ONE-PIECE GUIDE ROD

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/729,314 filed on Dec. 7, 2024 entitled “One-Piece Guide Rod”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/769,889 filed on Mar. 11, 2025 entitled “INTEGRATED MULTI-PORT COMPENSATOR-BARREL THRU SLIDE”, which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present disclosure relates to firearms, specifically handguns.

BACKGROUND

Semi-automatic blowback handguns typically have a frame with a grip and a slide assembly on top of the frame that can reciprocate along the length of the frame. When the handgun is at rest, the rear end of the slide lines up with the rear end of the frame. When the handgun is discharged, the slide moves rearward, and returns forward to a rest position by means of a recoil spring assembly. The movement of the slide and force expelled on the bullet traveling through the barrel by gases results in an upward and rearward recoil felt by the user. During the discharge of ammunition in a handgun, such as one described in U.S. Pat. No. 984,519 issued to John Moses Browning in 1911, gas from ignited propellant moves out of the muzzle before the slide begins to move rearward. Because the slide is in line with the barrel while gas is being expelled, the result is increased recoil.

The recoil experienced by a user can be lessened by the recoil assembly and porting of ejected gases from the discharged round. A longer or fully supported recoil spring in the recoil assembly can mitigate the recoil felt by a shooter. Holes in the barrel or slide allow gases to escape before the slide begins to move rearward, and push the muzzle downward as a countermeasure to the upward recoil caused by the discharge of a round.

The recoil spring assembly is often a combination of a guide rod and a spring. The spring is usually a coil spring and is kept compressed either between collars at opposing ends of the guide rod, in which case it is referred to as a captured guide rod, or between one end of the rod and the muzzle end of the slide. A lug protruding from the barrel biases the spring assembly against the muzzle end of the slide and keeps the spring assembly in place. Another approach is to use a non-captured spring where one end of the spring extends beyond the guide rod and is compressed between a breech end of the guide rod biased against the barrel lug and the opposing end of the spring compressed against the muzzle end of the slide.

Handguns that do not use a captured guide rod often require the spring to be much longer than the guide rod and utilize a tubular downward-projecting abutment from the slide that extends over and beyond the forward end of the frame, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 984,519 issued to John Moses Browning in 1911. The abutment into which the spring goes is often a significant length, meaning that the guide rod needs to be short in order for a user to place the spring and guide rod within the extension. If the guide rod is too long, it cannot be angled and slid into the abutment enough so that its opposing end towards the breech of the barrel can be restricted by either a barrel lug or a shoulder in the frame. A spring plug is inserted, from the muzzle end of the extension, around the spring to compress and contain the spring when the firearm is assembled. The plug is restricted within the slide abutment by means of a bushing. Because the guide rod is relatively short, the plug can be pushed in to allow rotation and subsequent removal of the bushing.

In the example of a 1911 handgun, the guide rod is approximately 1.75 inches in length, with the recoil spring being approximately 6.55 inches in length, uncompressed, and approximately 1.625 inches when compressed in a non-recoil condition. This has a disadvantage of not providing internal support for the spring. A standard guide rod may result in the spring kinking and result in an unsmooth action. A longer guide rod functions better than short guide rod because the spring has a longer guide to compress on. A spring on a longer shaft compresses better than a spring that is free floating being compressed.

A longer, or “full length” guide rod may be used to address the problems that can occur with a standard “short” guide rod, however this requires a plug having a bore to allow the guide rod to pass through completely. This plug requires a tool to disassemble the handgun for maintenance because the guide rod extends approximately completely to the muzzle end of the slide. This setup for a longer guide rod may require users to pin the guide rod, plug, and spring, so that once pinned together everything is removed from the slide at the same time. This requires a small pin to hold all of the components together. Additionally, because of the geometric restrictions between the slide abutment and length of a full-length guide-rod, the guide rod may need to have a narrower diameter than a standard “short” guide rod, which is not desirable for reducing spring kinking as the guide rod outer diameter is much smaller than the recoil springs inner diameter, preventing the guide rod from fully supporting the spring. A narrower guide rod does not have the benefit of additional weight to help with recoil management. The plug further abuts a bushing inserted into the slide externally to the muzzle of the slide and protrudes beyond the slide.

Another approach for a longer guide rod is to utilize a two-piece guide rod with one part being a breech-end piece with one end inserted into the spring and slide abutment, and an opposing end having a collar to bias against a barrel lug. The second piece is inserted through the muzzle end of the slide abutment and threads onto the first piece. The two-part design allows for a wider diameter rod, thereby increasing weight for helping reduce recoil. This approach has disadvantages such as requiring an additional part to keep track of, requiring a tool to thread onto the collared piece, and has an inherent risk of becoming unthreaded during recoil.

With respect to gas porting, a well established approach is to use an external barrel or slide attachment that has a central bore registered with the barrel bore to allow a bullet to pass through, but has vertical, horizontal, or radial holes, referred to as ports, that allow the gas to escape before the slide moves rearward. Another approach is to create ports in the barrel and slide. However, this approach often involves a barrel and slide with a large gap in between them. This results in gasses going from the barrel port holes or cuts, and between the barrel and slide, decreasing the effectiveness of the vented gases and causing increased fouling between the barrel and slide resulting in a higher likelihood of a malfunction or at the very least decreased slide reciprocation.

