UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE LATCH MECHANISM FOR FIREARM

A universal magazine latch mechanism operable to retain and release a magazine from a firearm. In one embodiment, the mechanism may include a frame defining a magazine well configured to insertably receive a magazine holding a plurality of cartridges, a rear catch lever pivotably mounted to a rear wall of magazine well about a first pivot axis, and a side catch lever pivotably mounted to the frame about a second pivot axis. The rear catch lever is operable to engage/disengage rear or front style latching magazines. The side catch lever is operable to engage/disengage side catch style magazines. The rear catch lever is an actuator for operating both the rear and side catch levers, thereby latching and releasing all three catch styles of magazines with a single user action.