Types of Safeties

Cross-Bolt Safety

• Common on pump and semi-automatic firearms
• A simple, push-button action that blocks the trigger or hammer
• Usually located at the trigger guard or ahead of the hammer

Pivot Safety

• Common on bolt-action rifles and 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 bolt or slide (blocks firing pin)

Slide or Tang Safety

• Common on some rifles and break-action shotguns
• A sliding bar or button that blocks the firing action
• Located on the tang (a metal strip behind the receiver) of break-action firearms or on the side of the receiver on some rifles

Half-Cock or Hammer Safety

• Common on single-action revolvers and other firearms with exposed hammers
• Positions the hammer at half-cock, away from the firing pin
• Engaged by placing the hammer at half-cock
• While not a true safety, it is sometimes described as a mechanical safety device by firearm manufacturers