Even with approaches that utilize a bull barrel a registered port on the slide and barrel, such as the Zaffiri Precision Integrated Blowhole System, do not have the slide and barrel properly fitted and have a large gap between the slide and barrel that allows gas to escape into the slide. Other systems that do have a closer fitted slide and barrel with a registered port, such as the the Springfield 1911 DS Prodigy™ Comp AOS handgun, do not have the barrel and slide ports properly matched and fitted to one another, resulting in a smaller barrel port than a corresponding slide port, substantial over or underhang between the slide and barrel ports, and a substantial gap between the slide and barrel that allows for gas to pass into the slide. Additionally, such approaches often will have only have a single top port that does not extend around the barrel to enhance gas porting for lateral stabilization. Even past attempts at recoil mitigation through gas porting using more lateral ports resulted in a large slide-barrel gap and mis-matched port sizes.

SUMMARY

Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved longer one-piece guide rod with an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of a corresponding recoil spring to help with reliability and function while still allowing a simpler and easier slide removal process; and an improved barrel and slide having at least one pair of registered holes with a close fit interface at the muzzle end that allows gases to escape the barrel but be restricted from entering the slide.

To attain need and novelty for the solution, the embodiment of the present disclosure essentially comprises a pistol assembly comprising of a frame, a barrel connected to the frame, a slide operable to reciprocate with respect to the barrel and the frame between a forward battery position and a rearward recoil position, a recoil spring compressively received between a forward position of the slide and a selected portion of the frame and operable to bias the slide to the battery position. The recoil spring defining a bore with an elongated guide rod received in the bore and the guide rod having a rear end abutting the frame and a forward free end. The guide rod having an elongated first portion proximate the rear end having at least a diameter of a first amount and a second portion forward of the first portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter.

The pistol further comprises of the slide having a forward end proximate the muzzle end of the barrel when the slide is in the forward battery position and the barrel defining a barrel port rearward of the muzzle end of the barrel and communicating with the bore. The slide defines a slide port registered with the barrel port when the slide is in the forward battery position and the port being in part defined by a rearward facing wall surface.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The subject matter regarded as the present embodiment is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The embodiment, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a firearm with an embodiment of the slide, barrel, and guide rod.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of a firearm during recoil having an embodiment of the guide rod and barrel exposed.

FIG. 3A shows an isometric exploded view of a slide assembly with an embodiment of the slide, and barrel, and guide rod

FIG. 3B shows a side exploded view a slide assembly with an embodiment of the slide, barrel, and guide rod

FIG. 4 shows a side view of an embodiment of the guide rod.

FIG. 5A shows a front isometric view of an embodiment of the guide rod.

FIG. 5B shows a rear isometric view of an embodiment of the guide rod.

FIG. 6A shows a side section view of a firearm in a forward battery condition having an embodiment of the slide, barrel, and guide rod.

FIG. 6B shows a section view of the muzzle end of the firearm of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7 shows a side section view of a firearm in a full recoil condition having an embodiment of the slide, barrel, and guide rod.

FIG. 8A shows a side section view of the slide assembly with an embodiment of the slide, barrel, and guide rod installed.

FIG. 8B shows a side section view of the slide assembly with an embodiment of the guide rod being removed.

FIG. 8C shows a side section view of an embodiment of the guide rod with spring interfacing with the slide.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the guide rod just after removal of the guide rod assembly.

FIG. 10A shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the barrel.

FIG. 10B shows a top view of the barrel in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a side section view of an embodiment of the barrel in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIG. 11A is an isometric view of an embodiment of the barrel as an unfinished workpiece.

FIG. 11B is a side view of the muzzle end of an embodiment of the barrel as an unfinished workpiece.

FIG. 12A is a side view of an embodiment of the barrel as an unfinished workpiece.

FIG. 12B is an enhanced view of a portion circled in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a side section view of an embodiment of the barrel without porting.

FIG. 13B is an enhanced side view of an embodiment of the barrel with angle cuts.

FIG. 13C is a section view of an embodiment of the barrel.

FIG. 14A is a side view of an embodiment of the slide.

FIG. 14B is an angled rear view of an embodiment of the slide.

FIG. 15A is a top view of the muzzle end of an embodiment of the slide.

FIG. 15B is a rear view of an embodiment of the slide.

FIG. 16 is an isometric front section view of an embodiment of the slide and barrel.

FIG. 17A is a top view of an embodiment of the slide.

FIG. 17B is an bottom view of an embodiment of the slide.

FIG. 18A is an enhanced side view of the muzzle end of an embodiment of the slide.

FIG. 18B is an enhanced side-section view f the muzzle end of an embodiment of the slide.

FIG. 18C is a rear section view of an embodiment of the slide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments and disclosures. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments will be described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

An embodiment of the firearm of the present disclosure is shown as a pistol assembly and generally designated by reference numeral 10. An embodiment of the guide rod of the present disclosure is shown and generally designated by reference numeral 100. An embodiment of the slide of the present disclosure is shown and generally designated by reference numeral 14. An embodiment of the slide of the present disclosure is shown and generally designated by reference numeral 16.

