Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a tactical accessory mount and aiming system, which may be magnetically secured to the slide of a pistol. The tactical accessory mount may have a longitudinal axis. The tactical accessory mount further may include a first wall substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis, a second wall spaced from the first wall, and a third wall disposed between the first and second walls. The third wall may include an inner surface with a first opening and a magnet disposed in the first opening. The inner surface and magnet may form a substantially planar surface. The first, second and third walls may form a three sided compartment which is configured and dimensioned to be slidably received on a pistol slide. The substantially planar surface may be positioned to magnetically adhere to the pistol slide and secure the tactical accessory mount to the pistol slide.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/585,686 filed on Jan. 12, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for mounting a tactical accessory to a pistol. More particularly, this invention relates to a magnetic mount and sighting system which are configured and adapted to be deployed on the slide of a pistol. Also, the present invention relates to a method of deploying a tactical accessory mount and sighting system on a pistol. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Generally, laser sights for pistols may use a laser to indicate the point of impact of the gun. Although laser sights may be secured to a handgun, a need exits for a laser sight that may be quickly installed on a pistol. 
     SUMMARY 
     Hence, the present invention is directed to a tactical accessory mount and aiming system, which may be magnetically secured to the slide of a pistol. 
     One aspect of the invention relates to a tactical accessory mount having a longitudinal axis for a pistol. The tactical accessory mount further may include a first wall substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis, a second wall spaced from the first wall, and a third wall disposed between the first and second walls. The third wall may include an inner surface with a first opening, and a magnet disposed in the first opening. The inner surface and magnet may form a substantially planar surface. The first, second and third walls may form a three sided compartment which is configured and dimensioned to be slidably received on a pistol slide. The first and second walls may be contoured to interlock with the pistol slide to block relative movement between the tactical accessory mount and the pistol slide in two coordinate directions. The substantially planar surface may be positioned to magnetically adhere to the pistol slide and secure the tactical accessory mount to the pistol slide. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the first wall may include a plurality of projections that mate with the pistol slide. The plurality of projections may include multiple pairs of opposing ridges which are disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the magnet may be slidably received in the first opening. An adhesive may be disposed between the magnet and the third wall. In another aspect of the invention, the third wall may be overmolded onto the magnet. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the magnet may have a residual flux density greater than approximately 12 Br and a maximum energy product greater than approximately 36 MGOe. The magnet may be a neodymium magnet. The magnet may be a neodymium magnet selected from the group comprising type N38, N40, N42, N45, N48, N50 or N52. For example, the neodymium magnet may be type N42. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the tactical accessory mount may include a second opening on the third wall, the second opening being configured and dimensioned to receive a rear sight on the pistol slide. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the third wall further comprises a deck for supporting a tactical accessory, and a first attachment site for fixing the tactical accessory to the deck. The first attachment site may include a cylindrical post which comprises an internal bore with a threaded sidewall for receiving a fastener. The deck further may comprise first and second opposing sidewalls such that the deck and the first and second opposing sidewalls form a docking structure for receiving a tactical accessory. Additionally, the first and second opposing sidewalls may include second and third attachment sites, respectively. The second and third attachment sites may be aligned along a pivot axis, the pivot axis being disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tactical accessory mount. The second attachment site may include a groove in the first opposing sidewall and a bore which intersects the groove and extends into the first opposing sidewall. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the tactical accessory mount may include a tactical accessory received in the dock, the tactical accessory being secured to the deck with a fastener at the first attachment site. The tactical accessory may include a laser sight. The tactical accessory may further include an optical sight. 
     Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of securing a tactical accessory to a pistol. The method including providing a tactical accessory mount, placing the tactical accessory mount onto a pistol slide, receiving a rear sight of the pistol into the tactical accessory mount, and adhering, magnetically, the tactical accessory mount to the pistol slide. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tactical accessory mount and aiming device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the mount and aiming device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the aiming device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the aiming device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the mount of  FIG. 1 , showing connecting structures for receiving and securing the aiming device to the mount; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view of the mount of  FIG. 1 , showing an exploded view of the magnet and mounting receptacle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7   a  is a sectional view of the mount along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7   b  is a sectional view of another embodiment of the mount along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of another embodiment of the mount along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the mount of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the mount and aiming device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a right side view of the mount and aiming device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of selected parts of the mount and aiming device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  is another exploded view of the parts of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the mount and aiming device of  FIG. 1 , aligned for placement onto a pistol slide; 
