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)

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