Do You Need A Gun Manual Safety?: Into The Fray Episode 178

Published on August 7, 2017
Duration: 2:45

This video discusses the necessity of manual external safeties on modern striker-fired autoloading pistols. The speaker, Kevin Melowski, editor of Concealed Carry Magazine, argues that for most striker-fired pistols, which are inherently drop-safe and not cocked until the trigger is pulled, a manual safety is unnecessary and can be a hindrance. He contrasts this with the 1911 platform, which features a grip safety and frame-mounted safety, and notes the Springfield Armory pistol as an exception with a grip safety. The core message is that proper firearm handling and storage negate the need for an external manual safety on most modern striker-fired handguns.

Quick Summary

Modern striker-fired pistols are designed to be drop-safe and not cocked until the trigger is pulled, making manual external safeties often unnecessary. While platforms like the 1911 have them, most striker-fired handguns rely on internal mechanisms for safety, and an external safety can be a hindrance in critical situations.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Manual Safety Debate
  2. 00:16The Debate on Manual Safeties
  3. 00:241911 Platform Safeties
  4. 00:40Modern Striker-Fired Pistols
  5. 00:47Reasons for Needing a Manual Safety
  6. 00:55The 'Just In Case' Argument
  7. 01:05Proper Firearm Storage
  8. 01:11Drop Safety of Modern Pistols
  9. 01:20Trigger Pull and Firing Mechanism
  10. 01:30Springfield Armory Exception
  11. 01:41No Need for Manual Safety on Striker-Fired
  12. 01:45Comparison to Revolvers
  13. 01:50Manual Safety as an Obstacle
  14. 01:55Training Through Safeties
  15. 02:06Safety and Effectiveness of Unsafetied Pistols
  16. 02:27Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Are modern striker-fired pistols safe without a manual external safety?

Yes, modern striker-fired pistols are generally considered safe without a manual external safety. They are designed to be drop-safe, and their firing mechanisms are typically not fully cocked until the trigger is pulled, making them inherently secure when handled and stored properly.

Why might a manual safety be considered unnecessary on a striker-fired pistol?

A manual safety can be unnecessary because most striker-fired pistols are drop-safe and not cocked until the trigger is pulled. Adding an external safety can introduce an extra step that might slow down deployment in a critical self-defense situation, and it's argued that proper handling and storage are more crucial for safety.

What is the difference between a 1911 safety and a striker-fired pistol safety?

The 1911 platform commonly features a grip safety and a frame-mounted safety. In contrast, many modern striker-fired pistols lack external manual safeties altogether, relying on internal safety mechanisms and the trigger pull to arm the firing pin.

Can a manual safety on a pistol be a disadvantage?

Yes, a manual safety can be a disadvantage if it's not consistently trained with. It adds an extra step to the firing process, which could potentially delay a user in a high-stress self-defense scenario. For those who don't train extensively, it's an added complexity that might get in the way.

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