         FIG. 15  depicts the mount and aiming device of  FIG. 1  disposed on a pistol; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial sectional view of the tactical accessory mount and pistol of  FIG. 15  along line  16 - 16 . 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view of the tactical accessory mount and pistol of  FIG. 15  along line  17 - 17 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a tactical accessory mount  10  and a tactical accessory  12  of the present invention. The mount  10  is configured and dimensioned for attachment to a pistol slide. The tactical accessory  12  may include an aiming device  12 . The aiming device  12  may include a laser sighting system  14  and an optical sighting system  15 . The optical sighting system  15  may include a rear sight  16  and a front sight  18 . Accordingly, the aiming device  12  may have a front end  20  and a rear end  22 . 
     The aiming device  12  may be embodied as a laser and optical sight module. For example, the aiming device  12  may be Part N° OS-779011 (for GLOCK pistols 20, 21, 29, 30) manufactured by CAT Laser, SRL with the standard pistol mounting components removed. The aiming device  12 , however, may include a variety of laser or optical sight configurations based on a user&#39;s preference, field conditions, or service requirements. For example, the aiming device may include a laser or optical sight configuration that is disclosed in related, commonly owned, co-pending patent application Ser. No. 13/550,545 entitled “Weapon Sighting System” filed on Jul. 16, 2012 (the &#39;545 patent application), which is a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/394,732 filed on Jun. 21, 2011, and which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/507,634 filed on Jul. 14, 2011. The entire disclosure of each of the U.S. patent applications mentioned in this paragraph is incorporated by reference herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the aiming device  12  may include an upper housing  24  and a lower housing  26  that may be fastened together with screws  28  to contain internal components of the aiming device. For example, the internal components may include a laser module  30 , which further may include a light emitting diode  30   a  and an integrated circuit  30   b . The laser module  30  may be controlled by a microcontroller  32  installed within the housing. In addition, a battery  34  for operating the laser module and other electronic components may be contained within the aiming device. For example, the electronic circuit components may include, without limitation, capacitors, resistors, amplifiers, and other semiconductor devices, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The electronic components may be disposed on one or more circuit boards  36  and electrically connected to the laser module  30  and battery electrical contacts  38 ,  40  in order to power and control operation of the laser module  30 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , when turned on, the laser module  30  may emit a laser beam  122  at a wavelength of approximately 635 nanometers to 650 nanometers. Laser beams of other predominate wavelengths may be used in certain applications. The laser beam  122  may be a continuous emission or a pulsed emission. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the laser module  30  may be independently adjustable for elevation and windage. The laser module may be adjusted for elevation by changing the vertical elevation (i.e., the z-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system) of the laser module. The laser elevation regulation mechanism  40  raises or lowers the laser module  30  along the vertical axis of the device. For example, a screw mechanism  40  may be used such that turning the knob  40  (or a screw internal to knob  40 ) clockwise raises the elevation (i.e., increases the value of the z coordinate) of the laser module and turning the knob (or screw) counterclockwise lowers the elevation (decreases the value of the z coordinate) of the laser module. 
     By contrast, the laser module windage regulation mechanism  42  moves the laser module in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis (or z-axis). The laser module windage regulation mechanism  42  translates the laser module  30  along the horizontal axis (or x-axis) of the Cartesian frame of reference. The laser module windage regulation mechanism  42  may use a screw mechanism such that turning the knob  42  (or a screw internal to knob  42 ) clockwise translates the laser module away from the right side of the device (i.e., increases the value of the x-coordinate) and turning the knob (or screw) counterclockwise translates the laser module toward the right side of the device (decreases the value of the x-coordinate). 
     Similarly, the front sight  18  may be adjustable for windage using another screw mechanism. For example, rotation of screw  44  in the clockwise direction may translate the front sight away from the right side of the device (i.e., increases the value of the x-coordinate) and rotation of the screw  44  counterclockwise may translate the front sight toward the right side of the device (decreases the value of the x-coordinate). Also, the optical sighting system may be adjustable for elevation. For example, rotation of screw  46  in the clockwise direction may raise the elevation (i.e., increases the value of the z coordinate) of the rear sight, and rotation of screw  46  in the counterclockwise direction may lower the elevation (decreases the value of the z coordinate) of the rear sight. 
     Other components of the aiming device  12  are depicted in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . These components may include a removable battery  48  tray which cradles and positions the battery  34  such that the terminals of the battery connect to the power supply  38 ,  40  terminals of the aiming device, a laser module windage positioning spring  50 , and an optical sight elevation positioning spring  52 . Mechanisms for adjusting for laser and optical sights for elevation and windage are discussed in U.S. published application no. 2010/0175297, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the aiming device  12  may include an optical sighting system  14  that includes a front sight  16  and a rear sight  18 . The rear sight  18  may be integral to the upper housing  24  of the aiming device. The rear sight  16  may include a raised central notch  54 . Each side  56  of the raised notch may have a width of between 1.4 to 1.6 mm. In a preferred embodiment, each side  56  of the raised notch is 1.5 mm. The raised notch  54  may have a width of approximately 3.2 mm and a depth of approximately 2.0 mm. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the rear side of the rear sight  16  may include a visual guide  56 . The visual guide  56  may lead the eye of a user to the raised central notch. The visual guide may include a recessed area (or groove) which frames the notch. The recessed area (or groove) may include a material (e.g., tritium) that provides illumination for enhanced visibility during use in low light conditions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the front optical sight  18  is spaced from the rear sight  16  along the longitudinal axis  120  of the device. The front sight  18  may be spaced from the rear sight along the longitudinal axis by a distance of approximately 34.0 mm to 35.0 mm. In one embodiment, the distance between the front sight  18  and the rear sight  16  is 34.5 mm. Also, the front sight  18  may be situated at a slightly higher elevation than the rear sight  16 . For example, the front sight may be approximately 0.53 mm to 0.63 mm higher in elevation than the rear sight. In one embodiment, the front sight is approximately 0.58 mm higher in elevation than the rear sight. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the front sight  18  may have a width of approximately 2.9 mm to 3.8 mm. In one embodiment, the front sight width may be 2.9 mm. A front sight width of 2.9 mm may be particularly useful for tactical shooting with a pistol at distances ranging from approximately 12 m to approximately 25 m. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the front sight  18  further may include a recessed portion  58  which extends from the top rear surface of the front sight downward. The recess may be placed such that it is viewable to a user within the notch  54  of the rear sight  16 . The effect of the viewing of the recessed portion  58  within the notch  54  may be such that it provides a visual indication of the planar orientation of the optical sighting system, as well as a visual mark for the line of fire. Further, the recessed portion  58  may include a material (e.g., tritium) that provides illumination for enhanced visibility during use in low light conditions. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12-13 , the optical front and rear sights  18 ,  16  may be independently adjustable to compensate for elevation and windage. The rear sight  16  may be adjusted for elevation by changing the vertical elevation (i.e., the z-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system) of the rear sight. The rear sight elevation regulation screw  46  may raise or lower the rear sight along the vertical axis of the device. For example, a screw mechanism may be used such that turning the screw clockwise raises the elevation (i.e., increases the value of the z coordinate) of the rear sight and turning the screw counterclockwise lowers the elevation (decreases the value of the z coordinate) of the rear sight. 
     The front sight  18  may be adjusted for windage by changing the horizontal position of the front sight. For example, the front sight windage adjustment screw  44  moves the front sight  18  in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis (i.e., z-axis). The front sight windage elevation screw translates the front sight along the horizontal axis (i.e., x-axis) of the Cartesian frame of reference. Thus, the front sight windage adjustment screw  44  moves the front sight  18  toward or away from the left side of the device. For example, the front sight windage elevation screw may use a screw mechanism such that turning the screw clockwise translates the front sight away from the left side of the device (i.e., increases the value of the x-coordinate) and turning the screw counterclockwise translates the front sight toward the left side of the device (decreases the value of the x-coordinate). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the aiming device  12  is disposed on the mount (or base)  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the mount  10  is adapted to slide on and magnetically adhere to the top surface of a pistol slide  60 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , the upper portion  62  of the mount is a dock for the aiming device  12 . By contrast, the lower portion  64  of the mount  10  may be adapted to securely fit on the pistol as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . For example, the inside width of the mount  10  may be approximately 25 mm. The inside width of the mount will depend on the width of the pistol slide. Gun slides typically range from approximately 20 mm to 55 mm in width. The height of the mount may range from approximately 30 mm to 35 mm, and the mount may be approximately 50 mm in length. 
     The mount  10  may be formed from aluminum, other metals or alloys, as well as from polymer materials (e.g., Zytel® HTN51). Mounts made from aluminum, metal or alloy may be painted. Mounts made from a polymer material may be colored. For example, a mount may be black or tan. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the lower portion  64  of the mount  10  may include a pair of opposing parallel walls  66  and an end wall  68  disposed between the opposing parallel walls. The opposing parallel walls may include a series of vertical ribs (or projections)  70 . The vertical ribs (or projections) may be sized to mate with vertical grooves  72  on the exterior of the pistol slide. The mount may include seven vertical projections  70  on each side wall  66 . Although the disclosed embodiments of the mount include seven vertical projections on the inside of each opposing parallel wall, any suitable number or configuration of projections may be used provided the projections conform to the shape of the slide and provide a stable and secure attachment. The exterior surface of each opposing parallel wall may include vertical grooves  74  to improve a user&#39;s ability to obtain a secure finger grip on the mounted aiming device when racking the pistol slide. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the exterior surface of each opposing parallel wall may include a larger lateral projection  76  to improve a user&#39;s ability to obtain a secure finger grip on the mount  10  when detaching the mount from a pistol slide. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  17  the vertical projections  70  on the opposing parallel walls  66  of the mount  10  are configured and dimensioned to be slidably received into corresponding vertical grooves  72  on the pistol slide  62 . Accordingly, when the mount  10  is seated on to the pistol slide  62 , the mount  10  interlocks with the slide  62  to prevent relative movement of the mount and slide in all but one direction. Additionally, the end wall  68 , which connects the opposing parallel walls  66 , reinforces the structural integrity of the mount. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 ,  9  and  16 , the mount further includes a magnet  78 . The magnet  78  may be disposed in the mount  10 , such that it forms a portion of the inner surface  80  that connects the opposing parallel walls  66 . The magnet may be a grade N42 Neodime (or neodymium) magnet that is manufactured and purchased from DISTRIMAN (www.distriman.com.ar) of Lugones 2316, Villa Urquiza, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Exemplary dimensions for several magnets that may be used in the mount of  FIG. 1  are presented in Table 1 below. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Exemplary Magnet Dimensions 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Type/Grade 
                 Length (mm) 
                 Width (mm) 
                 Height (mm) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Neodymium, N38 
                 28 
                 20 
                 3 
               
