Patent Publication Number: US-11391529-B2

Title: Striker assembly and associated firearm and method

Description:
FIELD 
     The present patent application is generally related to the operation of a firearm and, more particularly, to a striker assembly and associated firearm and method. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Semiautomatic pistols can be divided into various categories. One category of semiautomatic pistol is the striker-fired pistol. 
     In striker-fired pistols, a striker is held in a cocked position prior to firing. Upon release of the striker, the striker moves forward to strike the primer of an associated cartridge, thereby igniting the cartridge. 
     Despite advances already made with striker-fired pistols, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts aimed at making striker assemblies more reliable, both in the sense of reliably firing when desired and in the sense of not firing when not desired, and at making striker assemblies less expensive to manufacture and easier to maintain. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed is a striker assembly. In one example, the striker assembly includes a striker elongated along a striker axis, a sear member, and a stop element. The sear member is connected to the striker, extends outwardly from the striker axis, and is rotatable about the striker axis. The stop element is movable between at least a stop safety position and a stop firing position. In the stop safety position, the stop element is positioned to inhibit the sear member from rotating about the striker axis. In the stop firing position, the stop element does not inhibit the sear member from rotating about the striker axis. 
     Also disclosed is a firearm. In one example, the firearm includes a frame defining a forward direction and a rearward direction opposite the forward direction, a striker assembly operatively associated with the frame, and a trigger. The striker assembly includes a breechblock, a striker, a sear member, and a stop element. The breechblock is elongated along a breechblock axis to define a breechblock front end and a breechblock rear end opposite the breechblock front end. The breechblock front end defines a breechblock face. The breechblock defines a hollow interior region elongated along the breechblock axis. The breechblock further defines a sear surface. The striker is elongated along a striker axis. The striker is received in the hollow interior region and is movable along the breechblock axis. The sear member is connected to the striker and extends outwardly from the striker axis. The sear member is selectively engageable with the sear surface. The stop element is movable between at least a stop safety position and a stop firing position, wherein the stop element is positioned to inhibit the sear member from rotating about the striker axis and disengaging from the sear surface when the stop element is in the stop safety position. The trigger is operably engaged with the stop element to move the stop element from the stop safety position to the stop firing position. 
     Also disclosed is a method for moving a striker of a striker assembly from a rearward striker position to a forward striker position. The striker assembly includes a striker biased to the forward striker position and defining a striker axis, a sear member connected to the striker and extending outwardly from the striker axis, the sear member being rotatable about the striker axis, and a stop element movable between at least a stop safety position and a stop firing position. In one example, the method includes the steps of (2) positioning the stop element in the stop safety position to inhibit rotation of the sear member about the striker axis, thereby retaining the striker in the rearward striker position; (2) moving the stop element from the stop safety position to the stop firing position; and (3) rotating the sear member about the striker axis to cause the striker to move from the rearward striker position to the forward striker position. 
     Other examples of the disclosed striker assembly, firearm and method will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is view of one example of a firearm. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of one example of a firearm. 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of a subassembly of a firearm in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of a subassembly of a firearm in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 5A  is a view of a striker assembly of a firearm in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a striker assembly of a firearm in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of a striker assembly of a firearm in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. 
         FIG. 13  is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. 
         FIG. 18  is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. 
         FIG. 19  is a view of a striker assembly of a firearm engaged with a trigger. 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view of a cartridge. 
         FIG. 21  is a flow diagram depicting one example of the disclosed method for using a striker assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments and/or examples described by the disclosure. Other embodiments and/or examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals refer to the same feature, element or component in the different drawings. 
     The following detailed description presents illustrative, non-exhaustive and non-limiting examples of the subject matter disclosed herein. The disclosed examples may be claimed, but are not necessarily claimed. 
     In summary, the present disclosure is directed to firearms, to striker assemblies, such as striker assemblies for firearms, and to methods for moving a striker of a striker assembly from a rearward striker position to a forward striker position. The disclosed firearms, striker assemblies, and methods may provide one or more of improved reliability, lower manufacturing costs, and simplified maintenance. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one example of the disclosed firearm, generally designated  200 , may be a pistol and, in particular, a semiautomatic pistol  202 . The firearm  200  may include a frame  220 , a barrel  230 , a slide  206 , a striker assembly  400 , and a recoil spring assembly  240 . 