FIGS. 1 and 2 shows an angled view of a firearm 10 having a frame 12, slide 14, and barrel 16 connected to the frame. FIG. 1 shows the firearm in a battery condition, FIG. 2 shows the firearm in a full recoil condition. The frame has a forward end 20 and an opposing rear end 22, with a slide interface side 24 extending therebetween, and a grip 26 protruding downward therefrom. The slide has a forward end 30, also referred to as a muzzle end or a forward position of the slide, with a face 30a and an opposing bolt end 32, between which is the slide's lower frame interface side 34 an opposing top side 36. The slide is retained by the frame and reciprocates along the length of the frame by the interaction between the frame's slide interface side 24 and the slide's lower frame interface side 34. The muzzle end of the slide's frame interface side 34 has a downward protruding abutment 40 that is partially within a semi-tubular portion 20a of the forward end 20 of the frame. The forward end 42 of the abutment is in flush with the muzzle face 30a of the slide when the slide is in a forward battery condition as shown in FIG. 1, and completely within the semi-tubular frame portion 20a when in the full recoil condition of FIG. 2. A guide rod 100 is shown within the forward end of the frame below the barrel in FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the firearm with the slide 14 and barrel 16 in a forward battery position where the slide muzzle end 30 proximate to the barrel muzzle end 60. The barrel bore 60 is centered around the slide bore 52. The slide defines at its muzzle end a first slide port 200, second slide port 202, third slide port 204, and fourth slide port 206 at its forward end. The barrel is shown to define at its muzzle end a first barrel port 300 registered with the first slide port 200. The first slide port is defined in part by a rearward facing wall surface 210 and the second slide port is defined in part by a rearward facing wall surface 212, both opposite the slide forward face 30a. In the present embodiment the wall surfaces 210 and 212 are planar perpendicular to the barrel bore axis 63a.

In the present embodiment, the first slide port 200 and second slide port 202 are larger than the third slide port 204 and fourth slide port 206. The first and second slide ports extend from the left and right side of the slide 14 respectively towards the top side 36 of the slide, with a port dividing section 220 between these ports. The third slide port and fourth slide port are aft of the first and second slide ports, with the fourth slide port being aft of the third slide port.

FIG. 2 shows the slide 14 and barrel 16 in a rearward recoil position where the slide forward end 30 is no longer proximate to the barrel muzzle end 60. The barrel bore 60 is tilted upward from the slide bore 52. The slide defines a first slide port 200, second slide port 202, third slide port 204, and fourth slide port 206 at its forward end. The first slide port is defined in part by a first rearward facing wall surface 210 opposite the slide forward face 30a and the second slide port is defined in part by a second rearward facing wall surface 212. The barrel defines a first barrel port 300, a second barrel port 302, a third barrel port 304, and a fourth barrel port 306.

In the present embodiment, the first barrel port 300 and second barrel port 302 are larger than the third barrel port 304 and fourth barrel port 306. The first and second barrel ports extend around the barrel, with a first port dividing section 320 between these ports at the top side 76 of the barrel. This section increases the integrity of the barrel at the muzzle end. Absent this section, the barrel would not be as robust.

When in the forward battery condition the first barrel port 300 is registered with the first slide port 200, the second barrel port 302 is registered with the second slide port 202, the third barrel port 304 is registered with the third slide port 204, and the fourth barrel port 306 is registered with the fourth slide port 206. The exterior surface of the barrel mates with the interior surface of the slide, preventing significant amounts of gas traveling from the barrel into the slide, and instead the gas is directed through the barrel and slide via the ports. This is more clearly depicted in the side section view of FIGS. 6A and 6B, described below.

The portion of the slide between the slide face 30a and the first port 200 and second port 202 function as a “front plate” 230 that aids the build up of pressure by creating a large opening for turbulent flow. The front plate is not a distinct piece attached to the slide, but is continuous with the slide being part of the muzzle end 30. Anterior to the front plate is a port dividing section 220 separates the first slide port 200 from the second slide port 202 by a width 222. This increases the integrity of the slide and prevents deformation that may occur if the firearm is dropped on its muzzle end. As discussed further on, the muzzle end 30 of the slide and muzzle end 60 of the barrel have a very close fitting relationship to create a tight fit between the two so that gases do not escape into the slide through the barrel's ports. The relationship is so close that any small deformation of the barrel or slide from impact could prevent proper lockup and slide movement. Port dividing sections 220 and 320 increase structural integrity to the slide and barrel respectively to minimize this risk.

The rear surface of the front plate 230 is the rearward facing wall surfaces 210 and 212 that partially define the first 200 and second 202 slide ports. The front plate itself has a limited thickness less than the width of the first slide port or less than the width of the port.

In other embodiments the slide may define fewer or greater than four ports. The ports may be of different design, such as but not limited to circles, squares, hexagons, ovals, and may be in different orientation such as having the third and fourth barrel and slide ports be more linear lengthwise with the barrel than transverse.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show exploded views the slide assembly 500 having a slide 14, barrel 16, guide rod 100, recoil spring 96, and reverse plug 80. FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view and FIG. 3B is a side exploded view.

The slide 14 in FIGS. 3A and 3B has a forward muzzle end 30 and an opposing bolt end 32, with a lower frame interface side 34 and an opposing upper side 36. The slide defines a bore 50 along a bore axis 52. The muzzle end of the slide interface side has a downward protruding abutment 40 with a forward end 42 and a rearward end 44 defining a bore 46 therebetween centered along bore axis 54. This abutment is a closed portion of the slide forming a tube that depends downward from the slide and extends some distance to the rear, with its axis parallel to that of the bore axis of the slide. The bore of the abutment is the seat for the forward portion 96a of the recoil spring. When the slide 14 is mounted on the frame 12 and is in a forward battery condition, the abutment protrudes from within the forward end 24 of the frame 20.

