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.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/446,407, filed on Feb. 11, 2003, entitled "COMPACT LOCKING BLOCK FOR SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOLS" herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
A breech system for a firearm exhibits a breech which can be locked in its movement in the barrel block by at least one locking element, which is pressed against the rear end of the barrel by means of a breech spring surrounding the rigid barrel of the weapon, the barrel being enclosed with the exception of the front and rear apertures, whereby the breech spring is supported at the rear section of the barrel and at least one link element subjected to tension connects the front end of the breech spring and the breech. In order to guarantee precise function and in a manner which is safe for the user, by means of a simple arrangement which is reproducible in manufacture, a purely mechanical delay element is inserted in the link between the breech (10) and the breech spring (9).