     As used herein, in reference to the firearm  200 , the terms “front” and “forward” refer to a direction oriented toward an exit end of the barrel  230  of the firearm  200  and the terms “rear” and “rearward” denotes a direction oriented away from the exit end  232  of the barrel  230  of the firearm  200 . The firearm  200  includes a front end  142  and a rear end  144 . The rear end  144  is longitudinally opposed from the front end  142 . These terms similarly apply to other components and subassemblies of the firearm  200  as they are oriented in the assemblies set forth herein. Thus, and with additional reference to  FIG. 5A , the frame  220  defines a forward direction  222  oriented toward an exit end  232  of the barrel  230  of the firearm  200  and a rearward direction  224  opposite the forward direction  222  and oriented away from the exit end of the barrel  230  of the firearm  200 . Other details of the frame  220  will be set forth below. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the frame  220  is a structure of sufficient rigidity to hold each of the components operationally engaged therewith as set forth below. For example, the barrel  230 , the slide  206 , the recoil spring assembly  240 , the striker assembly  400 , etc., may be configured in positions and orientations with respect to the frame  220  and with respect to one another. The frame  220  is sufficiently rigid to hold the designed range of positions and orientations within the relevant design tolerances. 
     In one or more examples, the frame  220  includes a receiver  148  and a grip  150 . 
     The grip  150  enables the shooter (not shown) to firmly grasp and hold the firearm  200  and forms the center of contact between the shooter and the frame  220 . In one or more non-limiting examples, the grip  150  also forms an internal chamber into which a magazine (not shown) is slidably received. In one non-limiting example, the magazine is of a conventional design in which associated cartridges  66  (see  FIG. 20 ) in a parallel, longitudinal stacked relation are biased toward a top having its front and back cut in relief to allow the associated cartridge  66  to slide longitudinally out from the top. 
     In some non-limiting examples, the frame  220  and components thereof, such as the receiver  148  and a grip  150 , are fabricated from metal, a polymer, or a combination thereof. While it is common for the frame  220  and components thereof to be fabricated from steel because of its low cost and high strength, there are many other acceptable alternatives. 
     The barrel  230  is coupled to the frame  220 . The barrel  230  is the passage through which a bullet  64  ( FIG. 20 ) travels as it issues from the firearm  200 . Accordingly, the barrel  230  defines a bore axis  146 . The bore axis  146  coincides with the path a bullet  64  will travel as it moves through the barrel  230 . As noted above, the barrel  230  has an exit end  232 . The exit end  232  is the end of the barrel  230  from which a bullet  64  issues upon firing the firearm  200 . 
     In one or more examples, the barrel  230  is coupled to the receiver  148 . In some examples, the barrel  230  is removable from the frame  220 , such as removable from the receiver  148 . The barrel  230  is situated between the frame  220  and the slide  206 . In some examples, the barrel  230  is fixed to the frame  220 . In some examples, the barrel  230  moves with respect to the frame  220  in position or orientation or both during the firing cycle. 
     In some non-limiting examples, the barrel  230  is fabricated from a metal. While it is common for the barrel  230  to be fabricated from steel because of its low cost and high strength, there are many other acceptable alternatives. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , and with further reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the slide  206  is coupled to the frame  220 . The slide  206  is movable relative to the frame  220  along a recoil axis  118 . In one or more examples, the slide  206  is coupled to the receiver  148 . The slide  206  is movable relative the receiver  148  along the recoil axis  118 . In some examples, the slide  206  moves longitudinally rearward and forward (i.e., reciprocal motion) relative to the frame  220 , such as to the receiver  148 , and to the barrel  230  along the recoil axis  118  during the firing cycle. In the example shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , recoil axis  118  is substantially parallel to the bore axis  146 . Herein, substantially parallel, means within the relevant engineering or manufacturing tolerances of parallel. 
