Patent Publication Number: US-7581345-B2

Title: Method for blocking discharge of firearm

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/825,516 filed Apr. 15, 2004, entitled “Pistol with Firing Pin Blocking Magazine Disconnect Mechanism,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally relates to firearms, and more particularly to a magazine disconnect mechanism for autoloading pistols that disables the pistol&#39;s discharge capability when the magazine removed. 
   In autoloading pistols utilizing removable cartridge magazines, a cartridge may still remain chambered after the magazine has been removed. Although the loaded chamber condition of a pistol&#39;s chamber is customarily and most positively checked by user opening the action and visually observing the presence of a cartridge therein, prior devices are known that attempt to augment this procedure by alternatively disabling certain portions of a pistol&#39;s trigger assembly so that the pistol cannot be discharged when the magazine is removed. The trigger assembly typically includes a trigger, a trigger bar, and a hammer which contacts a firing pin that strikes a chambered cartridge. One approach used in a known magazine disconnect devices has been to arrest movement of the trigger linkage connected to the hammer. For example, when the magazine is removed in one known device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,669 to Spaniel et al., an open-topped slot in the trigger bar receives and engages a downwardly spring-loaded lug to block the trigger bar and trigger connected thereto from being moved in response to an attempted trigger pull. When the magazine is reinserted in the pistol, the lug is contacted and displaced upwards by the magazine to disengage the lug from the slot. 
   All the foregoing magazine disconnect devices may be circumvented by the user in certain instances. For example, it may be possible to defeat the lug and trigger bar slot device by partially pulling the trigger before fully withdrawing the magazine. This would cause the trigger bar to move slightly forward, so that the lug would not be aligned with and seat in the trigger bar slot when the magazine is subsequently completely removed. The trigger could then be fully pulled and a cartridge if remaining in the chamber may be discharged. In addition, parts in these type devices such as the slot, lug, and often long and circuitous biasing springs are prone to wear and breakage which may render these magazine disconnects ineffective. Moreover, none of the known disconnect devices arrest movement of the pistol&#39;s firing pin. 
   Accordingly, there is a further need for an improved magazine disconnect that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior devices and disables the pistol&#39;s discharge capability when the magazine removed. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A movable magazine disconnect mechanism for an auto-loading pistol is provided that is responsive to removal and insertion of the magazine from the pistol and disables the pistol so that it cannot be discharged without the magazine present. In the preferred embodiment, the magazine disconnect mechanism arrests the forward motion of the firing pin without the magazine present so that the firing pin cannot be advanced sufficiently forward to strike the cartridge by a trigger pull or other action. This prevents discharge of the pistol should a cartridge remain in the chamber after the magazine has been removed. The preferred embodiment further cannot be circumvented by a partial trigger pull like known magazine disconnect devices. In addition, the preferred embodiment utilizes a relatively short and simple helical spring as a biasing member in contrast to the long and circuitous springs often used in the prior art. In a preferred embodiment, the magazine disconnect mechanism advantageously utilizes the ejector which serves a dual purpose of both expelling spent cartridges from the pistol, and functioning as an actuator for the disconnect mechanism to disable the discharging capability of the pistol when the magazine is removed. 
   A preferred embodiment of a pistol having a magazine disconnect mechanism generally includes a frame having a grip portion defining a downwardly open cavity that receives and removably holds a magazine containing cartridges, a housing defining a longitudinal axis for the pistol, a chamber defined in the housing to receive a cartridge, a barrel unit, a firing pin disposed in the housing and movable in a forward longitudinal direction towards the chamber to strike a chambered cartridge, an ejector to expel spent cartridges from the pistol after discharge, a magazine disconnect mechanism operably associated with the magazine, and a trigger assembly generally including a trigger, trigger bar, and hammer mechanically coupled together for operably coupled movement. In one embodiment, the housing may be a slide that is slidably mounted on the frame and movable in a reciprocating manner in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The slide moves rearwards in response to recoil forces developed by discharging the pistol, and is returned to a forward position by a recoil spring. 
   The magazine disconnect mechanism in the preferred embodiment includes a blocking member and a blocking member actuator that is operably responsive to inserting and removing the magazine from the pistol. In one embodiment, the blocking member actuator may be a lever which is pivotally connected to the frame of the pistol. Preferably, the lever is positioned in the pistol to be operably contacted by the magazine so that it is movably responsive to inserting and removing the magazine from the pistol. Accordingly, the blocking member actuator is preferably activated by contact with and breaking contact with the magazine as it is either inserted or removed from the pistol. 
   Preferably, the blocking member actuator is operably coupled, either directly or indirectly through intermediate components, to the blocking member and controls the movement and position of the blocking member. The blocking member may include a body which may be structured as a plate and a lever arm protruding therefrom to engage the blocking member. In one embodiment, the lever arm may be angularly disposed to the body and configured to engage the blocking member when both components are mounted in the pistol. When the magazine is inserted in the pistol, the blocking member actuator may in one embodiment be located behind the magazine with the lever arm extending above and in a forward direction over the magazine to contact the blocking member. In one embodiment, the blocking member actuator may be vertically movable from an up position to a down position. In the preferred embodiment, the ejector also advantageously serves as the actuator for the blocking member, thereby eliminating the need for a separate component that performs the function of a blocking member actuator. 
