WO1995021366A1

WO1995021366A1 - Autoloading handgun mechanism having gripless frame and interdependent handgrip

Info

Publication number: WO1995021366A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/001451
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sandy L. Strayer; Virgil P. Tripp
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-02-07
Filing date: 1994-02-07
Publication date: 1995-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 1996-08-07

Abstract

An autoloading handgun mechanism of the Government Model 1911-A1 type is provided which incorporates a frame/handgrip integration providing an elongate gripless preferable metal frame having guide rails for receiving a slide mechanism. The gripless frame defines opposed handgrip seats to which an integral handgrip is connected in interlocked structural relationship with the handgrip seats. The handgrip structure incorporates an integral trigger guard and both the trigger guard and the connecting elements of the handgrip are physically interlocked with the frame structure by means of screws, pins, bonding, overmolding, etc. The frame and handgrip structures may cooperatively define a wide internal cartridge magazine receptacle for receiving a wide, staggered row, enhanced volume cartridge magazine. The handgrip structure is a structural element of the frame/handgrip assembly and defines outer grip surfaces presenting surface preparation for efficient gripping and defining a maximum handgrip thickness being substantially the same as the handgrip thicknes of a standard Model 1911 A1 handgun. The frame (12) and handgrip (14) sections of the assembly each provide for wholly contained location of structural and operational components while establishing a functionally interdependent relationship between such components.

Description

TITLE: AUTOLOADING HANDGUN MECHANISM HAVING GRIPLESS FRAME AND INTERDEPENDENT HANDGRIP FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/910,636 of Sandy L Strayer and Virgil P. Tripp, filed on July 8, 1992 and entitled Frame/Handgrip Assembly For Autoloading Handgun.

This invention relates generally to autoloading handguns and more specifically to a handgun having a metal frame and polymer handgrip assembly and incorporating structural and operational mechanisms that are interdependent upon the frame and handgrip from the standpoint of location and function. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At the present time, all autoloading handguns, whether composed of cast or machined metal or polymer, have an integral frame structure incorporating a receiver for the barrel, hammer and reciprocating slide mechanisms and having a handgrip structure that is integral with the frame. There is not presently known in the handgun industry a frame/handgrip assembly for autoloading handguns wherein both the frame and the handgrip provide for location of structural and operational components and wherein these structural and operational components, located wholly within the frame or handgrip or co-located by assembled frame and handgrip structures, are functionally interdependent.

In the field of law enforcement, autoloading handguns are often utilized. Though the knock-down power of .45 caliber ACP cartridges is desirable from the standpoint of officer safety, it is also desirable to provide an autoloading handgun mechanism of less weight than the conventional Government Model 1911-A1 so that it may be more easily transported on the person of the officer who must wear it daily. In some cases, manufacturers have chosen to provide a handgun frame which is manufactured of light-weight aluminum or aluminum alloy material, thus minimizing the weight of the metal frame. This is also considered an undesirable "trade-off" because aluminum and aluminum alloys are of considerably less structural integrity as compared to a metal such as steel and when constructed with thin metal sections to minimize weight aluminum alloy frames tend to quickly develop stress fractures during use. Obviously when this happens the frame must be repaired or replaced. It is desirable, therefore, to provide an autoloading handgun of large caliber such as .45 caliber ACP, which has approximately the same handgrip size but is of significantly less weight as compared to a standard Government Model 1911 A1 handgun of the same large caliber and yet incorporates a frame structure composes of high strength material which is as resistant to fracture as conventional steel frames. Heretofore this feature has also been considered unattainable. During the development of the autoloading handgun mechanism of the present invention a number of design considerations were considered paramount. It was decided that the resulting handgun, to be acceptable to most target shooters, should have the capability of utilizing many parts such as the slide, barrel, recoil assembly, hammer assembly, etc. of the 1911 A1 handgun because it is well known to be the most dependable and most widely used handgun for target shooting and for law enforcement. Another major design parameter was to provide an autoloading handgun mechanism having the capability for the standard round capacity or an increased round capacity depending on the desires of the user. For a lighter than usual model, it was also considered appropriate to utilize lightweight metals such as aluminum, titanium, etc. for the frame and to provide a frame design utilizing such lightweight metals without any sacrifice from the standpoint of adequate structural integrity. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal feature of the present invention to provide a novel autoloading handgun mechanism wherein structural and operational components are located within one of the two major structural components, i.e., the frame or the handgrip and are functionally interdependent with operational components that are located in or supported by the opposite major structural component.

It is another feature of the present invention to provide a novel autoloading handgun which is designed for standard round capacity or increased round capacity.

It is also a feature of this invention to provide a novel autoloading handgun mechanism which is of light weight construction without any sacrifice from the standpoint of structural integrity so that the resulting handgun can have a weight that is lighter than a conventional Government Model 1911 A1 handgun.

It is a further feature of this invention to provide a novel autoloading handgun mechanism wherein the handgrip portion thereof may define a large dimensioned internal cartridge magazine chamber for containing enhanced volume staggered row cartridge magazines and yet provide an external handgrip dimension being substantially the same as the handgrip dimension of a standard Government Model 1911 A1 handgun.

It is an even further feature of this invention to provide a novel autoloading handgun mechanism which includes a gripless frame composed of metal or any other suitable material to which is interconnected a handgrip structure composed of polymer material or any one of a number of suitable metals including but not limited to steel, aluminum, titanium, sintered metals and metal composites, etc.

It is another feature of this invention to provide a novel autoloading handgun mechanism incorporating a handgrip structure of polymer or metal composition and which may be machined, cast, sintered, additive machined or formed by any other suitable process.

It is among the several features of this invention to provide a novel autoloading handgun mechanism wherein the frame and handgrip may be assembled by a sliding fit and are provided with a key-keyway structural interlocking configuration to provide for substantially rigid assembly between the frame and the handgrip.

It is another feature of this invention to provide a novel autoloading handgun incorporating a frame to which is assembled a polymer handgrip that is substantially rigid from the standpoint of handgripping and feel and being slightly yieldable to provide "controlled flexibility" to cushion the sharp force ordinarily imparted to the user's hand during firing to thus provide the frame/handgrip assembly with a "soft shooting feel" during handgun shooting activities.

