Patent ID: 12253334

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For convenience of description, the embodiments described in this section of the disclosure are configured for use on a conventional pistol slide, but deployment of sighting systems may be similarly configured for other types of projectile launching devices and/or for use on other components of a projectile launching device, for example a frame, a receiver, or an accessory rail.FIGS.1-8depict an example of such a slide, and the following descriptions of slide elements and configurations, arrangements, and orientations of slide elements are made with respect to that example, even where not expressly addressed to that slide. Other embodiments of slides, receivers, frames, and/or rails may, and likely will, have differences in elements and configuration, arrangement, and/or orientation of elements yet still be within the scope of one or more of the claims.

With respect to the slide embodiment shown inFIGS.1-8, a longitudinal direction extends in the direction of the length of the slide, so that cross-section planes4-4,5-5, and6-6shown inFIG.2all extend along a longitudinal direction, with the longitudinal axis lying in cross-section planes4-4. Cross-section planes7-7and8-8in contrast extend laterally to the longitudinal direction, in this case perpendicularly.

As shown inFIGS.1-8, slide100comprises front sight receiver110and rear sight receiver120separated longitudinally. Front sight receiver110comprises a dovetail slot extending orthogonally to the longitudinal direction. Rear sight receiver120comprises front wall130, first rear sight receiver floor140, back wall150, and second rear sight receiver floor160. In this example, the front sight receiver and the rear sight receiver are formed in the slide, but in other embodiments each or either may be formed in a separate component attachable (e.g., using fastening means) or bondable (e.g., using high-tack adhesive or welding) to the slide. However, forming a sight receiver directly into a frame, receiver, or slide typically will be advantageous for at least having the sighting line of the sighting component using that sight receiver closer to the path at which a projectile is ejected from the projectile launching device.

Front sight receiver110and rear sight receiver120each have generally planar surfaces forming floors. With the slide mounted to a pistol held in normal operating orientation, the normal to the front sight receiver floor115and the normal to rear sight receiver floors140and160would each be oriented vertically. Each, all, or some combination of floors115,140, and160, however, may be non-planar and/or oriented differently. For example, any of the floors may be curvate or multifaceted, and/or be tilted front, back, to a side, or a combination thereof.

In the depicted embodiment, front wall130is curved and generally oriented transverse to the longitudinal direction. As discussed below with respect to the embodiment depicted inFIGS.25-29, in the depicted embodiment the curvature of front wall130is formed to be complementary to the front of the base of a sighting component comprising an integral base. Other shapes and sizes of front wall130may be used, however, but preferably are selected to complement the various bases that are going to be used in a particular sighting system. For example, a front wall may be planar, or formed with two or more planar wall sections joined laterally across the slide, or formed with a combination of planar and curvate elements.

The embodiment depicted inFIGS.1-8comprises back wall150, which separates first rear sight receiver floor140from second rear sight receiver floor160. In the depicted embodiment, back wall150is planar and extends laterally across the slide, but as with front wall130, other shapes and/or orientations may be used. Although optional, the use of rear wall150is preferred so as to facilitate attachment and stabilization of a base to the slide, preferably limiting longitudinal translation and/or rotation of a base with respect to the sight receiver. In some embodiments, as discussed below, second rear sight receiver floor160may support an sighting component additional to any sighting components attached directly or indirectly to first sight receiver floor140.

In the depicted embodiment, the normals to front wall130and back wall150are generally parallel to the plane of first rear sight receiver floor140. In other embodiments, however, different orientations of either or both of the walls may be advantageous. For example, in some embodiments it may be preferred to have front wall130lean backwards, or back wall150lean forwards, so as to cooperate with a complimentarily oriented wall of a base for attachment of that base to the slide and limit vertical movement of the base with respect to the sight receiver.

In this embodiment, rear sight receiver120employs several means to attach and/or stabilize a base. For example, this embodiment comprises a first slot135disposed on one side of front wall130and a second slot135disposed on the other side of front wall130. Each slot135forms a section of a cylinder cut into front wall130above first rear sight receiver floor140. This configuration, arrangement, and orientation of slots135is preferred, as it provides stabilization of the base on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the slide. In addition, in this embodiment the tool used to cut slots135in front wall130is elevated above first rear sight receiver floor140, thus avoiding tool marks on that floor incurred during the machining of slots135. Also, slots135may be machined in this configuration with a simple keyway cutting tool. In this embodiment, raising slots135above first rear sight receiver floor140also provides a means for tightening a base in the rear sight receiver, as discussed more fully below with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS.15-19. Alternatively, other means of forming a recess in front wall130, for example EDM, laser, MIM, or 3D printing, may be used. Other shapes and numbers of recesses may also be used. For example, in an embodiment comprising two or more planar wall sections joined laterally across the slide, each wall section may comprise a recess, for example having a full or partial cuboid shape. In other embodiments, one or more recesses may have tapered upper and lower walls, or be made with cylindrical or conical (full or partial) borings. Alternatively, a front wall may comprise plural recesses, each having a different shape. Preferably however the shape of the recesses will be complementary to the shape of protrusions formed on a base configured to be attached to the rear sight receiver. In yet other embodiments, protrusions may be disposed on a front wall and configured to engage recesses on a base.

As depicted inFIGS.1-8, rear sight receiver120comprises mortise144formed in the first rear receiver floor140. As discussed below, in some embodiments mortise144receives a tenon when the base is assembled to the sight receiver, and thus along with the tenon forming interfitting structures as a means to at least partially restrain or retain the base and the sight receiver in longitudinal alignment and lateral alignment when assembled together, with each of the mortise and the tenon being longitudinally oriented. In this embodiment, mortise144extends longitudinally, but other orientations may be used. For example, a mortise may be formed extending laterally across the slide. Plural mortises, or one or more recesses having different shapes, may also be used. For example, first rear sight receiver floor140may comprise plural keyways, borings, tappings, or other recesses all oriented in a longitudinal direction, and configured to receive keys, pins, threadings, or other protrusions attached, attachable, or integral with a base. Alternatively, instead of a tenon or other recesses, sight receiver floor120may be configured with a tenon or other projection, configured, arranged, and oriented to form interfitting parts with recesses disposed on a base. Other embodiments may have a sight receiver and a base both comprising longitudinally arranged or arrayed protrusion and configured to form interfitting parts with separate male means, such as pins, keys, or splines. In yet other embodiments, a sight receiver may comprise both a recess and a protrusion, longitudinally arrayed, and configured, arranged, and oriented to interfit with at least one longitudinally arrayed protrusion and/or a recess on a base.

This embodiment uses plural tapped borings in the attachment of a base to the slide. As shown inFIGS.1-8, a pair of tapped borings146are disposed in first rear sight receiver floor140, one on each side of the longitudinal axis of the slide. In this embodiment, a single tapped boring166is disposed on second rear sight receiver floor160. Each of these borings in this embodiment are generally perpendicular to the respective floors on which they are disposed. In other embodiments, however, it may be advantageous to have more or fewer tapped borings, which may be configured, arranged, and/or oriented in other ways. Preferably, the number, configuration, arrangement, and orientation of tapped borings will be selected to enhance the attachment and stabilization of bases to be used in particular embodiments.

FIGS.1-8also depict plural pin holes148. In this embodiment, a pin hole148is disposed in first rear sight receiver floor140on each side of the central longitudinal axis of the slide. Each pin hole148comprises a cylindrical boring into the slide that is substantially perpendicular to first rear sight floor140. Although pin holes148are useful to provide lateral, longitudinal, and rotational stability of a base with respect to the slide, the use of pin holes is optional. As with the tapped borings, however, in other embodiments it may be advantageous to have more or fewer pin holes, which may be configured, arranged, and/or oriented in other ways, or even no pin holes. For example, an embodiment may use plural sets of pinholes, some of which may be cylindrical borings, some of which may be keyways (e.g., for rectangular, square, parallel sunk, gib-head, feather, Woodruff, or Scotch keys), and/or some of which may be fully or partially conical, each configured to interfit with a corresponding type of pin, such as cylindrical (having ends with the same or different diameters), key shaped, or full or partial conical shaped. Preferably, the number, configuration, orientation, and/or arrangement of pin holes will be selected to enhance the attachment and stabilization of bases to be used in particular embodiments.

FIGS.9-14depict a front sight system embodiment used for the descriptions in this disclosure. Other embodiments of front sight systems may, and likely will, have differences in elements and configuration, arrangement, and/or orientation of elements, yet still be within the scope of one or more of the claims. InFIGS.9-14, front sight200comprises base210and sighting component250.

In this embodiment, base210comprises dovetail key240. Dovetail key240comprises dovetail bevels244disposed lateral sides of the key, and dovetail key bottom248. Dovetail key240, bevels244, and bottom248are sized and arranged complementary to front sight receiver110. In some deployments of this embodiment, dovetail key240is impacted into front sight receiver110and held in place by a releasable adhesive, with or without the use of a set screw. Other embodiments, however, may use alternative means to attach a front sight base to a front sight receiver. For example, a front sight receiver may configured as a boring, with a front sight base comprising a threaded protrusion extended through the boring and held in place by a complementary threaded fastener, such as a nut. In yet other embodiments, a front sight base may be held in a front sight receiver by force applied by one or more set screws or similar devices. In still other embodiments, a ball detent or other form of resilient catching means may be used.

Front sight base210, in this embodiment, uses additional elements to attach front sighting component250and retain it in alignment. For example, the depicted embodiment comprises pedestal220disposed on pedestal rim230above dovetail key240. Pedestal220comprises top surface222and perimeter surface224. Boring226extends longitudinally through pedestal220, and has countersink tapers228at each end. Pedestal rim230comprises flat surface234and perimeter surface238. Pedestal rim230is sized such that flat surface234provides a “shelf” like structure around the bottom of pedestal220. Pedestal220and pedestal rim230are each elongated and oriented in the longitudinal direction.

