US2535156A

US2535156A - Semiautomatic firearm with trigger operated cocking mechanism

Info

Publication number: US2535156A
Application number: US19696A
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael W Pastore; John C Rothwell
Original assignee: COLT'S Manufacturing CO
Current assignee: COLT'S Manufacturing CO
Priority date: 1948-04-08
Filing date: 1948-04-08
Publication date: 1950-12-26
Anticipated expiration: 1967-12-26

Description

M. W. PASTORE ET AL SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARM 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 8, 1948 Dec. 26, 1950 M. w. PASTORE ETAL 2,535,155

SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARM WITH TRIGGER OPERATED COOKING MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 8, 1948 A A r A l.

MV M/ w n m a Mr m k 5mm y r h n 5; M m WW j Q; 5 W

Dec. 26, 1950 M. w. PASTORE ETAL SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARM WITH TRIGGER OPERATED COCKING MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 8, 1948 -Jil Invent-0P5 Mic/25E] EbufE j flit/army Patented Dec. 26, 1950 semarrroim'rio FIREARM rrn 'r'nroona OPERATED oooKINc MECHANISM Michael Pasture, Hartford, and .iohn C. Rothwell, Bolton, Cnn., assignors to Colts Manufacturing Company, Hartford, Conn, a corporation of Connecticut Application April 8, 1948, Serial No. 19,696

34 Claims. 1

The invention relates to semiautomatic firearms and while not so limited is particularly applicable to semiautomatic pistols.

The general object of the invention is to pro vide a semiautomatic firearm having mechanism operable by the trigger for moving the bolt rearward independently of the reaction spring to cock the firing mechanism, the bolt being then movable forward by a spring separate from the reaction spring to effect loading. When the firearm has a main slide, the reaction spring is connected with the main slide and the bolt is moved rearward not only independently of the reaction spring but also independently of the main slide.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide mechanism such as described which not only moves the bolt rearward but also releases it after rearward movement so that it is moved forward by the separate spring independently of the said mechanism.

Another specific object of the invention "s to provide mechan'sm such as described which upon one movement of the trgger rearward from its forward position moves the bolt independently of the reaction spring to effect cocking and loading and which upon a subsequ nt movement of the trigger rearward from its forward position releases the soar to effect firing.

Still another specific cbect of the invention is to provide, in coniunction with mechanism such as described, a device for locking the firing pin to prevent movement thereof relative to the bolt when the bolt is being moved independently of the reaction spring.

Still another specific object of the invention is to provide, in conjunction with mechanism such as described, a stop which normally permits only a relatively small movement of the trigger for normal firing and which when the firing mechanism is in released position permits a relatively large movement of the trigger for causing independent movement of the bolt to effect cooking and loading.

Still another specific object of the invention is to provide, in conjunction with mechanism such as described, automatic mechanism which prevents release of the firing mechanism when the bolt is positioned otherwise than in its forward position, the said automatic mechanism also preferably preventing release of the firing mechanism when the magazine has been removed.

Further specific objects of the invention are to provide various details of construction which are necessary or useful for attaining the other before-stated objects.

St'll further objects of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and from the following specification and claims.

As to certain of its broader aspects the invention is applicable to semiautomatic firearms of a varety of types, but it is more particularly appiicable to automatic pistols. In the drawngs the invention is shown as applied to an automatic pstol, but it will be understood that the drawings are not to be construed as defining or iimiting the scope of the invention, the ClZililTS form ng a part of this specification bang relied upon for that purpose.

Of the drawings:

Fig. 1 s a horizontal sectional view of a semiautomatic pistol embodying the invention, the section being taken along the line I--! of Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is a combined elevational and longitu dinal sectional View of the pistol as shown in Fig. l, the major portion of the section being taken along the line 22 of Fig. 1.

3 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan View of the front porton of the bolt and of the immediately as soc ated parts.

Fig. 5 is a verticaltransverse sectional view token along the line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken along the line 66 of Fig. 1.

Fig 7 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 'l-'i of Fig. 1, but showing only the main slide and the bolt and the immediately associated parts.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the disconnector mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken along the line 99 of Fig. 10.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary longitidinal View partly in section along the line |Qlll of Fig. 1, this view showing the hammer in its released position and showing associated parts in corresponding positions.

Fig. 11 is a View similar to Fig. 10 but showingthe parts in positions which they occupy when the bolt has been moved independently of the main slide to cock the hammer.

In the drawings, in represents the receiver or frame of an automatic pistol. Many of the de= tails of the frame are or may be of conventional form. The frame has a grip portion 52 provided with a central opening therein adapted for receiving and holding a magazine M which may 3 be of any suitable type. The frame has a trigger guard 16 within which is a trigger l8 movable about a transverse pivotal axis at 2c. The trigger is biased to its forward position by a spring 2!. Carried by the frame it! is a barrel 22.

When the firearm is an auotomatic pistol as shown, there is provided a main slide 26 which is longitudinally reciprocable with respect to the frame, being guided by longitudinal guideways 26 on the frame. Forward movement of the slide is limited by the upper portion of a stop member 2'! which projects above the main frame and which is secured thereto by pins 28 and 29. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the forward portion of the slide 24 is shaped to surround or at least substantially surround the barrel 22. Fitting within the forward end of the slide and fitting around the forward end of the barrel is a bushing 36 having a rearward extending tail portion 3| located within a longitudinal slot in the bottom of the slide. This tail portion 3! is secured by a transverse pin 32 to the main body of the slide as shown in Fig. 3. Thus the bushing 3?} is connected with the slide for reciprocal movement therewith. A clearance cut 33 is provided in the frame to permit rearward movement of that portion of the main slide 2 1 which is below the barrel.

A shouldered sleeve 34 surrounds the barrel near the rear and abuts against a shoulder thereon. A shouldered bushing 36 surrounds the barrel near the front and abuts the said bushing 39. A coil spring 38 extends within the sleeve 34 and surrounds the barrel and the bushing 36, the spring abutting against the shoulders on the said sleeve and bushing. Thus the spring 38 serves as more fully explained, the bolt is longitudinally reciprocable independently of the reaction spring and independently of the main slide. When the bolt moves independently it is guided at the bottorn by a portion of the frame as already stated, and it is guided at the top by reason of its engagement with the said longitudinal faces on the main slide.

A spring 42 is provided which is separate from the reaction spring and which serves to resist independent rearward movement of the bolt and to move the bolt forward after such, rearward movement. Preferably the spring 32 is connected not only with the bolt but also with the main slide so that it has no action when the bolt and main slide are moved in unison. As shown in Figs. 1, and 6, the spring 52 is a longitudinal coil spring positioned in part in a semi-circular groove in the bottom of the upper wall of the slide 26 and in part in a semicylindrical groove in the top of the bolt :38. The spring abuts at the rear against a shouldered bushing 4'3 carried by the main slide and abuts at the front against a shouldered bushing 45 carried by the bolt. Normally the spring '42 tends to hold the bolt in its forward position,

- in the main slide.

the chamber of the barrel. The depth of the head space is such that, when a cartridge is in place, the head thereof holds the bolt slightly spaced from the barrel. Preferably a longitudinal rod is provided which extends through the spring 42 and through apertures in the bushings 44 and it. The rear end portion of the rod 59 is reduced in diameter and extends through a longitudinal hole in the rear part of the slide 24. A spring 52 biases the rod 50 in the forward direction. Carried by the front end of the rod 50 is an extension 54 which is movable in a notch 55 in the bolt and which is positioned to enter the head space 48 when no cartridge is in place. However, when there is a cartridge in place the extension 54 abuts against the head of the cartridge-and forces the rod 5e rearward in opposition to the spring 52. When the rod 56 is in its forward position it is entirely within the aperture However, when it is forced rearward by the head of a cartridge the rear end thereof extends beyond the end of the main slide as shown in Fig. l, and serves to indicate that 7 there is a cartridge in place in the barrel.