   The blocking member preferably is moveable in position, by the blocking member actuator, into and out of engagement with the firing pin in response to the absence or presence of the magazine in the pistol, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the blocking member is movable from a first position disengaged from the firing pin when the magazine is present and inserted in the pistol, to a second position engaged with the firing pin when the magazine is absent and removed from the pistol. Preferably, the blocking member is vertically movable in an upward and downward direction, and in one embodiment engages the top of the firing pin. In one embodiment, a biasing member such as a helical spring may be provided to bias or urge the blocking member downward into engagement with the firing pin when the magazine is removed from pistol. When in a position engaged with the firing pin, the blocking member arrests or blocks the forward motion of the firing pin to prevent the firing pin from reaching and striking the cartridge. Preferably, the blocking member is disposed inside the pistol housing. 
   In one embodiment, the blocking member includes a generally cylindrical mounting portion in the form of a shaft and a firing pin engagement portion in the form of laterally-extending planar flange preferably disposed perpendicular to the shaft and having a surface to contact and engage the firing pin. Preferably, the shaft is oriented in a vertical direction and located proximate and lateral to the firing pin so that the flange extends laterally over the firing pin. In one embodiment, the blocking member is configured and positioned to engage the top of the firing pin. The shaft and flange, which may be an integral part of the shaft, is preferably vertically movable in an upward and downward direction into and out of engagement with the firing pin, respectively. 
   The preferred embodiment of a magazine disconnect mechanism advantageously prevents the mechanism from being defeated by a partial trigger pull like the prior art. Because the magazine disconnect mechanism preferably engages and arrests movement of the firing pin when the magazine is removed, the firing pin will not advance forward toward a chambered cartridge even if a cocked hammer were somehow released after the magazine has been removed. Once the magazine is removed, the blocking member actuator, which may be the ejector in one embodiment, drops allowing the spring-biased blocking member to fall into engagement with the firing pin to arrest its movement until the magazine is reinserted into the pistol. 
   In one embodiment, a pistol with magazine disconnect mechanism includes a frame that removably holds a magazine, a housing carried by the frame and defining a chamber to hold a cartridge, a firing pin disposed in the housing and movable toward the chamber to contact a chambered cartridge, and a blocking member movable into and out of engagement with the firing pin. In one embodiment, the housing is a reciprocating slide movable in a forward and rearward direction, and the blocking member may be disposed in the movable slide. In another embodiment, the blocking member may be vertically movable from a first position in which the blocking member does not engage the firing pin to a second position in which the blocking member engages the firing pin. A biasing member may be provided to bias the blocking member into the second position. A blocking member actuator is further provided that is movable in response to inserting and removing a magazine from the pistol. The actuator operably disengages the blocking member from the firing pin when the magazine is inserted into the pistol, and the actuator operably engages the blocking member with the firing pin when the magazine is removed from the pistol to prevent the firing pin from moving toward and contacting the chambered cartridge. In another embodiment, the magazine releasably contacts and moves the actuator in a first direction to disengage the blocking member from the firing pin. In yet another embodiment, the magazine breaks contact with and moves the actuator in a second direction to engage the blocking member with the firing pin. 
   Another embodiment of a pistol with a magazine disconnect mechanism includes a frame defining a downwardly open cavity, a magazine removably inserted in the cavity, a reciprocating slide carried by the frame and defining a chamber to hold a cartridge, and a firing pin movable towards the chamber to contact a chambered cartridge and discharge the pistol. The pistol further includes a blocking member engageable with the firing pin and movable between a first position in which the blocking member does not engage and block forward movement of the firing pin, and a second position in which the blocking member engages and blocks forward movement of the firing pin. The blocking member may be movable in a vertical direction between the first and second positions in one embodiment. A movable blocking member actuator is provided that is supported in place by the inserted magazine and holds the blocking member in the first position. Removing the magazine from the pistol and support for the blocking member actuator displaces the blocking member actuator in a first direction to concomitantly engage the blocking member with the firing pin in the second position to prevent discharging the pistol. In one embodiment, reinserting the magazine into the pistol displaces the actuator in a second direction which concomitantly returns the blocking member to the first position. In another embodiment, a biasing member is provided that biases the blocking member into the second position. In yet another embodiment, the actuator may have a body and angularly protruding lever arm configured to contact the blocking member. The blocking member actuator may be an ejector in another embodiment that ejects spent cartridges from the pistol. In one embodiment, the blocking member actuator maintains contact with the blocking member when the blocking member is in the first and second positions. 