               
                 Neodymium, N42 
                 27 
                 20 
                 3 
               
               
                 Neodymium, N52 
                 25.5 
                 20 
                 3 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     As shown in Table 1, the magnet  78  may be rectangular, possess a length of approximately 28 mm, a width of approximately 20 mm, and a height of approximately 3 mm. Other magnets may be used as long as the magnet offers sufficient strength to adhere to the slide during gun slide movement caused by shooting. Accordingly, a preferred magnet may be a Neodime magnet (or Neodymium magnet) of grade (or type) N38 to N52 that is of sufficient size to fix the mount to the slide through magnetic attraction power and to resist gun slide movement caused by shooting. In another example, a Neodymium magnet of type N38, N40, N42, N45, N48, N50 or N52 manufactured by K&amp;J Magnetics, Inc.(www.kjmagnetics.com) of 2110 Ashton Dr., Jamison, PA 18929 may be suitable. Exemplary properties of neodymium magnets manufactured by K&amp;J Magnetics, Inc. are presented in Table 2 (below). 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Exemplary Neodymium Magnet Physical Properties 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Residual Flux Density, 
                 Max. Energy Product, 
               
               
                 Type/Grade 
                 Br (KGs) 
                 BH max (MGOe) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Neodymium, N38 
                 12.2-12.6 
                 36-38 
               
               
                 Neodymium, N40 
                 12.6-12.9 
                 38-40 
               
               
                 Neodymium, N42 
                 13.0-13.2 
                 40-42 
               
               
                 Neodymium, N45 
                 13.3-13.7 
                 43-45 
               
               
                 Neodymium, N48 
                 13.8-14.2 
                 45-48 
               
               
                 Neodymium, N50 
                 14.1-14.5 
                 48-50 
               
               
                 Neodymium, N52 
                 14.5-14.8 
                 49.5-52   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Table Notes: 
               
               
                 (a) Brmax (Residual Induction) - Also called “Residual Flux Density.” It is the magnetic induction remaining in a saturated magnetic material after the magnetizing field has been removed. This is the point at which the hysteresis loop crosses the B axis at zero magnetizing force, and represents the maximum flux output from the given magnet material. Measured in Gauss in the cgs system, and presented above in Kilo Gauss, KGs. 
               