     During the firing cycle, the slide  206  moves along the frame  220  between a fully forward position (see  FIG. 3 ) and a fully rearward position (see  FIG. 4 ) to perform operational actions resulting from firing of a chambered associated cartridge  66  (see  FIG. 20 ). 
       FIGS. 3 and 4 , in combination, schematically illustrate portions of the firing cycle of an example of a subassembly of the firearm  200 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  depict the receiver  148 , the barrel  230 , the recoil spring assembly  240 , and the slide  206 .  FIG. 3  illustrates an example of the portion of the firearm  200  in a battery position.  FIG. 4  illustrates an example of the portion of the firearm  200  in a recoil position. Generally, the battery position refers to a condition of the firearm  200  in which the slide  206  is fully forward and the firearm  200  is in a ready-to-fire state. Generally, the recoil position refers to a condition of the firearm  200  in which the slide  206  is fully rearward. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2  and with further reference to  FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C , the firearm  200  also includes a striker assembly  400 . The striker assembly  400  operates to fire the chambered associated cartridge  66 . The striker assembly  400  is operationally engaged with the slide  206  to reciprocate therewith during the firing cycle. The striker assembly  400  includes a breechblock  208 , a striker  420 , a sear member  430 , a stop element  452  (see  FIG. 6 ), a biasing element  423  and a trigger  216 . The striker assembly  400  and the workings of the striker assembly  400  will be described in further detail below. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , and with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , shown is one non-limiting example of the recoil spring assembly  240 . The recoil spring assembly  240  is operationally engaged to the slide  206  and is operationally engaged to the frame  220 . The recoil spring assembly  240  biases the slide  206  in a bias direction along the recoil axis  118  to the fully forward position relative to the frame  220 . In other words, the recoil spring assembly  240  biases the slide  206  to the battery position. In the examples shown in  FIGS. 3  and  4 , the recoil spring assembly  240  includes at least one recoil spring  120 . In the illustrative examples, the at least one recoil spring  120  may include, or take the form of, a coil spring, a helical spring, compression spring, or other suitable spring chosen with good engineering judgment. This latter recitation is not limiting, and it is contemplated that other types of springs may also be used as the recoil spring  120 . With the slide  206  in the fully forward position (see  FIG. 3 ), the recoil spring assembly  240  is less than fully energized. 
     During the firing cycle, the firearm  200  begins in the battery position (see  FIG. 3 ). When an associated cartridge  66  is fired, the act of firing releases energy that propels the slide  206  toward the rear along the recoil axis  118 . In other words, the energy released from the fired associated cartridge  66  causes the slide  206  to travel rearwardly relative to the frame  220 . Rearward travel of the slide  206  relative to the frame  220  is generally referred to as recoil. 
     Recoil of the slide  206  ejects an empty associated cartridge case from an ejection port  164  formed in the slide  206 . Recoil of the slide  206  compresses the recoil spring assembly  240  until kinetic energy imparted to the slide  206  is overcome by potential energy being imparted to the recoil spring assembly  240 . The recoil spring assembly  240  is configured to transfer a recoil force (recoil momentum) from the slide  206  to the frame  220 . The recoil force is then transferred to the ground through the body of the shooter. 
     With the slide  206  in the fully rearward position, the recoil spring assembly  240  is energized (e.g.,  FIG. 4 ). As the recoil spring assembly  240  releases energy, the slide  206  is sent forward. At an end of rearward travel of the slide  206  (e.g., the fully rearward position), the slide  206  moves forward by reaction to a spring force provided by the recoil spring assembly  240 . 
     Forward travel of the slide  206  loads a new associated cartridge into the chamber of the barrel  230 . Forward travel of the slide  206  returns the firearm  200  to the battery position (e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). Returned to the battery position, the firearm  200  is ready to fire again. 
     The above described implementations of the firearm  200  and the components thereof disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting and are applicable to other types of firearms. 