   Yet another embodiment of a pistol with magazine disconnect mechanism includes a frame defining a downwardly open cavity, a magazine removably disposed in the cavity, a reciprocating slide defining a chamber to hold a cartridge, a firing pin disposed in the slide and movable in a forward direction towards the chamber to strike a chambered cartridge and discharge the pistol, and a blocking member engageable with the firing pin and movable between a first disengaged position in which the blocking member does not prevent the firing pin from striking the cartridge, and a second engaged position in which the blocking member prevents the firing pin from striking the cartridge. Preferably, a biasing member is provided that urges the blocking member into the second position. A blocking member actuator is provided that is operably coupled to the blocking member, the actuator movably responsive to inserting and removing the magazine from the pistol. In operation, inserting the magazine releasably contacts and displaces the actuator in a first direction to simultaneously move the blocking member into the first position against the urging of the biasing member. Removing the magazine breaks contact between the magazine and actuator, with the biasing member urging the blocking member into the second position and simultaneously displacing the actuator in a second direction opposite the first direction. Preferably, the actuator returns to a former position coinciding with its location prior to inserting the magazine into the pistol. In one embodiment, the actuator is pivotally mounted and movable in the frame, and includes a lever arm to operably engage the blocking member. In another embodiment, the blocking member is vertically movable between the first and second positions. In yet another embodiment, the actuator is vertically movable between an up position with the magazine inserted in the pistol and a down position with the magazine removed from the pistol. In one embodiment, the actuator is an ejector that expels spent cartridges from the pistol after discharge. 
   A method of blocking discharge of a pistol having a housing defining a longitudinal axis, a chamber to hold a cartridge, a firing pin, and a removable magazine held in a frame. The method includes the steps of removing the magazine from the pistol, engaging the longitudinally movable firing pin, and blocking the firing pin from moving into contact with a cartridge loaded in the chamber of the pistol. In another embodiment, the method further includes reinserting the magazine into the pistol, and disengaging the firing pin, and unblocking movement of the firing pin to contact the cartridge. 
   As the terms are used herein, the “front” of a pistol is defined as the barrel end and the “rear” of a pistol is defined as the handle or grip end. With the barrel positioned parallel to the ground, the term “top” in reference to the pistol is defined as the upper portion generally containing the aiming sight. The term “bottom” in reference to the pistol is defined as the lower portion generally containing the trigger. The “left side” of a pistol is defined as the side visible when the barrel points towards the left and the “right side” is the side visible when the barrel points to the right. Also as the terms may be used herein with respect to orientation using the pistol as a frame of reference to direction, “forward” indicates a direction towards the muzzle (front of barrel) end of the pistol and “rearward” indicates a direction towards the handle or grip end of the pistol. “Downwards” indicates a direction towards the bottom or underside of the pistol and “upwards” indicates a direction towards the top of the pistol opposite the bottom or underside. “Behind” indicates a location or position to the rear. 
   Although the preferred embodiment of a magazine disconnect mechanism is particularly suited for use with pistols that utilize centerfire-type ammunition, the preferred embodiment may be beneficially used in rimfire cartridge-type pistol applications as well. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The features of the preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings where like elements are labeled similarly, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a firearm in the form of a pistol having a magazine disconnect mechanism and in which a portion of the exterior of the pistol has been removed to reveal part of the mechanism; 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the pistol of  FIG. 1  with part of the exterior of the pistol removed to reveal the inner workings of the pistol; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a self-contained cartridge useable with the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the pistol of  FIG. 1  showing the housing and barrel unit; 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of the pistol of  FIG. 1  shown with the rear sight removed; 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of the firing pin blocking member of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6A  is a right side view of the firing pin blocking member of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6B  is a top view of the firing pin blocking member of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6C  is a perspective view of the firing pin blocking member of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of the barrel unit of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7A  is a rear perspective view of the barrel unit of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of the barrel unit of the pistol of  FIG. 1  taken along line  7 B- 7 B in  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a right side elevational cutaway view of the housing of the pistol of  FIG. 1  showing the magazine and ejector disembodied, and top portion of the magazine in a fully inserted position; 
       FIG. 9  is a top cutaway view of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a front cutaway view of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a right side elevational view of the housing of the pistol of  FIG. 1  showing the magazine and ejector disembodied, and top portion of the magazine in a partially removed position; 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the magazine of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a left side view of the rear sight of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 13A  is a top view of the rear sight of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a right side view of the firing pin of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 14A  is a top view of the firing pin of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 14B  is a front view of the firing pin of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a right side view of the ejector of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 15A  is a front view of the ejector of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 15B  is a top view of the ejector of the pistol of  FIG. 1 ; and 
       FIG. 15C  is a perspective view of the ejector of the pistol of  FIG. 1 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   A preferred embodiment of pistol having a magazine disconnect mechanism will now be described for convenience with reference to a centerfire-type pistol in the form of an auto-loading pistol as shown in the drawings that uses centerfire cartridges (i.e., primer located in center of base of cartridge). It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the magazine disconnect mechanism may be made that are suitable for use with other type autoloading pistols and the invention is not limited to the description of the preferred embodiment described herein. 