, A firing pin is longitudinally movable in a longitudinal hole in the bolt, the axis of the firing pin being ordinarily in alignment with the axis of the barrel. When the firing pin is driven forward it serves to effect firing in the usual manner.

A spring-biased mechanism is provided for actuating the firing pin to effect firing, this mechanism being so related to the bolt that it is moved to cocked position upon rearward movement of the bolt. While the invention is not necessarily so limited, the firing mechanism as shown includes a hammer 53 which is pivotally movable on a transverse supporting pin 5-0. The hammer is spring biased so that it tends to move from its cocked position, as shown in Figs. 2 and 11, toits released or firing pinengaging position as shown in Fig. 10.

The details of the hammer do not constitute I any part of the present invention, but as shown the hammer is provided with a cylindrical recess in which a bushing 62 is longitudinally movable, the bushing being closed at its lower or forward end. A coil spring is located within the recess in the hammer and within the bushing, one end of the spring abutting against the main body of the hammer and the other end thereof abutting against the end wall of the bushing 62. The 1 wer end of the bushing engages an abutment 66 carried by the frame. This abutment may conveniently be formed as an integral part of the aforementioned stop member 21. Inasmuch as the end wall of the bushing 62 rests against the abutment the spring 6-4 acts upon the hammer to .move it in the counterclockwise direction, that is, from the cocked posie' tion as shown in Figs. 2 and 11 to the released position as shown in 19.

A sear 5B is provided which is rotatable about a transverse axis at the sear being adapted to engage a notch in the hammer to hold it in cocked position. The sear is biased for movement in the clockwise direction. The hammer preferably has a safety notch ii which can be engaged by the sear to prevent firing in the event that the sear fails to engage the notch it or is accidentally disengaged therefrom, as for instance when the pistol is dropped. When the hammer is in released position the sear is in a rear position. as shown in Fig. 10. As the hammer is moved to its cocked position the sear is cammed for-.

Ward to a position for engaging the hammer to retain it in cocked position. The sear can be moved to release the hammer by a trigger operable mechanism to be hereinafter described in detail. When the sear 3% is so mot-ed the hammer moves upward and forward. under the action of thespring- E l to strike the firing pin 53 to drive it forward and thus effect firing.

The longitudinal movement oi the firing pin 56 with respect to the bolt is limited by a transverse stop pin 12 which enters an elongated notch formed in the top of firing pin. ll coil spring 14 surrounding the front portion of the firing pin biases the said pin rearward to the extent permitted by the stop pin 52. When the hammer is in cocked position the Spring E moves the firing pin to its rearward position as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 so that it can struck by the hammer.

The bolt 38 is so shaped at the rear and is so related to the hammer that it serves upon rearward movement to engage the hammer and move it irom its released position as shown in Fig. to its cooked position as shown in Figs. 2 and 11, where it is engaged and retained by the sear '68.

Upon firing, the bolt id and the slide at are driven rearward in unison, being so driven in opposition to the reaction spring 38. As the bolt moves rearward it moves the hammer to its cocked position as already described, the hammer being then engaged by the sear 58. The bolt lil carries a resilient extractor it having a hook at its forward end which enters the annular groove inthe cartridge so as to be adapted to withdraw :a

Ward by the extractor or simultaneously therewith, it is engaged by an ejector it which extendsupward within a clearance groove in the bolt h'i'as shown in Figs. 2 and 5. The ejector serves to force the cartridge laterally and outward through a port 88 formed in one side of the slide 24. After the bolt has been moved rearward as described it is moved forward, under the action of the reaction spring 58. In moving forward. the bolt engages the uppermost cartridge in the magazine H5 and forces it forward from the magazine and into the chamber of the barrel 22, this loading action being conventional for firearms of the type here involved.

Preferably a grip safety member 82 is provided, this being generally U-shaped in horizontal section and being pivoted for movement on the transversepin 29. The grip safety member has two transversely spaced upward extending

arms

84, 84, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, these arms having inward projecting hook portions which are adapted to engage a notch 85 in the outer part of the body of the hammer. The grip safety member 82 is normally held in its hammer engaging position by a leaf spring 85 as shown in Fig: 2. A portion 8'! of the spring 86 serves to bias the sear E8. The grip safety member, when engaged with the hammer as described, prevents the relase of the hammer even though the trigger l 8 -be pressed to move the sear 68 out of its hammerretaining position. However, when the grip l2 of 'the pistoli's held in the 'normal' manner-by: the hand of the user, the lower portion of the grip safety member 82 is'pressedinward on forward, thus moving the hook portions of the arms- 84; 8Q out of engagement with the hammer: and moving them out of the path of hammer movement so that the hammer is free to movefor" firing" and during cooking.

During normal firing, the movement of the. bolt dilis controlledby the reaction spring 38.and when there is a mainslide suchas 2: 1 the" bolt is normallyconnected therewith. Howevenhthe bolt is connected with the reaction spring and: main slide in such a manner that? it is discomnectible therefrom for independent reciprocable'. movement. While the invention is not necesssarily so limited the bolt is preferably connected with the main slide by means of. a' latch or locki 88*which is relatively movable'transverselyr The. details of the lock may be widely varied;- but. preferably the said lock is carried by the: bolt: and is vertically movable relatively thereto. The: lock is guided in a suitable opening in the bolt and when it is in its upper position as shownin Figs. 7 and 10 it projects into a notch 86 in the main slide so as to lock the bolt and the main. slide for movement in unison. When thelock is in its lower position as shown in Fig. 11 it is. withdrawn from the notch 98 and the bolt is. free to move relatively rearward with respect to the main slide.

For relatively moving the lock 88 there is'provided a lock slide 92 which has limited longitudinal movement with respect to the bolt. The bolt has a notch therein for receiving the-lock slide, the notch being bounded at the front and at the rear by

vertical walls

98 and 96 which limit the movement of the lock slide. The lock slide is guided at the top by a longitudinal wall 98 onthe main slide and is guided at the bottom by a longitudinal wall on the top of the frame. The slide 92 is provided with an inward projectingintegral tongue I08 which is inclined at an angle of approximately 45 and which fits a corresponding inclined groove llll in the look 88. It will be seen that when the slide 82 is moved relatively rearward the lock 88 is moved downward out of the notch 80. When the slide 92 is moved relatively forward the lock is moved upward into the notch 90. Two springs [82, I82 are provided which bias the look 88 in the upward direction thus tending to move it into the notch 98. By reason of the described connection between the lock 88 and the slide 92 the springs I82, I62 serve not only to bias the lock in the upward direction but also to bias the lock slide in the forward direction.