Sighting component250, in this embodiment, comprises base housing255. As depicted, housing255is configured complementary to pedestal220and pedestal rim230to provide interfitting of those components, thus enhancing the attachment and stabilization of the sighting component to the base. For example, base housing255comprises upper cavity260and lower cavity266. Upper cavity260comprises top wall261and side wall262, which respectively are sized and configured to match pedestal top surface222and pedestal perimeter surface224. Thus, upper cavity260and lower cavity266are each elongated and longitudinally oriented, forming interfitting parts with pedestal220and pedestal rim230respectively, and thusly providing means to at least partially restrain or retain base210and sighting component250in longitudinal alignment and lateral alignment when assembled together.

Lower cavity266, in this embodiment, comprises shoulder surface264and side wall268, which respectively are sized and configured to match pedestal rim flat surface234and pedestal rim perimeter surface238. Housing255also comprises, as shown, tapped boring280oriented longitudinally. Tapped boring280receives set screw282, which comprises drive means284(in this case a hex recess) and taper286, which is disposed on the opposite end of set screw282from drive means284.

As depicted inFIGS.9-14, sighting component250comprises blade270disposed above housing255. In this embodiment, a blade is used, but other embodiments may use different structural arrangements, for example a post, a ring, cross, notch, or similar sighting aide. As shown, blade270is elongated in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, optic fiber271is used as a perceptual aide, but other embodiments may use aides such as a radio luminescent source (e.g., a tritium vial) or reflecting paint or tape, or no aide at all.

When the depicted embodiment is assembled, front base210is attached tightly to front sight receiver110, and sighting component250is firmly attached to front base210and securely restrained in longitudinal alignment. Upper cavity260and its component walls261and262fit closely to pedestal220and its component surfaces222and224, respectively. Similarly, lower cavity266and its component wall268and shoulder surface264fit closely to pedestal rim230and its component surfaces238and234, respectively. When tightened, set screw countersink taper286closely engages taper228in boring226, thereby enhancing attachment and retention of sighting component250to front base210in longitudinal, lateral, upper, and lower directions.

As depicted, the rounded cuboid shapes of pedestal220, pedestal rim230, upper cavity260, and lower cavity266, are preferred, but other configurations may be used. For example, instead of interfitting rounded cuboid forms, the forms may generally take many other complimentary or compatible interfitting forms, such as other prism shapes (e.g., triangular, hexagonal, octagonal), cylindrical shapes, full or partial conical shapes, or semi-spherical shapes. Similarly, complementary pedestal rim flat surface234and lower cavity shoulder surface264are preferably planar and orthogonal to the adjacent walls and surfaces, but other configurations, arrangements, and/or orientations may be used in other embodiments. For example complementary shoulder surfaces may be tapered with respect to the adjacent walls and surfaces, may be curvate instead of flat, or may extend partially or intermittently around a base. In yet other embodiments, additional stabilizing and restraining means may be used, for example using complementary and compatible keys and keyways oriented around the base, which may be oriented vertically, longitudinally, laterally, or curvately.

As shown, front sight200uses set screw282, boring262, and compatible beveled or countersunk elements284and244to attach and restrain sighting component250to base210. In alternate embodiments, however, another set screw may be used at the opposite end of boring226to increase retention. Alternatively, fastening means may be located and/or oriented in other or additional places. For example, a screw may be deployed obliquely through a sight component into a base, a pin may be disposed through both a sight component and a base (e.g., extending longitudinally, transversely, or obliquely), or a releasable adhesive may be used. In addition, interfitting structures may be used in addition to or instead of other fasteners. For example, an inwardly leaning wall inside a sight component housing may engage an outwardly leaning wall of a base to aide attachment and stabilization. In yet other embodiments, compatible dovetails may be deployed in the base and sighting component.

The embodiment of a sight system depicted inFIGS.15-19comprises base310and sighting component340configured, arranged, and oriented for use as a rear sight system for slide100depicted inFIGS.1-9and described above. In the depicted embodiment, the sight system is configured as a rear fixed notch iron sight for use with the blade front sight embodiment depicted inFIGS.9-14.

As illustrated, base310comprises rear base body320. Depicted rear base body320comprises front face322, first bottom surface324, rear face326, and second bottom surface328, which respectively are configured to be compatible and complementary with front wall130, first rear sight receiver floor140, back wall150, and second rear sight receiver floor160, of slide100. Bevel surface332, however, meets front face322and first bottom surface324at obtuse angles, so that the lower portion of front wall130and the front portion of first rear sight receiver floor140have no directly adjacent counterparts on rear base body320. Nevertheless, substantial portions rear base body320match corresponding portions of rear sight receiver120, which is sufficient to render those parts interfitting. Thus, front face322has curvature and orientation substantially similar to front wall130, first bottom surface324and second bottom surface328have substantially planar surfaces similar to first rear sight receiver floor140and second rear sight receiver floor160, and rear face326is substantially planar similar to back wall150. Similarly as described above with respect to rear sight receiver120, though, front face322, first bottom surface324, rear face326, and second bottom surface328may have different shapes, configurations, arrangements, and/or orientations, but preferably the surfaces on a base body and the surfaces on a sight receiver that are closely adjacent will be compatible and complementary. Preferably, the tolerances of the interface of front face322to front wall130and the interface of rear face326to back wall150are tight enough to substantially reduce or eliminate longitudinal translation and rotation of rear base310with respect to rear sight receiver120.

As illustrated, rear base body320comprises dovetail slot336sized, arranged, and oriented to accommodate dovetail key346on sighting component body342of sighting component340. Preferably, dovetail key346is impacted into dovetail slot336and held in place by a releasable adhesive. Optionally, a set screw may be used to augment or provide retention of sighting component body342in place on rear base body320, for example similar to screw745depicted inFIGS.38B and39A. Other embodiments, however, may be configured, arranged, and/or oriented in other ways, for example as discussed above with respect to front sight receiver110and front sight base210. In this embodiment, sighting component body342is configured as a fixed iron sight comprising sighting notch344, with dimensions compatible with the height and width of front sight200and the ballistics of the projectile launching device. Other embodiments, however, may use different iron sights or optic sights suitable for the size, arrangement, and orientation of the projectile launching device, the sight receiver, and the sight base.

Rear base body320depicted inFIGS.15-19also comprises a pair of juts330protruding from front face322. Juts330are disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, in locations corresponding to slots135in front wall130of slide100when base310is fully installed (as described later). In addition, each of juts330is sized to be accommodated in the corresponding slot135. Thus, when rear base310is installed and attached to rear sight receiver120, a substantial portion of each jut330will be disposed in corresponding slot135. As depicted, the lower surface of each jut330is a continuation of bevel surface332, but either or both of juts330may be located higher on front face322such that there is a discontinuity between the lower surface of the juts and the bevel surface. As discussed above with respect to slots135, juts330or other protrusions may be configured, arranged, and/or oriented in other ways, but preferably so that each protrusion is compatible and complementary with its corresponding recess (e.g., slot135) when base310is fully installed (as described later). Alternatively, front face322may be configured with recesses corresponding to protrusions on front wall130.

In the depicted embodiment, rear base body320also comprises tenon334. The depicted tenon334forms a rounded cuboid elongated along the longitudinal direction and centered in the middle of rear base body320. In this embodiment, tenon334is sized, located, and oriented to be compatible and complementary with mortise144of rear sight receiver120when base310is installed in rear sight receiver120. Preferably, the sizing tolerances of tenon334and mortise144are tight enough to substantially reduce any lateral translation and any rotation of rear base310with respect to rear sight receiver120. Preferably the length of tenon334closely matches the length of mortise144to further reduce any longitudinal translation of the parts, but this tolerance may readily be compensated by the interface of front face322to front wall130, along with the interface of rear face326to back wall150. Preferably, the height of tenon334closely matches the depth of mortise144, but in applications where vibration may be a concern, the height of tenon334may be less than the depth of mortise144so as to accommodate a dampening agent (such as grease, foam, or an elastomeric compound) to fill the void between the bottom of mortise144in the bottom of tenon334when base310is assembled with sight receiver120. As an alternative to having tenon334integral with rear base body320, a tenon may be formed as a separate, independent element, with corresponding mortises machined in both rear sight receiver120and rear base body320. In this embodiment, tenon334and mortise144are interfitting structures forming means to at least partially restrain or retain base310and sight receiver120in longitudinal alignment and lateral alignment when assembled together, with tenon334and mortise144being longitudinally oriented.

FIGS.15-19depict rear base body320as comprising borings337. Borings337in this embodiment are sized to receive the shanks of screws395without interference. In turn, the shank threads of screw395are sized and threaded complementary to the size and threads of tapped hole146in rear sight receiver120. Accordingly, borings337are located on rear base body320so as to align with tapped holes146when base310is attached to rear sight receiver120using screws395. The depicted embodiment uses two socket head screws395as part of the means of fastening rear base body320to rear sight receiver120, but the fastening means may be configured, arranged, and/or oriented in other ways and use different numbers of fasteners, provided those fastening means are sufficient to substantially attach and stabilize rear base body320with rear sight receiver120.

FIGS.19C and19Ddepict an optional method useful to attach and stabilize base310with sight receiver120. Bevel surface332in the depicted embodiment is substantially planar and intersects with substantially planar first bottom surface324along intersection line333. In this embodiment, intersection line333is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. A preferred method of fastening and stabilizing base310with sight receiver120comprises the following steps:inserting each jut330into its corresponding slot135with the top331of that jut against the top136of that slot, while first bottom surface324is held at an angle to first rear sight receiver floor140;contacting intersection line333with first sight receiver floor140while first bottom surface324and first sight receiver floor140are held in angular orientation and juts330are held in slots135;applying a downward force to the end of base body320opposite juts330to impose a rotation of base body320about intersection line333, until second bottom surface328contacts second rear sight receiver floor160, thus causing the tops136of slots135to impose a downward force against the tops331of juts330;inserting each screw395through a boring337and engaging the threads of that screw395with the threads of a tapped hole146corresponding with that boring337; andtightening each screw395with a torque appropriate for the size and thread configuration of screws395, thus causing screws395to impose a downward force against base body320at the location of borings337.