     Certain specific examples of the firearm  200  will now be addressed. With reference now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in certain examples, the firearm  200  includes a frame  220 , a striker assembly  400  operatively associated with the frame  220  and a trigger  216 . The frame  220  defines a forward direction  222  and a rearward direction  224  opposite the forward direction  222  as described above (see  FIG. 5 ). As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the striker assembly  400  is operatively engaged with the slide  206  to reciprocate with respect to the frame  220  along with the slide  206 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 6  the striker assembly  400  includes a breechblock  208 , a striker  420 , a sear member  430 , and a stop element  452 . 
     The breechblock  208  is elongated along a breechblock axis  412  to define a breechblock front end  413  and a breechblock rear end  414  opposite the breechblock front end  413 . In this example, the breechblock axis  412  is substantially parallel to and coincides with the bore axis  146  (see  FIG. 2 ). The breechblock front end  413  is oriented facing the forward direction  222 . The breechblock rear end  414  is oriented facing the rearward direction  224 . The breechblock front end  413  defines a breechblock face  419 . The breechblock face  419  is the surface that operationally engages an associated cartridge  66  to be fired by the striker  420 . The breechblock  208  further defines a hollow interior region  418  elongated along the breechblock axis  412 . The breechblock  208  defines a sear surface  415 . In the example shown in  FIG. 5A , the breechblock  208  includes a breechblock wall  417  which defines the sear surface  415 . More specifically, in the example shown in  FIG. 5A , the breechblock  208  includes a breechblock wall  417  that defines therein the hollow interior region  418  and that defines therethrough a guide slot  411 , which defines both the sear surface  415  and a cocking surface  416  offset from and facing the sear surface  415 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C , the breechblock  208  further includes a striker aperture  421 . The striker aperture is a hole extending from the extending from the breechblock face  419  to the hollow interior region  418 . The striker aperture  421  will be described further below in relation to the striker  420 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C , the breechblock  208  is movable along the breechblock axis  412  relative to the stop element  452  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     The striker  420  is elongated along a striker axis  422 . In this example, the striker axis  422  is substantially parallel to and coincides with the bore axis  146  (see  FIG. 2 ). In this example, the striker  420  is received within the hollow interior region  418  and is movable with respect to the breechblock  208  along the breechblock axis  412 . As shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C , the striker  420  is movable between a forward striker position  426  and a rearward striker position  427 . When the striker  420  is in the rearward striker position  427  shown in  FIG. 5B , no part of the striker  420  extends through the striker aperture  421 . When the striker  420  is in the forward striker position  426  shown in  FIG. 5C , at least a portion of the striker  420  extends through the striker aperture  421  to strike, and thereby fire, an associated primer  62  of an associated cartridge  66  (see  FIG. 19 ). 
     The sear member  430  may be fixedly connected to the striker  420 , though other non-fixed (e.g., rotatable) connections are also contemplated. The sear member  430  extends outwardly from the striker axis  422  and is rotatable about the striker axis  422 . In the example shown in  FIG. 5C , the sear member  430  extends at least partially through the guide slot  411 . The sear member  430  is selectively engageable with the sear surface  415 . Referring now to  FIGS. 5C, 6, and 9  the sear member can be selectively moveable and can selectively move at least between a sear member safety position  434  and a sear member firing position  436 . Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 10 , in the examples shown, the guide slot  411  is elongated and extends at least between the sear member safety position  434  and the sear member firing position  436 . Referring now to  FIGS. 5C and 10 , in the examples shown, the sear member firing position  436  is offset from the sear member safety position  434  by both by a non-zero axial displacement distance D along the breechblock axis  412 , and by a non-zero angular rotation θ about the breechblock axis  412 . When the sear member is in the sear member safety position  434 , the striker  420  is impeded from moving to the forward striker position  426 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C , the sear member  430  is fixedly engaged with the striker  420  such that, when the sear member is in the sear member safety position  434 , the striker  420  is impeded from moving to the rearward striker position  427 . When the sear member  430  is fully engaged with the sear surface  415 , the sear member is in the sear member safety position  434 . Stated another way, the sear surface  415  inhibits the sear member  430  from moving from the sear member safety position  434  (see  FIG. 6 ) to the sear member firing position  436  (see  FIG. 10 ) when the stop element  452  is in the stop safety position  454 . Accordingly, the sear member  430  can be used to impede or prevent the firearm  200  from being undesirably fired by controlling the position of the sear member  430 , such as, without limitation, by inhibiting or preventing the sear member  430  from disengaging from the sear surface  415 . The sear member  430  and its function with respect to control of firearm operation will be discussed further below. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 5B and 5C , in some examples, in order to move the striker  420  between the rearward striker position  427  and the forward striker position  426 , the sear member  430  must undergo a minimum angular rotation θ about the breechblock axis  412 . In some non-liming examples, this latter minimum angular rotation θ about the breechblock axis  412  is 5 degrees, or at least 10 degrees, or at least 15 degrees, or at least 20 degrees, or at least 25 degrees, or at least 30 degrees, or at least 35 degrees, or at least 40 degrees, or at least 45 degrees. In some acceptable examples, the sear member  430  must undergo a minimum angular rotation θ about the breechblock axis  412  of between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5C, 6 and 9 , the stop element  452  is part of the control block  450  described further below. The stop element  452  is movable between at least a stop safety position  454  (see  FIG. 6 ) and a stop firing position  456  (see  FIG. 9 ). When the stop element  452  is in the stop safety position  454 , the stop element  452  is positioned to inhibit the sear member  430  from rotating about the striker axis  422  and thereby disengaging from the sear surface  415 . When the stop element  452  is in the stop firing position  456 , the stop element  452  does not inhibit the sear member  430  from rotating about the striker axis  422 . 
     The striker assembly  400 , and thereby the firearm  200  which includes the striker assembly  400 , further includes a biasing element  423  positioned to bias the striker  420  toward the breechblock front end  413 . In the examples shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C , the biasing element  423  includes spring  42 , but this is not limiting, and in other examples the biasing element  423  includes another component that will produce a restorative force on the striker  420  as a function of displacement, and that is chosen with good engineering judgment. In the examples shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C , the spring  42  is a compression spring, but this is not limiting, and in other examples the spring  42  includes an extension spring, or a leaf spring, or another spring chosen with good engineering judgment. The biasing element  423  applies a force to the striker  420  which, unless stopped by an impeding force, forces the striker  420  toward the breechblock front end  413 . As will be discussed below, there are other components that selectively present the latter impeding force. The biasing element  423  is configurable between at least a biasing element cocked state  424  (see  FIG. 5B ) and a biasing element firing state  425  (see  FIG. 5C ). In the biasing element cocked state  424 , the biasing element  423  exerts a large force on the striker  420 . In the example shown in  FIG. 5B , the biasing element  423  is a compression spring  42  under high compression due to the striker  420  being in the rearward striker position  427 . In a compression spring, like compression spring  42 , under high compression, the reaction force is high. In the biasing element firing state  425  the biasing element  423  exerts a comparatively smaller force on the striker  420 . In the example in  FIG. 5C , the biasing element  423  is a compression spring  42  under low compression due to the striker  420  being in the forward striker position  426 . In a compression spring, like compression spring  42 , under low compression, the reaction force is low. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2, 6, and 19 , trigger  216  is operably engaged with the stop element  452  to move the stop element  452  from the stop safety position  454  to the stop firing position  456  (see  FIG. 9 ). In the example shown, the trigger  216  is movably engaged with the frame  220 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2,6, and 19 , moving the trigger  216  moves control block  450  and, thereby, moves the stop element  452  fixedly connected to the control block  450  (see  FIG. 19 ). In the examples shown, the control block  450  includes stop element  452 , holding surface  451 , and cam surface  458  fixedly connected thereto. In other acceptable alternative examples, the control block  450  omits one or more of the stop element  452 , the holding surface  451 , and the cam surface  458 . In one acceptable alternative example, the control block  450  does not include the cam surface  458 . In one acceptable alternative example in which the control block  450  does not include the cam surface  458 , the sear surface  415  is a smooth continuous linear or curvilinear surface. 
