Methods and apparatus for optical adapter for firearm slide

Abstract

An apparatus and method for modifying a handgun to accept an optical sight comprises a modified slide mechanism adapted to include a flat recessed rear section configured to receive an adapter plate for mounting an optical sight. Various embodiments of the adapter include modified internal components used to replace stock components what will no longer fit within the modified profile of the slide mechanism. Replacement of the slide mechanism and associated internal components will allow a user to add an optical sight to an existing handgun.

1 . A conversion kit for adapting a firearm slide to receive an optical sight, wherein the firearm slide includes an internal extractor, the conversion kit 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 configured to be positioned within the slide, wherein the firing pin comprises a forward cut out section for receiving the extractor disposed proximate a forward end of the firing pin, wherein the cut out section comprises:
 a notch configured to engage the extractor and disposed along a forward portion of the forward cut out section forming a substantially perpendicular surface relative to a longitudinal axis of the firing pin; and 
 an angled end surface disposed along a rear portion of the forward cut out section. 
   
     
     
         2 . A conversion kit for adapting a firearm slide according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the notch forms a first substantially ninety (90) degree angle between an upper edge and an outer facing surface of the firing pin; and   the notch forms a second substantially ninety (90) degree angle between a lower edge and a bottom surface of the forward cut out section.   
     
     
         3 . A conversion kit for adapting a firearm slide according to  claim 1 , further comprising a firing pin block configured to be located beneath and not extend above a top surface of the flat rear section of the slide, wherein the firing pin block comprises:
 a central body having a first end and a second end;   a first edge section extending perpendicularly from the first end of the central body;   a second edge section extending perpendicularly from the second end of the central body in a same direction as the first edge section;   a center catch extending perpendicularly outward from a center portion of the central body opposite in a direction opposite that of the first and second edge sections; and   a detent in the substantially flat face of the first end.   
     
     
         4 . A conversion kit for adapting a firearm slide according to  claim 3 , wherein the firing pin further comprises:
 a rear cut out section disposed along a central portion of the firing pin; and   a relief cut extending at least part way between the forward cut out section and the rear cut out section and engaging the first flat section at a ninety-degree angle, wherein:
 the rear cut out section is configured to engage one of the first and second edge sections; and 
 the relief cut is configured to engage the center portion of the central body opposite the center catch. 
   
     
     
         5 . A conversion kit for adapting a firearm slide 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. 
     
     
         6 . A conversion kit for adapting a firearm slide 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. 
   
     
     
         7 . A firing pin for a firearm adapted to receive an optical sight, comprising:
 a rear cut out section disposed along a central portion of the firing pin;   a forward cut out section for receiving the extractor disposed proximate a forward end of the firing pin, wherein the cut out section comprises:
 a notch configured to engage the extractor and disposed along a forward portion of the cut out section forming a substantially perpendicular surface relative to a longitudinal axis of the firing pin; and 
 an angled end surface disposed along a rear portion of the cut out section; and 
   a relief cut extending at least part way between the forward cut out section and the rear cut out section and engaging the first flat section at a ninety-degree angle.   
     
     
         8 . A firing pin for a firearm slide according to  claim 7 , wherein:
 the notch forms a first substantially ninety (90) degree angle between an upper edge and an outer facing surface of the firing pin; and   the notch forms a second substantially ninety (90) degree angle between a lower edge and a bottom surface of the forward cut out section.   
     
     
         9 . A firing pin for a firearm slide according to  claim 7 , wherein:
 the rear cut out section is configured to engage one of the first and second edge sections; and   the relief cut is configured to engage the center portion of the central body opposite the center catch.