Preferably the lock 88 is provided with an inward extending lug A which enters a notch H16 in the firing pin 56 when the lock is in its lower position thus locking the firing pin against relative movement. It will be seen that the lug I84 serves to lock the firing pin against movement with respect to the bolt whenever the bolt is disconnected from the main slide for independent movement. As will presently be more readily apparent, the slide 92 is moved to cause downward movement of the lock 88 only when the hammer is in released position as shown in Fig. 10. When the hammer is in this position the firing pin is pressed forward from the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 so that the notch I therein is in vertical register with the lug l M on the look.

A trigger operable mechanism isprovided for disconnecting the bolt and for moving itrear- Ward or retracting it independently of the re: action spring and independently of the main slide. The said mechanism and other associated mechanisms will be best understood by referring to Figs. and 11. In these views the grip safety member is shown in the position to which it is moved to permit firing. Fig. 10 shows the hammer in released positionwith the other parts in corresponding positions, the trigger being in the position to which it was moved for releasing the hammer. The hammer may be in the position shown in Fig. 10, if there was no cartridge in the chamber of the barrel or if there was a cartridge which failed to fire. The hammer has moved the firing pin forward in opposition to the spring 14 so that the notch its in the pin is in vertical register with the lug HM in the lock 88. Fig. 11 shows the hammer and other parts in positions to which they are moved by the aforesaid trigger operable mechanism, the hammer having been moved to cocked position as the result of rearward movement of the bolt but the bolt retractor, hereinafter described, being in a position slightly forward from its extreme rearr ward position.

The details of the before-mentioned trigger operable mechanism may be widely varied but there is preferably provided a bolt retractor i538 having two spaced arms its, its which are pivotally engaged with the transverse pin 65$ at opposite sides of the hammer as shown in Fig. 9. At least one link Hi1 is provided and preferably there are two such links which are at opposite sides of the opening for the magazine M. These links are pivotally connected at the rear with the retractor at l2, as shown in 11, and are pivotally connected at the front with the trigger at H4. It will be seen that when the trigger is moved rearward to a relatively large extent the links Hi3, iii! are moved forward thus moving the retractor H98 in the clockwise direction. Supported on the retractor 58 and constituting the upper portion thereof are two similar pawls i it and i it, the upper ends of which are movable about the axis of the pin iii} in arcuate' paths which intersect the path of rearward movement of the bolt. The slide 92 has an inward projecting vertical'flange 523, as shown in Figs. 1 and '7, which flange is engageable by the pawl l l E as it moves upward and rearward. When the flange I29 is engaged by the pa l 5515 the slide $2 is moved rearward this moving the lo k downward so as to disconnect the bolt from the main slide. As soon as the slide 92 has reached its limit of relative rearward movement continued engagement of the pawl H6 with the flange I acts to move the bolt rearward relatively to the main slide. facing shoulder 522, as shown in Fig. 1, which shoulder is so positioned that it is in transverse register with the forward face of the flange iZt when the said flange is in its rearward position with respect to the bolt. Therefore, as soon as the slide 52 has reached its rearward position with respect to the bolt the pawl H8 engages the said shoulder H22 and the two pawls H5 and H8 cooperate to move the bolt rearward relatively to th main slide. As the bolt is moved rearward by the pawls are and H8 it moves the hammer to its cocked position as already described. It will be seen that the described rearward movement of the bolt is independent of the reaction spring 38 but is resisted by the separate spring .42. 1 a w The bolt has a forward r of the bolt.

Preferably the pawls H6 and H8 constituting the upper portion of the retractor are not rigidly connected with the main body thereof but are pivotally connected with the said main body for relative movement about a transverse axis at I24. Stops are provided for preventing the pawls H6 and iiil from moving forward relatively to the main body of the retractor beyond the position shown in Figs. 2 and 10. However, the pawls are free to move rearward to a limited extent with respect to the said main body, but they are biased toward the front so that they are normally held in the positions shown.

As the pawls H6 and H8 continue to move rearward they reach a position wherein they are disengaged from the bolt, this position being just beyond that shown in Hg. 11. As soon as the pawls move beyond their bolt engaging position the bolt is released and it is moved forward by the separate spring 32. During forward movement of the bolt, the pawls H6 and H8 are cammed downward, moving about their axisat 52 i and thus permitting free forward movement As the bolt moves forward it engages a cartridge in the magazine and forces it into the chamber of the barrel in the manner already described. As has been stated the lock 33 is biased for upward movement and as soon as the bolt reaches its forward position the lock moves upward to enter the notch in the main slide, the slide 92 at the same time being moved rela 'vely forward. Thus the bolt is again locked to the main slide. Upward movement of the lock releases the firing pin and the firing pin is then moved relatively rearward by the spring it into the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the pin thus being in position for engagement by the hammer 53.

When the trigger is released, the retractor let and the links iii! are restored by the spring 2! to the positions shown in Fig. 2. The pawls H6 and H3 move forward with the main body of the retractor and in so moving they engage the rear of the bolt 43. By reason of their beforementioned pivotal connection with the main body of the retractor at I26, the pawls are pres ed relatively rearward with respect to the said main body and are thus enabled to move past the bolt. As soon as they have cleared the bolt they are restored to their normal forward positions as shown in Fig. 2.

A trigger operable mechanism is provided for moving the sear so as to release the hammer and permit firing in the usual manner, this being effected by a relatively small movement of the trigger. Proferably one or both of the beforementioned links HEB. Hi serve as a part of this last-mentioned mechanism. There is at least one sear hook E25 which is preferably at the rear end of a link 5213 pivoted to one of the links H9, at 35. As shown there are two sear hooks E25 and two links 525. Springs 53! bias the links 523 for relative upward movement. The sear is provided with transversely extending beveled proections E32 which are adapted to be engaged by the hooks I25. As the trigger it moves to its forward position, after having been moved rearwardto effect independent rearward movement of the bolt, the links H9 and the links E28 move rearward. The hammer is in cocked position and the sear is in hammer retaining position on the scar and the hooks I26 then snap into.

has several functions.

9 engagement with the said sear projections as shown in Fig. 2. The trigger is now connected withthe sear and is ready to move it and release the hammer.

A relatively small rearward movement of the trigger moves the links I23 forward so as to move the sear and release the hammer for normal firing action. At ti ne time the retractcr is moved to a small e? 11 by the links I id, but the movement is not sufficient to cause the pawls I I6 and I I8 to engage the slide or the bolt. As the links I2 are moved forward by the trigger and by the links I iii the rear ends of the said links I26 are cammed downward as hereinafter described so as to cause the hooks I26 to disengage the sear 66 and leave it free for reengaging the hammer when thehammer is returned to cocked position upon automatic rearward movement of th main slide an bolt.

