Methods and apparatus for optical adapter for firearm slide

Abstract

An apparatus and method for modifying a slide of a firearm to accept an optical sight comprises a modified slide that is adapted to include a flat recessed rear section configured to receive an adapter plate for mounting an optical sight. Various embodiments of the modified slide include modified internal components to replace stock components what will no longer fit within the operational profile of the modified slide. Replacement of the slide and associated internal components will allow a user to add an optical sight to an existing firearm with an exterior surface that is not suitable for mounting an optical sight device.

1 . A firearm slide adapted to receive an optical sight, comprising:
 a slide having a flat rear section recessed into a top portion of the slide and positioned below a topmost surface of the slide, wherein the flat rear section comprises:
 a first set of mounting holes; 
 a firing pin block opening; and 
 an extractor pin opening; 
   an adapter plate configured to be mounted within the recessed flat rear section by the at least one mounting hole, wherein the adapter plate comprises:
 a second set of mounting holes aligned with the first set of mounting holes; 
 at least one mounting bus disposed along a top surface that is configured to align the optical sight with the adapter plate; and 
 at least one receiving port disposed along a top surface that is configured to connect the optical sight to the adapter plate; and 
   a firing pin block configured to not extend above the flat rear section of the slide.   
     
     
         2 . A firearm slide adapted to receive an optical sight according to  claim 1 , wherein the firing pin block comprises a main body comprising:
 a first end having a substantially flat face;   a midsection having a concave surface; and   a flat section extending from the concave midsection to a second end of the main body.   
     
     
         3 . A firearm slide adapted to receive an optical sight according to  claim 2 , further comprising a firing pin having a first cut out region disposed along a rear portion of the firing pin, wherein:
 the flat section of the pin block is configured to engage the first cut out region; and   the concave surface of the midsection is configured to fit around an outer surface of the rear portion of the firing pin.   
     
     
         4 . A firearm slide adapted to receive an optical sight according to  claim 2 , wherein the firing pin block further comprises a detent in the substantially flat face of the first end. 
     
     
         5 . A firearm slide adapted to receive an optical sight according to  claim 1 , further comprising a safety lever configured to:
 be installed below the adapter plate; and   a rotate without impacting the adapter plate.   
     
     
         6 . A firearm slide adapted to receive an optical sight according to  claim 1 , wherein the adapter plate further comprises a raised sighting element positioned along a rearmost edge of the adapter plate that extends upwardly away from the flat rear section of the slide. 
     
     
         7 . A firearm slide adapted to receive an optical sight according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 a forward edge of the flat rear portion of the slide comprises a dovetailed portion; and   the adapter plate comprises:
 a forward edge configured to fit into the dovetailed portion; and 
 a lip positioned above the forward edge and configured to abut a topmost surface of the slide above the recessed flat rear section. 
   
     
     
         8 . A slide for a firearm adapted to receive an optical sight, comprising:
 a slide having a flat rear section recessed into a top portion of the slide, wherein the flat rear section:
 comprises a first set of mounting holes; 
 comprises a first opening extending downwardly into the slide for holding a firing pin block, wherein the firing pin block is configured not to extend beyond the first opening and above a top surface of the flat rear section; and 
 is positioned below a topmost surface of a forward portion of the slide; and 
   an adapter plate configured to be mounted within the recessed flat rear section by the at least one mounting hole, wherein the adapter plate comprises:
 a second set of mounting holes aligned with the first set of mounting holes; 
 at least one mounting bus disposed along a top surface that is configured to align the optical sight with the adapter plate; and 
 at least one receiving port disposed along a top surface that is configured to connect the optical sight to the adapter plate. 
   
     
     
         9 . A firearm slide adapted to receive an optical sight according to  claim 8 , wherein the firing pin block comprises a main body comprising:
 a first end having a substantially flat face;   a midsection having a concave surface; and   a flat section extending from the concave midsection to a second end of the main body.   
     
     
         10 . A firearm slide adapted to receive an optical sight according to  claim 8 , further comprising a firing pin having a first cut out region disposed along a rear portion of the firing pin, wherein:
 the flat section of the pin block is configured to engage the first cut out region; and   the concave surface of the midsection is configured to fit around an outer surface of the rear portion of the firing pin.   
     
     
         11 . A slide for a firearm according to  claim 8 , wherein the flat rear section of the slide further comprises a second opening extending downwardly into the slide for holding an extractor pin, wherein the extractor pin is configured not to extend beyond the second opening and above the top surface of the flat rear section. 
     
     
         12 . A slide for a firearm according to  claim 8 , wherein the firing pin block further comprises a detent in the substantially flat face of the first end. 
     
     
         13 . A slide for a firearm according to  claim 8 , wherein the adapter plate further comprises a raised sighting element positioned along a rearmost edge of the adapter plate that extends upwardly away from the flat rear section of the slide. 
     
     
         14 . A slide for a firearm according to  claim 8 , further comprising a safety lever configured to:
 be installed below the adapter plate; and   a rotate without impacting the adapter plate.   
     
     
         15 . A slide for a firearm according to  claim 8 , wherein:
 a forward edge of the flat rear portion of the slide comprises a beveled portion; and   the adapter plate comprises:
 a forward edge of the adapted plate is configured to fit into the beveled portion; and 
 a lip positioned above the forward edge and configured to abut a topmost surface of the slide above the recessed flat rear section.