The downward forces against tops331of juts330imposed by tops136of slots135impose first moments about intersection line333in a first direction, and that the downward forces against base body320at the locations of borings337impose second moments about intersection line333in a second direction, and that the directions of the first moments are substantially opposite the directions of the second moments. These moments and the resulting stresses and strains imposed in base body320enhance the attachment and stabilization of base body320with rear sight receiver120, for example by reducing translations and rotations of base body320with respect to rear sight receiver120and by reducing vibration of base body320caused by the reciprocation of slide100.

To accomplish the above-described optional method of attaching and stabilizing base310with sight receiver120, the height of tops136of slots135above first rear sight receiver floor140are slightly shorter than the height of corresponding tops331of juts330above the plane in which first bottom surface324lies. The differences in heights preferably are calibrated to the modulus of elasticity of base body320, with a material having a higher modulus requiring less height difference compared to a material having a lower modulus. As an alternative to this optional method, embodiments may rely on tight tolerances of interfitting parts, releasable adhesives, elastomeric dampening components, and/or other means. Regardless of whether this optional method is used, the lower edge of rear face326and the upper edge of back wall150, or both, may be round or chamfered to provide additional clearance of those edges when base310is rotated into rear sight receiver120thus enabling the use of a closer fit of back wall150with rear face326.

In the depicted embodiment, the top external surfaces of rear base body320are contoured to match the adjacent surfaces of slide100and provide smooth transitions between those adjacent external surfaces.

FIGS.20-24depict an embodiment of a sight system comprising two sighting components, with this sight system configured, arranged, and oriented for use as a rear sight system for slide100depicted inFIGS.1-9and described above. First sighting component440is a fixed open sight configured with a sighting notch, and second sighting component450is a reflex sight. In the depicted embodiment, second sighting component450comprises a bottom surface452, pin holes453disposed on a bottom surface452that accept pins490restraining translation and rotation of sighting component450about base top surface421, and through holes454passing through the body of sighting component450and accepting screws495that sighting component450to base410. First sighting component440comprises body442, sighting notch444, and dovetail key446that attaches sighting component440to base410by interfitting with dovetail slot436.

In the depicted embodiment base410comprises base body420. As shown, base body420comprises base top surface421. In this example, bottom surface452of second sighting component450is substantially planar. Accordingly, base top surface421is preferably configured to be substantially planar and the sized compatibly and complimentarily with bottom surface452. In other embodiments, base top surface421may have other configurations, arrangements, and orientations, but preferably still would be compatible and complementary with the bottom surface of the sighting component used in those embodiments.

In this embodiment, top surface421further comprises recess423, pin borings438, threaded boring439, through boring437, and dovetail slot436, each configured, arranged, and oriented as depicted inFIGS.20-24. Recess423primarily serves to reduce the weight of base body420, which typically is an important consideration on a sight system embodied on a reciprocating slide. In some embodiments, however, recess423may be configured for storage of a spare battery for use in sighting component450. In yet other embodiments, one or more recesses may be configured, arranged, and oriented to reduce vibration imposed by the reciprocation of slide100during firing of the projectile launching device.

Pin borings438, in this embodiment, are oriented and arranged to be adjacent to pin holes453in bottom surface452of sighting component450when sighting component450is attached to base body420. Preferably, pin borings438and pin holes453are substantially cylindrical, and are substantially collinear when sighting component450is attached to base410. In this embodiment, the ends491of pins490configured for insertion in pin holes453have a diameter larger than the diameter of the ends492of pins490configured for insertion in pin borings438, with the transition between the two sizes forming a planar disk supported on base top surface421when the pin is inserted in base top surface421, for example as shown inFIGS.23B,24B,40,43B, and44B. The use of dual sized pins is optional, but in this embodiment and others may enhance the restraint of sighting component450against translation and rotation about base top surface421by having a flat surface at the transition in size between ends491and492that rests on the flat surface of base top surface421, thus reducing tilting of pin490that might otherwise result from slight differences in the diameters of pin ends492and pin borings438that may result from even relatively tight manufacturing tolerances. In this embodiment and others, the use of dual-sized pins also provides a way of compensating for loose machining tolerances in the manufacture of sighting component450. Thus, with tighter fabrication tolerances for pin borings438and pins490but looser tolerances for pin holes453, the range of diameters of pin holes453resulting from the looser tolerances may be accommodated by selecting the appropriate pin490from a selection of pins490all having the same diameter of small ends492but a range of diameters of large ends491. Additionally, by having an assortment of pins490having various diameters of large ends491but constant diameters of small ends492, base410may be manufactured with a single specification but still accommodate sighting components from different vendors that use different sizes for pin holes453. The use of dual-sized cylindrical pins is preferred, but other forms of pins may also be used, for example pins having a cuboid or other polygonal prismatic shape, with or without dual-sized ends, or keys. As shown, pin borings438are blind, i.e., do not extend through base body420, but in other embodiments the pin borings may be through holes, for example as depicted inFIG.44B.

In this example, threaded borings439are oriented and arranged to be adjacent to fastener through holes454of sighting component450when it is attached to base body420. As shown, threaded borings439preferably extend through base body420, primarily for ease of tapping the threads during manufacture, but blind threaded borings may be used in other embodiments. When sighting component450is attached to base body420, screws499extend through holes454in sighting component450and thread into threaded borings439. As shown, screws499have a hex drive in a countersunk head, but other driving means and screw heads may be used in other embodiments.

Through borings437of this embodiment extends through base body420and comprise upper and lower portions. The upper portions of through borings437have diameters larger than the diameters of the lower portions of through borings437, with a planar disk formed at the junction of the upper portions and lower portions. The upper portions of through borings437are sized to fully accommodate the heads of screw screws495, thus allow clearance of base top surface421without interference with the mounting of a sighting component450on base body420. As shown, screws495are hex headed socket screws, but other driving means and screw heads may be used in other embodiments, perhaps with appropriate accommodations the configuration of through borings437to accommodate the selected screw head type. For example, if a countersunk screw head is selected, the transition between the upper portions of the through borings and the lower portions of the through borings may be tapered complimentarily to the configuration of the countersunk head.

As depicted, first sighting component440is attached to base body420by means of dovetail slot436. The descriptions of the configuration, arrangement, orientation, and attachment of sighting component340provided above with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS.15-19fully applies to the configuration, arrangement, orientation, and attachment of sighting component440, and will not be repeated. It should be noted, however, that similar components of sighting components340and440have descriptive reference numbers that differ by 100, for example dovetail slot336is similar to dovetail slot436for purposes of the descriptions provided herein.

Base body420of this embodiment further comprises front face422, first bottom surface424, rear face426, second bottom surface428, juts430, bevel surface432, intersection line433, and tenon434. The description provided above with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS.15-19regarding front face322, first bottom surface324, rear face326, second bottom surface328, juts330, bevel surface332, intersection line333, tenon334, and the fastening and stabilization of base310with rear sight receiver120apply fully to front face422, first bottom surface424, rear face426, second bottom surface428, juts430, bevel surface432, intersection line433, tenon434, and the fastening and stabilization of base410with rear sight receiver120, and will not be repeated, except to note that in this embodiment also, tenon434and mortise144are interfitting structures forming means to at least partially restrain or retain base410and sight receiver120in longitudinal alignment and lateral alignment when assembled together, with tenon434and mortise144being longitudinally oriented. It should be noted, however, that during final assembly of the sight system depicted inFIGS.20-24, base410should be attached to sight receiver120and screws495completely tightened, prior to the attachment of sighting component450to base410.

FIGS.25-29depict an embodiment comprising two sighting components, with base510integral with first sighting component550and with second sighting component540mountable to first sight component550. In this embodiment, rear sight receiver120is configured to be compatible and complementary with base510, so that no separate base is needed to attach sighting component550to sight receiver120. In this embodiment sighting component550actually has a separately identifiable integral portion serving as base510, but in other embodiments the sighting component may simply have a lower portion comprising mounting elements serving the function of a base even though not separately demarcated as such.

Sighting component550, in this embodiment, comprises integral base510that in turn comprises base body520, and front face522, bottom524, pin borings525, rear face526, and through borings537formed in base body520. Integral base510may be made integrally with sighting component body551, or as in this embodiment be bonded to sighting component body551, for example using high-tack or permanent adhesives, welding, riveting, or other non-detachable meets. Front face522and rear face526preferably are configured, arrange, and oriented to be compatible and complementary with front wall130and back wall150, respectively, thereby providing a substantially tight fit to help reduce translation and rotation of base510about sight receiver floor140. Bottom524preferably is configured, arrange, and oriented to be compatible or complementary with sight receiver floor140to help reduce vibration of base510and mitigate any potential bending or warping of base510. For example, in the depicted embodiment base510is substantially planar to interfit with substantially planar sight receiver floor140. As discussed above with other embodiments, however, a front face, bottom, and/or rear face of a base may be configured, arrange, and/or oriented in other ways.

As depicted, pin borings525and through borings537are configured and arranged to be oriented substantially adjacent to pin holes148and tapped holes146of sight receiver120, respectively. Preferably pin borings525and through borings537are substantially perpendicular to base body520, but other orientations may be used, and in fact, may be preferable in different embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, through borings537continue the passage created in sighting component body551by through holes554, which preferably are formed collinearly with through borings537.