   Referring generally to  FIGS. 1-2 , a pistol  20  includes: a frame  26  having a trigger guard  28 , grip frame  40  and a hand grip  30  mounted thereon; an elongated housing such as slide  22  carried by frame  26 ; a barrel unit  24  defining chamber  48  in the slide to receive a cartridge  50 ; a firing pin  130  disposed in the slide and movable in a longitudinal rearward direction and forward longitudinal direction towards the chamber to strike a chambered cartridge; a magazine disconnect mechanism including a blocking member  400  and blocking member actuator such as ejector  420  which also functions to expel spent cartridges from pistol  20  after discharging the pistol; and a trigger assembly generally including a trigger  32 , trigger bar  70 , and hammer  34  mechanically linked together for operably coupled movement. 
   Grip frame  40  contains downwardly-open cavity  450  to removably and slidably receive a magazine  440  capable of holding and dispensing a plurality of cartridges  50  for automatic loading of pistol  20 . The magazine disconnect mechanism is operably associated with magazine  440  and activated by a pistol user&#39;s actions of inserting the magazine into and removing the magazine from pistol  20 , as explained below. 
   As shown in  FIG. 12 , magazine  440  includes a base  441  with a generally hollow rectangular tube  442  extending upwards from base  441  and which preferably has a top opening  449  through which cartridges  50  may be loaded. Magazine tube  442  has a rear wall  443  which in the preferred embodiment makes operable contact with ejector  420  to displace blocking member  400  in an upward direction. At the top of tube  442  in rear wall  443  is a notch  444  flanked on each side by an upward projection  445 ,  446  as shown. Upward projections  445 ,  446  may also make operable contact with ejector  420  when magazine  440  is inserted into pistol  20 . A spring-loaded follower  447  having a follower spring, diagrammatically represented by helical spring  448  for purposes of illustration, is housed and slidably movable inside tube  442 . Spring  448  may be any suitable type of spring. Follower  447  is biased in an upwards direction and dispenses cartridges  50  for automatic reloading of pistol  20 . Magazine  440  may be inserted and removed from grip frame cavity  450  as shown by directional arrow  452  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8 ) to fill and refill the magazine with cartridges  50 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7 ,  7 A, and  7 B, barrel unit  24  includes a barrel  42  having a barrel bore  44  and chamber block  46  at the rear end of barrel unit  24 . Chamber block  46  may be integral with barrel  42  or a separate component connected to barrel  42 . In one embodiment, barrel unit  24  is preferably disposed at least partially inside slide  22 . It will be noted that chamber block  46  may have any suitable overall size and three-dimensional shape (e.g., rectangular or square block, cylindrical, etc.) so long as the chamber block is capable of fitting inside slide  22 . In a preferred embodiment, chamber block  46  is rectangular in shape. Chamber block  46  may preferably, but not necessarily, have outside dimensions in cross-section that are larger than barrel  42 , as shown. 
   Chamber block  46  defines and includes a chamber  48  which in a preferred embodiment may be a cylindrical bore that is concentrically aligned with barrel bore  44 . Chamber  48  is sized and configured to receive and hold a cartridge  50 , which in one embodiment of pistol  20  may be loaded forward in pistol  20  from a magazine  440  in preparation for firing. After firing, the spent cartridge casing is extracted rearwards from chamber  48  and ejected from pistol  20 . 
   Barrel bore  44  and chamber  48  collectively define a longitudinal axis “LA” for pistol  20  including slide  22  that coincides with an axial centerline extending through bore  44  and chamber  48 . The term “longitudinal” as used herein indicates an orientation and/or a direction parallel to but not necessarily concentric with longitudinal axis LA. A transverse axis “TA” is defined perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. The term “transverse” as used herein indicates a direction parallel to the transverse axis TA. The term “lateral” as used herein indicates an orientation and/or direction parallel to the transverse axis TA and towards either side of pistol  20 . 
   A rearwardly-facing rear breech surface  92  surrounding chamber entrance  96  is provided. Rear breech surface  92  may include an upper rear projection  94  extending rearwardly in a longitudinal direction therefrom and disposed above chamber entrance  96 . Upper rear projection  94  serves to provide clearance space  160  between rear breech surface  92  and breech face  116  of slide  22  to accommodate annular rim  56  and extractor groove  58  of cartridge  50  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
   As best shown in  FIG. 3 , a cartridge  50  useable with the preferred embodiment may include a casing  52 , a projectile  53  disposed in casing  52 , a base  54 , an annular rim  56  at the base, and an extractor groove  58 . Headspace surface  55  at the top edge of casing  52  is stepped in shape and corresponds with a mating step-shaped headspacer  41  in chamber  48  to stop cartridge  50  in a fully-seated position when loaded in chamber  48  (see  FIG. 2 ). Cartridge base  54  may have a primer cup  51  disposed in the center of base  54  which contains the primer material in the case of a centerfire-type cartridge. The primer cup is struck by firing pin  130  to discharge pistol  20 . Depending on the specific type of cartridge being used, rim  56  may have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of casing  52  (reduced or rebated rim cartridge), the same size (rimless cartridge), or larger (rimmed cartridge). 
