A modular firearm according to the present invention includes a breach face module receiver adapted for receiving a fully assembled breach face module. The breach face module includes a breach face and an extractor arm precisely located relative to the breach face for engaging a cartridge rim and ejecting the cartridge from the firearm. The extractor arm is pivotally mounted in the breach face module and is rotationally biased by an extractor spring to effect cartridge engagement. The location of the extractor arm and the size of the breach face are variable so that the breach face module can be adapted for use with a range of calibers. The exterior dimensions of the breach face module remain constant so that a single breach face module receiver may be used to manufacture firearms of various calibers.
A method of machining a chamber in a gun barrel by EDM, by using a conductive electrodes which defines the desired shape and dimensions of the chamber. A series of electrodes of progressively increasing diameter may be used. An electrode for an EDM barrel chambering process is an axisymmetrical conductive member, and may include a body, an angular shoulder, a neck, throat area, and a tapered lead angle portion into the bore along with other features of a selected cartridge chamber.
A system and method for extracting a round of ammunition from a semi-automatic handgun having a slide with an opening are provided. An extractor assembly includes a first member configured to be disposed in the opening of the slide such that the slide encloses the first member. A second member has a portion configured to engage a round of ammunition. The second member is configured to pivot relative to the first member. A joint may connect the first member with the second member to allow the second member to pivot relative to the first member to thereby engage the round of ammunition. In addition, a spring may be provided to bias the second member into engagement with the round of ammunition.
A locking block mechanism for a compact semiautomatic pistol includes a pair of forward guide rails, which are normally separate from the locking block. Additionally, the locking block includes transverse ribs on the sides of the locking block, which engage mating slots in the polymeric frame of the pistol and secure the block to the frame. The guide rails and transverse ribs are separated by a space or discontinuity on the side wall of the locking block. The guide rails include chamfered front and rear edge surfaces and arcuate, convex bottom surfaces. The above-mentioned features function to create a durable locking block that allows for the construction of a pistol that is more compact than prior art designs.
