also be manually placed in a locked position by the shooter.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for damping the interaction between the catch lever and the frame or grip of a firearm. The embodiments described below are directed to pistols, but the systems and methods can also be employed with other handguns and with rifles.

[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 profile view of an embodiment of a firearm utilizing a slide catch damping system;

[0007] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the firearm of FIG. 1 along the bore axis of the firearm and displays the damping system;

[0008] FIG. 2B is a profile view of a portion of the frame and related components of the firearm of FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A;

[0010] FIG. 4 is the view of FIG. 3 at a different time in the firing cycle;

[0011] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3 and illustrates the relationship between a damper, a slide catch and the frame;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a profile view of one embodiment of a damper; and

[0013] FIG. 7 provides an Instron trace showing resistance force vs. lever displacement for a spring and for a spring plus damper.

[0014] 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

[0015] Disclosed are systems and methodologies for improving the function of a catch lever by dampening the impact of the slide catch lever with the body of a firearm or dampening vibrations that can be realized by the catch lever spring and transferred to the catch lever. Slide catch levers are referred to by several names in the industry and can be called, for example, a “slide stop,” a “slide stop lever,” a “slide release lever,” a “bolt stop” or a “slide catch lever.” The term “catch lever” is used herein to include all of these and means the part of the firearm that engages with the slide to secure it in a rearward position.

[0016] When a semi-automatic handgun is fired, the slide moves to full overtravel, resulting in a shock being transmitted to the frame of the firearm due to the springbox of the slide stopping on the frame or an interfacing component to the frame. At this point in the travel of the slide, the slide would lock if the magazine were empty. The distal (forward) end of the catch lever is typically supported by a catch lever spring in compression between the distal end of the catch lever and the frame or receiver of the firearm. In some cases, the catch lever spring can be located at the proximal end of the catch lever. The spring provides an upward force to the distal end of the catch lever that forces the proximal end of the catch lever down and prevents the catch lever from locking the slide, even when the slide notch is vertically aligned with the catch on the slide catch. When the magazine is emptied, the magazine follower, in compression due to the magazine spring, overcomes the force of the catch lever spring, pushes the catch lever upwards and catches the slide. During recoil, it has been found that the catch lever can sometimes inadvertently lock the slide, before the magazine is empty, due to vibration and bounce back that can occur at the interface of the catch lever, the catch lever spring, and the frame or receiver. This is particularly relevant when the two interacting surfaces are rigid and transmit vibration and shock rather than absorb it. These include, for example, firearms that have components such as frames and grips that have a modulus of elasticity greater than 1 GPa. When a significant portion of the firearm is made of shock absorbing material, such as a polymer resin, the vibration and bounce back of the catch lever is minimized when the slide impacts the frame. However, when the bulk (grip module) of the firearm is metallic, the shock of slide impact on the frame may not be absorbed adequately, and the catch lever is subjected to more vibration and instability. This can lead to inadvertent catches of the slide. Firearms that use a dense, rigid, metallic grip, rather than a polymer grip for instance, may be more susceptible to inadvertent catches. Nonetheless, pistols with polymeric grips can also benefit from the dampening systems disclosed herein. As used herein, the term “body” refers to the serialized component of the firearm and can be, for example, a frame, a fire control unit, a receiver or a grip module.

[0017] Described herein is a damping system that provides for reliable catch lever functioning in a variety of firearms, and in particular, pistols. The dampening system uses a resilient material that is placed between the catch lever and a body of the firearm, for example, the frame. The resilient damper can be used by itself or in conjunction with a catch lever spring. For example, a catch lever spring can be positioned spirally around the damper. The damper can be retained in either the catch lever or the body. The damper can be in simultaneous physical contact with both the catch lever and the body, and in some embodiments is in simultaneous physical contact with the catch lever and the body throughout the cycling of the firearm.

[0018] The damper can be replaceable and in many embodiments can be replaced by the user. In some embodiments, the damper can withstand cycling for greater than 3,000, greater than 5,000 or greater than 8,000 rounds before failure.

[0019] The damper can comprise one or more resilient, elastomeric polymers. The damper can be a unitary, single elastomeric component or can be a multipart component comprising, for example, an elastomer and a rigid polymer or an elastomer and a spring. Resilient polymers are those that return to their original shape after deformation. Suitable polymers can be, for example, unsaturated rubbers, saturated rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers and polysulfide rubber. Exemplary unsaturated rubbers include natural rubber, isoprene rubber, polybutadiene, chlroprene, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene and nitrile rubber. Exemplary saturated rubbers include ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, acrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, perfluoroelastomers, polyether block amides, chlorosulfonated polyethylene and ethylene-vinyl acetate. In specific embodiments, one or more of natural rubbers, polyurethanes or silicones are used. The damper can be made using techniques known to polymer molders, for example, molded or extruded, and in specific embodiments, the damper is injection molded.