In this embodiment, sighting component550is attached to sight receiver120using screws598, securing both sighting component550and its integral base510. Two screws598are used, arranged laterally with one on each side of the longitudinal axis, but other embodiments may deploy a different quantity of screws and/or a different configuration, arrangement, and/or orientation of screws. For example, an embodiment may use four screws, for example arranged in a rectangular pattern on the base, or use three screws, for example arranged in a triangular pattern on the base. Screws598are disposed through holes554in sighting component body551and threaded into tapped holes146.

This embodiment also uses pins590to stabilize the attachment of sighting component550to sight receiver120, helping to mitigate translation and rotation of base510about sight receiver floor140. Two pins590are used, arranged laterally with one on each side of the longitudinal axis, but other embodiments may deploy a different quantity of pins and/or a different configuration, arrangement, and/or orientation screws. For example, an embodiment may use four pins, for example arranged in a rectangular pattern on the base, or use three pins, for example arranged in a triangular pattern on the base. In this embodiment, each of pins590is dual-sized, with large-diameter end591disposed in a pin boring525and small-diameter end592disposed in a pin hole148when sighting component550is attached to sight receiver120. Dual-sized cylindrical pins are used in this embodiment for the reasons discussed above with respect to pins490, which will not be repeated here, but other embodiments may use alternatives as discussed above with respect to pins490.

Sighting component body551as depicted comprises rear face555disposed at the longitudinal end of sighting component550opposite the muzzle or projectile ejection end of the projectile launching device. In this embodiment, rear face555comprises a generally planar surface having a normal substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. Auxiliary sight mount560is configured in rear face555. In this embodiment, auxiliary sight mount560comprises a rectangular channel oriented vertically along the vertical centerline of rear face555. Each side of the channel comprises vertically-oriented groove562located at the bottom of the channel and forming flange561on rear face555. Accordingly, the channel forming auxiliary sight mount560has a “T” shaped cross-section in a horizontal plane, as visible from above inFIGS.25,27A, and27B. In this embodiment, flanges561and grooves562are substantially parallel and extend substantially vertically. Alternatively, other embodiments may deploy auxiliary sight mounts configured, arrange, and/or oriented in other ways, for example in a horizontal orientation, using a non-rectilinear channel or groove or flange or any combination thereof, using a channel having nonparallel flanges, and other configurations providing interfitting parts as a means for attaching a second sighting component to a first sighting component. In yet other embodiments, the second sighting component may simply be attached to the first sighting component using fasteners or similar attachment means.

Depicted sighting component540comprises body542and mounting base545. Body542in turn comprises a grip enhancement541formed in this embodiment as a flute, a bottom surface543formed in this embodiment as substantially planar and oriented substantially parallelly with base bottom524, and sighting notch544.

Mounting base545, in this embodiment, is disposed longitudinally to the front of body542. In this embodiment, base545is formed integrally with body542, but in other embodiments may be attachable to body542(for example using fasteners) or be non-detachably bonded to body542(for example using high-tack or permanent adhesives, or welding). Mounting base545as depicted is formed as a rectangular cuboid oriented with top and bottom surfaces disposed horizontally and side surfaces disposed vertically. A rectangular groove547is formed on each vertical side face adjacent to body542, thus forming vertical flanges546on each side of mounting base545. The flanges546are configured, arranged, and oriented to fit grooves562in sighting component550when second sighting component540is attached to first sighting component550. Correspondingly, flanges561of sighting component550are configured, arranged, and oriented to fit grooves547in mounting base545when second sighting component540is attached to first sighting component550. As discussed above with respect to auxiliary sight mount560, different configurations, arrangements, and/or orientations of a mounting base may be used in different embodiments, but preferably the elements of the mounting base will be configured, arranged, and oriented to be compatible and complementary with the elements of the auxiliary sight mount, thus forming interfitting parts.

As shown, the mounting base545further comprises a rectangular front face oriented vertically and located on the end of mounting base545that is longitudinally opposite body542. When sighting component540is attached to sighting component550, rear face555is substantially parallel to the front face of mounting base545. In this embodiment, the front face comprises channel548configured as a flute extending horizontally across the entire front face of mounting base545. The depicted channel548comprises flare549at each end of channel548, which has the form of a side of a truncated cone. Although channel548extends entirely across the front face of mounting base545, other embodiments may be configured, arranged, and/or oriented in other ways. For example, an embodiment may comprise a channel disposed on one side of the face and a channel disposed on the other side of the face, each of which only extends partially across the face and does not meet the other. Alternatively, an embodiment may have no channel, but simply have two flares, one on each side of the face, for example having a conical surface, a frustoconical surface, or a frustoconical surface terminated in a partial spherical surface. In yet other embodiments, a boring may be used instead of a channel, with outer ends having countersink surfaces providing the flares. Other, less preferred, embodiments may have no flares or bevel set screw ends, or both, and simply rely on the lateral forces of the set screws against the mounting base to restrain movement of the mounting base in the sighting component. Manufacturing economy and efficiency may play a role in the selection of the particular configuration, arrangement, and/or orientation of flares and channels, provided the selection serves as a sufficient means for attaching sighting component540to sighting component550, as described in more detail below.

In this embodiment, second sighting component540is attached to first sighting component550using auxiliary sight mount560and mounting base545. Because the pairs of grooves547and flanges561and the pairs of grooves562and flanges546are configured as interfitting parts, when each of those pairs are correctly engaged, sighting component540may slide vertically down the back of sighting component550adjacent to rear face555. The engagement of grooves547with flanges561and the engagement of grooves562with flanges546substantially limits lateral and longitudinal displacement of sighting component540and rotation of sighting component540around the longitudinal and lateral directions. Machining tolerances combined with the preference for easy detachability of sighting component540, however, prevent the elimination of all translation and rotation of sighting component540by grooves547, flanges561, grooves562, and flanges546alone.

To enhance the attachment and stabilization of sighting component540with sighting component550, this embodiment uses set screws563disposed in tapped holes566. A set screw563and its corresponding tapped hole566are disposed on each side of body551, with tapped hole566oriented horizontally in a lateral direction, preferably orthogonally, and with each tapped hole566being collinear. In a preferred method of attaching sighting component540to sighting component550, mounting base545slides down rear face555while engaged with auxiliary sight mount560until bottom surface543contacts second rear sight receiver floor160. Then, set screws563are threaded into holes565until set screw beveled ends564engage flares549. Preferably, in this position the centerline of channel548is slightly above and slightly forward (longitudinally) the collinear central axes of holes565. Accordingly, as set screws563are tightened, beveled ends564exert forces having downward vertical components on the lower portions of channel flares549and rearward (longitudinally) components on the side portions of channel flares549. The downward force components tighten the interface of bottom surface543against second rear sight receiver floor160, and the rearward force components tighten the engagement of the inner sides of flanges546against the corresponding inner sides of flanges561. Alternatively, in other embodiments, set screws, set screw holes, and flarings may be configured, arranged, and/or oriented to impose only a longitudinal force, only a vertical force, or no longitudinal and vertical force (in which case the beveled ends of the set screws engage the flares to simply resist relative vertical movement of the sighting components). In the depicted embodiment, however, set screws563with beveled ends564operate together with compatible and complementary flares549as a means to urge bottom surface543and floor160together tightly, and to urge flanges546and flanges561together tightly.

If mounting base545is made of a soft material, such as aluminum, strong tightening of set screws563may somewhat deform flanges546, perhaps making removal of second sighting component540difficult. Accordingly, grip enhancements541are provided in this embodiment to aide with detachment of sighting component540from sighting component550. As shown, each grip enhancement541comprises a single flute oriented horizontally across a lateral side of body542, and thus oriented longitudinally. Optionally, one or more additional flutes may be provided, for example oriented parallel to grip enhancement541. In other embodiments, grip enhancements may be formed in different configurations, arrangements, and/or orientations. For example, a grip enhancement may be formed as one or more grooves having triangular or rectangular cross-sections, or may be formed as a knurling or a checkering.

FIGS.30-34depict an embodiment comprising base610configured with adjustable open iron sight640. In this embodiment, base body620comprises front face622, bottom surface624, rear face626, juts630, bevel surface632, intersection line633, tenon634, borings637, and screws695. The description provided above with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS.15-19regarding front face322, first bottom surface324, rear face326, juts330, bevel surface332, intersection line333, tenon334, borings337, and screws395, and the fastening and stabilization of base310with rear sight receiver120apply fully to front face622, bottom surface624, rear face626, juts630, bevel surface632, intersection line633, tenon634, borings637, screws695, and the fastening and stabilization of base610with rear sight receiver120, and will not be repeated, except to note that in this embodiment also, tenon634and mortise144are interfitting structures forming means to at least partially restrain or retain base610and sight receiver120in longitudinal alignment and lateral alignment when assembled together, with tenon634and mortise144being longitudinally oriented.

In this embodiment, channel635extends around tenon634. The bottom of channel635is substantially planar and parallel to bottom surface624and the lower surface of tenon634, which also are substantially planar and parallel. Channel635provides several advantages in this embodiment, and may provide one or more similar advantages in other embodiments including the other embodiments described in this disclosure. For example, if the manufacture of base610is performed using machine tool, forming channel635during the formation of tenon634may help avoid tool marks on bottom surface624, resulting in a flatter, more consistent surface of bottom surface624. In addition, channel635removes material from and thus lightens base610. A lighter base610may be advantageous in various applications, including such as placement of base610on a reciprocating component such a slide100. In addition, using channel635may reduce vibration of base610, which may be enhanced by packing channel635with grease, foam, caulk, or other elastomeric compound prior to attaching base body620to rear sight receiver120.

Sighting component640is adjustable in this embodiment, allowing adjustment of both elevation and windage of sighting notch644. Sighting component640comprises leaf641, body642, leaf pins643, sighting notch644, leaf screw645, spring646, tapped boring647, windage block648, and windage adjustment screw649. Base body620may also be considered to be part of sighting component640, in which case the base will be considered as integral with the sighting component such as in the embodiment depicted inFIGS.25-29.