The barrel 16 of FIGS. 3A and 3B has a muzzle end 60 and an opposing breech end 62 defining a bore 63 centered around an axis 63a therebetween. When inserted into the slide the barrel axis 63a is offset from the slide bore axis 52. The barrel has a lug 64 protruding downward from the top side 76 of the barrel at the breech end. The lug has a width 64a and defines a central channel 64 (not visible here but shown in FIG. 6A-9) and transverse bore 66. A barrel link 70 (not visible here) moveably sets within the channel and defines a first pivot hole 72 (not visible here) registered with the barrel lug pivot hole 66, and a second pivot hole 74 below the first barrel link pivot hole 72.

FIGS. 3A and 3B further show a reverse plug 80 having a forward end 82 and an opposing rear end 84 defining a bore 86 therebetween. The forward end has an upward flange 90 with a segmental recess 90a in the current embodiment, that interfaces with the barrel's muzzle end. The forward end 82 of the plug has a smaller outer diameter 92 than the larger outer diameter 94 of the rear end 84. The reverse plug is inserted into the abutment 40 from the rear end 44 and is restricted in forward movement due to the rear end 84 having a larger diameter 94 than a second internal diameter (not visible here) within the abutment bore 46. The shoulder 84a of the reverse plug abuts a shoulder 44a (not visible here) within the abutment. The bore of the reverse plug is centered around the bore axis 54 of the slide abutment 40 when inserted into the abutment. The guide rod 100 is received in the bore 97 of the recoil spring 96 and the two are inserted within the bore 86 of reverse plug.

As described previously in FIG. 1-2, FIG. 3A-3B show an embodiment of that slide 16 defining a first slide port 200, second slide port 202, third slide port 204, and fourth slide port 206 at its forward end. The first slide port is defined in part by a first rearward facing wall surface 210 opposite the slide forward face 30a and the second slide port is defined in part by a second rearward facing wall surface 212. The barrel defines a first barrel port 300, a second barrel port 302, a third barrel port 304, and a fourth barrel port 306.

FIGS. 4 and 5A-5B show an embodiment of the guide rod 100. FIG. 4 shows a side view, FIG. 5A shows a front isometric view, and FIG. 5B shows a rear isometric view. The guide rod has a predominantly elongated body 102 with a forward free end 104 and opposing rear end 106. The rear end has a collar 110 with forward facing spring surface 112 and opposing outwardly protruding sloped surface 114 defining a cutout 116. The collar has an outwardly projecting flange 120 with a segmental recess 122. A shaft extends from the collar's spring surface 112 and has a plurality of sections of different lengths and diameters. There is a rearward most first segment 130 that extends from the collar 110 and has a first diameter 132. Forward of the first segment is a second segment being an elongated first portion134 having a second diameter 136 and being proximate to the rear end. In some embodiments segment 130 may be continuous with segment 134 having a uniform diameter. The second segment transitions to a third segment 140 having a variable diameter with a maximum diameter equal to the second segment diameter 136 and a minimal diameter of a third diameter 142. The third segment 140 terminates at approximately a fourth diameter 144, which is less than diameter 136 in the present embodiment. A fourth segment 150 extends from the fourth diameter to a fifth diameter 152 and is followed by a fifth segment 154 that ends at a sixth diameter 156. A sixth segment 160 extends from the sixth diameter 156 to a seventh diameter 162, and a seventh segment 164 extends from the seventh diameter 162 to an endmost eighth diameter 166 at the forward end 104.

In the present embodiment the endmost segment 164 is a tapered tip, but in other embodiments could be forms including but not limited to ellipsoids, pyramids, prolate spheroids, quadrilaterals, recessed cylinders, and shapes having a radius or chamfer. The fourth segment is 150 elongated in the present embodiment, but could be non-elongated in other embodiments.

The combination of segments 140, 150, 154, 160, and 164 give the forward portion 103 of the guide rod a prolate spheroid shape. The third segment 140 in the present embodiment is an elongated portion and spaced apart from the forward free end 104, but in other embodiments could be non-elongated.

Having the diameter 142 in segment 140 be less than the maximum diameter 136 of the guide rod allows the guide rod to be tilted out of the slide, specifically the abutment 40, freely. The narrower diameters 162 and 166 prevents the guide rod shaft from crashing into the reverse plug 80 during removal.

The overall length of the guide rod 100 may vary in different embodiments and depending on the frame and slide lengths. In the current embodiment the guide rod has an overall length of 3.320 inches but can range between 1.57 and 4.320 inches. Similarly, the lengths of segments shown in FIG. 4 may vary in different embodiments. In the current embodiment the length between the collar 110 and end of the second segment 140 is 2.069 inches, but this section may be between 1.00 and 3.069 inches before decreasing in diameter with the next segment. In the present embodiment shown the third segment 140 has a length of 0.463 inches but may be between 0.200 and 1.000 inches. In the present embodiment shown the fourth segment 150 has a length of 0.150 inches but may be between 0.050 and 0.300 inches. In the present embodiment shown the fifth segment 154 has a length of 0.126 inches but may be between 0.010 and 1.00 inches. In the present embodiment shown the sixth segment 160 has a length of 0.160 inches but may be between 0.050 and 0.320 inches. In the present embodiment shown the seventh segment 164 has a length of 0.237 inches but may be between 0.050 and 0.200 inches.

