Abstract:
A slide lock stop interrupt mechanism operable upon the insertion of an interchangeable ammunition magazine into the magazine well of a semi-automatic firearm whereby contact between the magazine and a connection lever is made which automatically manipulates and interrupts the slide lock stop and releases the slide from the open and locked position to advance in a forward direction to chamber the first round contained in the inserted magazine returning the firearm to battery position ready for firing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 35 USC §119(e) 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to semi-automatic firearms equipped with slide stop locks and more specifically to firearms which are equipped with slide stop locks and manual releases which hold the slide open after the last remaining round of ammunition has been fired from the magazine. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    Competitive firearms enthusiasts use custom made, customized normal production and production grade firearms when shooting. The number of people engaging in national, regional and local competitions is large. Enthusiasts also compete amongst others in non-tournament settings regularly. 
         [0004]    Shooter&#39;s skill varies from person to person. Accordingly, competitive shooters engaged in competition are typically grouped into flights or classes, challenging shooters to compete against others with equivalent proficiency and experience. Some flights or classes are “open” class. In the open class, shooters may apply alterations to their firearms to enhance their overall performance. Under these circumstances, any advantage, ever so slight, can make a difference in the overall outcome of the competition. 
         [0005]    For those persons utilizing normal production grade firearms shooting in non-open class tournaments, the shooter must exhibit adequate proficiency in the fundamentals of shooting; which by example, are defined by the National Rifle Association™ training materials as sight control, grip control, trigger control, breath control and stance. Other similar definitions exist which can be applied by reference to this description without altering the intent herein. 
         [0006]    For those persons utilizing custom built or customized firearms, the shooter must also exhibit adequate proficiency in the same fundamentals of shooting; yet, these shooters also have the added advantage of using custom built or customized firearms to fit their physical attributes and personal preferences for the firearms. Such customization can include changing the circumference and dimension of the grip, length of trigger pull, trigger pull spring pressure, size of trigger guard opening, sight color, sight aperture size and shape, sight placement, length of barrel, any other mechanical shape, size and placement of firearm components. 
         [0007]    To maintain alignment of the fundamentals of shooting during competition, the shooter desires to minimize movements of the eyes, hands, feet and firearm when shooting and reloading the firearm. The objective of the shooter is to maintain follow through when discharging each individual round and recovering sight alignment after each shot. The intent of the present invention described herein is to address the need to assist the shooter in maintaining the fundamentals of shooting when reloading the firearm, which involves the process of ejecting an empty magazine and inserting a loaded magazine during the magazine change stage of competitive shooting course of fire. 
         [0008]    The method described herein presents a mechanism which used in combination with a replacement magazine equipped with defined detent molded into the shape of the magazine frame operates to release the slide stop lock automatically. This automatic action is appropriate to automate the step of “releasing” the slide to chamber the next round immediately upon the insertion of a loaded magazine into the firearm while allowing the shooter to maintain grip control and sight alignment more effectively. 
         [0009]    Currently, the firearm which is equipped with a slide stop lock will interrupt the reciprocating action of the slide which occurs when the firearm is discharged. Current firearms with interchangeable magazines “lock” open by action of the slide stop lock when the “follower” in the magazine engages the slide stop lock as the last round in the magazine cycles through the firearm. 