In this embodiment, leaf641is elongated in the longitudinal direction and is formed with substantially flat upper and lower surfaces. As shown inFIGS.32B,33C, and34A, leaf pins643are located at the front longitudinal end of leaf641, and sighting component body642is located at the rear longitudinal end of leaf641. As shown, leaf pins643are disposed horizontally and orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Leaf pins643may comprise a separate pin on each side of leaf641, or the exposed ends of a single pin disposed in a boring in the end of leaf641. Leaf pins643extend into recesses in base body620, so that each of leaf pins643has one end located in base body620and the other end located in leaf641. One end of leaf pins643is press fit or bonded to either of leaf641or base body620, but not both. Accordingly, the interfitting of leaf pins643with leaf641and base body620forms a hinge allowing leaf641to rotate in a plane extending longitudinally and vertically. Rotating leaf641about leaf pins643raises or lowers body642and its sighting notch644relative to the longitudinal axis. Consequently, the angle between the projectile ejection direction and the sight line extending through sighting notch644and the sighting reference point of front sighting component250(e.g., the center of optical fiber271or the top of blade270, depending on operator preferences) to the target may be adjusted. By adjusting this angle, the trajectory of the ejected projectile may be accommodated so that the sight line terminates at the intended point of impact at the selected distance. Elevation adjustment in the depicted embodiment is accomplished by rotating threaded leaf screw645in threaded boring647, which are located between leaf pins643and body642when leaf641is installed in base body620. The rotation of threaded leaf screw645in threaded boring647raises or lowers the head of leaf screw645relative to base body620. Leaf641is biased against the underside of leaf screw645by spring646. By raising or lowering the head of leaf screw645, sighting notch644is raised or lowered relative to body640.

Windage adjustments are accomplished in this embodiment by lateral movement of body642and sighting notch644. As shown, body642comprises windage block648, which extends into a lateral slot at the end of leaf641. Windage block648comprises a threaded boring that extends laterally. Windage screw649extends laterally through the slot and through the threaded boring of windage block648, and is captured to prevent movements with respect to leaf641except rotation about the longitudinal axis of windage screw649. Accordingly, by rotating windage adjustment screw649in one direction, block648on body642and sighting notch644on body642are moved laterally in one direction, and by rotating windage adjustment screw649in the other direction, block648on body642and sighting notch644on body642are moved laterally in the other direction. In this way, sighting notch644may be moved laterally with respect to front sight blade270, allowing the projectile launching device operator to compensate for wind effects on the trajectory of an ejected projectile.

FIGS.35-39depict an embodiment in which the sighting component is mounted low relative to the base and sight receiver. Such low-profile sights are sometimes preferred. For example, a pistol used for personal defense may be equipped with low-profile sights to avoid snagging of sight components with clothing when the pistol is drawn from a holster or pocket. In other situations, low-profile sights may be preferred to keep the sight line low and close to the projectile ejection direction.

As depicted inFIGS.35-39, the sighting system comprises base710and sighting component740. Base710comprises base body720, front face722, first bottom surface724, rear face726, second bottom surface728, juts730, bevel surface732, intersection line733, tenon734, and dovetail slot736. The description provided above with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS.15-19regarding front face322, first bottom surface324, rear face326, second bottom surface328, juts330, bevel surface332, intersection line333, tenon334, dovetail slot336, and the fastening and stabilization of base310with rear sight receiver120, apply fully to front face722, first bottom surface724, rear face726, second bottom surface728, juts730, bevel surface732, intersection line733, tenon734, dovetail slot736, and the fastening and stabilization of base710with rear sight receiver120, and will not be repeated, except to note that in this embodiment also, tenon734and mortise144are interfitting structures forming means to at least partially restrain or retain base710and sight receiver120in longitudinal alignment and lateral alignment when assembled together, with tenon734and mortise144being longitudinally oriented.

In this embodiment, sighting component740comprises body742, sighting notch744disposed on body742, dovetail key746, through hole747, set screw745, and set screw tapped hole748. As shown best inFIGS.38and39, body742generally may be considered as having two main sections, the portion comprising dovetail key746disposed on the longitudinally front end of body742, and the portion comprising notch744disposed on the longitudinally rear end of body742.

As shown, sighting component740is attached to base720by means of interfitting dovetail key746and dovetail slot736. In addition, once sighting component740has been positioned correctly in base720, attachment is enhanced by tightening set screw745in tapped hole748, causing the end of set screw head745to exert a downward against the floor of dovetail slot736, with resultant upward forces of the edges of dovetail key746against the edges of dovetail slot736. Preferably, attachment of sighting component740to base720is enhanced by using a releasable adhesive in slot736.

Dovetail slot736is disposed deep into body720, compared to the disposition of dovetail slots336and446into sight bodies320and420, respectively, as depicted inFIGS.18,19,23, and24. In addition, as shown dovetail slot736is disposed more forward on body720, compared to the disposition of dovetail slot336on body320and the disposition of dovetail slot436on body420. The forward placement puts dovetail slot736over first rear sight receiver floor140, which is deeper into slide100than second rear sight receiver floor160, over which dovetail slots336and446are disposed. It is generally preferable to have the front and rear sights separated as far as reasonably possible, so as to provide the longest sight radius as reasonably possible, providing better sighting accuracy. By positioning dovetail slot736forward over first rear sight receiver floor140, slot736may be lower in body720yet still have sufficient supporting material of base720below dovetail slot736. Extending body720rearward of slot736, as shown, then allows sighting notch744to be almost level with the top of body720, as best seen inFIGS.39A, yet still as far back along slide100as reasonably possible.

In this embodiment, attachment of base710to rear sight receiver120may generally proceed substantially as discussed above with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS.15-19. For example, the assembly method may include the step of applying a downward force to the end of base body720opposite juts730to impose a rotation of base body720about intersection line733, until second bottom surface728contacts second rear sight receiver floor160, thus causing the tops136of slots135to impose a downward force against the tops731of juts730. In this method, the downward forces exerted on the longitudinally rear end of base body720and the downward forces exerted by slot tops136and jut tops731both impose moments about intersection line733, with resulting stresses and strains imposed in base body720that enhance the attachment and stabilization of base body720with rear sight receiver120. As with the method discussed above with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS.15-19, the difference in the height of slot tops136and the height of jut tops731preferably are calibrated to the modulus of elasticity of base body720, with a material having a higher modulus requiring less height difference compared to a material having a lower modulus. In addition, the difference in heights may be reduced or even eliminated by the use of an elastomeric or otherwise resilient mounting pad on bottom surface724, for example as discussed below.

In embodiments where body720is made of aluminum or other material with a lower modulus of elasticity, the use of elastomeric or otherwise resilient mounting pads is preferred. When body720of the embodiment depicted inFIGS.35-39is made of aluminum, therefore, it is preferred to use elastomeric mounting pads727, disposed in pad recesses729located near the longitudinal front of bottom surface724. In this embodiment, elastomeric mounting pads727comprise rubber O-rings, which are disposed in cylindrical recesses729. One recess729and its associated mounting pad727are located on each lateral side of bottom surface724, as shown. The use of elastomeric or otherwise resilient mounting pads727enhances the stability of the attachment of base710to sight receiver120in embodiments where the difference in heights of tops731and tops136is reduced or eliminated to reduce stresses and strains imposed in body720by the rotation of body720about intersection line733into final assembled position. With this arrangement and configuration, elastomeric or otherwise resilient mounting pads727will cause jut tops731to impose an upward force on slot tops136without (or with reduced) imposed moments resulting from the rotation of body720about intersection line733. In other embodiments, elastomeric or otherwise resilient mounting pads may be configured, arranged, and/or oriented in other ways. For example, mounting pads may be made of thermoplastic, and arranged in pairs on each corner of body720. Alternatively, one or more elastomeric or otherwise resilient mounting pads may be sized to fit in the bottom of mortise144and exert upward pressure on the bottom of tenon734.

During assembly of the depicted embodiment, following rotation of base body720about intersection line733until second rear bottom surface728abuts second rear sight receiver floor160, the longitudinal rear end of base710is attached to sight receiver120by a single screw795. As shown, screw795comprises a head comprising flat circular top793, frustoconical side794, base surface796, and threaded shank797. As shown base surface796is substantially planar and oriented substantially parallel to top793and substantially orthogonal to the central axis of threaded shank797. Base body720comprises a through boring737, comprising an upper inner surface having countersink portion735compatible and complementary with frustoconical side794, planar shoulder portion738compatible with planar base surface796, and shank portion739sized to accept shank748without interference. With base body720in final position, screw795is inserted into boring737until threaded shank797first engages the threads of tapped hole166, and then rotated to thread shank797into hole166until base surface796contacts shoulder portion738and side surface794contacts countersink portion735. Screw795is then tightened to specification. When screw795is tightened, the contact of base surface796with shoulder portion738enhances vertical force applied downward against body720, while still allowing the contact of frustoconical head side surface794with countersink portion735to exert even radially directed forces to enhance lateral and longitudinal stabilization of the attachment of base710to sight receiver120.

In this embodiment, when screw795is tightened to specification, screw top surface793is below the top surface of base720, allowing clearance for sighting component740to slide laterally in dovetail slot736without interference with screw795. When sighting component740is attached in final position, the driving means of screw795disposed on top surface793may be accessed through hole747for attachment or detachment of base710to sight receiver120. Preferably, the diameter of the through hole747is smaller than the outer diameter of the head top surface793. In that way, screw795becomes captured in boring737but still operable through hole747. By capturing screw795in boring737, use of this embodiment in a sight system having multiple, interchangeable sighting components becomes more convenient because screw795will not be lost or misplaced during interchange.

This embodiment has an additional benefit of partially hiding the head of screw795by using a smaller boring747to access the drive means of screw795. In this embodiment, the head of screw795is somewhat further hidden by having access hole747recessed and disposed in the area created by the protrusions forming sighting notch744. As screw795is the only operable means of attaching base710to sight receiver120, the aesthetics of base710will be improved for projectile launching device operators that prefer an appearance uncluttered by exposed fasteners.

