Types of Safeties
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](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/584/attachments/original/handgun-safety-pivot.jpg?1493719268)
Pivot Safety on the Slide of a Semi-Automatic Handgun
![Grip safety](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/583/attachments/original/handgun-safety-grip.jpg?1519072497)
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