In order to provide additional safety, the said :grip' safety member 82 is provided with a stop which prevents movement of the trigger and its "connected links when the said grip safety member is in released position. The grip safety member is provided with horns I33 which are in the path of movement of extensions I34 on the Links H6 when the member 82 is in released position, as shown in Fig. 2. When the trigger is iprezsed the links III) tend to move generally rearward but there is a pivotal movement of the rear ends thereof about the axis of the pin 60. The said pivotal movement has a downward -co1nponentand, by reason of the angles on the engaging faces 'of the horns I33 and of the extensions 134, the said horns prevent downward movement of the said-extensions, thus preventing movement of the sear to release the hammer. However, when the grip safety member 82 is moved to the position shown in Figs. '10 and 11, the horns I33 are so positioned that the links I-III can be moved, thus permitting move- .ment of the trigger to effect firing.

A disconnecting mechanism is provided which One of its functions is to disconnect the sear from the trigger after normal firing action and also to disconnect the sear from the trigger in the event that the hammer is released with no firing action. The said mechanism also serves to disconnect the sear from the trigger when the bolt is held or retained in any position other than its forward position and the mechanism may also serve to disconnect the sear from the trigger when the magazine I4 has been removed. The disconnecting mechanism is shown in detail in Fig. 8 and is also shown in Figs. 2, l0 and 11.

A plate I36 is provided having arms I38, I38 which are apertured to fit the transverse pin 69, these arms being positioned at the outer sides of the hammer and at the inner sides of the beforemention'ed arms E09 of the retractor I898, as shown in Fig. 9. The front face of the plate I36 is positioned to be engaged by the upper portion of the rear wall of the magazine I4 and when the magazine is in place the plate is held in the position shown in Figs. 2, l0 and 11. The plate is or may be biased for movement in the counterclockwise direction. The before-mentioned ejector 18 is preferably formed as an integral part of the plate I36. The desrcibed pivotal movement of the plate I36 permits the ejector 18 to be swung forward so that it is below the bottom of the main slide. When the plate and the ejector have been so moved the main slide may be removed from or assembled with the frame with- 10 out encountering any interference with the ejector.

The plate I36 carries a pin I46 which is biased in the upward direction by a spring I42. The upper end portion of the spring extends through a transverse hole in the pin, thus limiting upward movement thereof. The lower end of the pin I40 is connected with a transverse pin I44 which is guided in slots in side flanges formed on the plate. The end portions of the pin I44 normally engage the tops of the links I28 which carry the sear hooks I26. The upper end of the pin I40 normally extends into a notch I46 formed in the bottom of the bolt 40. With the bolt 40 in its normal forward position, the pin I40 is in its upper position and the pin I44 permits the links I28 and the sear hooks I26 to remain in their normal upper positions. However, when the bolt is moved rearward from its normal forward position the inclined wall of the notch I46 forces the pin I40 downward, thus causing the pin I44 to move the links I28 and the hooks I26 downward so that the hooks can no longer engage the projections I32 on the sear. Thus the sear is disconected from the trigge whenever the bolt is in any position other than its normal forward position.

As has been stated, the plate I36 is normally held in the position shown by reason of its engagement with the magazine I4. However, when the magazine is removed the plate I36 swings in the counterclockwise direction about the transverse pivot pin 60. As the plate so moves the pin E44 moves bodily downward thus forcing the links I28 and the hooks I26 downward so as to disconnect the hooks from the projection I32 on the sear. Thus the sear is disconnected from the trigger whenever there is no magazine in place.

It has already been stated that, when the trigger is pressed to release the sear for normal firing action, the links I28 are cammed downward so as to cause the hooks I26 to disengage the sear and leave it free for reengaging the hammer when the hammer is returned to cocked position after automatic rearward movement of the main slide and bolt. When there is a disconnecting mechanism such as described this disconnecting mechanism serves to cam the links I28 downward to disconnect the hooks from the sear. It will be seen that when the bolt 40 moves rearward the pin I46 is forced downward thus forcing the transverse pin M4 downward. The pin I44 engages the links I28 to move them downward, thus disengaging the hooks I26 from the sear.

The disconnector mechanism also serves to disconnect the sear from the trigger in the event that firing does not occur, that is, when the bolt and hammer remain in the positions shown in Fig. 10. During trigger movement the pivotal connection I36 at the front of the links I28 moves forward and upward, but the said links are engaged with the transverse pin I44 which remains stationary. As the result of the upward component of the movement of the axis I36 the rear parts of the links E28 are swung downward sufficiently to disengage the hooks I26 from the sear. As soon as the sear is thus disengaged it moves to the position shown in Fig. '10.

The before-mentioned relatively large movement of the trigger is necessary only when the hammer is in released position as shown in Fig. 10, and is otherwise undesirable. A mechanism is therefore provided for preventing the relatively large movement of the trigger when the hammer is to be released from its cocked position as shown in Fig. 2. A longitudinally movable member I48 is provided, this member preferably being a slide guided in grooves formed in the side walls of the grip portion of the pistol. The slide E48 has two lateral portions and also has a transverse connecting portion I59 at the rear which normally abuts against the sear 68. The slide I48 is biased in the rearward direction, this being efiected by a portion I 52 of the before-mentioned spring 86. The links III] carry two outward projecting pins or stops I 54 and the slide I48 has two upward and forward extending hooks I56 which are shaped and positioned to serve as abutments which cooperate with the stops I54.

When the several parts are in the positions shown in Fig. 2, the slide I48 is held by the sear but it is not in its extreme forward position as it will be moved further forward when the sear is moved forward to release the hammer. The parts are so formed and related that the stops I54 move along a curved path as indicated at a in Fig. 11, and it will be seen that, if the slide 548 and the hooks I 56 were to remain stationary, the stops I54 would move past the hooks without engaging them. However, the slide and the hooks do not remain stationary but move forward with the sear when the trigger is pressed.

. This last said forward movement brings the hooks or abutments I56 into positions wherein they engage the stops I54 to limit forward movement of the stops and to thus limit rearward movement of the trigger.

During normal firing action the sear is released from its connection with the trigger and moves momentarily to the rear position shown in Fig. 10, and in the absence of any provision to the contrary the slide I48 might move to a position at least as far toward the rear as that shown in Fig. 2 and it might move to an extreme rear position as shown in Fig. 10. If the slide I48 were to so move rearward the hooks I 56 would be out of the paths of movement of the stops I54, thus permitting a relative large trigger movement and defeating the intended purpose of the hooks or abutments. However, when the trigger is pressed for ordinary firing action the stops I54 are pressed against the abutments I 56 in such a manner as to prevent rearward movement of the slide I48. Preferably the front pin engaging portions of the hooks or abutments are curved downward as shown, so that the slide is positively prevented from moving rearward so long as the trigger is held in the position to which the hooks permit it to move.

When the hammer is in its released position as 7 shown in Fig. 10. the slide I48 is in a position at least as far toward the rear as that shown in Fig. 2 and it may be in an extreme rear position as shown in Fig. 10. It is shown in the extreme rear position but a somewhat smaller amount of 'movement would be sufficient. The hooks I56 are out of the path of movement of the stops I54 along the line a. Thus the trigger is free to move to the larger extent which is necessary for effecting independent movement of the bolt. As the hammer approaches cocked position the sear is cammed forward and engages the hammer as shown in Fig. 11. The slide I 48 and the hooks I56 are in the positions shown in Fig. 11 and when the trigger is released the parts move from the position shown in Fig. 11 to the position shown in Fig. 2. The stops I54 move along the path a to the position shown in Fig. 2, and they so move without engaging the hooks I55.