It is another feature of this invention to provide a novel autoloading handgun mechanism which provides for location of the mainspring assembly wholly within the handgrip construction and yet functionally interdependent with the hammer assembly which is located wholly within the gripless frame construction.

It is an even further feature of this invention to provide a novel autoloading handgun mechanism incorporating a rigid frame to which is fined a handgrip section incorporating an integral trigger guard and wherein both the handgrip and trigger guard sections are mechanically interlocked with the frame structure.

It is another important feature of this invention to provide a novel autoloading handgun mechanism having a frame which defines guide rails for movably receiving a reciprocating slide and wherein the guide rails are either interrupted or uninterrupted, depending upon the character of manufacture that is desired.

Briefly, the various features of the present invention are realized through the provision of an autoloading handgun mechanism which incorporates a gripless frame structure of a design having efficient structural integrity whether composed of steel or whether composed of other metals or other suitable materials. Though the term "metal frame" is frequently employed herein, it is not intended to limit the range of metal and non-metal materials that may be employed in the manufacture of the frame structure. The frame structure is of elongate gripless configuration and defines guide rails for receiving the reciprocating slide portion of the handgun. The handgun mechanism of this invention is capable of receiving conventional 1911 A1 components such as the slide assembly, trigger assembly, hammer assembly, slide lock, thumb safety, rear, hammer, spring, leaf spring, magazine catch, etc. These elements, referred to herein as structural and "operational components" are shown in the drawings. The standard slide of a Government Model 1911 A1 handgun is receivable in properly interfitting relation with the guide rails of the frame structure. In fact, many operational components of the standard 1911 A1 handgun are capable of being received in interfitting relation with the handgun mechanism of this invention. To suit the needs of manufacturer or user, the guide rails of the frame may be uninterrupted as is the case with the standard 1911 A1 handgun, but, if desired, the guide rails may be interrupted to form pairs of front and rear guide rail segments.

The metal frame structure includes a forwardly extending, substantially U- shaped guide trough or "dust cover" for receiving the recoil spring assembly of the handgun, the integral side structures of the U-shaped guide trough are preferably of greater thickness as compared with the 1911 A1 handgun so as to provide for support of various sighting devices such as optical sighting devices. The gripless metal frame further defines a cartridge magazine receptacle for receiving the upper portion of a cartridge magazine so as to permit the feeding of cartridges serially therefrom during operation of the handgun. The metal frame structure further defines handgrip seat bosses on each side thereof having handgrip seats of a character adapted to receive by means of sliding fit, an integral handgrip structure in such manner as to establish firm, mechanically interlocked relation between the frame and handgrip structures. The handgrip structure is preferably composed of a polymer material and, though substantially rigid, may have a degree of "controlled flexibility" to permit a cushioned or "soft feel" as the handgun is fired. This soft, cushioned feel may also be attained by providing a "joint" for interconnecting the frame and handgrip structures which permits controlled flexibility at the joint. The soft, cushioned feel which is imparted to the hand of the user during firing, instead of the sharply imparted force that is ordinarily felt, adds to the pleasure of the shooting experience through use of the handgun mechanism of this invention. The integral handgrip further includes an integral trigger guard which is received by the metal frame in such manner that both the trigger guard and the polymer handgrip are mechanically interlocked with the frame structure. In the region of the trigger guard, the handgrip defines a trigger shoe opening which is in registry with an internal trigger track that is defined interiorly of the handgrip. The trigger shoe is movably positioned within the trigger shoe opening and the trigger bow is captured for linear movement within the trigger track by the frame structure. Rearward movement of the trigger may be limited by the frame or the frame and handgrip structures may be of a design permitting removal of the trigger assembly.

The handgrip may also define a large dimensioned internal cartridge magazine receptacle which merges with the cartridge magazine receptacle of the metal frame to permit the insertion of cartridge magazines into the magazine receptacle of the handgun. To permit desirable handgrip feel by most handgun shooters and to permit effective use of the handgun by persons having rather small hands, the handgrip defines an external thickness dimension being substantially the same as that of the Government Model 1911 A1 handgun. This feature obviates the large, "bulky" feel that is a characteristic of all autoloading handguns presently known which have oversized grips or are capable of receiving enhanced volume, staggered row cartridge magazines. The polymer handgrip, which is a structural element of the frame/handgrip assembly of the handgun, is typically of molded construction which defines external checkering or other surface preparation of how substantially the entire surface area thereof to permit optimum manual gripping of the handgrip portion of the handgun during shooting activities. The external surface preparation of the handgrip, i.e., molded checkering, enhances its structural integrity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. In the Drawings

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of an autoloading handgun mechanism which is constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the gripless frame portion of the handgun of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the gripless frame structure of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of the gripless frame structure of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the gripless frame structure of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the gripless frame structure of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 7 is an isometric illustration of the integral handgrip portion of the handgun of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a rear elevational view of the integral handgrip structure of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of the integral handgrip structure of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the integral handgrip structure of Fig. 7.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the integral handgrip structure of Fig. 7. Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the integral handgrip structure of Fig. 7.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the handgrip structure, being taken along lines 13- 13 of Fig. 10. Fig. 14 is a fragmentary elevational view of an integral handgrip representing an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 15-15 of Fig. 5 and showing a portion of the internal surface configuration of the gripless frame structure of the handgun mechanism.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary elevational view of an intermediate portion of the frame structure of Figs. 2-6, with a portion thereof cut away and shown in section to depict a spring- detent receptacle thereof in detail.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary elevational view of an intermediate portion of the frame structure with a portion thereof cut away and shown in section to depict an undercut curved slot for receiving the retention tab of an ambidextrous safety.

Fig. 18 is a partial sectional view of an upper portion of the integral handgrip representing an alternative embodiment thereof and incorporating a molded structural insert. Fig. 19 is a side elevational view of a staggered row, increased round capacity cartridge magazine to be releasably received within the frame/handgrip assembly when enhanced cartridge capacity is desired.