   Referring generally to  FIGS. 1-2 , and with specific emphasis on  FIGS. 4-5 , slide  22  has a front end  117  (barrel end) and a rear end  119  (hammer end). In one embodiment, slide  22  may be slidably mounted on frame  26  via a rail system (not shown) and is biased in a forward direction preferably by a recoil spring  158 . Slide  22  slidably reciprocates in a forward and rearward axial direction in response to recoil forces developed in discharging pistol  20  and the spring return force. During its rearward motion, slide  22  permits a spent cartridge casing  52  (i.e., after discharging pistol  20 ) to be ejected and a new cartridge  50  to be uploaded from the magazine. A new cartridge  50  is loaded into the chamber by slide  22  during its forward return motion. 
   Slide  22  may be partially hollow in structure and include a plurality of external surfaces  100  and internal surfaces  102 . In the forward portion of slide  22 , internal surfaces  102  define a downwardly-open forward internal cavity  104  to house at least a part of barrel unit  24  which is in operational relationship with slide  22 . Preferably, barrel unit  24  is slidably received in slide  22  such that slide  22  and barrel unit  24  may move independently from each other for purposes to be explained below in conjunction with the operation of pistol  20 . The rear portion of slide  22  contains a forwardly-facing breech face  116  which abuts and supports base  54  of cartridge  50  when the cartridge is loaded in chamber  48 . Breech face  116  may have a breech face notch  118  which receives upper rear projection  94  projecting rearwardly from chamber block  46  and above chamber  48 , as described above. In conjunction with upper rear projection  94 , breech notch  118  serves to close up the area to the rear of chamber  48  when chamber block  46  is positioned in ejector port  112  such as when a cartridge is fully chambered and readied for firing. 
   Slide  22  may further include an external top surface  110 , which constitutes part of slide external surfaces  100 , and may extend substantially along the entire length of slide  22 . A generally flat and wide horizontal landing surface  108  may be provided near the rear of top surface  110  to mount rear sight  38  on slide  22 . An ejector port  112  may also be provided which extends laterally and downwardly through slide  22 , and opening into internal cavity  104 . When pistol  20  is in the ready position for firing with cartridge  50  loaded in chamber  48  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ), chamber  48  is visible through and substantially blocks ejector port  112 . When slide  22  is forced rearwards by firing pistol  20 , ejector port  112  moves beyond chamber  48  and opens allowing a spent cartridge casing to be ejected through port  112 . 
   Slide  22  further includes a firing pin cavity  106  configured to receive firing pin  130 . In one embodiment, firing pin cavity  106  preferably is concentrically aligned with and shares longitudinal axis LA and a common centerline passing through the centerline of chamber  48  and bore  44 . When cartridge  50  is loaded in chamber  48 , this aligns firing pin  130  to strike the center of cartridge base  54  where the primer cup  51  is located to discharge pistol  20  (see  FIG. 3 ). Firing pin cavity  106  preferably matches the shape of firing pin  130 , and in one embodiment as shown may include several adjoining cavities having different internal diameters to accommodate the shape of firing pin  130 . The rear of firing pin cavity  106  is open to allow rear hammer end  241  of firing pin  130  (see  FIG. 14 ) to be positioned for being struck by hammer  34  to discharge pistol  20 . The front of firing pin cavity  106  has an opening  355  (see  FIG. 4 ) which allows striking end  240  of firing pin  130  to be protruded outwards from cavity  106  to contact cartridge  50  when struck by hammer  34 . 
   Referring specifically to  FIGS. 14-14B , firing pin  130  includes front cartridge-striking end  240 , preferably culminating in a tip to strike primer cup  51  of cartridge  50 , and a rear hammer end  241 . In one embodiment as shown, the front portion of firing pin  130  has a generally tapered, cylindrical section  242  transitioning into striking end  240 . Rear of cylindrical section  242  is a preferably enlarged section  243  containing top surface  250  which includes upwardly-extending protrusion  247  rising therefrom. Protrusion  247  has a forward-facing vertical surface  248  configured and sized for abutting contact with rearward-facing surface  406  of blocking member  400  to prevent forward movement of firing pin  130 . Preferably, vertical surface  248  is shaped cooperatively with blocking member surface  406  to produce a positive blocking relationship firing pin  130  and blocking member  400 . In one embodiment, vertical surface  248  may be substantially flat as shown, but other suitable configurations are possible so long as vertical surface  248  positively engages blocking member  400  to arrest forward movement of firing pin  130 . Top surface  250  of firing pin  130  may have a laterally-extending undercuts  249   a ,  249   b  at the base of and immediately forward and rearward of protrusion  247 , as shown. 
