Magazine catch for a firearm
A magazine catch for a firearm has a catch body, a leg extending longitudinally from the catch body to a distal end, where the leg has a first leg portion and a second leg portion spaced from one another by a longitudinal gap such that the second leg portion can flex independently of the first leg portion. A catch protrusion is on a distal end portion of the leg, where the longitudinal gap extends through the catch protrusion to define a first catch portion and a second catch portion. The magazine catch can be provided, for example, as a stand-alone component or component group, as part of a firearm, or in a parts kit for an existing firearm.
1 . A magazine catch comprising:
a catch body;
a leg extending longitudinally from the catch body to a distal end, the leg having a first leg portion and a second leg portion, wherein the first leg portion is spaced from the second leg portion by a longitudinal gap such that the second leg portion can flex independently of the first leg portion;
a catch protrusion on a distal end portion of the leg, wherein the longitudinal gap extends through the catch protrusion to define a first catch portion and a second catch portion; and
wherein the catch protrusion is configured to engage a magazine in a magazine well.
2 . The magazine catch of claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal gap extends completely through the distal end of the leg.
3 . The magazine catch of claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal slot terminates between the catch protrusion and the distal end of the leg, the leg further defining a transverse slot located distally of the catch protrusion, the transverse slot extending transversely to and intersecting the longitudinal slot.
4 . The magazine catch of claim 3 , wherein a distal end portion of the first leg portion has a width commensurate with a width of the catch body.
5 . The magazine catch of claim 1 , wherein the second leg portion is configured to deflect to contact the first leg portion upon application of a transverse force applied to the second leg portion.
6 . The magazine catch of claim 5 , wherein the transverse force is from 60-100 lbs. (~265-445 N).
7 . The magazine catch of claim 6 , wherein the transverse force is about 80 lbs. (355 N).
8 . The magazine catch of claim 1 , wherein the magazine catch is configured to be pivotably mounted to a firearm receiver and pivotable between a catch position and a release position.
9 . The magazine catch of claim 1 , further comprising:
a post extending transversely away from the catch body and sized to extend through a firearm receiver.
10 . The magazine catch of claim 9 , wherein the post is integrally formed as one piece with the catch body.
11 . The magazine catch of claim 9 , wherein a proximal end portion of the post threadably engages the catch body.
12 . The magazine catch of claim 9 , further comprising:
a retaining button configured to be removably installed on a distal end portion of the post.
13 . The magazine catch of claim 12 , wherein when installed the retaining button defines a protrusion extending toward the catch body.
14 . The magazine catch of claim 12 , wherein the retaining button is configured to threadably engage the distal end portion of the post.
15 . The magazine catch of claim 12 , further comprising a spring installed on the post or configured to be installed on the post between the retaining button and the catch body.
16 . The magazine catch of claim 1 , further comprising:
a release lever pivotably attached to the catch body, wherein when the magazine catch is installed in a firearm receiver, the release lever is configured to move the catch protrusion away from an inside of the receiver.
17 . A firearm comprising:
a receiver defining a magazine well;
a magazine catch installed in the receiver and operable between a catch position and a release position, the magazine catch comprising:
a catch body;
a leg extending longitudinally along a side of the receiver from the catch body to a distal end, the leg having a first leg portion and a second leg portion, wherein the first leg portion is spaced from the second leg portion by a longitudinal gap such that the second leg portion can flex independently of the first leg portion; and
a catch protrusion on a distal end portion of the leg, wherein the longitudinal gap extends through the catch protrusion to define a first catch portion and a second catch portion; and
a release lever on the catch body, wherein pressing the release lever moves the catch protrusion away from an inside of the magazine well;
wherein, in which the catch position, the catch protrusion extends into the magazine well for engaging a magazine installed in the magazine well.
18 . The firearm of claim 17 , comprising:
a post extending transversely away from the catch body and sized to extend through the receiver;
a retaining button on a distal end portion of the post;
a spring installed on the post between the retaining button and the catch body, wherein pressing the release lever towards the receiver translates the magazine catch away from the receiver.
19 . The firearm of claim 17 , wherein the second leg portion is configured to deflect into contact with the first leg portion upon application of a transverse force applied to the second leg portion, the transverse force being at least 60 lbs. (265 N).
20 . A parts kit for a magazine catch assembly, the parts kit comprising:
a catch body;
a leg extending longitudinally from the catch body, the leg having a first leg portion spaced from a second leg portion by a longitudinal gap such that the second leg portion can flex independently of the first leg portion;
a catch protrusion on a distal end portion of the leg, wherein the longitudinal gap extends through the catch protrusion to define a first catch portion and a second catch portion;
wherein the catch protrusion is configured to engage a magazine in a magazine well;
a post extending transversely from the catch body, the post sized to extend through a firearm receiver; a retaining button configured to be removably installed on a distal end portion of the post; and a spring configured to be installed on the post between the retaining button and the catch body.