FIGS.40-44depict another embodiment comprising plural sighting components. In this embodiment, first sighting component850is a reflex sight, and second sighting component840is a fixed, open iron sight.

Base body820of this embodiment further comprises front face822, first bottom surface824, rear face826, second bottom surface828, juts830, bevel surface832, intersection line833, tenon834, dovetail slot836, second sighting component840, second sighting component body842, sighting notch844, and dovetail key846. The description provided above with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS.15-19regarding front face322, first bottom surface324, rear face326, second bottom surface328, juts330, bevel surface332, intersection line333, tenon334, dovetail slot336, sighting component340, sighting component body342, sighting notch344, dovetail key346. and the fastening and stabilization of base310with rear sight receiver120, apply fully to front face822, first bottom surface824, rear face826, second bottom surface828, juts830, bevel surface832, intersection line833, tenon834, dovetail slot836, second sighting component840, second sighting component body842, sighting notch844, dovetail key846, and the fastening and stabilization of base810with rear sight receiver120, and will not be repeated, except to note that in this embodiment also, tenon834and mortise144are interfitting structures forming means to at least partially restrain or retain base810and sight receiver120in longitudinal alignment and lateral alignment when assembled together, with tenon834and mortise144being longitudinally oriented.

As depicted, sighting component850comprises body851, bottom surface852, pin hole853, through hole854, rear face855, and rear face protrusion856. This bottom surface852preferably is substantially planar with a normal substantially vertical when sighting component850is attached to sight receiver120. Bottom surface852comprises blind pinholes853configured to receive large end891of pin890. Body851comprises through holes852extending completely through body851and oriented substantially vertically, configured to receive screws899attaching sighting component850and base810to sight receiver120.

In this embodiment, base body820further comprises top surface821, top front internal face823, top rear internal face827, and top rear internal face recess829. Preferably, top surface821, rear face827, recess829, and front face823are configured, arranged, and oriented to be compatible and complementary, respectively, to bottom surface852, rear face855, rear face protrusion856, and the front lower portion of sighting component body851. Thus, these structures become interfitting parts, and may substantially reduce translations and rotations of sighting component850with respect to base body820. That reduction of translations and rotations helps enhance the attachment and stability of sighting component850when installed on base body820. The depicted configuration, arrangement, and orientation of these elements is preferred, but other embodiments may use different configurations, arrangements, and orientations.

A pair of screws899are used in this embodiment to attach sighting component850and base body820to sight receiver120, passing through holes854in sighting component850and borings837in base body820. In addition, attachment and stabilization of sighting component850to base body820, and base body820to sight receiver120, are enhanced by the use of two dual-sized pins890. Preferably, pin borings825, pin holes853, and pin holes148are substantially cylindrical, are substantially normal to sight receiver floor140and base surfaces821and824, and are substantially collinear when sighting component850is attached to base810and base810is attached to sight receiver120. In this embodiment, the ends891of pins890configured for insertion in pin holes853have a diameter larger than the diameter of the ends892of pins890configured for insertion in pin borings825and pin hole148. In each pin890, the transition between the two sizes forms a planar disk supported on top surface821of base body820when that pin is inserted in base top surface821, for example as shown inFIGS.23B,24B,40,43B, and44Band the described above with respect to the embodiments depicted therein.

The use of dual sized pins is optional, but in this embodiment and others may enhance the restraint of sighting component850against translation and rotation about base top surface821by providing a flat surface at the transition in size between ends891and892that rests on flat base top surface821, thus reducing tilting of pin890that might otherwise result from slight differences in the diameters of pin ends892and pin borings825that may result from even relatively tight manufacturing tolerances.

The additional advantages of dual-sized pins and the various alternative embodiments discussed above with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS.20-24, its pins490, and its associated pin holes and borings, fully applies to this embodiment, and will not be repeated here. It is noted, however, that the use of dual sided pins that extend into both the sighting component and the base and continue into the sight receiver may provide greater attachment and stability than pins engaging only two parts of the system.

FIGS.45-65depict another embodiment of a rear sighting system. This embodiment is configured, arranged, and oriented for use as a rear sight system mounted on a sight receiver such as sight receiver120deployed on slide100depicted inFIGS.1-9and described above. This embodiment is configured for use with a first sighting component that is an optic sight (not shown), similar to the embodiments depicted in and described with reference toFIGS.20-24,FIGS.25-29, andFIGS.40-44. The second sighting component in the embodiment depicted inFIGS.45-65is an iron sight, but the novel structures and arrangements of mounting means for the second sighting component in this embodiment could be adapted for use with various optic sights as well. In addition, the rear sighting system depicted inFIGS.45-65could be adapted for use without an optic sight (similar for example to the embodiments depicted inFIGS.15-19,FIGS.30-34, andFIGS.35-39) without any material change to the novel mounting means for the second sighting component described for this embodiment. The embodiment of a rear sighting system900depicted inFIGS.45-65comprises base910, sighting component940, and pedestal970.

In the depicted embodiment base910comprises base body920. As shown, base body920comprises base top surface921. In this example, the bottom surface of the optic component (not shown) is substantially planar. Accordingly, base top surface921is preferably configured to be substantially planar and sized compatibly and complimentarily with the bottom surface of the optic component. In other embodiments, base top surface921may have other configurations, arrangements, and orientations, but preferably still would be compatible and complementary with the bottom surface of the sighting component used in those embodiments.

Mounting means for the optic sight in this embodiment comprise mounting pins990extending above base front top surface921, threaded borings939extending through base body920, and through borings937extending through base body920, each configured, arranged, and oriented as depicted inFIGS.45-65. In this embodiment, mounting pins990, threaded borings939, and through borings937are configured, oriented, and arranged to be compatible and complimentary with interfitting structures on the optic sight. Although mounting pins990in this embodiment are shown machined into base body920, alternative stabilization means for an optic sight may be deployed, for example by using removable pins insertable into pin borings such as pins490and pin borings438deployed in the embodiment depicted in and described with respect toFIGS.20-24. The functions, benefits, structures, and arrangements of threaded borings939and through borings937are analogous to those of threaded borings439and through borings437shown in and described with respect toFIGS.20-24above, which are incorporated here by reference.

Base body920of this embodiment further comprises first bottom surface924, rear face926, and second bottom surface928. The description provided above with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS.15-19regarding first bottom surface324, rear face326, and second bottom surface328apply to first bottom surface924, rear face926, and second bottom surface928, and will not be repeated here, except to note that this embodiment does not deploy a structure arranged like tenon334. In this embodiment, bottom front center pin934and bottom rear lateral pins938are examples of structures that may be deployed as means to at least partially restrain or retain base910and sight receiver120in longitudinal alignment and lateral alignment when assembled together.

FIGS.46,48-52,55,56,58, and65depict bottom front center pin934and bottom rear lateral pins938that are deployed in this embodiment as exemplary means to at least partially restrain or retain base910and sight receiver120in longitudinal alignment and lateral alignment when assembled together. In preferred embodiments, a central protrusion (such as center pin934) is disposed proximal to an end of the base body (such as base body920). Preferably, when the base body is mounted to the sight receiver, the central protrusion will be snugly interfit into a compatible and complementary recess in the sight receiver (such as mortise144). For example, preferably center pin934of the embodiment depicted inFIGS.45-65will have a diameter only slightly less than the width of mortise144, and when sight system900is mounted to sight receiver120, center pin934will be disposed at the front of mortise144with the semicircular front wall of center pin934abutting the semicircular front wall of mortise144to provide a snug interfitting of center pin934and mortise144. Preferably, at least one additional restraining and retaining means will be deployed proximal to the opposite end of the sight base from the central protrusion to increase the rotational leverage provided by the plural restraining and retaining means and provide more uniform translation inhibition for the sight base with respect to the sight receiver. For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIGS.45-65two bottom rear lateral pins938are disposed, each on an opposite lateral side of the back of first bottom surface924. When bottom front center pin934is disposed in mortise144in sight receiver120and bottom rear lateral pins938and disposed in pin holes148in sight receiver120, the interfitting of these compatible and complementary parts help restrain and retain base910and sight receiver120in longitudinal alignment and lateral alignment when assembled together.

In the embodiment depicted inFIGS.45-65, bottom front center pin934and bottom rear lateral pins each are encircled by a respective channel935. Preferably, the bottoms of channels935are each substantially planar and parallel to bottom surface924. In some embodiments, the use of recesses such as channels935provide advantages, for example as depicted and described with respect to channel635in association with the description of the embodiment shown inFIGS.30-34above, which is incorporated here by reference.FIG.65depicts at least one advantage of using channel935around bottom front center pin934, showing that any radiusing R at the intersection of front center pin934with the bottom of base body920along the surface of channel935may be held below first bottom surface924, thus facilitating a close fit between first bottom surface924and first rear sight receiver floor140. In addition, for many of these same reasons, the embodiment depicted inFIGS.45-65preferably comprises longitudinal channel936, which also may be advantageous when sight base910is manufactured by machining, providing a clean and more tolerant separation point when sight base910is separated from the bar stock upon completion of the machining operation.

The embodiment depicted inFIGS.45-65also may be deployed with other structures, arrangements, and means described above with respect to many of the other embodiments in this disclosure. For example, the embodiment depicted inFIGS.45-65comprises elastomeric pad recesses929for use with an elastomeric mounting pad (not shown). The features provided by the deployment of elastomeric pad recesses929and elastomeric mounting pads in this embodiment may be analogous to the features depicted and described with respect to the embodiment shown inFIGS.35-39, which are incorporated here by reference. Although not shown, this embodiment also may be configured with a recess in base body920such as recess423depicted in and described with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS.20-24above, if the features and functions described above for recess423are desired in this embodiment.