       FIGS. 6-18  show the engagement and operation of one example of the striker assembly  400  as it goes through a firing cycle. In  FIGS. 6-18 , a section view has been taken through the control block  450  such that the control block  450  is not visible in order to better see the inter-operation of the sear member  430 , stop element  452 , sear surface  415 , and other components. It should be understood that stop element  452 , holding surface  451 , and cam surface  458  are all engaged to control block  450  and can move together along the arcuate path defined by the tracks  10 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , the sear member  430  is at the sear member safety position  434 , is engaged with the sear surface  415 , and is also engaged with the stop element  452 . The sear member  430  is fixed to the breechblock such that, when the sear member  430  is engaged with the sear surface  415 , the sear member  430  cannot move forward along the breechblock axis  412 . In the example shown, in order to move forward along the breechblock axis  412  past the axial location coincident with the sear surface  415 , the sear member must rotate about the breechblock axis  412 . The stop element  452 , when in the stop safety position, prevents the sear member from rotating about the breechblock axis  412 . In order to move the sear member  430  forward and out of the sear member safety position  434 , the stop element  452  must be moved. The configuration shown in  FIG. 6  is the safe configuration  82  wherein the striker is in the rearward striker position  427  (see  FIG. 5B ), the biasing element  423  is in the biasing element cocked state  424  biasing the striker  420  toward the forward striker position  426  (see  FIG. 5B ), and the stop element is in the stop safety position. As indicated by the position of the track follower elements  12  in the tracks  10 , the control block  450  is at its most forward position in  FIG. 6 . 
     In the non-limiting examples shown, the firing cycle will begin with actuation of the trigger  216 . Actuation of the trigger  216  (see  FIG. 19 ) causes corresponding movement of the stop element  452  from the stop safety position  454  to the stop firing position  456  (see  FIGS. 6-10 ). Movement of the stop element  452  from the stop safety position  454  to the stop firing position  456  causes the firearm  200  to automatically change from the safe configuration  82  (see  FIG. 6 ) to the fired configuration  86  (see  FIG. 10 ). 
     In  FIG. 7 , the stop element  452  has been moved rearward slightly as compared to  FIG. 6 . The track follower elements  12  in the tracks  10 , show that the control block  450  is now slightly rearward of the most forward position shown in  FIG. 6 . The stop element  452  is still partially engaged with the sear member  430  such that the sear member cannot rotate about the breechblock axis  412 . The cam surface  458  has come into contact with the sear member  430 . 
     In  FIG. 8 , the stop element  452  has been moved further rearward as compared to  FIG. 7 . The track follower elements  12  in the tracks  10 , show that the control block  450  is now further rearward of the position shown in  FIG. 7 . The stop element  452  is sliding off of the sear member  430  and the cam surface  458  is starting to force the sear member  430  to rotate about the breechblock axis  412 . The sear member  430  is not yet free of the sear surface  415 . 
     In  FIG. 9 , the stop element  452  has been moved further rearward as compared to  FIG. 8 . The track follower elements  12  in the tracks  10 , show that the control block  450  is now further rearward of the position shown in  FIG. 8 . The stop element  452  is off of the sear member  430  and in the stop firing position  456 . The cam surface  458  has forced the sear member  430  to rotate about the breechblock axis  412  sufficiently to clear the sear surface  415 . The sear member  430  is now clear to move to the sear member firing position  436  and no longer inhibits the striker  420  from moving forward. The biasing element  423  will transfer energy to the striker  420  and the sear member  430  to move them forward. 
     In  FIG. 10 , the striker assembly  400  is in the firing configuration  86  wherein the striker  420  is in a forward striker position  426 , the biasing element  423  is in a biasing element firing state  425  (see  FIG. 5C ), and the stop element  452  is in the stop firing position  456 . The stop element  452  is in approximately the same position as compared to  FIG. 9 . The track follower elements  12  in the tracks  10 , show that the control block  450  is in approximately the same position as compared to  FIG. 9 . The sear member  430  is in the sear member firing position  436  which is an axial distance D forward of its axial location along the breechblock axis  412  when at the sear member safety position  434 . The striker  420  is at the forward striker position  427  and a portion of the striker  420  extends through the striker aperture  421  such that it can strike, and thereby fire, an associated primer  62  of an associated cartridge  66  and thereby fire the associated cartridge  66  (see  FIG. 19 ). While the slide  206 , the associated primer  62 , and the associated cartridge  66  are not shown, the recoil resulting from the energy released by firing the associated cartridge  66  and the effects of the recoil on the striker assembly  400  will be shown in the subsequent figures. 