[0020] The damper can be a variety of shapes and can be, for example, generally cylindrical, generally conical, generally polygonal, generally trapezoidal, generally hemispherical or generally cubic. As used herein, the term “generally” when modifying a geometric shape means that the part need not be a perfect geometric shape, but instead can include deviations such as ridges, rounded edges or uneven surfaces. When a shape descriptor is preceded by “generally,” and one of skill in the art is asked to select a shape type, one would still find the part to be “cylindrical” or “round” or “planar” or “curved” or “square,” etc. For example, the damper shown in FIG. 6 is generally cylindrical even though it includes grooves, bevels and chamfers. It would not be considered to be “generally conical” or “generally trapezoidal.”

[0021] One way of measuring the compressibility of a damper is to measure the Shore A hardness. The higher the number, the less deformation under the same force. In various embodiments, the damper can comprise a material that exhibits a Shore A hardness of less than 100, less than 70, less than 50, less than 45, less than 42, less than 40, less than 38, less than 36, less than 34, less than 32 or less than 30. In these same and other embodiments, the material can have a Shore A hardness of greater than 20, greater than 25, greater than 30, greater than 35, greater than 40, greater than 45, greater than 50 or greater than 75.

[0022] The damper can exhibit a spring constant that measures the force provided by the damper under compression. In various embodiments, the spring constant of the damper can be between 1000 and 20,000 N / m, between 2000 and 20,000 N / m, between 4000 and 12000 N / m or between 6000 and 12000 N / m. Our damper has a spring constant of approximately 7500-9500 N / m (it varies by sample). That being said, we did have successful testing with other materials with approximate constants ranging from 2000-13000 N / m, we were just most successful with the final silicone designExample Embodiments

[0023] FIG. 1 provides a profile view of an exemplary firearm, in this case a pistol, that incorporates one embodiment of a catch lever damper. Pistol 100 includes grip 108, slide 104 and magazine 106. Also shown is catch 126 which is part of the catch lever (110 in FIG. 2). Catch 126 retains slide 104 in a rearward position when catch 126 rises into slide notch 142 when the slide is retracted and catch 126 is allowed to extend upward into the slide notch. As referenced herein, the proximal end (right side looking at FIG. 1) of the firearm is the grip end and the distal end (left side looking at FIG. 1) of the firearm is the muzzle end.

[0024] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along the longitudinal axis. FIG. 2B is a stripped down view of the frame and related components in the area of the damping system. FIG. 3 is shows an enlarged portion of FIG. 2A including damper 140. Pistol 100 includes barrel 112, frame 116, frame surface 116a, takedown lever 130, trigger 118, trigger stop pin 134 and catch lever 110. Catch lever 110 includes proximately located catch 126 which interacts with notch 142 to retain the slide in a fully retracted position. Catch lever 110 pivots around catch lever pin 114 so that when proximal end 122 is raised, distal end 128 moves downward towards frame surface 116a. Catch lever spring 144 is coiled around damper 140 and provides an upward force to the distal end of catch lever 110. In the embodiment shown, catch lever spring 144 is held in place by a flange on damper 140 on the top of the spring and by frame surface 116a on the bottom of the spring. Damper 140 passes through the receiving hole 146 in catch lever 110 and is held in place, passively or securely, between catch lever 110 and frame surface 116a.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 3 when the proximal end of catch lever 110 has been raised to catch the slide. Distal end 128 of catch lever 110 is lowered and compresses catch lever spring 144 as well as damper 140. A comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4 shows that damper 140 has been compressed in FIG. 4 and is providing an upward force to distal end 128 of catch lever 110. As shown, both catch lever spring 144 and damper 140 are providing a force pushing upward on distal end 128, which forces proximal end 122 downward. This force can prevent inadvertent locking of the slide. In some embodiments, the force is provided only by damper 140 and no spring is present. In other embodiments, both damper 140 and catch lever spring 144 are used, and the forces provided by each are combined. The forces provided by the damper and spring can vary among firearms, and the total force provided can be, for example, forceful enough to prevent inadvertent locking during firing but not so forceful as to prevent locking when the magazine follower interacts with the catch lever. In the embodiment shown, catch lever spring 144 can provide a force of, for example, 1-10 N, 2-8 N, 3-7 N or 4-6 N. Similarly, in various embodiments, damper 140, when fully compressed as shown, can provide a force of 1-6 N, 2-5 N or 3-4 N. In other embodiments, the force provided by damper can be related to the force provided by the spring. For instance, damper 140 can have a magnitude of between 50% and 200% of the spring force, between 50% and 150% of the spring force, or between 25% and 100% of the spring force.