Fig. 20 is a rear elevational view of the staggered row, increased round capacity cartridge magazine of Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a front elevational view of the cartridge magazine of Figs. 19 and 20.

Fig. 22 is a top view of the cartridge magazine of Figs. 19 and 20.

Fig. 23 is a bottom view of the cartridge magazine construction of Figs. 19-22.

Fig. 24 is a side elevational view of an autoloading handgun mechanism embodying the present invention. Fig. 25 is an exploded isometric illustration of the handgun mechanism of Fig.

24.

Fig. 26 is a fragmentary sectional view of the frame/handgrip portion of the autoloading handgun mechanism illustrating an alternative embodiment wherein the trigger track is wholly defined within the frame structure. Fig. 27 is a fragmentary sectional view of the frame/handgrip component of the autoloading handgun mechanism representing another alternative embodiment wherein the trigger track is defined wholly within the integral handgrip structure. Fig. 28 is a fragmentary sectional view of the frame/handgrip component of the autoloading handgun mechanism of this invention wherein the trigger track is cooperatively defined by the frame and handgrip structures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings and first to Figs. 1-6, an autoloading handgun mechanism constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated generally at 10 and incorporates an elongate, gripless frame structure shown generally at 12 and an integral handgrip interconnected with the frame and shown generally at 14. The frame structure is preferably composed of a metal material and the handgrip structure is preferably composed of a polymer material but other materials may be employed for the frame and handgrip structures without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Thus, while metal or polymer may be specifically mentioned, it is not intended to limit this invention to these specific materials.

With respect to Figs. 1 and 2, it should be born in mind that the metal frame structures shown in these figures are substantially identical with the exception that in Fig. 1 the guide rail portion of the frame is uninterrupted, while the embodiment of Fig. 2 illustrates interrupted guide rails having front and rear pairs of guide rail segments. Otherwise, the structures of the frame embodiments shown in Figs. 1 and 2 are identical and thus are referred to herein by corresponding reference numerals. The frame structure 12 is composed of a metal or any other material having the substantial structural integrity of metal or otherwise being suitable for the intended purpose. From the standpoint of metal, a wide range of metals and metal composites may be employed to form the frame structure. Typically, the gripless metal frame 12 is composed of steel and forms upper, forward and rear portions essentially corresponding to the structure of a Government Model 1911 A1 handgun to thereby permit various components of the model 1911 A1, such as the slide, recoil spring assembly, trigger assembly, hammer assembly, etc., which are shown in the exploded view of Fig. 25, to be received in operative relation therewith. The frame structure defines a forwardly extending U-shaped guide trough portion defining a dust cover for the recoil assembly and having flat surface portions 16 and 18 on each side thereof which may be disposed in substantially coplanar relation. The side surface portions are of sufficient structural integrity for support of various sighting devices such as optical sights. While the standard 1911 A1 frame has a thickness dimension of .750 inches at the dust cover, the frame of the present invention has a dust cover thickness dimension of .830 inches to provide wall structure of greater thickness and structural integrity for drilled and tapped support of optical sighting devices. This particular thickness dimension is not intended to limit the invention, it being within the scope of this invention to employ any desirable thickness dimension for the dust cover. Opposed planar side surfaces 20 and 22 define the opposite side of the frame structure of Fig. 1 and are shown in Figs. 3 and 4 respectively. The frame structure further defines opposed guide rails 24 and 26 which are defined by respective elongate parallel guide grooves 28 and 30. The guide rails and grooves receive the respective guide flanges of an elongate conventional slide member, not shown. As mentioned above, the slide member may be the conventional slide of a 1911 A1 handgun or a corresponding slide having appropriate guide flanges. It should be born in mind that the present invention is not intended to be limited strictly to the use of a conventional 1911 A1 slide; the guide rails and slide may be of differing dimension as compared to that of the model 1911 A1 handgun in the event such is desired. This character of handgun construction is preferred only because it lends use of the frame/grip assembly of the present invention to utilization of standard 1911 A1 handgun components in operative assembly with the frame/grip assembly of this invention. The frame further defines an elongate recess 32 within in which is received a conventional slide stop having a portion thereof received within a slide stop receptacle 34. Apertures 36 on opposed sides of the frame 12 are provided to receive the transverse pivot pin 35 of the slide stop 37.

The rear portion of the frame structure 12 is of bifurcated configuration by virtue of a central slot 38 and defines opposed, spaced, rearwardly extending projections 40 and 42 having aligned apertures 44 for receiving a conventional hammer mounting pin. Side surface 16 of the frame defines a specifically configured aperture 46 for receiving a conventional thumb safety lock.

The forward U-shaped guide trough or dust cover portion 18 defines elongate narrow top surfaces 48 and 50 which are seen in Figs. 2 and 5, and which are disposed in spaced, parallel, coplanar relation. Top surfaces 48 and 50 are positioned a few thousandths of an inch lower as compared to the bottom surface 52 of the respective guide grooves 28 and 30 for the purpose of providing clearance for the retainer flanges of a conventional slide. The U-shaped portion 18 of the frame forms a substantially cylindrical trough portion 54 which receives the recoil spring and spring guide assembly of the conventional 1911 A1 handgun. The forward portion of the frame also defines a bottom recess 56 to provide clearance for the barrel link.

It is desirable to provide means for insuring substantially rigid assembly of the handgrip structure 14 to the frame structure 12. For this purpose the frame 12 defines opposed grip seat bosses 58 and 60 which have a generally rectangular upper portion. The grip seat bosses 58 and 60 each define grip receiving seat depressions or recesses such as shown at 62 which are of a configuration conforming to the upper configuration of the grip structure 14. The handgrip seat recesses 62 are defined in part by a peripheral structural support shoulder 64 which almost entirely encompasses the upper peripheral edges 66-68 of the handgrip structure 14 as shown in Fig. 1 and which provides support in shear for the mating edges of the handgrip. This feature provides a structural interconnection between the frame and handgrip structures so that the handgrip is supported against lateral movement by means of this structural peripheral shoulder interconnection. The handgrip seat bosses 58 and 60 further define one or more keyways such as shown at 68 which define alignment edges 70. The keyways are located within the respective handgrip recesses 62 and receive interlocking keys 72 of corresponding configuration and location as shown in Figs. 7 and 13 so as to be received in mechanically interlocking relation with respect to the keyway slots 68. The alignment edges 70 of the keyways are preferably oriented to establish a desired handgrip angle, for example 17.5° relative to the guide rails. The keys and keyways may be oriented to establish any suitable directional relationship for keyed assembly of the handgrip and frame constructions. Also, if desired, the handgrip may define keyways within which are received keys that are defined by the frame.