The diameters distinguishing segments shown in FIG. 4 may vary in different embodiments. In the current embodiment first diameter 132 is greater than the second diameter 136, which is 0.325 inches, but both may be between 0.200 and 0.335 inches in other embodiments. In the present embodiment shown the third diameter 142 is approximately 0.263 inches but may be between 0.150 and 0.300 inches; the fourth diameter 144 is approximately 0.289 inches but may be between 0.150 and 0.300 inches; the fifth diameter 152 is approximately 0.310 inches but may be between 0.150 and 0.320 inches; the sixth diameter 156 is approximately 0.310 inches but may be between 0.150 and 0.325 inches; the seventh diameter 162 is approximately 0.237 inches but may be between 0.150 and 0.300 inches; and the endmost diameter 166 is approximately 0.095 inches but may be between 0.050 and 0.200 inches in other embodiments.

In the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A-B the combination of segments 150, 154, and 160 with diameters 144, 152, 156, and 162 give the forward portion 103 a bulged shape 105. In other embodiments different segment lengths and diameters for the head portion could result in other shapes, including but not limited to pyramids, cones, recessed quadrilaterals, or recessed cylinders. In such other embodiments, the reverse plug 80 would have instead of a bore 86 an internal passage with a shape mateable to the shape of the forward portion 103 of the guide rod 100.

FIGS. 6A and 7 show a side view of a handgun 10 with an embodiment of the guide rod 100. FIG. 6A shows the handgun in a forward battery position and FIG. 7 shows the handgun in a full recoil condition. The slide 14 with barrel 16 are completely forward with the slide's abutment 40 protruding from the semi-tubular frame portion 20a of the forward end 20 of the frame 12. The barrel has a downward protruding lug 64 defining a central channel 64 with a traverse bore 66 that is registered with a barrel link 70 pivotably moveable within the channel by a first pivot hole 72 registered with the lug's channel and retained by a pivot pin (not shown). The barrel link further defines a second pivot hole 74 below the first pivot hole and connects the barrel to the frame. The guide rod rear sloped surface 112 abuts the lug 70 when the guide rod and recoil spring 96 are inserted into the abutment 40. The recoil spring is compressively received between a forward position 30 of the slide and a selected portion of the frame 12 and operable to bias the slide to the battery position. The segmental recess 122 of the flange 120 of the collar 110 the guide rod rests upon the rear end 62 of the barrel and the rear end 106 of the guide rod abuts a portion 21 of the frame. The bore of the slide and abutment are not separated, allowing the barrel to be removed from the slide in the absence of the reverse plug and guide rod.

The first barrel port 300, third barrel port 304, fourth barrel port 306, third slide port 204, and fourth slide port 206 are visible in the side section view.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7 show the reverse plug 80 slip fit within the abutment 40. The reverse plug defines a bore 86 that has a first internal diameter 83a that is greater than the outer diameter 97a of the recoil spring 96 and allows the recoil spring to compress unrestricted within the reverse plug bore. The forward end 82 of the reverse plug has a second, forwardmost internal diameter 83b that is less than the spring outer diameter 97a, restricting the forward movement of the recoil spring.

The reverse plug 80 with its forward end 82 flush with the forward end 42 of the abutment 40 and the reverse plug rear end 84 flush with the abutment rear end 44. The reverse plug is restricted from forward movement due to its shoulder 84a abutting an internal shoulder 44a in the bore 46 of the abutment. The reverse plug is restricted from rearward movement by the tension exerted on its forward end by the forward portion of the recoil spring 96a.

The above allows the slide to be removed from the frame with the guide rod and recoil spring compressed and retained completely within the slide, as opposed to previous methods involving the twisting and removal of a barrel bushing requiring a spring plug and recoil spring to eject from the slide before the slide or the spring and guide rod can be removed.

FIGS. 6A and 6B further shows the first barrel port 300 registered with the first slide port 200, the second barrel port 302 is registered with the second slide port 202, the third barrel port 304 is registered with the third slide port 204, and the fourth barrel port 306 is registered with the fourth slide port 206. The endmost exterior surface of the barrel 356 mates with the interior surface of the slide 37, preventing significant amounts of gas traveling from the barrel into or out of the slide, and instead the gas is directed through the barrel and slide via the ports.

FIG. 6B shows that the barrel 16 is fitted closely to the slide 14 at the muzzle end of the slide 30. The fit between the muzzle ends of the barrel and slide may be a sliding fit, close running fit, transition fit, or a locational clearance fit, resulting in a negligible gap between barrel and slide. The gap 270 between slide 14 and muzzle end 60 of barrel at the forwardmost section 356 is equal to the gap 272 between the third slide port 204 and third barrel port 304. Gap 272 extends all the way to the face 60a of the barrel, though the drawing may not apparently show the gap in the present embodiment. Part way between the fourth slide port 206 and fourth barrel port 306 the gap 274 slightly increases. In the present embodiment the smallest distance between the slide and barrel is 0.003 inches, but can range from 0.001 inches to 0.020 inches in other embodiments while accomplishing the desired prevention of gasses escaping into the slide, and the increased distance of gap 274 is approximately 0.004 inches, but can range from 0.001 inches to 0.020 inches for the desired taper in other embodiments.