The following i a brief summary of the manner of operation of the pistol. With the parts in the positions shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and with a supply of cartridges in the magazine M the grip of the pistol is held in the normal manner, the grip safety member 82 being thus moved out of the position shown in Fig. 2 and to the position shown in Figs. 10 and 11. The trigger it is pressed to effect firing and when so pressed it moves the sear $8 to release the hammer 58. The extent of trigger movement is limited by the engagement of the stops I54 with the hooks or abutments I56. When the hammer is released it drives the firing pin 56 forward to fire the cartridge. Thereupon the slide 24 and the bolt 4!! are driven rearward in opposition to the reaction spring 38, the bolt 46 engaging the hammer 58 to move it to cocked position. A the bolt 40 moves rearward the disconnector pin I40 is forced downward so as to disconnect thehooks I26 from the sear 68, thus leaving the sear free to reengage the hammer. As the main slide and bolt are returned in the forward direction by the reaction spring a cartridge is engaged by the bolt and is removed from the magazine and forced into the chamber of the barrel. When the trigger is released it moves forward to the position shown in Fig. 2 and the hooks I26 are reengaged with the sear, the pistol being ready for further firing.

The hammer may be in its released position as shown in Fig. 10. This may result when the trigger is pressed to release the hammer after the last cartridge has been fired, or it may result from the failure of a cartridge to fire. With the parts in the position shown in Fig. 10, the trigger is in the position to which it was moved to release the hammer. The scar is in its rearward position and the slide I48 is also in a position at least as far rearward as that shown in Fig. 2, the hooks or abutments I56 thus having been moved out of the path of the stop I54 so that the trigger can be moved to an extent much greater than the smaller extent which was necessary for normal firing action. With the parts in the positions shown in Fig. 10 the trigger is additionally moved so as to move the links H0 in the forward direction and so as to thus pivotally move the retractor H18 in the clockwise direction. As the retractor I68 so moves the pawl He moves the lock slide rearward to unlock the bolt from the main slide and the pawls II6 and H8 then move the bolt rearward independently of the main slide to the position shown in Fig. 11, the spring 42 being compressed. As the bolt so moves rearward it moves the hammer to cocked position, the hammer being retained in such position by the sear 68. When the retractor reaches its rearmost position the bolt is released and is moved forward by the spring 42 and in so moving it engages a cartridge in the magazine and forces it into the chamber of the barrel. When the trigger is released, the trigger and the several parts of the trigger operable mechanism are automatically restored to the positions shown in Fig. 2. The firearm is then ready for firing in the manner which has been described.

It will be seen that when the hammer is in released position it is necessary for the trigger to be pressed twice in order to eifect firing. The trigger is first moved to a relatively large extent to e iect cocking and loading. Then it must be 13 "permitted to return to its forward position to enable the sear hooks to reengage the sear. After that the trigger is moved to a relatively small extent to efiect firing.

It is always possible, in the event of an emergency. to engage the main slide manually and move it rearward to effect cocking and loading in the manner which is conventional for pistols of the type shown and described. If the bolt, after being moved independently rearward, should for any rea on fail to move forward to the full extent, the main slide can be moved rearward manually until the lock 35! automatically enters the notch in the slide.

What we claim is:

1. Ina semiautomatic firearm, the combination of a frame, a barrel, a reaction spring, a reciproca le breech bolt normally connected with the reaction spring to enable the said spring to resi t rearwardmovement of the bolt upon firing and to thereafter mo e it forward, the said bolt being di connecti le from the spring for independent reciprocable movement, a separate spring serving to re i t independent rearward move ment of the bolt and to thereafter move it forward, de ice for extracting and e ecting a cartridge hell during rearward bolt movement. a magazine for supplying a cartridge to a position for insertion into the barrel during forward bolt movement, a firing pin, a spring-bia ed mechanism or act ating t e pin to effect firing, which mechani m is movable to cocked position by the bolt upon rearward movement thereof, a

biased to retain the firing mechani m in cocked position, a trigger, a mechanism operable by the trigger for di connecting the bolt from the reaction spring and for then moving the bolt rearward independently of the said reaction spring so as to move the firing mechanism to cocked position and a trigger operable connection for moving the sear to release the firing mechanism. 2. A semiautomatic firearm as set forth in claim 1, wherein the trigger operable mechanism after moving the bolt rearward releases it to permit the said separate spring to move it forward independently of the said mechanism.

In a semiautomatic firearm. the combination of a frame. a barrel, a reaction spring, a reciprocable breech bolt normally connected with the reaction spring to enable the said spring to resist rearward movement of the bolt upon firing and to thereafter move it forward, the said bolt being disconnectible from the spring for independent reciprocable movement, a separate spring serving to resist independent rearward movement of the bolt and to thereafter move it forward, devices for extracting and e ecting a cartridge shell during rearward bolt movement, a magazine for supplying a cartridge to a position for insertion into the barrel during forward bolt movement, a firing pin. a spring-biased hammer movable to cocked position by the bolt upon rearward movement thereof, a sear bia ed to retain the hammer in cocked position. a trigger, a mechanism operable by the trigger for disconnecting the bolt from the reaction spring and for then moving the bolt rearward independently of the said reaction spring so as to move the hammer to cocked position, and a trigger operable connection for moving the sear to release the hammer and permit it to strike the firing pin to efiect firing a. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combination of a frame, a barrel, a reaction spring, a

reciprocable breech bolt normally connected with the reaction spring to enable the said spring to resist rearward movement of the bolt upon firing and to thereafter move it forward, the said bolt being disconnectible from the spring for independent reciprocable movement, a separate spring serving to resist independent rearward movement of the bolt and to thereafter move it forward, devices for extracting and ejecting a cartridge shell during rearward bolt movement, a magazine for supplying a cartridge to a position for insertion into the barrel during forward bolt movement, a firing pin, a springbiasecl mechanism for actuating the pin to effect firing which mechanism is movable to cocked positionby the bolt upon rearward movement thereof, a sear biased to retain the firing mechanism in cocked position, a trigger, a mechanism operable upon a movement of the trigger rearward from its forward position for disconnesting the bolt from the reaction spring and for then moving the bolt rearward independentlv of the said reaction spring so as to move the fi ing mechani m to cocked position, and a connection operable upon a subsequent movement of t e trigger rearward from its said forward position for moving the sear to release the firing mechanism.

5. In a sem automatic firearm, the combination of a reaction spring, a reciprocable breech bolt normally connected with the reaction spring and disconnectible therefrom, a firing pin carr ed bv the breech bolt and movable relatively thereto to effect firing, a trigger, and a trigger operab e mechanism for disconnecting the breech bolt from the reaction spring and for moving the breech bolt and firing pin rearward independently of the said reaction spring.

