Handgun Safeties
You should never replace safe firearm handling by trusting the safety on a firearm. A safety is a mechanical device that could fail.
- Don’t release the safety until just before you shoot.
- Even with the safety in the “on” position, be aware that a loaded handgun still may fire if the gun is dropped or struck sharply.
- Carry older single-action revolvers with the hammer down on an empty cartridge chamber.
Not all handguns have a mechanical safety. On a handgun with a safety, the safety will be located around the receiver and is usually easy to spot.
The orange outlines indicate where safeties may be located on semi-automatic pistols.
![Typical safety locations on a semi-automatic pistol](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/612/attachments/original/handgun-semi-safety.jpg?1495617272)