Another provision for stabilization of the structural interconnection of the frame and handgrip structures is accomplished in the region of the integral trigger guard portion 76 of the handgrip and its seated relationship with structural components of the frame structure. As shown in Fig. 6 an intermediate portion of the frame structure defines a substantially planar platform 78, having a peripheral edge structure 80 extending about the periphery thereof and defining a lateral support shoulder 82 which is disposed about the planar surface 78. The frame structure further defines a connecting projection 84 forming a connecting pin aperture 86. As shown in Fig. 11 a forwardly projecting platform portion 78 of the handgrip structure 14 defines a substantially planar support surface 88 which is disposed in face-to-face, seated relation with respect to surface 78 of the frame structure when the handgrip is in proper assembly with the frame. In this position the peripheral edge 80 provides support in shear for the periphery of the planar engagement plate 86.

As shown in Figs. 11 and 13 the forward portion of the trigger guard support platform structure 78 further defines a depression forming a connecting receptacle 90 within which the connecting projection 84 is received in close fitting relation. When the connecting projection 84 is properly positioned within the receptacle 90, the aperture 86 is positioned in registry with aperture 92 of the trigger guard 76 such that a transverse locking device such as a pin, screw, etc. may be secured to the frame/handgrip assembly to lock the projection 84 in intimate, secured relation within the recess 90. This structural relationship provides lateral stability for the forward frame/handgrip connection as well as supporting the frame against upward or downward rotation relative to the handgrip. As shown in Fig. 15, in the region of the interlocking relationship of the keys 72 with the keyways 68, screws or other connecting elements 92 extend through screw holes 94 in the handgrip 14 and are received by respective threaded openings 94 of bushings 96 which are located internally of the frame structure 12. To provide anti-rotation locking of the bushings with respect to the frame structure the bushings 96 have flats 98 formed thereon which engage a horizontal shoulder anti-rotation 100 formed by an internal step of the metal frame. The bushings 96 are preferably press-fitted into internal apertures of the frame. The bushings 96, in addition to functioning as elements of the handgrip retainer structure, secure the handgrip and frame in immovable assembly. The bushings 96 retain the keys of the handgrip in fully seated relation within the keyways of the frame and thus secure the frame and handgrip in immovable, force transmitting relation, thus enabling the frame and handgrip to resist any tendency for separation during shooting activities. The bushings 96 further provide for lateral location of the upper portion of the staggered row magazine which is received within the magazine receptacle of the handgun. this feature will be described in greater detail in relation with the staggered row magazine to be discussed hereinbelow. In the alternative, the handgrip retention bushings may be press fitted into appropriate receptacles defined within the frame structure and may be secured against rotation by any number of suitable means. For example, the bushings may be pinned to the frame structure or may be of non- circular configuration to be received within a corresponding non-circular receptacle. If desired, the bushings may be externally threaded for positive retention within internally threaded bushing receptacles formed in the frame structure.

The handgrip seat boss 58, as shown in greater detail in Fig. 16, defines an internal passage 102 having a small forward bored section 104 and a larger rear bored section 106 to define an elongate internal receptacle for receiving a conventional spring-urged slide stop and thumb safety detent assembly.

As shown in the fragmentary sectional view of Fig. 17, the handgrip seat boss 60 forms a curved, undercut slot 108 which is provided to receive the projecting guide tab portion of a conventional ambidextrous safety having its pivot shaft received by aligned frame openings 110. On the opposite side of the frame structure, a conventional thumb safety is also supported by the same shaft. The undercut slot 108 serves to capture the ambidextrous safety and retain it in movable assembly with the frame structure. As mentioned above the frame/handgrip assembly of the present invention though adapted to receive standard cartridge magazines with serially oriented cartridges may, if desired, define a rather wide magazine receptacle for receiving large staggered row cartridge magazines therein. According to the present invention for increased cartridge capacity a magazine receptacle is defined cooperatively by the frame and handgrip structures. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the frame 12 forms a top opening 114 of generally rectangular configuration having its upper, forward portion in registry with a curved cartridge feed depression or recess 116 which serves to guide cartridges into the cartridge chamber of the handgun barrel. The generally rectangular opening 14 defines the upper portion of a cartridge magazine receptacle 118. The cartridge magazine receptacle, as shown in the bottom view of Fig. 6, is defined by internal stepped surfaces 120 and 122. The internal surfaces of the magazine receptacle are also defined in part by the inner surfaces of a trigger bow which is movably received within a trigger track which is cooperatively defined by track section 124 of the frame as shown in Fig. 15 and track section 126 of the handgrip as shown in Fig. 13. In effect therefore, the trigger shoe and trigger bow are wholly contained within the frame/handgrip assembly with upward movement thereof being restrained by the trigger bow guide surface 125 of the frame. As shown in Fig. 13 a groove is shown at 126 which cooperatively defines a portion of the trigger bow track of the handgun assembly. The groove or recess defining trigger track section 126 is in communication with a trigger shoe opening 128 through which the finger engaging trigger shoe portion of the trigger projects for manipulative engagement during firing of the handgun. When the handgrip is assembled to the frame, according to the preferred embodiment, the trigger bow portion of the trigger will be captured and supported against all but linear movement by the interdependent relationship of the frame and handgrip and with its rearward linear movement being limited by the curved rear portion of the trigger track section 124 of the frame. Consequently, in the preferred embodiment of Fig. 6 the trigger must be in place when the frame and handgrip are assembled. In the alternative, the rear portion of the handgrip or frame may be machined to define an opening through which the trigger assembly passes during assembly and disassembly.