   Firing pin  130 , preferably disposed in firing pin cavity  106  of slide  22  as noted above, may be biased by a spring  170  in a rearward direction opposite chamber  48 . In one embodiment, spring  170  is a helical spring which is preferably coiled around cylindrical section  242  (see  FIG. 2 ). Firing pin  130  preferably has a longitudinally reciprocating forward stroke and rearward motion (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8  directional arrow  451 ), and is mechanically actuated by trigger  32 . Hammer  34  is operably linked to trigger  32  by a pivoting sear (not shown) that is engaged by trigger bar  70  and holds the hammer in a cocked rearward position, as shown in  FIG. 2 . Trigger bar  70  is preferably slidably received in frame  26  and capable of a reciprocating forward/backward longitudinal axial movement with respect to the frame. In general, pulling trigger  32  pivots the sear and releases hammer  34  which moves or falls forward from the ready-to-fire position (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) to strike the rear of firing pin  130 . Firing pin  130  is forced forward through firing pin cavity  106  against the spring force of spring  170  and strikes the cartridge primer cup  51  to set off the charge and discharge pistol  20 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 6-6C , pistol  20  includes a blocking member  400  operably associated with the magazine disconnect mechanism. Blocking member  400  preferably is moveable in position into and out of engagement with firing pin  130  in response to the absence or presence of magazine  440  in the pistol  20 . More specifically in one embodiment, blocking member  400  is actuated by ejector  420  which is positioned to be operably engaged by magazine  440  in response to insertion and removal of the magazine from pistol  20 . 
   In the preferred embodiment, blocking member  400  is movable from a first position disengaged from firing pin  130  when magazine  440  is present and inserted in pistol  20  (as shown in  FIG. 8 ), to a second position engaged with firing pin  130  when magazine  440  is absent and removed from pistol  20  (as shown in  FIG. 11 ). The first position may be equated with a “non-blocking” or “ready-to-fire” position of blocking member  400  because firing pin  130  is freely movable in response to a strike by hammer  34 . The second position may be equated with a “blocking” or “safe” position because full forward motion of firing pin  130  needed to strike cartridge  50  and discharge pistol  20  is blocked by blocking member  400 . Preferably, when mounted in pistol  20 , blocking member  400  in one embodiment is vertically movable between the first and second positions. In the preferred embodiment, blocking member  400  is configured and arranged to engage protrusion  247  on the top of firing pin  130 , thereby arresting or blocking the forward movement of firing pin  130  to preferably prevent the firing pin from striking the cartridge and discharging the pistol. 
   With continuing reference to  FIGS. 6-6C , magazine disconnect blocking member  400  preferably includes a mounting portion in the form of a generally cylindrical shaft  401  and a firing pin engagement portion in the form of substantially planar flange  405  preferably disposed perpendicular to the shaft and laterally extending therefrom. When mounted in pistol  20 , shaft  401  is preferably oriented in a vertical direction, and positioned proximate and lateral to the firing pin  130  so that flange  405  extends laterally over firing pin  130  to engage upwardly-extending protrusion  247  on the top of firing pin  130 . 
   Flange  405  may have a free end  408  distal to mounting shaft  401  and an opposite end  409  proximate to shaft  401 . Flange  405  preferably includes a substantially flat rearward-facing surface  406  to contact and blockingly engage forward-facing surface  248  on upwardly-extending protrusion  247  of firing pin  130 . If firing pin  130  attempts to move in a forward direction to strike cartridge  50  when blocking member  400  is in the second position engaged with firing pin  130 , mutual contact between surfaces  406  and  248  blocks the forward movement of the firing pin short of striking the cartridge. 
   Shaft  401  may be slidably received in vertically-oriented cylindrical hole  410  disposed in slide  22  as shown in  FIG. 5 , and preferably is capable of upward and downward reciprocating vertical motion inside hole  410  such that blocking member  400  may move like a piston within the hole. Hole  410  is preferably disposed in landing surface  108  on top surface  110  of slide  22 . A cutout  411  is further provided which opens down into the firing pin cavity  106  in slide  22  to allow blocking member flange  405  to operably engage firing pin  130 . Cutout  411  is sufficiently sized and configured to receive and accommodate the size and shape of flange  405 . In one embodiment as shown, hole  410  is preferably positioned in slide  22  offset from the centerline of firing pin cavity  106 , but proximate to firing pin cavity  106  such that flange  405  is positioned close enough to engage firing pin  130 . When shaft  401  is located in hole  410  of slide  22 , flange  405  is preferably oriented to extend in a lateral direction towards firing pin  130 . Also preferably, hole  410  has an open bottom such that at least part of shaft  401  may be projected downwards beyond the hole to be operably engaged by ejector  420 . Flange  405  which makes abutting contact with the top surface of slide  22  beyond the perimeter of hole  410  and the extent to which shaft  401  projects beyond and below hole  410  may be regulated by selecting an appropriate length for shaft  401 . 