The abutment 40 is continuous with the internal surface of the slide such that there is an opening allowing the reverse plug flange 90 to slip fit past the barrel bottom surface 342 of the barrel. The abutment between the shoulder 84a of the reverse plug and the internal shelf 44a of the abutment bore is located forward of hole 296 of the abutment, though the figure may not show this due to drafting limitations. The locations designated in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7 are approximate for representation purposes and an internal portion 294 of the slide is shown to overlap a portion of the forward end 82 of the reverse plug, obscuring the abutment shelf 44a actual location.

FIG. 6B further shows how the recoil spring 96 is fully supported by the guide rod 100. The guide rod is within the bore 97 of the recoil spring. The outer diameter 136 of the guide rod is slightly smaller than the inner diameter 97b of the recoil spring. The reverse plug 80 is slip fit within the abutment 40 and defines a bore 86 that has a first internal diameter 83a that is greater than the outer diameter 97a of the recoil spring and allows the recoil spring to compress unrestricted within the reverse plug bore. The forward end 82 of the reverse plug has a second, forwardmost internal diameter 83b that is less than the spring outer diameter 97a, restricting the forward movement of the recoil spring.

FIG. 6B further shows that the slide ports and barrel ports are registered with no overhang between them. The first slide port 200 and first barrel port 300 are concentric holes. The second slide port 202 and second barrel port 302 are concentric holes. The third slide port 204 and third barrel port 304 are concentric holes. The fourth slide port 306 and fourth barrel port 306 are concentric holes.

FIG. 7 shows the recoil spring 96 fully compressed and the guide rod 100 protruding beyond the abutment 40 forward end 42, reverse plug 80 forward end 82, and frame forward end 20. The reverse plug has a forward most inner diameter 83b greater than the maximum diameter 155 of the guide rod, allowing the reverse plug to move rearward over the guide rod without restriction. The barrel link 70 pivots rearward, as indicated by its first pivot link hole 72 now being rearward of the second pivot link hole 74, compared to their relative position in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 8A shows a side section view of an embodiment of the guide rod 100 in slide 16 having a barrel 16 installed. The rearward sloped surface 114 of the guide rod abuts the barrel lug 64. Specifically, the figure shows more clearly that as previously described, the guide rod collar 110 defines a cutout 116, resulting in left and right side, and the barrel lug defines a central channel 65, creating a left and right side lug surface (identified in further figures), each side of the sloped rear surface divided by the cutout abuts each corresponding lug surface divided by the central channel, with the area of the link associated with the first pivot hole able to fit within channel and the cutout surface as the link pivots during recoil. The unique geometry of the narrow neck section 155 allows a deeper pivot angle, allowing for a longer overall guide rod length and width to maximize support for the recoil spring 96.

FIG. 8B shows the guide rod 100 and spring 96 of FIG. 8A being removed from the slide abutment, though the process for insertion is the same but in a reverse direction. The narrow segment 140 allows for ease of removal from the abutment bore 46 while maintaining a predominantly uniform overall maximum outer diameter 155 excluding the rearward collar. Because the collar 110 no longer abuts the barrel lug 64, the recoil spring 96 no longer has tension at its forward end 96a and no longer abuts the reverse plug forward end 82. This allows the spring to bend as the narrow segment 155 clears the rear end 84 of the reverse plug and barrel link 70. FIG. 8C is an enhanced view of section D in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9 shows the guide rod 100 and spring 96 of FIG. 8A completely removed from the slide abutment. With the guide rod and spring removed the reverse plug 80 can move rearward and removed from the abutment 40. The forward most diameter 83b of reverse plug is narrower than the width 64a of the barrel lug 64, preventing the barrel 16 from being removed from the muzzle end of the slide. The length of the barrel and presence of the abutment prevent the barrel from being pulled rearward, away from the muzzle end 30, out from the slide 14. With the reverse plug removed, the barrel can slide forward, away from the bolt end 32 of the slide, and pass completely through the muzzle end of the slide.

FIG. 10A-10C show an embodiment of the barrel 16. FIG. 10A shows an isometric view of the barrel. FIG. 10B shows a top view of the barrel of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10C shows a side section view of the barrel of FIG. 10B through section line 10C. The barrel having a forward muzzle end 60 and opposing breech end 62 defining a bore 63 therebetween centered around an axis 63a. The barrel has a top side 67 and an opposing, downward protruding lug 64 at the breech end defining a central channel 65 creating a left 65a and right 65b lug surfaces. At the muzzle end the barrel defines a first barrel port 300, second barrel port 302, a third barrel port 304, and a fourth barrel port 304. A first port dividing section 320 divides the first and second barrel ports. Forward of the breech end 62 is an offset cylinder middle section 340 having a recessed cylindrical form, followed by a conical section 350 having tapered conical shape with a larger diameter away from the offset cylinder, and an angled cylinder surface 356 extending to the face 60a. The bottom side 342 of the barrel is cylindrical along the entire length of the barrel with a protruding lug 64 at the breech end.

FIGS. 10A-B further show the angled cylinder surface 356 as a distinct ellipse section with a cylindrical surface 352 below. Forward of the first 300 and second 302 barrel ports but below a portion of the angled cylinder surface is a lockup surface with an anterior relief section 354 below the ports. The muzzle end has a cylindrical surface 352 below the angled cylinder portion and anterior to the relief cut 354.

