This invention relates generally to safety devices for firearms and more particularly to a safety strap which can be applied to a handgun to maintain the hammer in a cocked position.
Although single action semi-automatic handguns have a number of appealing features, the need to manually cock the hammer in order to prepare the weapon for use has detracted somewhat from the acceptance of this type of handgun. For example, persons who are unfamiliar with guns or who have difficulty in manually cocking the hammer are deterred from using the gun. In addition, the time consumed in cocking the weapon can cause a delay in firing that may have serious adverse consequences. While it is possible to cock the hammer in advance and store the gun with the hammer in a cocked position, the weapon is then fully prepared to be fired and can be accidentially discharged relatively easily. As a consequence, some persons are uncomfortable with the lack of safety resulting when the gun is stored with the hammer cocked.
To my knowledge, there have been no safety devices available in the past which lessen or eliminate the safety problems associated with storing a pistol in the cocked and ready to fire condition. All of the known safety devices are intended for use with other types of weapons and function to prevent pulling of the trigger or cocking of the hammer. For example, the strap arrangement shown in U.S. Pat. No. 835,349 to Deming is designed for use with a rifle and includes a rigid keeper element that acts to prevent cocking of the hammer rather than maintaining the hammer in the cocked position. All of the other devices known to me are in the form of trigger locks and similar rigid devices have a number of obvious drawbacks making them unsuitable in many circumstances.
The present invention has, as its principal goal, the provision of a safety device that permits single action semi-automatic handguns to be safely kept in the cocked position ready for use.
More specifically, it is an object of the invention provide a safety strap that can be applied to a handgun in a manner to maintain the hammer cocked to prevent the gun from firing until the strap is removed.
Another important object of the invention is to provide a safety strap that can be quickly and easily applied to the gun and, more importantly, quickly and easily released when the gun is needed. The strap can be removed simply by disconnecting the snap fasteners which hold it in place on the gun body.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a safety strap of the character described that also maintains the safety of the gun on when the strap is applied to the gun. Further in this respect, the strap is constructed to accommodate a safety located on either side of the gun, and its effectiveness in preventing accidental discharge is increased accordingly.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a safety strap of the character described that is suited for use with guns that vary widely in size, style and construction. The strap can, with only minor variations, be adapted for use with handguns produced by virtually all manufacturers.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a safety strap of the character described that is durable, lightweight, and simple and economical to construct.
Other and further objects of the invention, together with the features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear in the course of the following description.