     In  FIG. 11 , the breechblock  208  has begun to move rearwardly with respect to the frame  220  due to recoil (compare  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). The sear member  430  and the striker  420  are being forced rearwardly with respect to the frame  220  by the rearward motion of breechblock  208 . 
     In  FIG. 12 , the breechblock  208  has moved further rearwardly with respect to the frame  220  due to recoil (compare  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). The sear member  430  and the striker  420  have also been moved further rearwardly with respect to the frame  220  by the rearward motion of breechblock  208 . The sear member  430  is in contact with the stop element  452  and has started to push it rearwardly as well. Accordingly, the stop element  452 , as well as the control block  450  connected to stop element  452 , and the cam surface  458  connected to the control block  450  have all moved rearwardly as compared to  FIG. 11 . It should be noted here that the tracks  10 , are not parallel to the direction of motion of the breechblock  208 : the rear of track  10  moves downward and away from the breechblock axis  412 , such that, as it moves rearwardly at this point in the cycle, the control block  450  and the connected components, the stop element  452 , will move downwardly. 
     In  FIG. 13 , the breechblock  208  has moved further rearwardly with respect to the frame  220  due to recoil (compare  FIGS. 12 and 13 ). The sear member  430  and the striker  420  have also been moved further rearwardly with respect to the frame  220  by the rearward motion of breechblock  208 . The sear member  430  has pushed the stop element  452  rearwardly enough to force it down and is passing over the top of the stop element  452 . As indicated by the position of the track follower elements  12  in the tracks  10 , in  FIG. 13 , the control block  450  is at its most rearward position with respect to the frame  220 . 
     In  FIG. 14 , the breechblock  208  has moved to its further rearward position with respect to the frame  220  due to recoil (compare  FIGS. 13 and 14 ). The sear member  430  and the striker  420  have also been moved further rearwardly with respect to the frame  220  by the rearward motion of breechblock  208 . As indicated by the position of the track follower elements  12  in the tracks  10 , in  FIG. 14 , the control block  450  is once again at its most forward position with respect to the frame  220 . In some examples the control block  450  is engaged with a return spring (not shown) or the like to return it to this latter referenced most forward position with respect to the frame  220 . 
     In  FIG. 15 , the breechblock  208  has begun to move forward with respect to the frame  220  due to action from the recoil assembly  240  as described above (compare  FIGS. 14 and 15 ). The sear member  430  is now in contact with the holding surface  451  part of the stop element  452 . Because the control block  450  cannot move further forward with respect to the frame  220 , as the breechblock  208  moves forward, the contact with the holding surface  451  restrains the sear member  430 , and the striker  420  connected therewith, from moving further forward with respect to the frame  220  with the breechblock  208 . 
     In  FIG. 16 , the breechblock  208  has continued to move forward with respect to the frame  220  due to action from the recoil assembly  240  as described above (compare  FIGS. 15 and 16 ). The holding surface  451  has held the sear member  430  and striker  420  in place with respect to the frame  220  while the breechblock  208  has continued to forward. The sear member  430  is now in contact with the cocking surface  416  of the breechblock  208 . 
     In  FIG. 17 , the breechblock  208  has continued to move forward with respect to the frame  220  due to action from the recoil assembly  240  as described above (compare  FIGS. 16 and 17 ). The holding surface  451  has held the sear member  430  and striker  420  in place with respect to the frame  220  while the breechblock  208  has continued to forward. The sear member  430  has been forced down with respect to the breechblock  208  and the frame  220 , and to rotate about the breechblock axis  412 , by the cocking surface  416  of the breechblock  208 . 
