Skip to main content

Course Outline

Pivot Safety (Thumb Safety)

  • Found on some semi-automatic pistols
  • A pivoting lever or tab that blocks the trigger or firing pin
  • Located on the frame (blocks trigger) or on the slide (blocks firing pin)
Pivot safety

Pivot Safety on the Slide of a Semi-Automatic Handgun

Grip safety

Grip Safety on a Semi-Automatic Handgun

Half-Cock or Hammer Safety

  • Common on single-action revolvers
  • Positions the trigger at half-cock, away from the firing pin
  • Engaged by placing the trigger at half-cock
  • While not a true safety, it sometimes is described as a mechanical safety device by firearm manufacturers
  • Unit 2 of 6
  • Topic 5 of 10
  • Page 3 of 4