               
                 (b) BHmax (Maximum Energy Product) - The magnetic field strength at the point of maximum energy product of a magnetic material. The field strength of fully saturated magnetic material measured in Mega Gauss Oersteds, MGOe. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7   a , the magnet  78  may be shaped to key into an opening  82  in the wall  84  that connects between the opposing parallel walls  66  of the mount  10  below the deck. Adhesive, such as, Loctite® 411 may be applied to a bench  86  or adjacent the opening sidewall  88  to secure the magnet within the opening. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 7   b , the magnet  78  may be shaped to key into a recess  88 ′ in the upper portion of the mount  62 . Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a portion of the magnet  78  may be disposed in opposing lateral grooves  90  in the sidewalls of the upper portion  62  of the mount. Although the magnet  78  may be manually inserted into the opposing lateral grooves  90  and glued to the mount, the mount also may be formed about the magnet by an overmolding process. 
     Although the embodiment of the mount shown in the drawing figures is depicted on the slide of a Glock 20, the mount may be used on a Glock 21, 29 and 30. Additionally, the mount may be modified such that the lower portion is configured and dimensioned to mount on the slide of other pistols, such as, the Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38 or pistols manufactured by companies, such as, Beretta, Sig Sauer, or Taurus. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5  and  10 , the aiming device  12  may include a pivot ring  92  on the side of the aiming device. Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 12 , each upper sidewall  96  of the mount may include a front lateral groove  98  and each of the front lateral grooves  98  may be configured and dimensioned to slidably receive one of the pivot rings  94  on the side of the aiming device  12 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , one of the front lateral grooves  98  includes a front sight windage adjustment screw access hole  100  that extends from the sidewall exterior to the interior surface of the front lateral groove  98 . The front sight windage adjustment screw hole is aligned with the base of the front sight so that the grooves  98  may be used to secure the pivot rings  94  in the mount, as well as to provide access to the front sight windage adjustment screw  44 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the upper surface of the mount (or deck)  92  includes a rear sight elevation regulation spring base  102  and a rear sight elevation regulation spring stem  104 . The rear sight elevation regulation spring stem may be circular cylindrical. A bore  106  may extend from the top surface of the stem  104  to the upper inner surface  80  of the lower portion of the mount ( FIG. 9 ). The bore (or fastener attachment sight)  106  may be threaded or otherwise configured to receive the rear sight elevation regulation screw  46 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the rear sight elevation regulation spring  52  is placed around the stem  104 . Referring to  FIGS. 4 ,  12  and  13 , the lower housing  26  includes an opening  108  which is configured and dimensioned to receive the rear sight elevation regulation spring  52  and stem  104 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the pivot rings  94  of the aiming device  12  are pulled into the pivot ring receiving grooves  98  which are located in the upper, front, opposing inner surfaces  96  of the mount. The aiming device  12  is then rotated about the pivot rings  94  in the receiving grooves  98  until the opening  52  for the rear sight elevation regulation spring and stem is fully seated on the rear sight elevation regulation spring  52  and stem  104 . An elevation regulation screw  46  is then inserted into the aiming device rear sight elevation regulation screw hole  110  and advanced into the bore  106  of stem  104  to secure the aiming device to the mount. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 ,  9  and  16 , between the magnet  78  and the rear sight elevation regulation fastener attachment sight  106  is an opening  112  that extends from the upper inner surface  80  to the deck  92  ( FIG. 16 ). More particularly, the opening  112  extends to the exterior surface of a rectangular block  114  disposed adjacent the rear sight elevation regulation stem  104 . The sidewalls  116  of the opening  112  taper inward from the upper inner surface  80  to the exterior surface  92 . Referring to  FIG. 16 , this opening is configured, dimensioned and spaced from the opposing parallel walls  66  and end wall  68  such that the rear sight  118  of the pistol may be disposed within the opening  112  when the mount  10  is attached to the slide. In this manner, the rear sight of the pistol  118  does not need to be removed in order to accommodate the aiming device  12 , as the rear sight of the pistol  118  does not interfere with the structure or functionality of the tactical accessory mount  10  and aiming device  112 . 
     In use, the vertical projections  70  of the mount&#39;s inner walls  66  are disposed within the vertical external grooves  74  of the pistol slide  62 , the rear sight of the pistol  118  is disposed in the mount&#39;s opening  112  for the rear sight, and the mount&#39;s magnet  78  contacts the top of the slide  60  to hold the mount  10  onto the slide. To remove the mount  10 , the mount is pulled in a direction normal to the top of the slide  60  until the strength of the magnetic connection between the magnet  78  and slide  62  is broken or overcome. 
     While it has been illustrated and described what at present are considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true scope of the invention. For example, the lower portion of the mount may be reconfigured to mate with a particular slide and the type, size or strength of the magnet may be modified for use with a particular firearm or ammunition type. Additionally, features and/or elements from any embodiment may be used singly or in combination with other embodiments. Therefore, it is intended that this invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but that the invention include all embodiments falling within the scope and the spirit of the present invention.