6. In a semiautomatic pistol having a barrel, a reciprocable breech bolt, a reaction spring, a firing pin, a spring-biased hammer, a sear and a trigger, the combination of a relatively movable element normally serving to releasably connect the bolt with the reaction spring, and a tr gger operable mechanism for relatively moving the said element to release the bolt from its normal connection with the reaction spring and for then moving the bolt rearward independentl of the reaction spring so as to cock the hammer.

7. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combination of a frame, a barrel, a reciprocable main slide, a reaction spring serving to resist rearward movement of the main slide and to thereaft-er move it forward, a reciprocable breech bolt normally connected with the main slide for movement therewith and disconnectible therefrom for independent reciprocable movement, a

separate spring serving to resist independent rearward movement of the bolt and to thereafter move it forward, devices for extracting and ejecting a cartridge shell during rearward bolt movement, a magazine for supplying a cartridge to a position for insertion into the barrel during forward bolt movement, a firin pin, a spring-biased mechanism for actuating the pin to efiect firing which mechanism is movable to cocked position by the bolt upon rearward movement thereof, a scar biased to retain the firing mechanism in cocked position, a trigger, a mechanism operable by the trigger for disconnecting the bolt from the main slide and for then moving the bolt rearward independently of the said main slide so as to move the firing mechanism to cocked position, and a trigger operable connection for moving the sear to release the firing -mechanism.

8. A semiautomatic firearm as set forth in claim 7, wherein the trigger operable mechanism after moving the bolt rearward releases it to permit the said separate Spring to move it forward independently of the said mechanism.

9. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combination of a frame, a barrel, a reciprocable main a cartridge shell durin rearward movement of the bolt, a magazine for supplying a cartridge 'to a position for insertion into the barrel during forward movement of the bolt, a firing pin on the bolt, 2. spring-biased hammer movable t cocked position by the bolt upon rearward move ment thereof, a sear biased to retain the hammer in cocked position, a trigger, a mechani m operable by the trigger for disconnecting the bolt from the main slide and for then moving the bolt rearward independently of the said main slide so as to move the hammer to cocked position, and a trigger operable connection for moving the sear to release the hammer and permit it to strike the firing pin to effect firing.

10. A semiautomatic firearm as set forth in claim 9, wherein there is a device for engaging the firing pin to prevent movement thereof rel- 'ative to the bolt when the bolt is disconnected from the main slide.

11. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combina tion of a frame, a barrel, a reciprocable main slide, a reaction spring serving to resist rearward movement of the main slide and to thereafter move it forward, a reciprocable breech bolt normally connected with the main slide for movement therewith and disconnectible therefrom for independent reciprocable movement, a separate spring serving to resist independent rearward movement of the bolt and to thereafter move it forward, devices for extracting and ejecting a cartridge shell during rearward bolt movement, a magazine for supplying a cartridge to aposition for insertion into the barrel during forward bolt movement, a firing pin, a spring-biased mechanism for actuating the pin to eiiect firing which mechanism is movable to cocked position by the bolt upon rearward movement thereof, a sear biased to retain the firing mechanism in cocked position, a trigger, a mechanismoperable upon a movement of the trigger rearward from its forward position for disconnecting the bolt from the main slide and for then moving it rearward independently of the said main slide so as to move the firing mechanism to cocked position, and a connection operable upon a subsequent movement of the trigger rearward from its said forward position for moving the sear to release the firing mechanism.

12. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combinaation of a reciprocable main slide, a reaction spring connected with the slide, a reciprocable breech bolt normally connected with the slide and disconnectible therefrom, a firing pin carried by the breech bolt and movable relatively thereto to effect firing, a trigger, and a trigger operable mechanism for disconnecting the breech bolt from the slide and for moving the breech bolt and firing pin rearward independently of the slide.

13. In a semiautomatic pistol havin a barrel, a reciprocable main slide, a reaction spring, a firing pin, a spring-biased hammer, a scar and a trigger, the combination of a reciprocable breech bolt normally connected with the main slide and disconnectible therefrom, and a triggcr operable mechanism for disconnecting the bolt from the main slide and for then moving the bolt rearward independently of the main slide so as to cook the hammer.

14. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combination of a frame, a barrel, a reciprocable main slide, a reaction spring serving to resist rearward movement of the main slide uponfiring and to thereafter move it forward, a breech bolt reciprocable independently of the main slide, a releasable lock normally connecting the bolt to the main slide for reciprocation therewith, a separate spring serving to resist independent rearward movement of the bolt and to thereafter move. it forward, a firing pin, a springbiased mechanism for actuating the pin to effect firing which mechanism is movable to cocked position by the bolt upon rearward movement thereof, a scar biased to retain the firing mechanism in cocked position, a trigger, a mechanism operable by the trigger for moving the lock to disconnect the bolt from the main slide and for then moving the bolt rearward independently of the said main slide so as to move the firing mechanism to cocked position, and a trigger operable connection for moving the sear to re lease the firing mechanism.

15. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combination of a frame, a barrel, a reciprocable main slide, a reaction spring servin to resist rearward movement of the main slide upon firing and to thereafter move it forward, a breech bolt guided by the main slide for independent reciprocable movement, a releasable lock normally connecting the bolt to the main slide for reciprocation therewith, a separate spring connected with the bolt and the main slide and serving to resist independent rearward movement of the bolt and to thereafter move it forward, a firing pin, a spring-biased mechanism for actuating the pin to effect firing which mechanism is movable to cocked position by the bolt upon rearward movement thereof, a sear biased to retain the firing mechanism in cocked position, a trigger,

a mechanism operable by the trigger for moving the lock to disconnect the bolt from the main slide and for then moving the bolt rearward independently of the said main slide so as to move the firing mechanism to cocked position, and a trigger operable connection for moving the sear to release the said firing mechanism.

16. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combination of a frame, a barrel, a reciprocable main slide partly surrounding the barrel and extending rearward beyond the barrel, a coil reaction spring surrounding the barrel and connected with the main slide and serving to resist rearward movement of the slide upon firing and to thereafter move it forward, a breech bolt within the rear portion of the main slide and guided thereby for independent reciprocable movement, a releasable lock normally connecting the bolt to the main slide for reciprocation therewith, a coil spring within the rear portion of the main slide and connected with the bolt and with the rm -r saidmain. slide and serving to resist independent. rearward movement. of they bolt and to there-. after move it forward, a. firing pin, aspringbiased hammer movable to cocked. position. by the bolt upon rearward movement thereof, a. sear biased to retain the hammer in cocked position, a. trigger. a mechanism operable by, the trigger for moving thelock to disconnect the. bolt Irom the main slide and for. then moving thebolt rearward. independently of the said. main slide.

so. as to move the hammer to cocked position,

and. a... trigger operable connection for moving thesear to release the hammer and permit, it...

a firing. pin, carried by the bolt, a spring-biased.

mechanism for actuating the pin to effect firing which mechanism is movable to cocked position 'by the. bolt. uponrearward movement thereof,

a; scar biased to retain the firing mechanism in cocked position, aetrigger, a lock slide having limited longitudinal relative movement and serving. upon movement in one direction to move the lock. out of locking engagement, a trigger operable mechanism for engaging the lock slide to move it as last aforesaid and for then moving the bolt rearward independently of the main slide so as to move the firing mechanism to. cocked-position, and a trigger operable connection for movingthe sear to release the firing mechanism.