     In  FIG. 18 , the breechblock  208  has continued to move forward with respect to the frame  220  due to action from the recoil assembly  240  as described above (compare  FIGS. 17 and 18 ) and has returned to the position shown in  FIG. 6 . The sear member  430  has slipped under the holding surface  451  and is now once more under the stop element  452  and engaged with the sear surface  415  as it was in  FIG. 6 . The striker assembly  400  and the firearm  200  has completed the firing cycle. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , the present disclosure is also directed to a method  800 . Implementations of the method  800  may include a method for moving a striker  420  of a striker assembly  400  of a firearm  200  from a rearward striker position  427  to a forward striker position  426 . The method  800  employs a striker assembly  400  that includes a striker  420  biased to the forward striker position  426  and defining a striker axis  422 , a sear member  430  connected to the striker  420  and extending outwardly from the striker axis  422 . The sear member  430  is rotatable about the striker axis  422 . The method  800  further employs a stop element  452  movable between at least a stop safety position  454  and a stop firing position  456 . 
     At Block  810 , the method  800  includes positioning the stop element  452  in the stop safety position  454  to inhibit rotation of the sear member  430  about the striker axis  422 , thereby retaining the striker  420  in the rearward striker position  427 . 
     At Block  820 , the method  800  includes moving the stop element  452  from the stop safety position  454  to the stop firing position  456 . Optionally, moving the stop element  452  from the stop safety position  454  to the stop firing position  456  occurs in response to actuation of a trigger  216 . Typically, actuation of a trigger  216  is pulling the trigger  216 , but other sorts of actuation are contemplated and included here and could include, but are not limited to, pushing, rotating, or combinations thereof. 
     At Block  830 , the method  800  includes rotating the sear member  430  about the striker axis  422  to cause the striker  420  to move from the rearward striker position  427  to the forward striker position  426 . Optionally, the latter rotating the sear member  430  about the striker axis  422  occurs in response to the moving the stop element  452  from the stop safety position  454  to the stop firing position  456 . Optionally, the latter rotating the sear member  430  about the striker axis  422  includes rotating the sear member  430  at least 5 degrees about the striker axis  422 . This latter recitation of the amount of rotation is not limiting and other amounts of rotation are contemplated. In some acceptable examples, the rotating the sear member  430  about the striker axis  422  includes rotating the sear member  430  at least 10 degrees about the striker axis  422 , at least 15 degrees about the striker axis  422 , at least 20 degrees about the striker axis  422 , at least 25 degrees about the striker axis  422 , at least 30 degrees about the striker axis  422 , at least 35 degrees about the striker axis  422 , at least 40 degrees about the striker axis  422 , or at least 45 degrees about the striker axis  422 . In some acceptable examples, the rotating the sear member  430  about the striker axis  422  includes rotating the sear member  430  between 0 degrees about the striker axis  422  and 180 degrees about the striker axis  422 . 
     At Block  840 , the method  800  includes returning the striker to the rearward striker position  427 . Optionally, returning the striker to the rearward striker position  427  further includes moving the stop element  452  from the stop firing position  456  to the stop safety position  454 . Optionally, returning the striker to the rearward striker position  427  further includes using at least some energy released from a cartridge  66  that has been discharged in response to the striker  420  moving from the rearward striker position  427  to the forward striker position  426 . 
     Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of lower-numbered item (e.g., a “first” item) and/or a higher-numbered item (e.g., a “third” item). 
     As used herein, the terms “partially” or “at least a portion of” may represent an amount of a whole that includes an amount of the whole that may include the whole. In some examples, the term “a portion of” may refer to an amount that is greater than 0.01% of, greater than 0.1% of, greater than 1% of, greater than 10% of, greater than 20% of, greater than 30% of, greater than 40% of, greater than 50% of, greater than 60%, greater than 70% of, greater than 80% of, greater than 90% of, greater than 95% of, greater than 99% of, and 200% of the whole. 
     Although various examples of the disclosed striker assemblies, firearms and methods have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.