Mar 10, 2026

US12571610 - Optical sight for firearm with integral rear sight

A passively and naturally illuminated optical reflex sighting system for a firearm in one embodiment includes a housing configured for detachable coupling to the firearm, an optical lens supported by the housing, a fiber optic element, and a light-transmissible cover enclosing the fiber optic element. The cover and fiber optic element are in visual communication with ambient light which is collected by fiber optic element through the cover. In operation, the fiber optic element absorbs ambient light and generates a reticle on the lens for aiming the firearm. A red or other colored dot reticle may be projected on the lens in some embodiments. No onboard artificial light is used to illuminate the fiber optic element. The housing may include an integrally-formed rear sight which is alignable with a front sight to aim the firearm independently of the fiber optics generated reticle.

Inventors: Gary Hamilton
Filing date: 2024-05-03

firearmsightopticalaiming

The patent describes an optical reflex sighting system for firearms that features a housing with an integral rear sight, allowing for detachable mounting and alignment with a front sight. The system utilizes a fiber optic element to collect ambient light and project a reticle on a transparent lens without the need for artificial illumination.

Claim 1

1 . An optical unit with integral rear sight for a firearm, comprising: a housing having a body configured for detachable mounting to the firearm; a transparent lens supported in an upright position by the housing; an illumination source supported by the housing and operable to project a reticle on the lens for aiming the firearm; and a rear sight integrally formed in the body of the housing as a unitary part thereof; wherein the rear sight is axially alignable with a front sight of the firearm viewed through the lens from a rear of the firearm; wherein the rear sight comprises a cutout formed in a forward portion of the body of the housing in front of the lens; and wherein the cutout is formed in a transversely extending vertical front wall of the housing located towards a bottom of the lens. a housing having a body configured for detachable mounting to the firearm; a transparent lens supported in an upright position by the housing; an illumination source supported by the housing and operable to project a reticle on the lens for aiming the firearm; and a rear sight integrally formed in the body of the housing as a unitary part thereof; wherein the rear sight is axially alignable with a front sight of the firearm viewed through the lens from a rear of the firearm; wherein the rear sight comprises a cutout formed in a forward portion of the body of the housing in front of the lens; and wherein the cutout is formed in a transversely extending vertical front wall of the housing located towards a bottom of the lens.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12571610

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12571610