         [0010]    For example, a “COMBINATION SLIDE LATCH AND TAKEDOWN MECHANISM FOR AUTOMATIC PISTOL” is presented in U.S. Pat. No. 3,745,881. This device details that “in conventional magazine fed automatic pistols, a slide latch is frequently employed to automatically hold the slide in a rearward position with the chamber opened” and states “as is well known, a follower of the emptied magazine normally actuates the slide latch takedown lever operable from a slide stop position to a slide release position.” This invention provides the automatic interrupt of this action described therein. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,312,803 describes a “SEMI AUTOMATIC PISTOL SLIDE PULL”. This device includes is a slide pull apparatus for aiding in pulling a slide on a semi-automatic pistol. While the present invention does not attempt to address the action of “pulling a slide”, it does demonstrate the desire of some shooters to overcome the effort and delay associated with releasing a slide during the reloading process. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,696 describes a “SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL HAVING EASY ACTION COCKING MECHANISM”. This device discloses a semi-automatic pistol which includes “a manually movable decoupling assembly which is manually movable from a coupling position, coupling the recoil spring to the slide, to a decoupling position decoupling the recoil spring from the slide and permitting the slide to be manually moved rearwardly of the frame and then to be returned to its normal forward position for loading a cartridge into the chamber.” The present invention is specifically design to automate this manual action. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,326 “METHOD OF DEPLOYING A WEAPON UTILIZING THE “GLOCK SYSTEM” WHICH PROVIDES MAXIMUM SAFETY AND READINESS” provides a method for “drawing the slide back that necessary and sufficient extent which is significantly less than necessary to load a round in the chamber, and with less force.” This process illustrates one of the manual options for shooters to release the slide stop lock which this invention automates. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,113,603 “THUMB RELEASE FOR PISTOL MAGAZINE” presents “a device for a thumb release for pistol magazines includes a kit for modifying a conventional pistol.” The present invention is intended to be applied to a production firearm from the manufacturer or applicable to the firearm by the shooter at the shooter&#39;s discretion without permanently altering the firearm. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,337,571 “SLIDE STOP LATCH FOR A FIREARM” presents a device wherein “a detent mechanism positioned within the camblock contacts a surface of a slide stop pin to hold the slide stop latch in place.” The present invention provides automation for interrupting slide stop latches such as this. 
         [0016]    Although there are several apparatuses which may have various functions related to the slide stop lock and release methods, none of these either separately or in combination with each other, teach or anticipate the current invention. Therefore, there remains an unmet need in the field of firearms for a person to use to an automated slide stop lock interrupt which is durable, interchangeable, and effective in reducing time to reload a firearm while maintain shooting fundamentals which are desirable during competitions requiring reloading during the course of fire. The current invention will fulfill this unmet need. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0017]    The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed invention. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0018]    When the shooter ejects an empty magazine and subsequently inserts a loaded magazine, the slide stop lock must be disengaged. This can be accomplished by pulling the slide back to disengage the slide stop lock and releasing the slide to allow it to move forward, lift and chamber the first round in the inserted loaded magazine. Alternatively, the shooter can also depress the slide stop lock manually, which will allow the slide to move forward, lifting and chambering the round as desired. 
         [0019]    The invention described herein automates this step through the implementation of downward extending lever and deflection tab, also referred to as detent, interaction between the slide stop lock lever and corresponding magazine housing as shown herein; except, where clearance tolerances between the frame, grip, sidewall of the magazine well and magazine would limit the structural dimensions of the lever, a hinge and rotating pin are added to provide structural integrity to the mechanism. 
         [0020]    A slide lock stop is an apparatus that is used to hold open the slide of the semi-automatic firearm upon the firing of the last round presented from the magazine. This invention is represented as such a component which can be installed at the time of production, or subsequent to purchase of a production firearm, installed as replacement components for the firearm which can be inserted and removed freely without permanently altering the firearm. This exchangeable component design allows the shooter to operate the firearm with or without the automated function at the shooter&#39;s discretion. 
         [0021]    There are several methods currently used today to hold the slide reward after firing the lost round retrieved from the magazine. Once the slide stop lock engages, the shooter can cease firing and discontinue any additional shooting activities. The condition of the firearm is commonly referred to as “safe” when the action is open, magazine is removed and the chamber visibly unloaded. The present invention does not alter or disable this functionality. 
         [0022]    However; if the shooter intends to reload and continue firing the firearm by first ejecting the empty magazine and subsequently inserting a loaded magazine, the shooter must release the slide manually to continue shooting. The shooter may release the slide by depressing the slide stop release. Alternatively, the shooter may draw the slide reward and release it. If the magazine with ammunition is properly seated, the slide stop lock will drop in relationship to the slide lock notch when the slide is drawn reward, thereby disengaging the slide stop lock with the slide allowing the slide to travel forward due to the spring pressure in the slide mechanism of the firearm. This movement of the slide forward will allow the mechanism of the firearm to lift a round from the magazine and chamber the firearm making it ready for discharge. 
         [0023]    To resolve the problems mentioned above, an object of the present invention is to provide a modification which can be applied during production or post production, without disabling the inherent safety functions of the firearm. 
         [0024]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the user a particular benefit of “selection” which is found in the present invention. This benefit is realized when the shooter elects to apply the automation of the slide stop lock by inserting a magazine equipped with the interrupt detent. If the shooter does not insert the magazine equipped with the interrupt detent, the slide stop lever will not be deflected and the slide stop lock will not be released. Therefore, it is possible for a shooter to reload the firearm using either the equipped or not-equipped magazine at will. 
         [0025]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide the shooter the option to interchange the slide stop lock equipped with or not-equipped with the interrupt lever. This is particularly important for users that want to use the firearm with a normal production slide stop lock lever at times, while at other times use the firearm with a slide stop lock with interrupt lever which is designed to be interchangeable with the standard production slide stop lock. The shooter may choose to assemble the firearm with or without the present invention. If the firearm has not been assembled using the slide stop lock with interrupt lever, the use of magazines equipped or not-equipped with the interrupt detent will have no resulting impact on the operability or functioning of the firearm. 
         [0026]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for modification of the firearm wherein clearance tolerances between the magazine, frame, grip and magazine well side walls forming the magazine well are insufficient to accommodate a slide stop lock with interrupt lever of appropriate thickness and rigidity to function repeatedly without performance deterioration. In this alternative, structural strength is gained by adding a hinge to the lower segment of the interrupt lever and affixing the interrupt lever to a rotating pin which is affixed to the side wall of the magazine well. As installed using the hinge and rotating pin, the interrupt detent on the magazine will actuate the interrupt lever causing the connected slide stop lock to travel in a downward motion sufficient to release the slide forward. 
         [0027]    The present invention comprises a replacement slide stop lock equipped with interrupt lever and a corresponding magazine equipped with an interrupt detent. 
         [0028]    The slide stop lock with interrupt lever which is made of strong material, for instance titanium, that provides adequate rigidity to the horizontal and vertical spans of the component. The materials used are lightweight yet durable, resistant to deforming or wearing due to friction and reuse, easily manipulated and coated or formed of materials that reduce the likelihood of causing damage to the firearm components with which contact is made. The materials selected to form the interrupt level and interrupt detent may also include sufficiently strong enough opposing force magnetic properties which provide for the lateral and vertical movement of the interrupt level without actually requiring the interrupt level touch point and the interrupt detent to actually touch to achieve the required lateral and vertical travel necessary to release the slide. 
         [0029]    Finally, the present invention provides enhanced firearm functionality in a simple and efficient way: The first is an automated slide release function, herein a substantial decrease in time to reload and is created; the second is an interchangeable component which has considerable rigidity providing durability and reliability; the third is an interchangeable corresponding magazine which is equipped with the required interrupt detent which provides functionality at the discretion of the shooter based on the magazine selected for the reload. 
         [0030]    Still other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described the embodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of the best modes suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]    Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
           [0032]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a firearm equipped with a slide stop lock engaged, slide open and associated magazine fully ejected. 
           [0033]      FIG. 1A  is a similar perspective view as  FIG. 1  with additional shadow lines for the firearm shown. 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of preferred embodiment structure slide stop lock lever fully engaged locking the slide open with a magazine inserted into the magazine well to an insertion point less slightly less than fully seated. 
           [0035]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a barrel and associated compressed slide spring. 
           [0036]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of preferred embodiment structure slide stop lock lever fully interrupted with the slide slightly advanced with a magazine inserted and fully seated into the magazine. 
           [0037]      FIG. 3A  is a similar perspective view as  FIG. 3  with additional shadow lines for the firearm shown with the magazine fully ejected showing shadow lines of the magazine spring and other structural detail similar to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 1A . 
           [0038]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective of the preferred embodiment showing the downward extension lever alternative “a” with corresponding magazine showing the preferred integral lever engagement detent alternative “a”. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective of the preferred embodiment showing the downward extension lever alternative “b” with corresponding magazine showing the preferred integral lever engagement detent alternative “b”. 
           [0040]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective of the preferred embodiment showing the downward extension lever alternative “c” with corresponding magazine showing the preferred integral lever engagement detent alternative “c”. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident; however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims. 
         [0042]      FIG. 1  illustrates a typical production semi-automatic firearm system  100  comprised of the slide stop lock system  10 , magazine system  20 , slide system  30 , frame with grip system  40 , sight system  50 , barrel system  60 , slide spring assembly system  70 , and the magazine spring assembly  80 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 4C  illustrates the preferred present embodiment comprised of the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt  90   c , corresponding magazine  91   c , downward extending lever  92   c  with upper segment  96   c , lowest segment  94   c  and farthest extending tip  95   c , pivot pin  97   c , interrupt detent  93   c , and round detector tab  98   c.    
         [0044]    In  FIG. 1 , the slide system  30  is in the open and locked position, the locked position being maintained by the slide stop lock system  10  positioned in an fully upward position, supported by the magazine follower  23  under upward pressure applied by the magazine spring assembly  80 , shown in  FIG. 3A , contained within the magazine system  20 . The slide lock system  10  is fully engaged with the slide system  30 , which is under pressure to advance forward due to the compressed slide spring assembly system  70  shown in  FIG. 2A , integrated with the barrel system  60  inserted into the frame with grip system  40 . When the slide system  30  is open and locked, the slide stop lock system  10  is engaged with the leading edge of the slide locking notch  31  of the slide system  30 . 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 1 , the slide stop lock system  10  is resting in a fully engaged position with the leading edge of the slide locking notch  31  as a result of simultaneous actions from either: 1) recoil resulting from the last round fired thrusting the slide system  30  rearward while compressing the slide spring assembly  70  shown in  FIG. 2A  to a point of rebound and the simultaneous upward travel of the magazine follower under continuing upward pressure from the magazine spring assembly  80  shown in  FIG. 3A  beneath the magazine follower  23  which presses the slide stop lock system  10  upward to the engagement point with the slide system  30  through engagement with the slide locking notch  31 , thereby blocking the slide from forward travel and locking the slide system  30  open under continuous pressure from the compressed slide spring assembly system  70  in  FIG. 2A ; or, 2) as a result of the shooter manually applying upward force to the slide stop lock system  10  with the thumb typically, while simultaneously grasping the slide system  30  with the weak or support hand and fingers, and with force drawing the slide system  30  rearward until the slide spring assembly  70  shown in  FIG. 2A  is fully compressed at which point the slide stop lock system  10  will engage with the leading edge of the slide system  30  slide locking notch  31 , thereby blocking the slide from forward travel and locking the slide system  30  open under continuous pressure from the compressed slide spring assembly system  70  shown in  FIG. 2A . 
         [0046]    Once the slide system  30  is locked open, the magazine can be removed from the magazine well without releasing the slide system  30  forward. The slide system  30  will remain locked open until the slide stop lock system  10  is manipulated downward, which will disengage the slide stop lock system  30  from the slide locking notch  31 , which will result in the slide system  30  advancing forward due to the pressure from the compressed slide spring assembly  70  shown in  FIG. 2A  acting on the slide system  30 . 
         [0047]    One purpose for constructing the firearm with a slide stop lock system  30  component and functionality is to increase the safety while shooting firearms. For example, it is a preferred technique for every shooter to lock the slide open and remove the magazine to demonstrate that the firearm is unloaded and out of battery. In this state, the firearm firing assembly and ammunition are disengaged and the firearm is in a safe state for resting the firearm on a bench or table or for placement in a carry case to transport. 
         [0048]    It is also a preferred technique for every shooter to lock the slide open when initially inserting a magazine loaded with ammunition into the firearm when preparing the firearm for shooting or holstering a firearm to be carried. Under such conditions, the shooter will load an appropriate number of rounds into the magazine system  20 , and will then insert the magazine system  20  into the magazine well  43  to the fully inserted point. 
         [0049]    When the shooter is ready to chamber the first round from the magazine system  20 , the shooter will apply rearward pressure to the slide system  30 , drawing the slide system  30  back, further compressing the slide spring assembly  70 , which will release pressure on the slide stop lock system  10  allowing the slide stop lock system  10  to descend to its resting point clear of the leading edge of the slide locking notch  31 . The shooter will then release the slide system  30  which will advance forward under pressure from the slide spring assembly  70 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , as the slide system  30  advances forward, the mechanisms of the firearm will lift the first available round from the magazine which will be guided into place and seated into the chamber of the barrel system  60  in a continuous motion as the slide system  30  closes. 
         [0050]    For competitive shooters, it is advantageous for shooters to master techniques to insert magazines  20  into the magazine well  43  and to manipulate the slide system  30  to disengage the slide stop lock system  10  quickly. Typical firearms and firearm manipulations as described above are inherently slower than automated actions as presented in the present embodiment. 
         [0051]    The techniques for manipulating firearms as described above require the shooter to apply lateral force to the slide system  30  while holding the frame and grip system  40 . This usually is performed by the shooter using the free hand or support hand, to grasp the slide system  30  and to insert the magazine  20 , while using the strong hand or shooting hand, to hold the frame and grip system  40 . The thumb of the strong or shooting hand is typically used to manually manipulate the slide stop lock system  10  when necessary to do so. 
         [0052]    To maintain alignment of the fundamentals of shooting during competition, the shooter desires to minimize movements of the eyes, hands, feet and firearm when shooting and reloading the firearm. The objective of the shooter is to maintain follow through when discharging each individual round and recovering sight alignment using sight system  50  after each shot. The intent of the present invention described herein is to address the need to assist the shooter in maintaining the fundamentals of shooting when reloading the firearm, which involves the process of ejecting an empty magazine  20  and inserting a loaded magazine  20  during the magazine change stage of competitive shooting course of fire. 
         [0053]    The disadvantage of the typical firearm manipulation techniques are expressly contrary to the shooters desire to maintain posture and position throughout the reloading sequence. This is due to the need to reposition the strong or shooting hand, when manipulating the slide stop lock system  10  while also repositioning the weak or support hand, to manipulate the slide system  30  and to insert the magazine system  20 . 
         [0054]    While is it not a function of the present embodiment to address the manipulations by the weak or support hand in regards to inserting the magazine system  20  into the magazine well  43 , the present embodiment is designed to eliminate the requirement to manipulate the slide stop lock system  10  through the use of the strong, or shooting hand, and to also eliminate the requirement to manipulate the slide system  30  using the weak, or support hand, to release the slide from the opened and locked position. 
         [0055]    In the present embodiment, the firearm is to be assembled using the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt system  90 ( a - c ) shown in  FIG. 3 , which is configured to automatically disengage from the leading edge of the slide lock notch  31  and release the slide system  30  to advance forward, chambering the first available round from the magazine system  91 ( a - c ) and placing the firearm into battery simply by inserting a loaded corresponding magazine equipped with the interrupt detent  93 ( a - c ) round detector tab  98 ( a - c ) shown in  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4B  and  FIG. 4C  designed to contact and manipulate the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt system  90 ( a - c ) automatically. 
         [0056]    The automation provided in the present embodiment is accomplished by replacing the original slide stop lock system  10  with the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt system  90 ( a - c ); and, using a corresponding magazine system  91 ( a - c ) in the firearm. The slide stop lock with competitive interrupt  90 ( a - c ) and corresponding magazine  91 ( a - c ) are equipped with levers  92 ( a - c ), farthest extending tips  95 ( a - c ), pins  97 ( b - c ), detents  93 ( a - c ) and round detector tab  98 ( a - c ) positioned accordingly when the slide lock stop with competitive interrupt  90 ( a - c ) is mounted on the frame and when the corresponding magazine  91 ( a - c ) is loaded with ammunition, inserted and fully seated into the magazine well  43 . 
         [0057]    The slide lock stop with competitive interrupt  90 ( a - c ) is formed to have a downward extending lever  92 ( a - c ) that will occupy space within the clearances beneath the slide system  30  and within the frame and grip system  40 . The corresponding magazine is formed to have a detent  93 ( a - c ). The downward extending lever  92 ( a - c ) has a farthest extending tip  95 ( a - c ) and round detector tab  98 ( a - c ) which engages the round casing of a loaded magazine  91 ( a - c ) and detent  93 ( a - c ) formed into the sidewall of the magazine system  91 ( a - c ) which is to make contact with the downward extending lever  92 ( a - c ) contacting the farthest extending tip  95 ( a - c ) approximately when the first available round loaded into the magazine system  91 ( a - c ) is deep enough into the action of the firearm to allow the slide system  30  to close. The slide system  30  will release and close as a result of the detent  93 ( a - c ) deflecting the downward extending lever  92 ( a - c ) sufficiently to disengage the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt  90 ( a - c ) from the slide locking notch  31 , allowing the slide  30  to advance forward. 
         [0058]    With the present embodiment, simply inserting the corresponding magazine  91 ( a - c ) into the magazine well  43  deep enough so that the round detector tab  98 ( a - c ) will contact the apex of the casing of the first round loaded in the magazine system  91 ( a - c ) which will displace the lowest segment  94 ( a - c ) sufficiently to engage the detent  93 ( a - c ) formed into the sidewall of the magazine system which will contact the farthest extending tip  95 ( a - c ) of the downward extending lever  92 ( a - c ) of the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt  90 ( a - c ) which will disengage the slide lock notch  31  of the slide system  30  allowing the firearm to lift and chamber the first available round of ammunition, and return to battery in one continuous action while the shooter maintains the strong hand steady and also maintains all aspects of the fundamentals of shooting being properly aligned and ready to resume shooting as quickly as possible. 
         [0059]    The present embodiment encompasses the fundamental function disengaging the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt  90 ( a - c ) thereby releasing the slide system  30  from the locked and opened position upon the seating of the of the corresponding magazine  91 ( a - c ) fully into the magazine well  43 . This is accomplished by incorporating a downward extension lever  92 ( a - c ) to the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt  90 ( a - c ). Additionally, a detent  93 ( a - c ) is incorporated into the corresponding magazine  91 ( a - c ) to activate the downward extension lever  92 ( a - c ) with contact by the detent  93 ( a - c ) and the farthest extending tip  95 ( a - c ) when the round detector tab  98 ( a - c ) reaches the apex of the casing of the ammunition round loaded into the magazine system  91 ( a - c ). 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , one example firearm type determines the mechanical construct of the downward extension lever  92   a , detent  93   a , round detector tab  98   a  and farthest extending tip  95   a  to form the corresponding slide stop lock with competitive interrupt  90   a  for a particular firearm. For some firearms, the downward extension lever  92   a  as shown in  FIG. 4A  will extend from the rear or non-pinned horizontal segment (hence the omission of pin  97  in this scenario) of the slide lock stop with competitive interrupt  90   a  into the interior space of the frame and grip system  40  between the interior face of the sidewall  21  and the exterior face of the corresponding magazine  91   a.    