In the sight system embodiment depicted inFIGS.45-65, a sighting component is attachably and detachably mounted to a pedestal and held in sighting alignment by means that permit windage adjustments using a common hand-operated driving means. The depicted sighting component940comprises sighting component body942configured in this embodiment with sighting component top surface945, sighting component bottom surface946, laterally opposed sighting component side faces947, and longitudinally opposed sighting component front face948and sighting component rear face949. A sighting notch944is formed in sighting component top surface945. Sighting component body942comprises cavity960opening along sighting component bottom surface946and having cavity top surface961, laterally opposed cavity side walls962, and longitudinally opposed cavity lateral walls963. The depicted pedestal970is disposed on and protrudes above base rear top surface922formed on base body910. Pedestal970as shown comprises pedestal top surface971, laterally opposed pedestal side surfaces972, and longitudinally opposed pedestal lateral surfaces973.

In the sight system embodiment depicted inFIGS.45-65, sighting component940is attachably and detachably mounted to a pedestal970using adjustable attachment means. The adjustable attachment means comprise set screws982, which in an assembled configuration are disposed in tapped borings980formed in sighting component body942. Each set screw982comprises set screw taper986disposed on one end and set screw drive means984disposed on the opposite end. Pedestal970comprises set screw tapered borings974configured compatibly with and complementary to set screw tapers986. When sighting component940is fully attached to pedestal970, each set screw taper986at least partially interfits with a respective set screw tapered boring974and is tightened in position by use of a tool compatible with drive means984.

FIGS.53-62depict preferred structures and arrangements for attaching various embodiments of sighting component940to various embodiments of base910. A tapped boring980extends through each lateral side wall of sighting component940from a sighting component side face947to the corresponding cavity side wall962. As shown, each tapped boring980is generally cylindrical and disposed coaxially along boring centerline981with the tapped boring980through the laterally opposed side wall of sighting component940. As shown inFIG.54,FIG.57,FIG.59,FIG.61, andFIG.62, sighting component bottom surface946is generally planar to be compatible and complementary to generally base rear top surface922which preferably is planar. Preferably, tapped borings980are placed such that boring centerline981is generally parallel to sighting component bottom surface946and located through sighting component940sidewalls at a distance h1above the sighting component bottom surface946, for example as shown inFIG.57andFIG.59. In the depicted embodiments, pedestal970is configured with a set screw tapered boring974on each pedestal side surface972, with each set screw tapered boring974having a central axis and with each set screw tapered boring974being disposed coaxially with the other set screw tapered boring974such that both central axes are collinear along set screw boring centerline975. Preferably, set screw boring centerline975is generally parallel to base rear top surface922and located at a distance h3above base rear top surface922, as depicted inFIG.58andFIG.60.

Additional preferred structures and arrangements depicted inFIGS.53-62for attaching various embodiments of sighting component940to various embodiments of base910include the location and orientation of various surfaces. As further shown inFIG.57andFIG.59, cavity top surface961preferably is generally planar and generally parallel to sighting component bottom surface946and disposed a distance h2above sighting component bottom surface946. As further shown inFIG.58andFIG.60, pedestal top surface971preferably is generally planar and generally parallel to base rear top surface922and disposed a distance h4above base rear top surface922. As shown inFIG.59, cavity lateral walls963are generally planar, generally parallel, and separated by a distance w4. Boring centerline981preferably is located longitudinally from front cavity lateral wall963by a distance w3. As shown inFIG.60, pedestal lateral surfaces973are generally planar, generally parallel, and separated by a distance w6. Set screw boring centerline975preferably is located longitudinally from front pedestal lateral surface973by a distance w5. As shown inFIG.57andFIG.58, cavity side walls962are generally planar, generally parallel, and separated by a distance w1, and pedestal side surfaces972are generally planar, generally parallel, and separated by a distance w2.

In preferred embodiments, various structures and arrangements may be deployed to provide windage adjustments to the sight alignment. For example, as depicted inFIGS.57-64, preferred embodiments may configured and sized to allow lateral movement of sighting component940with respect to pedestal970. In these embodiments, distance w1typically will be greater than distance w2by an amount at least equal to the total amount of windage adjustment desired for sight system900. For example,FIG.63depicts an exemplary embodiment with sighting notch944adjusted as far left as possible (the cross-section view is taken to rear as shown inFIG.49), with left pedestal side surface972adjacent to left cavity side wall962and left set screw986advanced into left tapped boring980until left set screw taper986comes into contact with left set screw tapered boring974. In this position, a gap exists between right pedestal side surface972and right cavity side wall962, and right set screw986is advanced farther into right tapped boring980until right set screw taper986comes into contact with right set screw tapered boring974. For further example,FIG.64depicts an exemplary embodiment with sighting notch944adjusted as far right as possible, with right pedestal side surface972adjacent to right cavity side wall962and right set screw986advanced into right tapped boring980until right set screw taper986comes into contact with right set screw tapered boring974. In this position, a gap exists between left pedestal side surface972and left cavity side wall962, and left set screw986is advanced farther into left tapped boring980until left set screw taper986comes into contact with left set screw tapered boring974. For further example, a desired windage adjustment between that depicted inFIG.63andFIG.64may be set by advancing one of the set screws986into its associated tapped boring980while retracting the other of the set screws986within its associated tapped boring980. When a desired windage adjustment is achieved, sighting component940can be tightened onto pedestal970by incrementally and alternately applying torque to each set screw986at a respective set screw drive means984using a driving tool, or by simultaneously applying torque to both set screws986at both set screw drive means984by using two driving tools.

In some preferred embodiments, neutral windage reference marks may be deployed on the sighting component and the base. For example, a windage reference mark may be placed in the lateral center of sighting component front face948proximal to sighting component bottom surface946, and a windage reference mark may be placed in the lateral center of base rear top surface922slightly forward of the point where sighting component front face948is located when assembled on base body920. Preferably, each of these windage reference mark will be placed so that the amount of right windage adjustment and the amount of left windage adjustment of sighting component940are equal. By aligning these windage reference marks when sighting component940is first attached to base body920, the windage adjustment process can begin unbiased.

In preferred embodiments, various structures and arrangements also may be deployed to provide attachable and detachable mounting of a sighting component in secure longitudinal and lateral alignment with a protrusion on a sight base. Preferably as depicted inFIG.61andFIG.62, the locations of tapped borings980and set screw tapered borings974will be set so that boring centerline981will be located above set screw boring centerline975. In that configuration, tightening set screw tapers982against set screw tapered borings974will impose a force on sighting component940tending to bias sighting component940against base body920, thus aiding retention and alignment of sighting component940with respect to base body920. Preferably, distances h1and h3will be set to ensure that cavity top surface961abuts pedestal top surface971when set screws982are fully tightened, for example as depicted inFIG.62. In these embodiments, distances h1, h2, h3, and h4should be specified to ensure that both h4>h2and h1+h4−h2>h3by amounts sufficient to accommodate all allowed manufacturing tolerances in distances h1, h2, h3, and h4. Alternatively, distances h1and h3may be set to ensure that sighting component bottom surface946abuts base rear top surface922when set screws982are fully tightened, for example as depicted inFIG.61. In these embodiments, distances h1, h2, h3, and h4should be specified to ensure that both h2>h4and h1>h3by amounts sufficient to accommodate all allowed manufacturing tolerances in distances h1, h2, h3, and h4. In these latter embodiments, adhesives, sealants, greases, antivibration gels, and other fillers may be applied in the gap between cavity top surface961and pedestal to surface971in the assembled configuration.

In preferred embodiments, additional structures and arrangements also may be deployed to enhance the security of the longitudinal and lateral alignment and attachment of a sighting component with a protrusion on a sight base. For example, as depicted inFIGS.57-64, preferred embodiments may comprise sighting component940having a relatively tight longitudinal fit with pedestal970. In these embodiments, distance w6will be only slightly less than distance w4, preferably just enough to allow pedestal970to fit within cavity960without undue effort. When manufacturing tolerances cannot be maintained sufficient to provide a relatively tight longitudinal fit of sighting component940with pedestal970, addition security of the longitudinal and lateral alignment and attachment of a sighting component940on base body920may be obtained by offsetting the horizontal alignment of set screw boring centerline975with boring centerline981, with effect similar to that as discussed above with respect vertical offset of those centerlines. For example, the locations of tapped borings980and set screw tapered borings974may be set so that boring centerline981will be located longitudinal forward of set screw boring centerline975in the assembled configuration. In that configuration, tightening set screw tapers982against set screw tapered borings974will impose a rearward longitudinal force on sighting component940tending to bias front cavity lateral wall963against front pedestal lateral surface973, thus aiding retention and alignment of sighting component940with respect to base body920. A similar stabilizing result may be obtained by configuring boring centerline981to be located longitudinal rearward of set screw boring centerline975in the assembled configuration, thus imposing a forward longitudinal force on sighting component940tending to bias rear cavity lateral wall963against rear pedestal lateral surface973as set screw tapers982are against set screw tapered borings974. Longitudinal offsetting of boring centerline981with respect to set screw boring centerline975may be configured with or in place of vertical offsetting of boring centerline981with respect to set screw boring centerline975.

In preferred embodiments, pedestal970and cavity960are each formed in the general shape of a right rectangular prism elongated laterally. Preferably, though, the intersections of each cavity side wall962with respective cavity lateral walls963are rounded, or radiused, which facilitates economic and efficient machining of sighting component940during its manufacture. Also preferably, the intersections of each pedestal side surface972with a respective pedestal lateral surfaces973are rounded, or radiused, which increases the range of lateral adjustment of sighting component940on pedestal970by having the corners of cavity960complementary and compatible with the corners of pedestal970. Pedestal970and cavity960, however, may be deployed in shapes other than right rectangular prisms and still deploy various aspects of the alignment and securing structure and arrangement depicted and described with respect toFIGS.45-65. Many alternative shapes and configurations are described above with respect toFIGS.9-14and are incorporated here by reference.