As shown in Figs. 7, 8, 9, 13 and 18 the internal surface configuration of the opposed internal connection portions 75 and 77 of the handgrip structure 14 defines a pair of keys 72 and 74 to be received in interlocking relation within the keyways 68 and 70 of the frame. Although the keys 72 and 74 may be formed integrally with the handgrip structure such as by molding, they are preferably composed of metal or any other suitable structural material defined by an insert 130 which is molded into or otherwise attached to the handgrip structure as shown in Fig. 18. Preferably the insert 130 is composed of a hardened metal and defines a plurality of openings 132 through which moldable material of the handgrip extends in order to establish a positive, interlocked relationship with the material of the handgrip structure. The insert 130 defines an upper opening 136 to receive the locking screw or rivit that is extended through bushing opening 94 and provides for exceptional strength of the structural interconnection between the frame and the handgrip structures.

As shown in Figs. 15 and 18 the inserts 72 and 74 each form anti-rotation shoulders 137 against which are positioned frame anti-rotation shoulders 139 when the frame and handgrip are properly assembled. These anti-rotation shoulders of the frame and handgrip provide for force transmission in a direction that is transverse to the orientation of the parallel edges 139 and 141 of the keys and substantially parallel to the guide rails 24 and 26. Additionally, the anti-rotation shoulders 137 are located a substantial distance from the point of rotation established by the connecting screws extending through openings 94 and 136 and thus the resulting lever arm about the pivot point provides for significant force resisting capability. Relative adjustment of the frame and handgrip is easily facilitated by the interengaging positioning shoulders 137 and 139. Shoulder 139 may be adjusted by adding or removing metal therefrom. This feature makes the fit of the frame and handgrip "gunsmithable" for alteration of the relative positioning or orientation of frame and handgrip.

The handgrip 14 defines a cartridge magazine receptacle passage 138 which is internally belled at its lower extremity 140 so as to provide for efficient guiding the upper end of a cartridge magazine therein. This is especially an advantage to facilitate rapid magazine reloading. The lower end of the handgrip 14, about the cartridge magazine opening, defines a stop shoulder 142 which encompasses the magazine opening and which is engaged by a positioning surface 144 formed as the upwardly directed surface of a magazine base pad 146 of a staggered row cartridge row magazine 148 which is discussed hereinbelow in relation with Figs. 18-22.

The handgrip construction 14 comprises a structural element of the frame/handgrip assembly; thus it needs no internal metal handgrip structure as is typically the case with most autoloading handguns. On its curved side surfaces as shown in Fig. 7, the handgrip structure 14 defines diamond shaped checkering 150 which is integral with the material from which the handgrip is composed. This checkering is intended to provide the handgrip with an outer, roughened or textured surface to enable the handgun assembly to be securely gripped by the user even under warm conditions when the user's hands may be perspiring. This checkered surface preparation is also designed to enhance the structural integrity of the handgrip. The forward curved surface area 152 of the handgun structure is provided with rather fine checkering which further assists the user's manual gripping of the handgun assembly. The textured surfaces 150-152 will effectively permit the user to efficiently grip the handgun assembly so as to effectively resist any slipping of the handgun relative to the hands of the user during recoil as the handgun is fired. Additionally, the forward blunt surface 154 of the integral trigger guard portion of the handgrip 54 is provided with fine texturing for efficient gripping thereof and is oriented in substantially normal relation with respect to the planar surface 88. This feature enables efficient two-handed gripping of the handgun assembly to effectively enable stabilization of the handgun during two-handed, rapid fire conditions.

As shown in Fig. 14, representing an alternative embodiment of the handgrip construction, the trigger guard portion of the handgrip construction may define any suitable connection structure, i.e., a dove-tail groove as shown at 155 for support of sighting devices such as laser or infrared sighting devices, global positioning devices, telemetry devices, etc. These features are especially applicable to military or police usage but may have application for civilian usage as well. If desired the handgrip may also define a forwardly extending U- Shaped trough or "dust cover" as shown at 157 in Fig. 14 for establishment of an interfitting relation with a frame structure which does not incorporate a dust cover.

The handgrip structure 14 is preferably composed of a readily moldable material such as any one of a number of suitable polymer materials or any one of a number of suitable metals. From the standpoint of metals, the handgrip may be composed of steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, etc. The handgrip is preferably a molded structure for ease of manufacturing although, if desired, it may be machined or manufactured by any other suitable process as well. Especially when composed of polymer material, the handgrip structure of the handgun assembly may be substantially rigid from the standpoint of gripping but may have a controlled flexibility, allowing a certain degree of flexure during firing. This feature enables the handgun assembly to have a "soft" or "cushioned" feel rather than the sharp impact that is normally felt when a handgun of this nature is fired. If desired, the keyed connection between the frame and handgrip may be designed to provide a degree of cushioning to promote a "soft feel" during shooting. As shown particularly in Figs. 10, 11 and 13, the magazine receptacle portion of the handgrip structure is formed in part by an integral wall structure 156 defining a centrally oriented, vertically opening slot 158. Opposed, generally parallel surfaces 160 and 162 are integral with the handgrip structure and project rearwardly of the wall structure 156. The lower portion of the wall structure defines a transverse structural rib 164 located immediately below a transverse spring locator slot 166. The reinforcement rib 164 is provided in the handgrip structure for receiving and locating a conventional leaf spring of the autoloading handgun assembly. The opposed parallel surfaces 160 and 162, together with the wall or partition 156 cooperatively form an elongate, vertically oriented receptacle or slot which receives a mainspring housing 163. The mainspring housing 163 is pinned by a suitable connector extending through aperture 165 and defines an internal mainspring receptacle 167. the mainspring though wholly contained within the handgrip, is structurally and operationally interdependent upon the hammer assembly which is wholly contained within the frame. This interdependent characteristic is not present in handguns wherein the handgrip section is defined by the frame.

The lower, generally tubular portion of the handgrip structure 14 defines a forwardly projecting arcuate boss 168 having an arcuate, tapered surface 170 which merges with the textured forward surface 152. The boss 168, together with its tapered surface, defines an inclined forward projection which, when the handgun assembly is held, forms a tapered, arcuate ledge position for engagement by the lower portion of the little finger of the user. This arcuate, tapered ledge further functions to establish a firm structural interrelation between the hand of the user and the handgrip portion of the frame/handgrip assembly. The arcuate boss 168 also functions to enhance the structural integrity of the lower portion of the tubular handgrip structure.

Referring now to Figs. 19-23 the enhanced volume staggered row cartridge magazine 148 defines opposed side surfaces 172 and 174 which are of generally planar configuration and which are disposed in substantially parallel relation. Surfaces 172 and 174 merge smoothly with converging tapered surface portions 176 and 178 respectively.

The tapered upper side surface portions 176 and 178 of the magazine have intermediate, opposed, inclined depressions 180 and 182 which, in conventional manner, form inwardly inclined guide ridges to guide cartridges during upward movement thereof from their staggered row positions so that they emerge at the upper, discharge opening 184 in serially oriented fashion and in location to be transported forwardly into the cartridge chamber of the handgun barrel. The upper rear portion of the cartridge magazine defines a pair of opposed inwardly directed retainer flanges 186 and 188 which define a spacing therebetween of less dimension than the width of the cartridges to be contained in the magazine. The flanges 186 and 188 secure the rear portion of the cartridges against upward movement and release the cartridges only after sufficient forward movement thereof the clear the retainer flanges. A follower member 190 of greater lateral width than the spacing of the retainer flanges 186 and 188 is urged upwardly against the retainer flanges or against cartridges contained in the magazine by means of a coil spring 187. The follower 190 defines an elongate, arcuate cartridge trough 192 which functions to orient the cartridges with respect to the magazine and to serve as a guiding surface for the last of the serially oriented cartridges.

Along its length, the cartridge magazine also defines a substantially planar end surface 194 as shown in Fig. 19 and a more rounded end surface 196 as shown in Fig. 20. These end surfaces are preferably integral with the side surfaces 176 and 178. For cartridge inspection the side surfaces define a plurality of apertures 198 through which cartridges may be inspected to determine by rough estimate the number of cartridges remaining within the magazine at any given time.

The base pad 146 is preferably of molded construction, being molded from any one of a number of polymer materials. The base pad structure forms an internal receptacle 200 within which the lower end of the cartridge magazine is received. The lower portions of the side surfaces 172 and 174 are slightly belled outwardly and are received in interlocking relation with internal, lateral slots 202 and 204 to thus retain the base pad in firmly assembled relation with the elongate tubular portion of the magazine.

In the unlikely event that substantial gas pressure might be developed within the magazine, the base pad structure is designed to effect release of the gas prior to the development of any significant gas pressure that could otherwise rupture the magazine and/or the handgrip portion of the handgun. This safety feature is provided by forming a blowout opening in the lower wall 206 of the base pad and locating a blowout plate 208 within the base pad which is held in place by the spring 187 and which defines a weakened wall structure which will be sheared and displaced through the base pad opening in the event excessive pressure is encountered. As shown in the bottom view of Fig. 22, the rupture disc 208 may define an aesthetically pleasing pattern such as the star pattern shown at 210. By providing a rupture disc of this nature, the cartridge magazine will release any excessive gas pressure downwardly to thereby provide protection for the user against injury to the hand or face.

In view of the foregoing, it is clearly seen that this invention accomplishes the provision of a frame/handgrip assembly for autoloading handguns which establishes a unique mechanically interlocked assembly of a gripless frame structure and a handgrip structure. The frame/handgrip assembly provides wholly contained structural elements of the handgrip which are functionally interdependent with structural and operational components located wholly within the frame and vice versa. The frame/handgrip assembly provides the user with the capability of selecting an autoloading handgun having standard cartridge capacity or a handgun having an enhanced cartridge capacity while minimizing the external thickness of the handgrip portion of the handgun and while minimizing the overall weight of the handgun assembly. Thus there is provided through the present invention a autoloading handgun capability in a handgun having a handgrip dimension and overall weight that can be significantly less than that of a standard Government Model 1911-A1 handgun or closely approximate the dimension and weight of a conventional Model 1911 A1 handgun when the handgun has enhanced cartridge capacity.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 24 and 25 of the drawings, which respectively show an assembly view and an exploded view of the handgun mechanism of this invention, the autoloading handgun representing the preferred embodiment, a slide mechanism 13 is disposed in movable assembly with the elongate gripless frame and incorporates a barrel 212 having a barrel bushing 214 located about its forward end and with the barrel link 11 of the bushing located in abutting relation with the forward end of the slide. The slide is urged to the position shown in Fig. 24 by a recoil spring 216 which permits the slide to move rearwardly under the force of a discharged cartridge and functions to cushion the recoil. The slide mechanism, among other features, incorporates a firing pin 218 which is urged rearwardly by a firing pin spring 220 and permits forward striking movement of the firing pin when it is struck by the hammer 222. The hammer is driven by a mainspring 224 which is located within the spring receptacle 167 of the mainspring housing 163 which is located within the mainspring housing receptacle of the integral handgrip. It should be borne in mind that the mainspring receptacle may be defined integrally with the handgrip if desired, thus minimizing the number of parts of the handgun mechanism. An extractor 226 is also incorporated within the slide mechanism for the purpose of extracting the case of the spent cartridge from the cartridge chamber of the barrel as the slide mechanism is moved rearwardly.