   A cylindrical recess  404 , which preferably opens through flange  405 , may be provided in shaft  401  to receive a biasing member such as helical spring  407  (see  FIG. 6 ). When blocking member  400  is mounted in pistol  20 , spring  407  biases blocking member  400  in a downward direction into blocking engagement with firing pin  130  (see  FIG. 1 ). Spring  407 , through contact with ejector  420  as shown in  FIG. 11 , also urges ejector  420  downwards when magazine  440  is not present in grip frame  40 . When mounted in pistol  20 , spring  407  may be trapped in slide  22  by the bottom surface  144  of rear sight  38  (see  FIG. 13 ) when sight  38  is installed on slide landing surface  108  (see  FIG. 2 ). Preferably, spring  407  may contact bottom surface  144  of rear sight  38  directly. 
   Blocking member shaft  401  may have a step  402  along its length if required to avoid interference with various other internal pistol components. The bottom  412  of shaft  401  also preferably includes a downwardly inclined angled surface  403  which faces in a forward direction, for reasons discussed below after description of ejector  420 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 15-15C , a blocking member actuator such as ejector  420  in the preferred embodiment may be a flat rectangular plate having a somewhat elongated main body  423  with various appurtenances. Ejector  420  includes a lower rolled portion  421  defining a circular opening  422  to receive pin  428  for pivotal pinned attachment transversely in grip frame  40 . Accordingly, pivot pin  428  defines a pivot point for ejector  420 . The upper portion of main body  423  includes a forwardly-extending elongate lever arm  424  sized and configured to contact the bottom of blocking member  400  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 8 and 11 ). Lever arm  424  is preferably offset to one of the left or right sides  425 ,  426  respectively of ejector  420 . In one embodiment, lever arm  424  is offset towards left side  425  to coincide in position with the preferred location of blocking member  400  in slide  22 . Lever arm  424  may be disposed at an angle  427  formed between lever arm  424  and main body  423 . Preferably, angle  427  is selected so that lever arm  424  is oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of pistol  20  when magazine  440  is inserted so that lever arm  424  squarely contacts the bottom  412  of blocking member  400 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . In one embodiment, angle  427  is preferably about 75 degrees. Lever arm  424  preferably has a curved transition portion  429  as shown in  FIG. 15  to provide smooth movable engagement with blocking member  400 , as explained below. 
   Ejector  420  is preferably mounted to and positioned in grip frame  40  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Ejector  420  may have a generally inclined vertical orientation as mounted in the preferred embodiment. Preferably, ejector  420  is pivotally and arcuately movable in a forward and rearward direction (clockwise and counter-clockwise about pin  428  respectively, with reference to orientations shown in  FIGS. 8 and 11 ), as shown by directional arrow  453 . 
   Ejector  420 , which preferably serves as an actuator for blocking member  400 , controls the position and movement of blocking member  400 . Preferably, ejector  420  is activated and movable both in response to contact by magazine  440  when magazine  440  is inserted into grip frame  40  of pistol  20 , and in response to breaking contact with magazine  440  when the magazine is removed from grip frame  40 . Accordingly, as shown by directional arrow  453 , ejector  420  may move in two opposite directions with the direction depending on whether magazine  440  is being inserted or removed from pistol  20 . When magazine  440  is inserted into, the magazine abuttingly contacts and rotates ejector  420  in a rearward and upward direction. When fully seated in grip frame  40 , magazine  440  supports and holds ejector  420  in an upper position. When magazine  440  is removed from pistol  20 , contact is broken between the magazine and ejector  420 . The now unsupported ejector  420  moves forward and downward to a lower position. 
   Ejector  420  may be biased upwards and rearwards in a counter-clockwise direction (when viewed as in  FIGS. 8 and 11 ) by a biasing member such as spring  460  that facilitates ejecting a spent cartridge from pistol  20 . Conversely, biasing spring  407  biases blocking member  400  downwards in the preferred embodiment opposing the upwardly-urged ejector  420 . Accordingly, the spring force (k) of blocking member spring  407  is preferably selected to overcome the spring force (k) of the ejector spring so that ejector  420  may be displaced downwards by spring-biased blocking member  400  when magazine  440  has been removed from pistol  20  and ejector  420  is no longer vertically supported by the magazine. 
   Although in the preferred embodiment the ejector  420  has a generally flat and rectangular shape, it will be appreciated that other suitable shapes are possible so long as the ejector is configured to operably engage and move blocking member  400  into and out of engagement with the firing pin  130  in response to inserting and removing magazine  440  into and from pistol  20 . 
   It should be noted that although the ejector preferably serves as the blocking member actuator in the preferred embodiment, a separate blocking member actuator may be provided and is contemplated. Accordingly, the invention is not limited in that regard. 
   When pistol  20  is discharged, ejector  420  remains relatively stationary in longitudinal position within pistol  20 , while blocking member  400  travels an appreciable distance along the longitudinal axis by contrast. The interaction between these two components after a cartridge is discharged will be briefly described to clarify the function of features previously described for each. 
