Breech loading shotgun or the like

In a breech-loading firearm having a frame;

• an extendable and retractable breech-locking mechanism effective when extended to prevent opening of the breech assembly of said firearm, and when retracted to permit opening of said breech assembly;
• a firing mechanism including a trigger having a lower portion extending downwardly from said frame and adapted to be pulled rearwardly to actuate said firing mechanism;
• and a trigger guard encircling said lower portion of said trigger;
• the improvement comprising:
• mounting means mounting said trigger guard upon said frame for sliding movement of said trigger guard longitudinally of said frame between first, second and third spaced positions;
• and cooperating means operatively associated with said trigger guard and with said firing and breech-locking mechanisms for retracting said breech-locking mechanism in response to movement of said trigger guard to its said first position, for extending said breech-locking mechanism and preventing operation of said firing mechanism in response to movement of said trigger guard to its said second position;
• and for permitting operation of said firing mechanism upon movement of said trigger guard to its said third position.