How Do Cops Safely Discharge Bottom Firearm Safeties?

While many assume that law enforcement officers carry firearms with easily disengaged manual safeties, the reality is quite different. Modern firearms, especially those used by law enforcement, are designed with a multitude of internal safety mechanisms. This article will explore the design and operation of these safety features to clear any misconceptions about how officers safely handle these weapons.

Misconceptions about Firearms Safety

One common question is, Why do cops carry a gun in their belt at all times, and how do they turn off the safety so quickly when they pull it out?

Modern firearms do have internal safeties, and these safeties are designed to prevent accidental discharge. Unlike some older firearms that had manual safeties that could be easily disengaged, most modern semiautomatic pistols used by law enforcement today lack a manual safety lever. When you pull the trigger, the firing mechanism is engaged directly. This design offers a higher level of safety and reliability.

Understanding Modern Safety Mechanisms

Almost all modern semiautomatic pistols have an extensive list of internal safety mechanisms that prevent the firearm from being discharged unless the trigger is pulled. The hammer or striker is not directly connected to the firing pin, which means that hitting the hammer with a sledgehammer will not cause the gun to fire. Instead, pulling the trigger must disengage a piece of steel that connects the hammer or striker to the firing pin, which is one of several possible safeties in modern semiautomatic pistols.

Most modern semiautomatic pistols used by law enforcement have at least 4 to 5 of these safeties built into their design or their holsters. Similarly, even the civilian versions of such pistols usually have at least 3 to 4 safeties. Some of these guns may have additional mechanisms, such as a trigger disconnector, a slide lock, a drop safety, a decay safety, and a half-cock safety.

Examples of Modern Safety Mechanisms

Let's take a look at an example from a popular handgun. The SIG P320 is a semiautomatic pistol that uses striker-fired technology. It has multiple internal safety mechanisms, including:

Trigger disconnector Slide stop safety Drop safety Half-cock safety Trigger safety

When the trigger is pulled, the mechanisms are disengaged in sequence, allowing the firearm to discharge. This ensures that the firearm cannot fire unless the trigger is actively pulled.

Thumb Safety and Its Use

Some firearms, like the US military's M18 SIG, have a thumb safety (see image 3). This safety is pressed by the thumb on the back of the trigger guard. While this safety is useful in certain situations, many law enforcement agencies and firearms users prefer weapons without thumb safeties. This is because thumb safeties can sometimes be accidentally engaged or disengaged, leading to potential accidents. Therefore, the holsters used for these guns often completely cover the trigger to prevent any accidental activation.

Reports of Accidents

There have been reports in the past about firearms, such as the Glock 17 and 19, discharging unexpectedly, especially when issued to law enforcement agencies. These reports were often attributed to improper handling and training. Gun makers like Glock did not have design flaws; instead, it was often due to the inexperience or negligence of police officers who were not accustomed to guns with no manual safeties.

Modern firearms are designed with safety in mind, providing a balance between usability and security. Understanding these safety mechanisms is crucial for both law enforcement officers and the general public to ensure safe and effective use of these powerful tools.

References:

Smith, J. (2022). The Role of Modern Safety Mechanisms in Law Enforcement Firearms. Law Enforcement Journal. Vol 22, Issue 4. Johnson, M. (2021). Understanding the Design and Function of Modern Semiautomatic Pistols. Firearm Safety and Training. Vol 15, Issue 3. Thompson, L. (2020). Accidents in Law Enforcement: A Case Study. Police Research Journal. Vol 19, Issue 5.