Magazine release block for magazine fed rifles

Abstract

The present invention provides a magazine release block assembly and methods for preventing the quick and easy release of an ammunition magazine engaged or inserted in a magazine well of an M16 or AR15 family style of weapon platform.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An firearm of an M16 or AR15 platform comprising:
 an upper receiver with gas operating system;   a bolt carrier group;   a lower receiver;   said lower receiver comprising a magazine release block;   said magazine release block comprising a block, a block spring and a block pin;   said block having a block pin slot for receiving said block pin;   said lower receiver of said firearm having a housing or pocket for receiving the magazine release block; and   said lower receiver having a block pin through hole.   
     
     
         2 . The firearm of  claim 1 , wherein said block spring contacts a portion of said block below said block pin slot. 
     
     
         3 . The firearm of  claim 1 , wherein said upper receiver compresses said block when said upper receiver and said lower receiver are mated. 
     
     
         4 . The firearm of  claim 3 , wherein said block compresses said block spring when said upper receiver and said lower receiver are mated. 
     
     
         5 . The firearm of  claim 4 , wherein said block pin is held in position by said block pin through hole. 
     
     
         6 . The firearm of  claim 5 , wherein said block comprises a shaped lower portion that is received behind a magazine release button when said block is compressed down by said upper receiver. 
     
     
         7 . The firearm of  claim 6 , wherein said block pin slot is elongated vertically. 
     
     
         8 . The firearm of  claim 7 , wherein said block moves vertical to said lower receiver's long axis. 
     
     
         9 . The firearm of  claim 8 , wherein said magazine release button cannot be compressed when said upper and lower receivers are mated. 
     
     
         10 . The firearm of  claim 9 , wherein said block moves to a higher, unblocking position when said upper and lower receivers are not mated, wherein said block pin is in a lower portion of said block pin slot and said block spring is in a less compressed state as compared to said lower, blocking position of said block. 
     
     
         11 . The firearm of  claim 10 , wherein said block moves to a lower, blocking position when said upper and lower receivers are mated, wherein said block pin is in a upper portion of said block pin slot and said block spring is in a more compressed state as compared to said higher, unblocking position of said block. 
     
     
         12 . The firearm of  claim 9 , wherein said block comprises a hard material. 
     
     
         13 . The firearm of  claim 9 , wherein said hard material is a polymer, alloy, or steel. 
     
     
         14 . The firearm of  claim 9 , wherein said steel is a 4140 steel.