   When pistol  20  is discharged, recoil forces cause slide  22  carrying blocking member  400  mounted therein to slidably travel rearward in a guided fashion on frame  26  via a rail system (not shown). Contact is broken between blocking member  400  and ejector  420 , thereby causing blocking member  400  to move downwards and assume a blocking position (i.e., the second position note above) wherein firing pin  130  is engaged by the blocking member (see position shown in  FIG. 11 ). By contrast, ejector  420 , being pivotally connected to grip frame  40  as described below, remains stationary in longitudinal position and forward of blocking member  400 . When slide  22  is returned forward by the urging effect of recoil spring  170 , the front of blocking member shaft  401  rapidly contacts the rear of lever arm  424  on ejector  420  with appreciable force, thereby forcing blocking member  400  back upwards into its first position wherein blocking member  400  is disengaged from firing pin  130 . Forward facing angled surface  403  facilitates smooth and gradual contact between blocking member  400  and ejector  420  to prevent binding of slide  22  during its forward return motion. Curved portion  429  on ejector lever arm  424  also facilitates smooth contact with blocking member  400  during its forward return motion and re-engagement with ejector  420 . 
   With reference now to  FIGS. 13 and 13A , rear sight  38  is preferably mounted to horizontal landing surface  108  in top surface  110  of slide  22  (see  FIG. 2 ). Rear sight  38  has a top surface  142 , bottom surface  144 , rear end  145 , and a front sloping surface  146 . The intersection of surfaces  144  and  146  define a leading edge  148 . When rear sight  38  is mounted in pistol  20  as shown in  FIG. 2 , bottom surface  144  contacts spring  407  directly if a plunger is not provided. Rear sight  38  further includes a top sighting surface  143  which in one embodiment is preferably recessed below spaced-apart peak surfaces  147  at the rear of sight  38 . Preferably, rear sight  38  may be primarily mounted to landing surface  108  of slide  22  via a press-fit dovetail. A threaded fastener (not shown) is insertable through threaded fastener hole  141  in rear sight  38  which abuts landing surface  108  as added security. 
   Operation of the magazine disconnect mechanism of pistol  20  will now be described with primary reference to  FIGS. 8-11 . 
     FIG. 8  depicts blocking member  400  in the first (non-blocking) position or “ready-to-fire” position. Blocking member  400  is not engaged with firing pin  130  which is free to move fully forward in response to a hammer  34  strike. This allows firing pin  130  to strike a chambered cartridge  50 , thereby discharging pistol  20 . Magazine  440  is shown fully inserted in grip frame  40  and positioned to dispense cartridges to pistol  20  as needed. Ejector  420  is in contact with and vertically supported by rear wall  443  of magazine  440  which holds the ejector upwards against the downward urging force produced by blocking member spring  407 . Ejector  420  is in a first rearward and upper position. Lever arm  424  on ejector  420  is in contact with bottom  412  of blocking member shaft  401  which holds blocking member  400  upwards in the first position (see  FIG. 8 ). 
   As shown in  FIG. 9  (a top view taken from  FIG. 8  wherein rear sight  38  has been removed to clearly show the components below), blocking member flange  405  extends laterally from blocking member mounting shaft  401  over firing pin  130 . In the first position shown in  FIG. 9 , flange  405  is positioned above firing pin  130  so that blocking member  400  does not engage firing pin  130 . Ejector lever arm  424  is positioned below blocking member mounting shaft  401  on the left side of firing pin  130 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 11  which depicts blocking member  400  in the second (blocking) or “safe” position, magazine  440  has been removed from pistol  20 . Without magazine  440  present to support and hold ejector  420  upwards in the first rearward position noted above, ejector  420  is moved pivotally forward and downward to a second forward position (as shown) by blocking member  400  which is urged downwards by spring  407 . Blocking member  400  is engaged with firing pin  130  which is blocked from moving forward a sufficient distance to strike cartridge  50  as needed to discharge pistol  20 . This results from vertical contact surface  406  on blocking member flange  405  of blocking member  400  engaging corresponding vertical contact surface  248  on upward protrusion  247  of firing pin  130 . 
   It should be noted that there is no requirement that firing pin surface  248  be in direct and abutting contact with opposing blocking member surface  406  in order to establish an effective blocking relationship between firing pin block  260  and firing pin  130 . Accordingly, a small distance or gap “G 1 ” (as shown in  FIG. 9 ) between contact surface  248  of firing pin  130  and contact surface  406  of blocking member  400  is permissible, as is some limited forward travel of firing pin  130 , provided that firing pin  130  cannot ultimately reach and strike cartridge  50  before these contact surfaces are stoppingly engaged with each other. 
   When magazine  440  is reinserted into grip frame  40  of pistol  20 , the rear magazine wall  443  contacts ejector  420  to move the ejector upwards back to it first rearward position, as shown in  FIG. 8 . Concomitantly, ejector  420  contacts and pushes blocking member  400  back to its first unblocking position also shown in  FIG. 8 , wherein blocking member  400  is disengaged from firing pin  130  which is free to move forward to contact cartridge  50  and discharge pistol  20 . 
   While the foregoing description and drawings represent the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments.