Weapon with locking trigger

A revolver having a trigger and a hammer which are each pivotally journaled in the weapon frame. When the hammer is brought into its tensioned position, it moves the trigger into the ready-to-fire position in which the trigger arrests the hammer in the tensioned position. For locking the trigger in its rest position when the hammer is in its rest position, a lock part is movably guided directly between the trigger and the hammer. The lock part is in a locking position with respect to the trigger when the hammer and the trigger are in their respective rest positions. When the hammer is moved from its rest position into its tensioned position, the lock part assumes, via associated run-off surfaces, a position permitting pulling of the trigger into the ready-to-fire position. The movement from its tensioned position of the rebounding hammer is effected without interference in sliding manner due to the respective run-off surfaces. The subsequent return of the trigger into its rest position returns the lock part into its locking position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
My present invention relates to a weapon with a safety mechanism or system 
and, more particularly, to a single-shot weapon, especially a revolver 
having an improved safety mechanism. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
A single-shot revolver generally comprises a weapon frame and a barrel, a 
hammer or cock pivotally mounted on its shaft in the frame, and a trigger 
also pivotally mounted on its shaft in the frame. The two shafts or axes 
of rotations, respectively, extend parallel to each other and 
perpendicular to the barrel axis. 
The hammer can be pivoted or swung from its rest or first position, against 
the force of a hammer spring, into a second position in which it is held 
under tension, or is tensioned or cocked by the hammer spring. 
The hammer actuates a striker or firing pin, and movement of the hammer 
urges the trigger to swing from its rest or first position, against the 
force of the respective trigger spring, into a second position 
corresponding to the ready-for-firing condition of the weapon. When it is 
in this condition, the trigger precludes movement of the hammer, and the 
hammer or cock is maintained in its tensioned position or cocked. In other 
words, the trigger is set for firing when the weapon has been cocked. 
The weapon also includes a cylinder with several cartridge chambers. This 
cylinder is mounted in the frame so that it can rotate about its shaft 
axis which extends parallel with respect to the barrel axis. A detent 
latch holds the cylinder in its positions. The detent latch engages 
cylinder catches arranged exteriorly at the cylinder, and the cylinder, 
accordingly, is capable of being indexed, i.e. of being stepped to bring 
succeeding cartridge chambers in line with the barrel. 
A trigger bar or rod is kinematically connected or linked to the trigger, 
and when the trigger is pulled for firing, the trigger bar is moved or 
shifted in substantially longitudinal direction in the weapon frame. The 
upper free end of the trigger bar is positioned between the firing pin and 
the hammer when the trigger has assumed the ready-to-fire position. The 
rebounding hammer moves the striker by way of the free end of the trigger 
bar in axial direction causing firing of the weapon. At the end of the 
rebounding movement, the hammer is in its rest or first position. 
The weapon also includes a lock which prevents pulling of the trigger when 
the hammer is in its rest position. This lock includes a lock part which 
is operative between the trigger and the ahmmer. The lock part can assume 
a locking or first position when the trigger and the hammer are in their 
respective rest positions, and movement of the trigger is then blocked. 
The lock part releases or frees the trigger during movement of the hammer 
from its rest or first position into the cocked or tensioned position 
(second position). Accordingly, the trigger can then be moved or swung 
into the ready-to-fire or second position, and the lock part leaves its 
locking or first position. When the hammer has returned to its first or 
rest position, the lock part also returns to its locking or first position 
during swinging back of the trigger from the ready-to-fire position into 
its rest or first position, and the trigger is blocked again by the lock 
part. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,777,384 describes a safety mechanism of this type for a 
revolver with a drum. The lock part in the prior art revolver is formed by 
the trigger bar. When the trigger of this prior art revolver is in its 
rest position, the trigger bar contacts a detent projection or formation 
of the hammer and, accordingly, movement or swinging of the trigger into 
the ready-to-fire (firing readiness) position is prevented. The trigger 
bar also engages in the detent projection, either with a corresponding 
detent projection or formation, or with the smooth frontal face of its 
free end. Moving the hammer into the tensioned position causes the hammer 
detent projection to be placed such that it is out of the reach of the 
trigger rod, i.e. the free end thereof. The trigger bar is then free to 
reciprocatingly move in its longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the 
trigger can then be swung to assume the second or ready-to-fire position. 
Independently of the particular configuration of the trigger bar, the 
detent projection at the hammer must, in any case, be provided at the end 
which is remove from its pivot or swing axis. This is due to the fact that 
only at this free end can reliably occur (a) the detent engagement of the 
trigger bar in the detent projection, especially after firing a shot, on 
the one hand, and (b) disengagement of the detent projection during 
tensioning of the hammer, on the other hand. 
Accordingly, the lock which ensures the safety function is provided in that 
part of the weapon in which the transfer of force or forces from the 
hammer to the firing pin arises. In this region the cartridges are fired 
and gases are formed which can contaminate and detrimentally affect the 
operation of the weapon. This region of the weapon, furthermore, and at 
least when the hammer is in the tensioned or cocked position (second 
position), is freely accessible. 
Accordingly, during handling of the weapon, for example when changing 
cartridges, this region is very likely to become soiled and gather dust 
and dirt on the one hand and can be so manipulated that the intended 
locking function or effect, either unintentionally, for example when dirt 
accumulates at the detent projection, or even intentionally will fail. The 
safety of the weapon in either case would be noticeably and detrimentally 
affected. 
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
It is therefore a primary object of my invention to provide a revolver 
which substantially precludes the disadvantages of the prior art. 
It is also an object of my invention to provide a safety mechanism or 
system of the type briefly described in which the lock part is directly 
operative between the trigger and the hammer, i.e. it engages in parts or 
components which are directly facing each other. 
It is also an object of the invention to provide a revolver which has 
enhanced safety features. 
It is further an object of the invention to provide a safety mechanism 
which is operative independently of respective possible operational 
conditions or positions. 
It is still further an object of my invention to provide a revolver which 
is substantially safe to handle even when handled in an improper manner. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
These objects are attained in accordance with the invention in that the 
lock part is movably guided in the trigger and that it has at least one 
surface which projects a predetermined distance from the trigger. This 
projecting surface forms a first cam surface or run-off surface and this 
can contact the hammer at the associated hammer cam surface or second 
run-off surface, subject to the force of a lock spring. Accordingly, the 
lock part cam surface and the hammer cam or run-off surface are in close 
association near each other. 
A catch recess or similar opening and a catch hook are provided near the 
cam surface of the hammer, and the leading and/or precursing edge of the 
hook presents a cam surface adapted to cooperate with a cam surface at the 
upper trigger end. In general terms, the one side of the catch recess, 
accordingly, forms a portion of the run-off surface of the hammer. In this 
region the cam surface at the lower hammer end also includes a cam 
projection, formation or surface which can move the lock part out of its 
locking position. 
When both the trigger and the hammer are in their respective rest or first 
positions, the lock part enters into the hitherto unoccupied catch recess 
and, accordingly, the lock part includes a projection which extends 
generally at the frontal or forward surface, i.e. the first cam surface, 
and laterally in the direction towards the catch hook. The projection is 
also able to enter and fit into the catch recess. 
It is also preferred that the clear distance between the free end of the 
catch hook and the juxtaposed or facing edge of the catch recess be 
smaller than the width of the run-off surface at the lock part when 
measured in the same direction. 
Accordingly, the hammer rebounding from its tensioned position runs off 
slidingly via its own run-off surface and the run-off surface at the lock 
part. Accordingly, the lock part is held without locking action at the 
hammer in a substantially neutral position. 
The advance achieved by my invention largely derives from the fact that the 
lock part is arranged interiorly with respect to the weapon frame. 
Accordingly, during use of the weapon, the lock part can not be affected 
by moving parts, i.e. by such parts which are either removable and/or 
movable. Furthermore the lock part is protected or shielded against entry 
of dust and other dirt, and it will also not be subjected to manipulations 
or undue abuse which can be performed from the exterior. Accordingly, the 
safety of the weapon is substantially increased. 
A preferred embodiment of the invention contemplates that the lock part is 
a pin or short rod, and that the projection of the lock part is an annular 
shoulder or similar projecting formation. The rotational attitude during 
installation or assembly is then immaterial. 
It is also preferred that the pin is substantially shaped like a bushing or 
similar hollow cylindrical member. This is interiorly furnished with a 
helical coil spring which, in turn, forms the lock spring. 
In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the catch recess exhibits 
a planar recess bottom which is inclined with respect to the second 
run-off surface. The planar forward or frontal surface of the lock part 
rests on the recess bottom in a planar manner at least when the hammer and 
the trigger are in their respective rest positions.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION 
The safety mechanism shown in the drawing is particularly intended for 
single-shot or single firing weapons, for example revolvers, other 
handguns, and the like small hand-held weapons. FIG. 1 shows a revolver, 
i.e. a handgun with a cylinder of several chambers which can be 
successively brought into line with the barrel and discharged with the 
same hammer. 
The revolver basically includes a weapon frame with the associated barrel 2 
connected thereto. The revolver also includes a cylinder 4 which is 
mounted on the frame 1 so that it can rotate or revolve about the shaft or 
axle 3, and the central and longitudinal axis D of the axle serves as the 
axis of rotation for the cylinder 4. 
A hammer or cock 6 is also mounted in the frame 1, and swings on its axle 
or shaft 5. The revolver further includes a trigger 8 which can be 
pivoted, swung, or rotated about the respective axis of rotation provided 
by a trigger shaft 7. 