In preferred embodiments, set screw tapers986are formed as frustums, but full conical tapers or other tapering forms may be deployed on the ends of set screws982. Preferably, set screw tapered borings974are formed as full cones, but full conical tapers or other tapering forms may be deployed in pedestal side surfaces973. Preferably, the diameter of set screw tapered borings974at pedestal side surfaces973is greater than the diameter of set screw taper986at cylindrical body of set screw982.

The attachment, alignment, and adjustment structures, arrangements, and methods depicted and discussed with respect toFIGS.45-65may be adapted for use with many forms of iron sights and some optic sights. For example, many shooters prefer that a sight's rear face be serrated, for example as shown with respect to sighting component rear face949inFIG.52andFIG.56, to break up shadows and reflections that may distract sighting. In the depicted embodiments ofFIGS.45-65, sighting component940is a conventional notch sight (e.g., sighting component sighting notch944) but other options may be used, for example such as a ring, post, cross, notch, notch/ring combination, upright or inverted “V” shape, or other form of sighting index. Other embodiments may deploy optic fiber, radio luminescent vials, reflecting paint or tape, or other perceptual aides. These and other embodiments also could deploy a sighting index that has elevation adjustment.

The attachment, alignment, and adjustment structures, arrangements, and methods depicted and discussed with respect toFIGS.45-65also may be adapted for use with sight base embodiments other than those using plural sighting components (e.g., such as shown inFIGS.20-24,FIGS.25-29, andFIGS.40-44) or proving a cover for a large sight receiver (e.g., such as shown inFIGS.15-19,FIGS.30-34, andFIGS.35-39). For example,FIG.66depicts an embodiment in which pedestal970and sight body940as described above may be deployed on a simple dovetail key1000for use in older, existing dovetail rear sight receivers.

Various methods may be associated with the structures and arrangements discussed and depicted with respect toFIGS.45-66. For example, with respect to the disclosed embodiments, a windage adjustment method may comprise the steps of(1) firing a test shot at a target or pointing a laser boresight at a target,(2) determining the lateral direction in which sighting component940needs to be moved to adjust the projectile's point of impact,(3) withdrawing set screw982from tapped boring980on the side of sighting component940opposite the needed direction,(4) inserting the other set screw982into the other tapped boring980on the side of sighting component940facing the needed direction, and(5) again firing a test shot at a target or pointing a laser boresight at a target, and repeating process steps (2)-(5) until windage alignment is achieved.

Another sighting method for elevation correction of a sight system already in proper windage adjustment may comprise the steps of:(1) indexing the lateral position of sighting component940with respect to base rear top surface922,(2) firing a test shot at a target or pointing a laser boresight at a target,(3) determining the increase or decrease in sight alignment indicator (e.g., sighting component notch944) height needed to correct the elevation of the sight alignment,(4) acquiring another sighting component940differing from the original only in the height of the sighting alignment indicator by an amount that provides the increase or decrease in sight alignment indicator height required to correct the sighing system elevation,(5) backing out set screws982sufficiently to place sighting component940on base rear top surface922in the indexed position, and(6) tightening set screws982while maintaining the lateral position of sighting component940on base rear top surface922in the indexed position.

An alternative method may call for adjusting the elevation by changing out sighting devices940prior to setting the windage of the selected sighting device940. A system may be provided comprising an assortment of sighting devices differing only in the height of the sighting alignment indicator.

A full sighting system comprising multiple interchangeable individual sighting systems, for example some or all of the sighting component embodiments described in this disclosure, may enhance the utility of a projectile launching device. Preferably, interchanging individual sighting systems on a projectile launching device will be facilitated by using as few fasteners as possible, thus simplifying the interchange of components. For example, the individual sighting system embodiments described in this disclosure require no more than two fasteners to attach and detach the sighting system to the sight receiver. By providing both front and rear interchangeable sight systems, a wider variety of individual sighting components may be used in the full sighting system. To improve aesthetics in a sight system comprising multiple interchangeable individual sighting systems, aesthetics may be improved by contouring the outer surfaces of each of the sight bases to match the outer surfaces of the projectile launching device proximate to the sight receiver.

A full sighting system comprising multiple interchangeable individual sighting systems may be deployed, for example using all of the sighting component embodiments described in this disclosure. In a preferred way of producing such a full sighting system, the main sighting component is selected from the group of individual sighting systems to be deployed. A preferred way of selecting the main sighting component is to choose the sighting component with the largest footprint and/or with other advantageous features, such as a means for mounting an additional sighting component. For example, sighting component550has as large or a larger footprint than the other sighting components described in this disclosure, and also has means for mounting second sighting component540. In this example, that selection is depicted inFIGS.25-29. Preferably the sight receiver will be configured directly into a frame, receiver, or slide, to be compatible and complementary with the lower portion of the selected main sighting component, which lower portion then serves as an integrally formed base, for example as depicted inFIGS.25-29. Alternatively, a separate base may be configured to be complementary and compatible with the sight receiver and with the selected main sighting component, but using the lower portion of the main sighting component as an integral base and attaching the main sighting component directly to the sight receiver typically will present the sighting elements of the main sighting component closer to the frame, receiver, or slide, which typically will be advantageous for at least having the sighting line closer to the path at which a projectile is ejected from the projectile launching device.

In this example, after selecting the main sighting component and configuring a sight receiver for attachment of the main sighting component (either directly or indirectly using a separate base), the other individual system systems to be used, for example as depicted inFIGS.15-19,FIGS.20-24,FIGS.30-34,FIGS.35-39, andFIGS.40-44, are configured, arranged, and oriented to be attachable to sight receiver120by using an appropriately configured base, such as depicted in those figures (e.g., bases310,410,610,710, and810). In that way, the six rear sight system embodiments described in this disclosure may be used with the same sight receiver, such as sight receiver120configured in slide100.

For various of those individual sighting system embodiments, it may preferable to use a different front sighting component, which may readily be accomplished by using the front sighting system depicted inFIGS.9-14, either with the depicted sighting component250or with a sighting component having a base housing255compatible and complementary with front base210but having upper sighting structures configured, arranged and/or oriented for use as desired with the particular rear sighting component. For example, an embodiment with a fixed rear open sight will require a front sight blade with a height configured to achieve proper projectile point of impact at the selected range in which the projectile launching device is to be sighted-in. For further example, and operator may prefer to have a solid blade sight instead of a blade comprising an optical fiber, or may prefer a blade comprising the radio luminescent element for night sighting. These examples and many more readily may be configured, arranged, and oriented with a housing compatible with base210, and thus be readily interchangeable without changing base210already attached in front sight receiver110.

An individual sighting system may comprise plural sighting components attached, directly or indirectly, to the same base, for example as discussed above with respect to the embodiments ofFIGS.20-24,FIGS.25-29, andFIGS.40-44. Each of these exemplary embodiments comprises a reflex sight and an open iron sight, but other embodiments may comprise other combinations of sight types. For example, an embodiment may comprise an optic sight and an electronic sight. When deploying a sighting system comprising plural sighting component attached to the same base, it is preferred to cowitness those sights, so that projectile's point of impact at a selected range will be the same regardless of which sight is used. As an example with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS.20-24, the aiming indicator of reflex sight450will be adjusted to coincide with the projectile point of impact at a selected distance, and line of sight between notch444and optical fiber271(or the top of blade270, as preferred by the operator) will be configured to coincide with that same projectile point of impact at the same distance. In this example, windage (i.e., lateral) adjustments to the point of impact may be made by moving sight body442laterally in dovetail slot436, and elevation adjustments may be made by interchanging front sighting component250to have the necessary height of blade270(and thus the height of optical fiber271). If this embodiment is part of a sighting system comprising plural individual sighting system, for example, the embodiments depicted inFIGS.15-19,FIGS.25-29,FIGS.30-34,FIGS.35-39, and/orFIGS.40-44and described above, point of impact and cowitnessing adjustments of iron sight components also may be accomplished by interchanging the front sight as needed or desired.

In many embodiments, for example as variously and exemplarily described above, interfitting structures form means to at least partially restrain or retain a base and a sight receiver, or a sighting component and a sight receiver, in longitudinal alignment and lateral alignment when assembled together, with such structures being longitudinally oriented. Some examples of such interfitting structures are described above, such as tenon334together with mortise144, tenon434together with mortise144, tenon634together with mortise144, tenon734together with mortise144, tenon834together with mortise144, and the combination of upper cavity260and lower cavity266together with the combination of pedestal220and pedestal rim230. In preferred embodiments, for example as depicted above, the interfitting parts extend longitudinally a substantial length of the respective base or sighting component and the sight receiver, preferably more than half of the longitudinal length of the interface between the base or sighting component and the sight receiver. By having the interfitting parts extend longitudinally a substantial length of the respective base or sighting component and the sight receiver, in various embodiments the stability of the longitudinal alignment and lateral alignment of the interfitting structures may be increased. In preferred embodiments, for example as depicted above, the interfitting parts comprise a single male structure and single female structure, such as the single tenons and single mortises ofFIGS.15-24B and30-44Bor the single pedestal composite structure and single cavity composite structure ofFIGS.9-14. In various embodiments, the use of unitary interfitting parts may provide greater strength and stability as well as easier manufacturing, compared to the use of multiple interfitting parts such as, for example, plural mortises with plural tenons or even a single mortise with plural tenons.

After appreciating this disclosure, those of skill in the art will recognize that the steps of the various methods, processes, and other techniques disclosed herein need not be performed in any particular order, unless otherwise expressly stated or logically necessary to satisfy expressly stated conditions. In addition, after appreciating this disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments may have a variety of different forms of devices and systems, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The described embodiments are illustrative only and are not restrictive, and the scope of this disclosure is defined solely by the following claims and any further claims in this application or any application claiming priority to this application.