[0026] FIG. 5 zooms in on a section of damper 140 and catch lever 110. In FIG. 5, the distance “x” represents the distance between the lower portion of distal end 128 of catch lever 110 and frame surface 116a. This distance changes as the distal end 128 rises and falls during operation. In FIG. 3, x is at its greatest length and in FIG. 4 it is at its shortest length when the catch end of the catch lever 110 is engaged with the slide. The difference between x at its maximum length (x′) and x at its minimum length (x″) is the stroke length. In the embodiment shown, the stroke length is about 0.9 mm. The stroke length can vary among firearms, and can depend, for example, on the length of the catch lever, the relative position of the slide catch lever pin 114, and the amount of vertical travel of catch 126. In various embodiments the stroke length can be, for example, 0.2 to 2.0 mm, 0.4 to 1.5 mm or 0.6 to 1.2 mm. In FIG. 5, distance “y” represents the height of damper 140 measured at the center of the damper. The height of damper 140 changes when it is compressed. If y′ is the length of the damper 140 when uncompressed and y″ is the minimum length of damper 140, when catch 126 is engaged with the slide notch, then the ratio of y″ to y′ can be less than 0.95, less than 0.9, less than 0.85, less than 0.8 or less than 0.75. In one example, if y′ is 2.0 mm and the ratio of y″ to y′ is 0.85, then, at its center, damper 140 will be compressed to a height of 1.7 mm when the slide is locked.

[0027] One embodiment of a damper is illustrated in FIG. 6. Damper 140 is a single unitary piece of resilient elastomer, in this case, ELASTOSIL® 30 / 30 silicone (Wacker) having a Shore A durometer of 30. Damper 140 is generally cylindrical in shape and is comprised of a number of different diameter cylindrical portions. Upper portion 210 is generally cylindrical and includes planar upper surface 224, chamfer 216 and groove 220. Upper surface 224 may be in contact with the catch lever or may pass through a hole in the catch lever. The upper portion 210 can also be retained in a pocket in the catch lever. Groove 220 can be designed to allow the catch lever to pivot without fatiguing the elastomer at that point of contact. Section 210 can have a diameter that allows it to be inserted through a receiving hole in the catch lever with minimal or no compression of the elastomer. In some cases, the damper is only loosely retained in the receiving hole and would fall out of the receiving hole if lower portion 214 were not pressed against an opposing surface, such as the frame surface. Flange 212 is generally cylindrical and includes a generally planar upper surface 232 that contacts the lower surface of the catch lever either intermittently or constantly. Flange 212 also has a lower surface 234 that can be in contact with the upper end of a catch lever spring. The flange can reduce vibration and shock that would otherwise be carried to the spring if it were in direct contact with the catch lever. Lower portion 214 is generally cylindrical and includes lower surface 226 that is in contact with a body of the firearm. Chamfered edge 222 can improve the wear characteristics of the damper and can make the part easier to mold. Edge 222 can also provide for easier installation of a spring onto cylinder 214 when a spring is used in conjunction with the damper. During operation of the firearm, sections 212 and 214 absorb most of the compression while section 210 remains substantially non-deformed. As shown, lower portion 214 has a larger diameter than does upper section 210. Flange 212 has a larger diameter than does either the lower or upper portion. In other embodiments the flange can have the same diameter as lower portion 214. Similarly, upper portion 210 can have a diameter that is equal to, the same as, or larger than the diameter of lower portion 214. In some embodiments, the diameter of the flange is at least 1%, 5%, 10% or 20% larger than that of either the lower portion or the upper portion. The lower portion 214 can have a diameter that is at least 1%, 5% or 10% larger than the diameter of the upper portion 210. Each of the portions of the damper, and the entire damper component, can have an aspect ratio that describes the height of the portion in relation to its diameter or width. Height and diameter (width) are measured at their maximum values. The aspect ratio of the damper can be, for example, greater than 0.5:1, greater than 1:1, greater than 1.2:1, greater than 1.5:1, less than 5:1, less than 3:1, less than 2:1 or less than 1:1. The aspect ratio of upper portion 210 can be, for example, greater than 0.2:1, greater than 0.5:1, greater than 1:1, greater than 1.2:1, less than 3:1, less than 2:1, less than 1:1, less than 0.75:1, less than 0.5:1 or less than 0.3:1. The aspect ratio of the flange can be, for example, greater than 0.05:1, greater than 0.1:1, greater than 0.2:1, greater than 0.3:1, less than 1:1, less than 0.5:1, less than 0.2:1 or less than 0.1:1. The aspect ratio of lower portion 214 can be, for example, greater than 0.2:1, greater than 0.5:1, greater than 1:1, greater than 1.2:1, less than 3:1, less than 2:1, less than 1:1, less than 0.75:1, less than 0.5:1 or less than 0.3:1. The height of lower portion 214 can be the same, smaller than or greater than the height of upper portion 210, and can be, for example, 10%, 20%, 30% or 50% greater.

[0028] In various embodiments, the height of the damper can be, for example, 1-20 mm, 2-15 mm, 3-12 mm, 3-10 mm, 3-8 mm or 3-7 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the upper portion 210 can be, for example, 1-10 mm, 2-10 mm, 2-10 mm, 1-8 mm or 1-3 mm. In some embodiments, the height of flange 212 can be, for example, 0.1-2 mm, 0.2-1.5 mm, 0.3-1.5 mm, 0.1-1 mm or 0.05-1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the height of lower portion 214 can be, for example, 1-15 mm, 2-10 mm, 1-8 mm, 1-6 mm, or 2-4 mm. The radius of groove 220 can be, for example, from 0.1 to 10 mm, from 0.05 to 20 mm, from 0.05 to 5 mm or from 0.1 to 1 mm.

[0029] FIG. 7 provides an Instron trace that shows the amount of resistance provided when the catch lever is lifted. The upper line labeled DS records the resistance force for a system that utilizes a spring around a 30 A silicone damper as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Lower line SO represents a system using the spring only, mounted on a rigid plastic post, without the damper. A comparison of the two shows that the combination of the damper and spring provides significantly greater resistance to increased movement of the catch lever compared to the spring only.Further Example Embodiments

[0030] The following examples pertain to further embodiments, from which numerous permutations and configurations will be apparent.

[0031] Example 1 is a firearm including a body, a catch lever and a damper retained in the catch lever.

[0032] Example 2 includes the firearm of Example 1wherein the damper is comprised of a resilient material having a Shore A durometer of less than 70, less than 44, less than 43, less than 42, less than 40, less than 38, less than 36, less than 34, less than 32 or less than 30.

[0033] Example 3 includes the firearm of either Example 1 or 2 wherein the damper is positioned at a distal end of the catch lever.

[0034] Example 4 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples wherein the body is selected from a frame, a fire control unit, a receiver and a grip module, and the body is in contact with the damper, either constantly or intermittently.

[0035] Example 5 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples wherein the body and the catch lever comprise a metal or a metal alloy.

[0036] Example 6 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples wherein the damper comprises an elastomeric polymer selected from natural rubber, polyurethane and silicone.

[0037] Example 7 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples including a spring around at least a portion of the damper.

[0038] Example 8 includes the firearm of Example 7 wherein the damper and spring are both in compression.

[0039] Example 9 includes the firearm of Example 8 wherein the spring provides a first force against the catch lever and the damper provides a second force against the catch lever, the second force having a magnitude of between 50% and 200% of the first force, between 50% and 150% of the first force, or between 25% and 100% of the first force.

[0040] Example 10 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples wherein the damper includes a flange in contact with a lower surface of the catch lever.

[0041] Example 11 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples wherein the damper exhibits a length along a vertical axis and the length is compressed by at least 1%, 5%, 10% or 20% during cycling of the firearm.

[0042] Example 12 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples wherein the damper comprises three axially aligned substantially cylindrical portions of different diameters.

[0043] Example 13 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples wherein when the catch lever is in a locked position the amount of countering force provided by the damper is between 1 and 8 N, between 2 and 7 N, between 2 and 5 N, between 3 and 5 N or between 3 and 4 N.

[0044] Example 14 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples wherein a distance between a bottom surface of the flange and a lower surface of the damper is greater than 1.3 mm, greater than 1.4 mm, greater than 1.5 mm, greater than 1.6 mm, greater than 1.7 mm, greater than 1.8 mm or greater than 1.9 mm.

[0045] Example 15 includes the firearm of Example 10 wherein a distance between a bottom surface of the flange and a lower surface of the damper is less than 4.0 mm, less than 3.0 mm, less than 2.5 mm or less than 2.0 mm.

[0046] Example 16 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples wherein the catch lever exhibits a stroke distance measured at the central point of contact with the damper, and, during operation of the firearm, the damper deforms by a distance of at least 0.7×, 0.8× or 0.9× of the stroke distance.

[0047] Example 17 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples wherein an upper portion of the damper is inserted into a cavity or a receiving hole in the catch lever.