The revolver also includes a cocking mechanism 9 for the cock or hammer 6. 
This mechanism 9 includes a fulcrum arm or end 9.1 in the handle or grip 
10, and a spring 9.2 for tensing or tensioning of the mechanism 9 is 
disposed with its helical coils about the fulcrum end 9.1 in the handle or 
grip 10. The fulcrum end 9.1 is secured with its lower end to a strut 10.1 
of the grip 10 which is connected to the frame 1. 
The cylinder 4 is furnished with several cartridge chambers 11 which can be 
successively brought into line with the bore B of the barrel 2 by rotating 
or revolving the cylinder 4 about its axis of rotation D. Transport or 
rotation of the cylinder 4 is affected by a transport latch 4.2 which is 
schematically indicated in FIG. 3, together with a cooperating ring gear 
4.1 or the like which is disposed at the rearwardly disposed face of the 
cylinder 4 and cooperates with a pawl for stepping the cylinder. 
A control bar or rod 12 is arranged at the hammer 6. The control bar 12 
initiates advancing, transporting, or rotation of the cylinder 4, by 
actuating a detent latch 13, FIG. 1 which temporarily releases a 
respective drum catch 13, and the cylinder 4 can turn during such release. 
The control rod 12 is held under tension by a spring 12.1. 
Furthermore, a firing pin or striker pin 14 is arranged for axial and 
longitudinal movement in the frame 1. When the revolver is fired, the 
striker pin 14 is axially shifted, against the action of the compression 
spring 15, to strike a cartridge loaded in the uppermost cartridge chamber 
11 of the cylinder 4. To effect firing or discharge of the weapon, a 
longitudinal trigger bar 17 is linked to a pivot or pivot shaft at 16 to 
the trigger 8. The trigger bar 17 extends generally between the frame 1 
and the hammer 6. In response to movements of the trigger 8, the trigger 
bar 17 is moved in the vertical longitudinal direction. The trigger bar 17 
includes an inclined surface, end formation or terminus 17.1 (FIG. 2) 
which can be brought between the striker pin 14 and the hammer 8, see 
FIGS. 3 to 5. 
On pulling the trigger 8 for firing, the rebounding hammer 6, via the 
trigger bar 17, shifts the strike pin 14 in the direction of the cartridge 
chamber 11. 
The trigger is returned to its rest or first position by way of a trigger 
spring 18 which, for example is a coil spring with extended ends or legs. 
The spring 18 is arranged in a recess in the weapon frame 1, i.e. 
specifically in the trigger guard 20, see FIG. 1. 
A lock part 21 is interiorly equipped with a lock spring 22 and the lock 
part 21 prevents actuation of the trigger 8 when the hammer 6 is in its 
rest or first position. 
The lock part 21 is movably guided in the trigger 8, but is subject to the 
force of a lock spring 22. The lock part 21 has a surface 23 which 
projects from the trigger 8, because the lock part extends in the trigger 
8 and also extends somewhat out of the trigger 8. This projecting surface 
provides a run-off surface or cam surface 23 which can contact the hammer 
6 in the region of a second run-off surface or cam surface 24, subject to 
the force of the lock spring 22. This second run-off surface 24 at the 
hammer 6 is associated with the first run-off surface 23 in such a way 
that contact between these two is easily achieved. 
The hammer 6 presents a complex structure or configuration at its lower 
end, i.e. the end generally disposed beneath the pivot or shaft 5. This 
end includes the rounded run-off surface 24, generally directed towards 
the grip 10, the lower end also includes a recess bottom 25.1 (FIG. 5), 
and a cam formation, projection or surface 40 is provided between the 
rounded run-off surface 24 and the recess bottom 25.1. A catch recess 25 
follows the recess bottom in the direction towards the cylinder 4. The 
leading or precursing edge of the lower hammer end, i.e. that edge or 
surface which is generally directed towards the cylinder 4, is adapted to 
act at or presents a catch hook 26 which catch hook is open at least 
during swinging of the hammer 6 into the tensioned position (second 
position). The hammer spring is provided by the spring 9.1. 
The catch hook 26 is intended, to cooperate with the lock part 21 and can 
engage with a lateral projection 27 at the end of the lock part which 
projects from the trigger 8, i.e. the end with the run-off surface 23. 
Accordingly, the lateral or annular projection 27 can be introduced into 
the catch recess 25. 
The leading end of the catch hook 26 presents a cam formation, surface or 
formation 28. 
When the trigger 8 is in the ready-to-fire position, shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, 
the run-off surface 23 of the lock part 21 is substantially tangentially 
disposed on the run-off surface 24 of the rebounding hammer 6, at least in 
the vicinity of the catch recess 25. 
