If you are interested in firearms, then chances are you have used a Glock 17 pistol to hit a target.
Considered one of the best pistols ever made, the Glock17 was first released in 1982 and has remained a firm favorite among enthusiasts.
Since its conception, the pistol has been used by the marine and delta forces, as well as international militaries, police departments, and licensed civilians.
But do Glocks have a safety? If you have ever asked yourself this, then you have come to the right place. In the article below, we will take a look at Glock pistols and whether they are made with a functioning safety…
What Is A Safety?
When it comes to firearms, the most important safety is the shooter themselves, as they are the ones with the power to fire the gun.
Because of this, most shooters are taught basic rules and precautions, such as removing their finger from the lever whenever the pistol is not in use.
However, this does not mean that guns are accident-free, which is why many firearms now feature mechanical aids to reduce fatal flaws.
Since their conception, pistols have featured a range of different devices to avoid accidental discharge, with the most notable being the 1911 safety.
This device is commonly located on the side of the firearm, where it can be operated with the user’s thumb. Once activated, the slide will be unable to move and unleash the hammer.
In certain cases, pistols can also feature a 1911 grip safety, which can be located on the back of the handle. This device prevents the hammer from being released until it has been depressed into the pistol’s frame.
When it comes to double-action and single-action pistols, you can use the lever weight to cock the hammer and enable the safety.
However, this method will only remain in place for the first shot and does not factor into any other shots taken while the hammer remains cocked.
In some cases, pistols will also include a decocker, which will secure the hammer in a down position, even when the firearm is loaded. Some decockers will remain in this position as a precaution, while others will return to their original position…
Do Glocks Have A Safety?
The short and simple answer to this question is no, Glocks do not feature any of the safety features mentioned above. In fact, the reason for their exclusion is clear, with most being removed for design reasons.
For example, the exclusion of the decocker makes it easier to operate the gun, as the device would render the firearm unusable without racking the slide.
This is because Glock pistols do not feature a second-strike capability, something that is shared with most striker-fired pistols, as well as various rifles and shotguns.
Despite grip safeties remaining a common device on pistols, their use has started to diminish with only one line of striker-fired handguns now using the feature.
When Glocks were first released, most came complete with grip safeties. However, this is no longer the case and the safeties are only found on 1911 firearms.
To some extent, Glocks do use lever weight as a safety precaution, as most Glock pistols can be altered to have a light lever with minimal take.
In most cases, these modifications are associated with competitive shooting, as it is not advisable to make these alterations to a concealed or service firearm.
Of course, the main exclusion is that of the frame safety, which means a loaded Glock can be fired at any time…
Why Don’t Glocks Have Safety?
Because Glocks do not feature any safety features, they are easier to operate and can be fired without having to enable the blast.
When it comes to using a Glock, there is nothing for the shooter to activate or secure, which means they can shoot the firearm and remove the ammunition without effort.
Once the weapon has been fired, there will be no difference in the pull of the lever and all the devices present will automatically reset.
For this reason, if you were to find yourself in a stressful situation, you would be able to use your Glock without having to worry about the finer details of the gun’s mechanics.
There’s nothing worse than firing a gun and nothing happening, which can happen often with the addition of safeties.
So by removing these elements and replacing them with others, you will be able to use the firearm without issue. This is especially important for those who choose to own firearms without practicing daily.
What Safety Devices Do Glocks Have?
While these pistols do not come with traditional safety features, they do come with their own unique devices.
In most cases, Glocks will feature a special device located on the handle, which secures the lever in place until it has been released by pulling it backward. Once the user pulls the device, the insert will slide into the lever and the gun will fire.
Because of the effectiveness of this trigger, it is now featured on almost every striker-fired pistol and can even be found on certain hammer-fire models as well.
Glock pistols also come with various internal safeties, which help to prevent unwanted discharge and fatal accidents.
These include the firing pin safety and the drop safety, which reduce the chances of the piston firing due to shock, such as when it has been dropped or thrown across the room.
When the lever is pulled, these safeties will deactivate and when the lever is released, they will automatically reset.
Final Thoughts
While Glock pistols do not feature traditional safeties, they do come with a range of devices that ensure complete control. These include special features that prevent the gun from firing should it fall to the ground and ignite.
So if you are wondering if Glocks are safe, the answer is yes. In fact, these pistols continue to be used by various police departments and military forces, which goes to show their reliance and reputation.