[0048] Example 18 includes the firearm of Example 17 wherein the upper portion of the damper has a diameter that is less than or equal to the diameter of the cavity or receiving hole.

[0049] Example 19 includes the firearm of Example 17 wherein the upper portion of the damper is press fit into the cavity or receiving hole.

[0050] Example 20 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples wherein the firearm is a pistol.

[0051] Example 21 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples wherein the damper consists of natural rubber, polyurethane or silicone and has a Shore A durometer of less than 70, less than 50, less than 44, less than 43, less than 42, less than 40, less than 38, less than 36, less than 34, less than 32 or less than 30.

[0052] Example 22 includes the firearm of any of the previous Examples wherein the firearm is cycled through at least 5,000 rounds without the damper failing.

[0053] Example 23 includes the firearm of Example 1, 2 or any of Examples 4-21 wherein the damper is positioned in contact with a proximal end of the catch lever.

[0054] Example 24 is a method of damping the interaction between a catch lever and an adjacent metal portion of a firearm. The method includes securing a resilient elastomer between a catch lever and the metal portion.

[0055] Example 25 is the method of Example 24 wherein the resilient polymer is in simultaneous contact with the catch lever and the upper surface of the metal portion.

[0056] Example 26 is the method of either Example 24 or 25 wherein the resilient polymer is in in constant contact with the catch lever and the upper surface of the metal portion during a firing cycle.

[0057] Example 27 is a method of damping interaction between a catch lever and a portion of a body of a firearm. The method includes retaining a damping means on a distal end of the catch lever so that the damping means reduces the impact of the catch lever against the portion of the body.

[0058] Example 28 includes the method of Example 27 wherein the metal portion of the firearm is a substantially horizontal surface of a receiver, frame, fire control unit or grip module of the firearm.

[0059] Example 29 includes the method of either of claims 27-28 wherein the catch lever is a slide catch lever.

[0060] Example 30 includes the method of any of Examples 23-27 wherein the firearm includes a grip comprising metal or a metal alloy.

[0061] Example 31 includes the method of any of Examples 24-30 wherein the resilient elastomer or the damping means comprises an elastomer having a Shore A hardness of less than 80, less than 70, less than 50 or less than 45.

[0062] 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 firearm comprising:a body;a catch lever; anda damper retained in the catch lever.

2. The firearm of claim 1 wherein the damper is comprised of a resilient material having a Shore A durometer of less than 44.

3. The firearm of claim 1 wherein the damper is positioned at a distal end of the catch lever.

4. The firearm of any of claim 1 wherein the body is selected from a frame, a fire control unit, a receiver and a grip module, the body at least intermittently in contact with the damper.

5. The firearm of claim 4 wherein the body and the catch lever comprise a metal or a metal alloy.

6. The firearm of claim 1 wherein the damper comprises an elastomeric polymer selected from natural rubber, polyurethane and silicone.

7. The firearm of claim 1 comprising a spring around at least a portion of the damper.

8. The firearm of claim 7 wherein the damper and spring are both in compression.

9. The firearm of claim 8 wherein the spring provides a first force against the catch lever and the damper provides a second force against the catch lever, the second force having a magnitude of between 50% and 200% of the first force.

10. The firearm of claim 1 wherein the damper includes a flange in contact with a lower surface of the catch lever.

11. The firearm of claim 1 wherein the damper exhibits a length along a vertical axis and the length is compressed by at least 5% during cycling of the firearm.

12. The firearm of claim 1 wherein the damper comprises three axially aligned substantially cylindrical portions of different diameters.

13. The firearm of claim 1 wherein when the catch lever is in a locked position the amount of countering force provided by the damper is between 1 and 8 N.

14. The firearm of claim of claim 10 wherein a distance between a bottom surface of the flange and a lower surface of the damper is greater than 1.3 mm.

15. The firearm of claim 10 wherein a distance between a bottom surface of the flange and a lower surface of the damper is less than 4.0 mm.

16. The firearm of claim 1 wherein the catch lever exhibits a stroke distance measured at the central point of contact with the damper, and, during operation of the firearm, the damper deforms by a distance of at least 0.7× of the stroke distance.

17. The firearm of claim 1 wherein an upper portion of the damper is inserted into a cavity or a receiving hole in the catch lever.

18. The firearm of claim 17 wherein the upper portion of the damper has a diameter that is less than or equal to the diameter of the cavity or receiving hole.

19. The firearm of claim 17 wherein the upper portion of the damper is press fit into the cavity or receiving hole.

20. The firearm of claim 1 wherein the firearm is a pistol.21-31. (canceled)

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