When the trigger 8 is in its rest or first position, the run-off surface 23 
of the lock part 21 extends in a skewed or inclined manner with respect to 
the run-off surface 24 of the hammer 6, as is indicated in FIG. 2. 
Accordingly, the lock part 21 extends by the projection 27 into the catch 
recess 25. This will be the case when both the trigger 8 and the hammer 6 
are in their respective rest positions. 
The clear distance of separation between the free end of the catch hook 26 
and the juxtaposed or facing edge of the catch recess 25 is then smaller 
than the width of the run-off surface 23 at the lock part 21 when measured 
in the same direction. Accordingly, when rebounding from its tensioned or 
second position the hammer 6, as it were, slides or engages in a sliding 
manner via its own run-off surface 24 along the run-off surface 23 at the 
lock part 21. The lock part 21 is, accordingly, held without locking 
action at the hammer 6 in a substantially neutral position. 
The lock part 21 can be embodied by a pin or short rod, and the projection 
27 can be an annular shoulder or similar projecting formation. 
Furthermore, the pin or short rod can be in the form of a bushing or 
similar hollow cylindrical member. A helical coil spring 22 can be mounted 
in the hollow interior of the member after introduction thereof through 
the open end of the member. 
The catch recess 25 has a planar recess bottom 25.1 and the edge thereof 
which is facing away from the catch hook 26 forms a cam projection, 
formation or surface 40 where it merges into the run-off surface 24, as 
has been mentioned. 
The initial position of the weapon is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this 
position and when the trigger 8 is pulled, the projection 27 of the lock 
part 21 is moved beneath the catch hook 26 of the catch recess 25. This 
will preclude a further movement or motion of the trigger 8 and especially 
cocking or tensioning of the hammer 6 by way of the trigger 8. 
On the other hand, when the hammer 6 is brought from its rest or first 
position, as is shown in FIG. 2, into the pivoted or second position, i.e. 
swung clockwise about the pivot axis provided by the central axis of shaft 
5, as is indicated in FIG. 3, the lock part 21 is moved by the cam 
projection 40 of the lower end of hammer 6 by being pushed depper into the 
trigger 8 against the force of the spring 22. The lock part 21 
subsequently contacts or rests on the run-off surface 24 of the hammer 6. 
On swinging or pivoting the hammer 6 into the tensioned or second position, 
the trigger 8 is brought from its rest position (first position) into the 
ready-to-fire or second position. For this, the nose or similar cam 
formation or projection 28 of the hammer 6 engages or contacts at the 
respective trigger cam formation 29 at the trigger end or formation 30, 
i.e. the trigger end which extends generally above the central horizontal 
axis of the trigger shaft 7 of the trigger 8. Accordingly, the nose 28 
slides along the trigger cam formation 29 which is generally directed 
towards the handle 10. 
The free end or surface of the catch hook 26 simultaneously serves as a cam 
detent, rest or stop for the trigger end or cam formation 30 which is 
provided at the upper end of the trigger cam end 29. This end 30 engages, 
subject to the force of the trigger spring 18 the free end, rest or stop 
of catch hook 26. In other words, the surface 26.1 (FIG. 2) of the catch 
hook 26, rests on the surface 30.1 (FIG. 3) of the upper trigger end 30. 
Accordingly, the hammer 6 is then maintained in the tensioned, second or 
cocked position, see FIG. 3. 
When the trigger 8 is pulled while the hammer 6 is in the cocked position, 
as is represented in FIG. 3, the trigger end 30 is released from the free 
end, rest or stop of catch hook 26, and the hammer 6 can rebound into its 
rest position (first position), as is represented in FIGS. 4 and 5. 
Because the trigger 8 does not return to its rest position when the hammer 
6 moves forward, i.e. into its rest or first position, the run-off 
surfaces 23 and 24 of the hammer 6 and the lock part 21, respectively, 
contact one another in tangent or tangential manner, whereby the surface 
24 slidingly moves on the surface 23. Accordingly, the lock part 21 can 
not enter into the catch recess 25 with the formation 27 because of (the 
smaller clear entry width) due to the relative dimensions of the 
respective components, as is shown in FIG. 4. 
Because the trigger rod or bar 17 enters between the hammer 6 and the 
striker pin 14, when the trigger 8 is pulled, in accordance with FIG. 5, 
the rebounding hammer 6 shifts the striker pin 14 in horizontal axial 
direction towards the cartridge chamber 11. When the trigger 8 is 
released, the run-off surface 23 of the lock part 21 glides exteriorly 
down at the catch hook 26, see FIG. 5 due to the urging of the spring 18 
and, subsequently, enters again into the catch recess 25 by way of the 
projection 27. The weapon is then again in the initial or starting 
position as shown in FIG. 2.