         [0061]    For other firearms, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the downward extension lever  92   b  will have a slide-hinge incorporated at the lower extending segment  94   b  of the downward extension lever  92   b  to allow the lowest segment  94   b  to angle upward within the magazine well  43  in the void space between the interior face of the sidewall  21  and the exterior face of the corresponding magazine  91   b . At the endpoint of the lowest segment  94   b , a pin  97   b  will attach the lowest segment  94   b  to the sidewall  21  to allow the downward extension lever  92   b  to be stabilized and affixed to the firearm and around which the actuating motion of the lowest segment  94   b  will pivot. The farthest extending tip  95   b  of the lowest segment  94   b  will make contact with the detent  93   b  as the round detector tab  98   b  reaches the apex of the casing of the first round in the magazine system  91   b  to actuate the downward motion of the downward extension lever  92   b.    
         [0062]    For even other firearms, as shown in  FIG. 4C , the downward extension lever  92   c  will occupy the void between the upper section of the corresponding magazine  91   c . Here, the detent  93   c  incorporated into the corresponding magazine  91   c  will make contact with the farthest extending tip  95   c  of the downward extension lever  92   c  as the round detection tab  98   c  reaches the apex of the casing of the first round of ammunition in the magazine system  91   c  to actuate the downward motion of the downward extension lever  92   c . A midpoint pin  97   c  will be positioned on the lowest segment  94   c  and will connect to the sidewall  21 , round which the lowest segment  94   c  can pivot. 
         [0063]    In each scenario, the contact made between the detent  91 ( a - c ) and the downward extension lever  92 ( a - c ) upon insertion and seating of the corresponding magazine  91 ( a - c ) into the magazine well  43  of the frame and grip system  40  will cause the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt to pivot on the pin  11  securing the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt  90 ( a - c ) to the frame and grip system  40 . 
         [0064]    The actuating motion which disengages the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt  90  is defined as the interrupt function of the present embodiment. 
         [0065]    In each corresponding magazine  91 ( a - c ), the detent  93 ( a - c ) will deflect when the round detector tab  98 ( a - c ) contacts the casing of a round of ammunition contained in the magazine which will cause the detent  93 ( a - c ) to protrude and make contact with the farthest extending tip  95 ( a - c ) of the lowest segment  94 ( a - c ) so long as a round of ammunition is contained within the corresponding magazine  91 ( a - c ). The protrusion resulting from the presence of a round of ammunition will create the alignment of the detent  93 ( a - c ) with the farthest extending tip  95 ( a - c ) required to deflect the downward extending lever  92 ( a - c ). As rounds are discharged from the firearm and vacated from the magazine system  91 ( a - c ) the detent  93 ( a - c ) will release and no longer protrude allowing the magazine follower  23  to apply upward pressure to the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt  90 ( a - c ) to engage with the slide lock notch  31  once the final round is discharged. When this occurs, the slide system  30  will lock open until such time that the shooter ejects the empty magazine and reinserts a loaded corresponding magazine  91 ( a - c ) or a conventional magazine  20  or discontinues shooting the firearm. 
         [0066]    The present embodiment is not restricted in use or application to round detection methods as described herein. The detent  93 ( a - c ) and positioning of the farthest extending tip  95 ( a - c ) may be aligned to intersect and make contact with the detent  93 ( a - c ), which will actuate the downward extending lever  92 ( a - c ) upon insertion of the corresponding magazine  91 ( a - c ). In this configuration, the detent  93 ( a - c ) will have a tapered shape allowing the lowest segment  94 ( a - c ) to be guided laterally around the detent  93 ( a - c ) when the corresponding magazine  91 ( a - c ) is ejected from the firearm. 
         [0067]    The present embodiment is not restricted in use or application to semi-automatic firearms. The slide stop lock with competitive interrupt can be applied to all firearms utilizing a slide stop lock and magazine system similar to what is described herein. 
         [0068]    It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. 
         [0069]    What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 
         [0070]    While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.