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
![Cross-bolt trigger safety on the trigger guard of a pump-action shotgun](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/1188/attachments/original/safeties-cross-bolt-trigger.jpg?1497632933)
Cross-Bolt Trigger Safety on the Trigger Guard of a Pump-Action Shotgun
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)
![Pivot safety on the bolt of a bolt-action rifle](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/1189/attachments/original/safeties-pivot-bolt.jpg?1497633384)
Pivot Safety on the Bolt of a Bolt-Action Rifle
![Pivot safety](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/584/attachments/original/handgun-safety-pivot.jpg?1493719268)
Pivot Safety on the Slide of a Semi-Automatic Handgun
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
![Slide safety on the tang of a break-action shotgun](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/1190/attachments/original/safeties-slide.jpg?1497633746)
Slide Safety on the Tang of a Break-Action Shotgun
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