A number of mechanical components of the handgun mechanism are interdependently supported and controlled by the elongate gripless frame and the integral handgrip. These components include the sear 228, the trigger assembly 230, including the trigger shoe 232 and the trigger bow 234, and a disconnector 236. A hammer strut 238 is pinned to the hammer 222 and has its lower end 240 in driven engagement with a spring cap 242 provided at the upper end of the mainspring. Thus the hammer strut is interdependently supported and is interdependently operative from the standpoint of the frame and handgrip sections of the handgun mechanism. A leaf type sear spring 244 has its lower portion captured within the spring locator slot 166 of the handgrip while its upper trifurcated extremity induces spring force to the sear 228 and to a grip safety 246 which is located within rear slot portions of the handgrip and frame. The trigger track, though preferably defined cooperatively by the handgrip and frame, may be located wholly within either the handgrip or frame. The trigger bow 234 is movable linearly within the trigger track upon actuation of the trigger by the user. It should be borne in mind that the trigger may be linearly movable within the trigger shoe opening of the handgrip or, in the alternative, it may be mounted for pivotal movement relative to the frame and handgrip so that its pivotal movement achieves linear movement of the trigger bow. A thumb operated safety lock 248 is pivotally interconnected to the frame and a magazine release pin 250 is linearly movable within a pin opening defined solely by the integral handgrip.

Referring now to Figs. 26, 27 and 28 the trigger track within which the trigger bow 234 is linearly movable may be located wholly within the frame, wholly within the handgrip or may be cooperatively defined by the handgrip and frame structures. As shown in Fig. 26 a trigger track 235 is defined wholly within the frame 12 while the handgrip 14 establishes abutting relationship with the frame below the trigger track. ln Fig. 27 a trigger track 237 is shown to be defined wholly within the handgrip 14 while the frame 12 abutts the handgrip at an interface located above the trigger track. In the fragmentary sectional view of Fig. 28, which is representative of the preferred embodiment of Figs. 7, 8 and 13, the trigger track 126 is defined in part by a notch in the handgrip which defines an upwardly facing shoulder 125 and by a downwardly facing shoulder 127 of the frame 12. Though Figs. 26-28 illustrate preferred and alternative embodiments of this invention it should be borne in mind that the trigger track may be defined by other independent or interrelated structural components of the frame and handgrip structures. In view of the foregoing, it is evident that the present invention is one well adapted to attain all of the objects and features hereinabove set forth, together with other objects and features which are inherent in the apparatus disclosed herein.

As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention may be produced in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The present embodiment, is therefore, to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of the equivalence of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. An autoloading handgun mechanism comprising:

(a) an elongate gripless frame having side portions defining parallel slide guide rails and defining handgrip seat means and further defining a cartridge magazine receptacle;

(b) an integral handgrip establishing intimate interlocked relation with said handgrip seat means and defining a cartridge magazine receptacle in registry with said cartridge magazine receptacle of said elongate gripless frame;

(c) an elongate slide assembly being mounted by said guide rails for reciprocation relative to said elongate gripless frame; and

(d) a barrel assembly being in interdependent assembly with said elongate gripless frame and said elongate slide assembly and being disposed for receiving cartridges positioned by a cartridge magazine located within said magazine receptacle.

2. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1 , wherein said integral handgrip further comprises: a trigger guard being integral with said handgrip and being disposed for mating engagement with said elongate gripless frame.

3. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 2, further comprising:

(a) a trigger guard connector being defined by said elongate gripless frame;

(b) a connector receptacle being defined by said trigger guard and receiving said trigger guard connector therein; and (c) a locking element being received by said trigger guard connector and said trigger guard and locking said trigger guard in structurally supported relation with said elongate gripless frame.

4. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising: (a) a first trigger track section being defined by said elongate gripless frame; and

(b) a second trigger track section being defined within said integral handgrip and being disposed in registry with said first trigger track section and cooperatively defining a trigger track within which the trigger bow of said trigger is movably received.

5. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein said elongate gripless frame and said integral handgrip define a frame/handgrip assembly, said autoloading handgun mechanism further comprising:

(a) a trigger track being defined within said frame/handgrip assembly; and

(b) a trigger being located at least partially within said frame/handgrip assembly, said trigger having a trigger bow being received in movable relation within said trigger track.

6. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 5, wherein:

(a) said frame/handgrip assembly defines a trigger shoe opening; and (b) said trigger having a trigger shoe being movable within said trigger shoe opening and defining a finger engaging portion for engagement by a finger of the user.

7. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 5, wherein: said trigger shoe opening is located substantially entirely within said elongate gripless frame.

8. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 5, wherein: said trigger shoe opening is located substantially entirely within said integral handgrip.

9. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 5, wherein: said trigger track is defined within said elongate gripless frame.

10. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 5, wherein: said trigger track being defined within said integral handgrip and receiving said trigger in movable relation therein.

11. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising: a trigger shoe opening being defined within said integral handgrip and receiving said trigger shoe in movable relation therein, thus positioning said trigger shoe for engagement by the finger of the user.

12. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein: said elongate gripless frame and said integral handgrip cooperatively establishing interdependent support for and providing for operative movement of said trigger.

13. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein:

(a) said autoloading handgun mechanism incorporates a disconnector, a sear, a leaf spring, a strut and a grip safety; and

(b) said elongate gripless frame and said integral handgrip cooperatively establishing interdependent support for and providing for operative movement of said disconnectors, sear, leaf spring, strut, and grip safety of said autoloading handgun mechanism.

14. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, further comprising: (a) a first housing being defined by said elongate gripless frame and supporting said hammer in independent movable relation therein;

(b) a second housing being defined by said integral handgrip and independently supporting said mainspring in movable relation therein; and

(c) said first and second housings supporting said mainspring in interdependent engagement with said hammer.

15. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:

(a) an upper trigger track shoulder being defined by said elongate gripless frame and restraining upward movement of said trigger; and (b) a lower trigger track shoulder being defined by said integral handgrip and restraining downward movement of said trigger.

16. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:

(a) a mainspring housing receptacle being defined by said integral handgrip; and

(b) a mainspring housing being received in interlocked relation within said mainspring housing receptacle and defining said mainspring receptacle, said mainspring being received within said mainspring receptacle with a portion thereof disposed in interdependent urging engagement with said hammer.

17. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 16, wherein: said mainspring housing being composed of polymer material.

18. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 16, wherein: said mainspring housing being composed of metal material.

19. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein: said integral handgrip defines a mainspring receptacle receiving said mainspring therein.

20. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein:

(a) said elongate gripless frame being composed of metal material; and

(b) said integral handgrip being composed of polymer material and being disposed in structurally interlocked relation with said elongate gripless frame.

21. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein: said integral handgrip is an integral structural element of the assembly of said elongate gripless frame and said integral handgrip.

22. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein: said elongate gripless frame and said integral handgrip are interconnected in integral bonded assembly by a bonding agent.

23. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein: said integral handgrip is composed of moldable polymer material and defines external handgrip surfaces having a surface preparation enhancing non- slip manual gripping thereof during shooting activities.

24. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 23, wherein: said surface preparation of said external handgrip surfaces define integral checkering on the side and forward areas thereof to provide said integral handgrip with non-slip characteristics.

25. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 23, further comprising: (a) at least one connection element projecting from one of said elongate gripless frame and said integral handgrip; and

(b) at least one connection receptacle being defined by the other of said elongate gripless frame and said integral handgrip and receiving said connection projection in intimate supported interfitting relation therein.

26. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:

(a) outwardly facing handgrip seats being defined by said elongate gripless frame and being a first key element; and (b) said integral handgrip having a second key element being disposed in intimate keyed relationship with said first key element.

27. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 26, further comprising:

(a) a peripheral handgrip restraining shoulder being defined by each of said handgrip seats; and

(b) said integral handgrip having a peripheral shoulder for intimate supported engagement by said peripheral handgrip restraining shoulder.

28. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, further comprising: (a) a slide stop element and a thumb safety element being in pivotal assembly with said elongate gripless frame;

(a) outwardly projecting seat bosses being defined on each side of said elongate gripless frame and having handgrip seat depressions defined thereby; (b) one of said seat bosses further defining an elongate internal passage therethrough; and

(c) a slide stop and thumb safety plunger assembly being disposed within said elongate internal passage and having respective extremities thereof disposed in restraining engagement with said slide stop element and said thumb safety element.

29. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 26, wherein:

(a) said first key element being a key slot of elongate, straight re¬ configuration, being open at the lower end thereof and establishing the angle of said handgrip with said elongate gripless frame; and

(b) said second key element being a key element of elongate, straight mating configuration with said key slot and entering said key slot from the open end during assembly of said integral handgrip and said elongate gripless frame.

30. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein: said integral handgrip defines at least one internal key having an assembly stop shoulder being engaged by said elongate gripless frame to establish proper relative positioning of said elongate gripless frame and integral handgrip.

31. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein:

(a) said gripless frame defines at east one anti-rotation stop; and

(b) said key defines at least one anti-rotation structure being disposed in intimate force transmitting engagement with said anti-rotation stop when said gripless frame and integral handgrip are in seated assembly.

32. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein:

(a) said internal handgrip defines a trigger shoe opening and an internal trigger track in registry therewith; and

(b) said trigger having a trigger bow disposed for reciprocation within said trigger track and a trigger shoe extending through said trigger shoe opening with a portion thereof positioned for engagement by a finger of the user.

33. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:

(a) said elongate gripless frame having at least one handgrip seat at a side portion thereof defining an outwardly facing keyway; and

(b) said integral handgrip having at least one inwardly facing key at a side portion thereof disposed in interlocking interengagement within said keyway.

34. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 33, further comprising: opposed handgrip supporting bosses being defined on opposed sides of said elongate gripless frame and having peripheral restraining shoulders establishing intimate lateral peripheral restraining engagement with said integral handgrip.

35. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 33, wherein: said inwardly facing key being a structural key insert embedded within said integral handgrip.

36. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 33, wherein: said inwardly facing key being a metal key insert embedded within said integral handgrip.

37. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein:

(a) said elongate gripless frame and said integral handgrip define registering connection apertures on each side thereof:

(b) connection bushings being located within each of said connection apertures of said elongate gripless frame and defining internally threaded openings; and

(c) connector elements extending through said connection apertures and being received by said connection bushings for securing said elongate gripless frame and said integral handgrip in assembly.

38. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 37, wherein: said connector elements comprise rivets.

39. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein: said connection bushings being disposed in non-rotatable relation with said elongate gripless frame.

40. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein:

(a) said elongate gripless frame defines upper and lower elongate parallel groove surfaces having elongate parallel guide grooves on opposite sides thereof being located immediately below respective ones of said parallel guide rails; and (b) said elongate gripless frame at the forward portion thereof further defining an upwardly opening elongate generally "U" shaped trough having parallel upper edges, said parallel upper edges being disposed in off-set relation with said lower elongate groove surfaces to provide slide clearance for said parallel upper edges.

41. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein: said integral handgrip defines a sight mounting base.

42. The autoloading handgun mechanism of claim 1, wherein: said elongate gripless frame and integral handgrip establish a rigid connecting joint, said integral handgrip being composed of a substantially rigid polymer material having sufficient controlled flexibility to permit very slight relative movement of said frame and handgrip during shooting by virtue of said controlled flexibility of said polymer material so as to cushion force transmission from said handgun to the hand of the user during shooting and provide the user with a soft shooting feel.

43. An autoloading handgun mechanism comprising:

(a) an elongate gripless metal frame defining elongate parallel slots on each side thereof and defining elongate parallel slide guide rails and further defining an upwardly directed cartridge opening and an internal magazine receptacle being in registry with said cartridge opening, said elongate gripless metal frame further defining a handgrip connection on at least one side thereof; and

(b) an integral handgrip composed of substantially rigid material and being connected to said elongate gripless frame so as to define a structural element of a frame/handgrip assembly, said integral handgrip having a frame connection on at least one side thereof being received in mating relation with said respective handgrip connection of said elongate gripless metal frame and extending in angular relation with said elongate gripless metal frame, said handgrip being an integral unitary structure defining an internal magazine receptacle for receiving a cartridge magazine therein, said handgrip defining external gripping surfaces having external checkering for enhancing the efficiency of manual gripping thereof during shooting activities.