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.