A pistol with a magazine disconnect mechanism that disables the pistol's
discharge capability when the magazine is removed. The pistol may
generally include a frame that holds a magazine, a hammer pivotally
mounted to the frame, and a sear engageable with the hammer. The sear is
operable to hold the hammer in a cocked position and further to release
the hammer from the cocked position to discharge the pistol. A locking
member may be provided that is movable into and out of engagement with
the sear in response to removing the magazine from and inserting the
magazine into the pistol. The locking member engages the sear when the
magazine is removed to prevent the sear from moving and releasing the
hammer while held in the cocked position by the sear. A trigger interlock
is also provided in which the trigger prevents the magazine from being
removed when the trigger has been partially pulled by a user.