With respect to the barrel features shown in FIG. 10A, FIGS. 6A-7 show the function of the barrel 16 sections and corresponding slide 14 interactions. The recessed cylinder section 340 is a relief cut having its axis parallel to and below the axis of the barrel allowing the barrel to come in and out of lock-up correctly and creates the barrel-slide lock-up interface. The angled cylinder surface 356 mates to the slide internal surface 37, the space between the surfaces being very tightly controlled but having some relief space 270 in order to prevent the barrel and slide binding and unable to slide against each other.

FIG. 10B further shows a top view of the barrel 16 with section line 10C-10C. The port dividing section 320 between the first barrel port 300 and second barrel port 302 has a width 322. In the present embodiment this is 0.100 inches, though it can be as narrow as 0.050 inches or as wide as 0.200 inches in other embodiments depending on the gas flow or barrel integrity requirements. The third barrel port 304 and fourth barrel port 306 have a transversed width 330 of 0.350 inches, though they can be as narrow as 0.100 inches or as wide as 0.450 inches in other embodiments depending on the gas flow requirements.

FIG. 10C further shows the side section 10C-10C of FIG. 10B. The rifling 310 is shown extending from the chamber 312 to a counterbore section 314 that begins proximate to the rearward most edge of the fourth barrel port 306. The counterbore is not rifled. The first barrel port 300 and second barrel port 302 have the same width 324 of 0.274 inches in this embodiment, though it can be as narrow as 0.100 inches or as wide as 0.450 inches in other embodiments depending on the gas flow requirements. The first and second barrel ports begin a distance 336 of 0.138 inches rearward from the forwardmost face 60a of the barrel in the present embodiment, but can be as close as 0.100 inches or as far rearward as 0.300 inches depending on the gas porting requirements. The height 326 of the first and second barrel ports is greater than the width in the present embodiment but can vary in other embodiments depending on the gas flow requirements and extends below the bore axis 63a of the barrel, greater than halfway from the bottom of the bore to the axis of the bore on each lateral side of the barrel. The third barrel port 304 and fourth barrel port 306 have a length 332 of 0.188 inches in the present embodiment, though it can be as little as 0.100 inches or as great as 0.400 inches in other embodiments depending on the gas flow requirements. The third and fourth barrel ports are separated by a width 334 of 0.82 inches in the present embodiment but can be separated by as little as 0.050 inches or as much as 0.400 inches in other embodiments depending on the gas flow requirements or barrel integrity requirements.

FIG. 11A shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the barrel 16 as an unfinished workpiece with a relief cut. The breech end 62 has cylindrical form. Forward of the breech end is a offset cylinder middle section 340 having a recessed cylindrical form. Forward of the middle section is a outward conical section 350 having tapered conical shape and followed by surface 356 that has a tapered transition to an endmost cylindrical section 360.

FIG. 11B shows a side view of the muzzle end 60 of barrel 16 in FIG. 11A with an endmill bit 400. The offset cylinder middle section 340 is a relief cut that transitions to a conical surface 350 and then an angled cylinder surface 356. It is an angle created off of the conical surface 350. The offset cylinder portion 340 is formed by rotating the barrel around a centerline axis of rotation 340a, which is offset from the bore axis 63a by a difference 357, 0.015 inches in the present embodiment. The axis difference 357 between the bore axis and axis of rotation for the offset cylinder 340 can range from 0.010 to 0.050 inches depending on the barrel lockup requirements. The angled cylindrical surface is at an angle 355, in this embodiment 0.94 degrees, relative to the recessed cylinder axis 340 a. In other embodiments the angle 355 can range from 0.10 to 5.0 degrees depending on the barrel and slide fit and porting requirements.

FIG. 11B further shows that the angled cylinder surface 356 extends below both the bore axis 63a and the axis for the offset cylinder 340.

At the forward part of the muzzle end 60 is a lockup surface 360 that engages the slide muzzle end 30 when the barrel and slide are in a forward battery position, as in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, to create a tight fit between the slide and barrel. Anterior is a recessed surface 354 that terminates at the top of the barrel at the angled cylinder surface. The barrel has a cylindrical surface 352 anterior to the relief surface 354.

The barrel has a forward upper exterior surface 356 portion formed as a surface of revolution about a barrel axis 63a defined by the bore, and wherein the barrel has a forward lower exterior surface portion 342 formed as a surface of revolution about a second axis 0.94 degrees angularly offset from the bore axis. The exterior surface 356 is created about an axis that is approximately 0.015 inches away from the bore axis and is on a 0.94 degree angle cut.

FIG. 12A shows a side view of an embodiment of the barrel 16 as an unfinished workpiece. The barrel defines a bore axis 63a between a muzzle end 60 and a breech end 62. The breech end has a cylindrical form and a downward protruding lug 64. Forward of the breech end is a recessed cylinder portion 340 followed by a forward conical surface 350 above the bore axis. The muzzle end further has an angled cylinder surface 356 that transitions from the conical surface but unlike the conical surface extends below it and the bore axis. The angled cylinder surface extends from the recessed cylinder section 340 all the way top the muzzle face 60a.

