Glock's Safe Action vs Manual Safety

G30 Gen 5 Pistol

Glocks are popular firearms that are widely used by law enforcement, military personnel, and civilians for their reliability and simplicity. One of the notable features of a standard Glock is the absence of a traditional manual safety switch or lever. Instead, Glocks come with a "Safe Action" system, which includes a series of internal safeties such as the trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety.

What is the Safe Action System?

The Glock "Safe Action" system is a unique safety feature integral to Glock semi-automatic pistols. It is a series of three independent passive safety mechanisms that are designed to ensure the firearm does not discharge unintentionally, while allowing the firearm to be ready to fire immediately when the trigger is purposefully pulled. Here's an overview of each component of the Safe Action system:

  1. Trigger Safety: The first line of defense in the Safe Action system is a small lever incorporated into the trigger itself. This lever must be fully depressed in order for the trigger to move rearward. If the trigger is not deliberately engaged, the lever prevents the trigger from moving and the gun from firing.
  2. Firing Pin Safety: This is a mechanical block that prevents the firing pin (also known as the striker) from moving forward and striking the primer of the cartridge unless the trigger is pulled. When the trigger is pulled, the firing pin safety is pushed upward and out of the way of the firing pin, allowing the firing pin to move forward only at the moment of firing.
  3. Drop Safety: The drop safety ensures that the firing pin will not be thrown forward to cause an accidental discharge if the gun is dropped or subjected to a significant impact. The trigger bar must be in the rearward position, which only occurs when the trigger is intentionally pulled, for the firing pin to be released.

The combination of these three safeties ensures that the Glock will only fire when the trigger is intentionally pulled by the user. Unlike a manual safety, which requires the shooter to physically engage or disengage it, the Safe Action system is always active and does not rely on the user to manipulate any switches or buttons to ensure the firearm is safe.

Glock

GLOCK G43X Semi-Auto Pistol

GLOCK G43X Semi-Auto Pistol

The GLOCK G43X Semi-Auto Pistol has been designed with both a comfortable shooting and conceal-carry experience in mind. While carrying this subcompact design, the compact, Slimline frame feels great in any holster. Its compact grip length, built-in beaver tail, and subcompact-slim slide deliver a balanced, versatile feel while shooting, one that's great for a variety of users.

Glock

GLOCK 19 Gen5 Semi-Auto Pistol

GLOCK 19 Gen5 Semi-Auto Pistol

The GLOCK 19 Gen5 Semi-Auto Pistol - 9mm is probably the staple compact carry firearm that all are measured by. Sized between the sub-compact 26 and the full-size 17, the 19 is a happy medium. It's the choice firearm of many law enforcement agencies worldwide and a very popular concealed carry firearm.