18. Ina semiautomatic firearm, the combinationsof a frame, a barrel, a reciprocable main slide, arreaction spring serving to resist rearwardv ;=thereafter move. it forward, a breech bolt removement of. the :main slide upon firing and to iprocable independently of the main slide, a relfeasablellock .onthe bolt normally engagingthe main slide to. connect .thebolt to the said main.

slide for reciprocation therewith, a separate spring serving to resist independent rearward movement of theibolt and to thereafter move. it forward, a firing pincarried by the bolt, a springbiased mechanism for actuatin the pin to effect.

firing which mechanism is movable. to cocked position by the bolt upon rearward movement there,

of, a sear biased to retain the firing mechanism in cocked position, a trigger, a lock slide on the bolt having limited longitudinal relative movement and spring-biased to its forward position.

the said lock slidebeing' connected with the lock to moveit outof locking engagement with the main. slide when the. lock slide is moved relatively rearward, a trigger operable mechanism for engaging the lock slide to move it relatively rearward and for then moving .the. bolt rearward independently of the main slide so as to move the firing mechanism to cocked position, and a trigger operable connection :for moving the sear. to re-- lease the firing'mechanism.

19. A semiautomatic firearm as set forth in claim 18, wherein the trigger operable mechanism after moving the lock slide and bolt rears ward releases them to permit the bolt to be moved forward by the saidseparate spring independently 18 of. the said mechanism and to. permit the lock slide to move relatively forward and thus. enable the lock to move into locking engagement with the main slide.

20. A, semiautomatic. firearm, as. set forth in. claim 18, wherein thereis. a. lu on the lock for engaging the firing pin to. prevent movement thereof relative to the bolt when the. l ck. is out of locking engagementwith they main. slide.

21. In a semiautomatic. firearm, the combination of a frame. abarrel, a. reaction spring, a re-. ciprocabl breech bolt. normally connected with the reaction spring. to enable the. said spring to resist rearward movement of, the bolt uponfiring and to thereaiter move. it forward, the. said bolt being disconnectible from. the sp n for inde pendentreciprocable movement, a separate spring. serving to resist independent rearward retracting.

movement of the. bolt and to thereafter move it forward, a firing pin, a spring-biased mechanism ing the sear to release. the. firing mechanism, a

retractor having an upper portion normally in a forward position and movable rearward in a genorally longitudinal arcuate path intersecting the path. of rearward movement of the bolt, an element on the bolt engageable. by the upper portion of the retractor and serving when so en a ed to disconnect the bolt from. the reaction spring, and a. trigger operable linkage. for moving the retractor to cause the arcuately movable upper portion thereof to move rearward, the said upper portion first engaging the said element. on the bolt to disconnect the bolt from the reaction spring and then retracting the bolt independently of the said reaction spring so as to move the firing mechanism to cocked position.

22. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combination of a frame, a barrel, a reciprocable main slide, a reaction spring serving to resist rearward movement of the main slide upon firing and to thereafter moveit forward, a breech bolt reciprocabie independently of the main slide, a releasable lock normally connecting the bolt to the main slide for reciprocation therewith, a separate spring servingto resist independent rearward retracting movement of the bolt and to thereafter move it forward. a firing pin, a springbiased mechanism for actuating the pin to effect firing which mechanism is movable to cocked position by the bolt upon rearward movement thereof, a scar biased to retain the firing mechanism in cocked position, a trigger, a trigger operable connection .for moving the sear to release the firing mechanism, a. retractor having an upper portion normally in a forward position and movable rearward in. a generally longitudinal arcuate path intersecting the path of rearward movement of the bolt, an element on the bolt ensagcable by the upper portion of the retractor and servin when so engaged to move the lock and disconnect the bolt from the main. slide, and a trigger operable linkage for moving the retractor to cause the arcuately movable upper portion thereof to move rearward, the said upper portion of the retractor first engaging the said element onv the bolt to disconnect the bolt from the main slide and then moving the bolt rearward independently of the said main slide so as to move the firing mech-- anism to cocked position.

23. In a semiautomatic. firearm, the combination of a frame, a barrel, 2, reciprocable main slide, a reaction spring serving to resist rearward movement of the main slide upon firing and to of, a sear biased to retain the firing mechanism in cocked position, a trigger, a trigger operable connection for moving the sear to release the firing mechanism, a retractor having an upper portion normally in a forward position and movable rearward in a generally longitudinal arcuate path intersecting the path of rearward movement of the bolt, an element on the bolt engageable by the upper portion of the retractor and serving when so engaged to move the lock and disconnect the bolt from the main slide, and a' trigger operable linkage for moving the retractor to cause the arcuately movable upper portion thereof to move rearward so that the said upper portion first engages the said element on the bolt to disconnect the bolt from the main slide and then moves the bolt rearward independently of the said main slide so as to move the firing mechanism to cocked position, the said linkage finally moving the upper portion of the retractor to a position wherein it disengages the bolt and permits it to be moved forward independently of the retractor by the said separate spring.

24; In a semiautomatic firearm, the combination of a frame, a barrel, a reciprocable main slide, a reaction spring serving to resist rearward movement of the main slide upon firing and to thereafter move it forward, a breech bolt reciprocable independently of the main slide, a releasable lock normally connecting the bolt to the main slide for reciprocation therewith, aseparate spring serving to resist independent rearward retracting movement of the bolt and to thereafter move'it forward, a firing pin, a spring-biased mechanism for actuating the pin to effect firing which'mechanism is movable to cocked position by the bolt during rearward movement thereof, a sear biased to retain the firing mechanism in cocked position, a trigger, a trigger operable connection for moving the sear to release the-firing mechanism, a retractor pivoted for movement about a transverse axis and having a main body 7 and an upper portion and being biased to its forward position, the said retractor having its upper 1 portion movable in a path intersecting the path of rearward movement of the bolt, an element on the bolt 'engageable by the upper portion of the retractor and serving when so engaged to move the lock and disconnect the bolt from the main slide, a trigger operable linkage connected with the main body of the retractor formoving it to cause the upper portion thereof to first engage the said element on the bolt to disconnect 2o tractor and the mainbody thereofwhich permits the said upper portion'to move relatively to the said main body'vv'hen the said upper portion engages the bolt during subsequent forward movefl ment of the retractor.

25; In a semiautomatic firearm, the combination of a frame, a barreL'a reciprocable main-- slide, a reaction spring'serving to resistrearward movement of the main slide upon firing and to thereafter move it forward, abreech bolt recipro cable independently of the main slide, a releas-- able lock normally connectingthe bolt to the main slide for reciprocation therewith, aseparatespring serving to resist independent rearward re tracting movement of the-bolt and'to thereafter move it forward, a firing pin, a spring-biasedhammer pivoted for movement about transverse axisand movable to cocked position by the bolt upon rearward movement thereof; a sear biased to retain the hammer in cocked position, a trigger, a trigger operable connection for moving the sear to release the hammer and permit it to strike the 1 firing pin to effect firing, a retracto pivoted for movement about the hammer axis and having its upper portion movable in a path intersecting the path of rearward movement of the bolt, an element on the bolt engageable by the upper portion of the retractor and serving when so engaged to.

move the loci: and disconnect the boltfrom the main slide,"and trigger operable linkage for moving the retractor to cause the upper portionthereof to firstengage the said element on the. bolt to disconnect the bolt from themain slide and to then move the bolt rearward. independently of the said main slide so as to move the firing mechamsm to cocked position.

26. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combina-I tion of a frame, a barrel, a reaction spring, a re- Cipro-cable breech bolt normall connectedwith the reaction spring to enable the said spring to resist rearward movement of the bolt upon firing and to thereafter move itforward, the said bolt pendent tion, a trigger, a mechanism operable upon a relatively large trigger movement for disconnecting the bolt from the reaction spring and'for moving i the bolt rearward independently of the said reaction spring'so as to movethe firing mechanism to cocired position, a connection operable upon a relatively small trigger movement for moving the sear to release the firing mechanism, and an; abutment normally permitting only the said relatively small trigger movement and automatically movable'to permit the said relatively large trigger movement when the firing mechanism is in released position. '27. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combinament therewith and disconnectible therefrom for independent reciprocable movement, a separate; spring serving to resist independent rearward 1. movement of the bolt and to thereafterzmove it forward, a firing pin, .a lspringebiased,mechaef:

aceta e:

nism for actuating the pinto-efiect firing which mechanism is movable to cocked position. by the bolt upon rearward movement thereof, a searbiased to retain thev firing mechanism in cocked position, a trigger, a mechanism operable upon-a relatively large trigger movement for disconnecting the bolt from the main slide and for-moving the bolt rearward independently of the said mail} slide so as itomove the firing mechanism to cocked position, a-iconnection operable upon a relatively small trigger movement for moving the sear'jto release the firing mechanism, and an abutment normally permitting only the said relatively sin l-l trigger movement and automatically movable;-,to permit the said relatively large trigger movement when the firing mechanism is in released positiori.

28. A semiautomatic firearm as set f0l'th".: i ll claim 27, wherein the abutment is movable by the scar and serves to prevent the said relatively large movement of the trigger when the sear is in the position to which it is moved to release the firing mechanism, the said abutment being movable to permit such movement of the trigger when the sear is in a position corresponding to the released position of the firing mechanism.

29. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combination of a frame, a barrel, a reciprocable main slide, a reaction spring serving to resist rearward movement of the main slide upon firing and to thereafter move it forward, a reciprocable breech bolt normally connected with the main slide for movement therewith and disconnectible therefrom for independent reciprocable movement, a separate spring serving to resist independent rearward movement of the bolt and to thereafter move it forward, a firing pin, a springbiased mechanism for actuating the pin to effect firing which mechanism is movable to cocked position by the bolt upon rearward movement thereof, a sear biased to retain the firing mechanism in cocked position, a trigger, a mechanism operable upon a relatively large trigger movement for disconnecting the bolt from the main slide and for moving the bolt rearward independently of the said main slide to move the firing mechanism to cocked position, a connection operable upon a relatively small trigger movement for moving the sear to release the firing mechanism, a stop movable with the trigger, an abutment automatically movable to a stop engaging 'position upon movement of the sear to release the firing mechanism so as to permit only theisaid relatively small trigger movement, the said abutment being biased for movement out of its stop engaging osition when the firing mechanismis in released position and the said abutment" by reason of its engagement with the stop being prevented from movement out of stop engaging position so long as the trigger is pressed.

30. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combination of a frame, a barrel, 9. reciprocable main slide, a reaction spring serving to resist rearward movement of the main slide upon firing and to thereafter move it forward, a reciprocable breech bolt normally connected with the main slide for movement therewith and disconnectible therefrom for independent reciprocable movement, a separate spring serving to resist independent rearward movement of the bolt and to thereafter move it forward, a firing pin, a springbiased mechanism for actuating the pin to effect firing which mechanism is movable to cocked position by the bolt upon rearward movement thereof, a sear biased to retain the firing mechanism in cocked position, a trigger, a mechanism 22 operable upon a relatively large. trigger move ment for disconnecting the bolt from the. main slide and for moving the bolt rearward independently of the said main slide to move the firing mechanism to cocked position, a connection operable upon a relatively small trigger movement for moving the sear to release the firing mechanism, a member movable longitudinally and normally abutting against the sear, the said member being movable by the sear to a forward position when the sear is moved to release the firing mechanism, a spring for biasing the member in the rearward direction, an abutment on the said longitudinally movable member, and a stop movable with the trigger and engaging the abutment when the last said member is in its said forward position so as to permit only the said relatively small trigger movement, the said stop by reason of its engagement with the said abutment preventing rearward movement of the said longitudinally movable member by the last said spring.

31. In a semiautomatic firearm, the combination of a frame, a barrel, a reciprocable main slide, a reaction spring serving to resist rearward movement of the main slide and to thereafter move it forward, a reciprocable breech bolt normally connected with the main slide for movement'therewith and disconnectible therefrom for independent reciprocable movement, a separate spring serving to resist independent rearward movement of the bolt and to thereafter move it forward, devices for extracting and ejecting a cartridge shell during rearward bolt movement, a magazine movable into and out of an operative position for supplying a cartridge to a position for insertion into the barrel during forward bolt ,movement, a firing pin, a spring-biased mechanism for actuating the pin to effect firing which mechanism is movable to cocked position by the bolt upon rearward movement thereof, a scar biased to retain the retaining firing mechanism in cocked position, a trigger, a mechanism operable upon a relatively large movement of the trigger for disconnecting the bolt from the main slide and for then moving the bolt rearward independently of the main slide to move the firing mechanism to cocked position, the said mechanism including a longitudinal link connected at its forward end with the trigger and movable forward when the trigger is moved rearward, a sear hook bodily movable with the said longitudinal link and transversely movable relatively thereto, the said hook being biased for relative movement in one direction and having snap engagement with the sear when the link is in its rear position and when the sear is in position to retain the firing mechanism and the said hook upon a relatively small movement of the trigger and of the said longitudinal link serving to move the sear to release the firing mechanism.

32. A semiautomatic firearm as set forth in claim 31, wherein there is a mechanism serving to move the sear book out of scar engaging position immediately after the sear has been moved sufiiciently to release the firing mechanism.

33. A semiautomatic firearm as set forth in claim 31, wherein there is a mechanism serving when the bolt is in any position other than its forward position for holding the sear hook out of sear engaging position.

34. A semiautomatic firearm as set forth in claim 31, wherein there is a mechanism movable to a position wherein it serves to hold the sear hook out of sear engaging position, the said mits the hook to engage the sear. '1

MICHAEL w. PASTORE. JOHNC. ROTHWELL.

24; REFERENCES CITED The following references afeof record in the fiie of this patent? 7 v UNITED S'I ATES EATENTS Number Name 7 7 1,146,984 Wesson July 20, 1915' 1,320,578; "Savage. i Nov. 4, 1919 1,418,021 Reifgraber May 30, 1922- Oberhammer Apr. 3, 1928 Date v a