The endmost lock up surface 360 is shown to have a length 361 anterior to the muzzle face 60a

FIG. 12A further shows the barrel is shown to have approximately the same endmost muzzle end diameter 362 as the breech end diameter 364 of the barrel forward of the barrel lug. In the present embodiment the muzzle endmost diameter 362 is approximately 0.699 inches and the breech end diameter 364 is approximately 0.694 inches. In other embodiments the muzzle end diameter can range from 0.500 inches to 0.800 inches and the breech end diameter can range from 0.500 inches to 0.800 inches depending on the caliber and purpose of the barrel. For example, in the present embodiment the barrel is a bull barrel type design, but a threaded barrel may require a smaller endmost diameter.

FIG. 12B shows detail 12B of FIG. 12A. The end most lock up surface 360, relief cut surface 354, and muzzle end cylindrical surface 352 are shown. The relief cut of the muzzle end show to differ from the surfaces flanking it by a degree 354a, in this embodiment approximately 1 degree. In other embodiments the muzzle end relief cut surface can have a degree ranging from approximately 0.50 to approximately 5.0 degrees.

FIG. 13A shows a side section view of an embodiment of the barrel 16 as an unfinished workpiece without the ports. The barrel has a muzzle end 60 and an opposing breech end 62, defining a bore 50 centered around bore axis 52. The muzzle end has a chamber 63 followed by a rifled section 310 and a counter-bore 314 that is without rifling. The counterbore has a first diameter 370 that is greater than the rifling diameter 374. The rifling spans partially from the breech end to partially in the muzzle end. Between the breech end and the muzzle end is a middle section 340 being an offset cylinder. The offset cylinder transitions to a conical section 350 and then to an angled cylinder section 356 and terminates as a forwardmost cylindrical section 360 at the barrel face 60a.

FIG. 13B shows a side view of the barrel 16 in FIG. 13A as an unfinished workpiece with respect to the cuts made. The muzzle end 60 has the forwardmost cylindrical section 360, an anterior angled cylinder section 356, and a conical section 350 which tapers to a relief cut offset cylinder section 340 at a conical slope 380. This shares its axis with the 340, not the barrel bore 63. In the present embodiment the slope angle is 5.0 degrees, but can range from approximately 1.0 to approximately 10.0 degrees depending on the requirements of fit between barrel and slide. The muzzle end has a length 382 from the offset cylinder section 340 to the face 63 of the barrel. In the present embodiment the length is 1.545 inches but can range from 0.545 to 2.545 inches depending on the porting and barrel-to-slide fit requirements. The angled cylindrical surface is at an angle 355, in this embodiment 0.94 degrees, relative to the recessed cylinder axis 340a.

FIG. 13C shows a section D-D of the barrel 16 in FIG. 12B. It shows the section offset of bore axis 63a and recessed cylinder axis 340a. They differ by a distance 376, 0.045 inches in the present embodiment. The barrel has a bore diameter 374 and a relief cut radius 346.

FIG. 14A shows a side view of an embodiment of the slide 14. The front plate 230 has a thickness 232, being the distance from the slide face 30a and the beginning of the rearward surface 212 and 214 of the first and second slide ports 200 and 202. In the present embodiment the thickness of the front plate is 0.131 inches, but can range from 0.050 to 0.500 inches. The first slide port 200 and second slide port 202 have a length 214, in this embodiment 0.275 inches but can range from 0.100 to 0.500 as required for different porting conditions.

FIG. 14B shows an angled rear view of the slide 14. The port dividing section 220 separates the first slide port 200 from the second slide port 202 by a width 222, in this embodiment 0.10 inches but in other embodiments this width can range from 0.050 to 0.300 inches depending on the porting and slide stabilization requirement. The abutment 40 is shown as a continuous part of the slide, distinguished from the main bore 50 by internal protrusions 294 and having its own bore 46 parallel and centered around an axis 54 with the slide bore axis.

FIG. 15A shows a face-on view of the slide 14. FIG. 15B shows a side section view of an embodiment of the slide 14 in FIG. 15A along section 15A-15A.

The abutment 40 is shown as a continuous part of the slide, distinguished from the main bore 50 by inward protrusions 294 and having its own bore 46 parallel and centered around an axis 54 parallel with the slide bore axis. The abutment has a first rearward diameter 240 that is greater than a second forward diameter 242. This change in diameter creates the abutment shoulder 44a. The bottom of the slide's frame interface surface 34 is shown relative to the abutment.

The slide bore axis 52 is offset from the barrel bore axis 63a when the barrel is inserted into the slide.

FIG. 16 shows an isometric front view partial section cut of muzzle end 30 of an embodiment of the slide 14 and muzzle end 16 of an embodiment of the barrel 16. The first slide port 200 and second slide port 202 are registered with the first barrel port 300 and second barrel port 302, respectively, separated from each other laterally by slide dividing section 220 and barrel dividing section 320, respectively. The first and second barrel ports extend above and below the barrel axis 63a. The reverse plug 90 us flush with the slide face 30a from the slide muzzle end down to the abutment 40.

FIG. 17A shows a top view of an embodiment of the slide 14 having a muzzle end 30, an opposing rear end 32, and defining a bore.

FIG. 17B shows a bottom section view of the slide 14, cut through the abutment 40.

FIGS. 18A-C are muzzle end 30 views of the embodiment of the slide 14. FIG. 18A us an angled top view, FIG. 18B is a side section view, and FIG. 18C is a front section view of FIG. 18B along section line 18C-18C across the first slide ports 200 and 202. The parts identified are the same as those corresponding in FIG. 15A-B. FIG. 18C shows how the abutment second diameter 242 and first port dividing section 220 between the first and second slide ports.