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Posted: 6/5/2003 11:30:21 AM EDT
Hello...

I just bought two Browning HP clones.  According to the small "owners manual" that the pistols came with, it states that the gun has to be cocked or half-cocked in order for the safety to engage.  Can anyone tell me WHY the HP has a half-cock setting?  Also, for a single action ONLY pistol, why would you even need a safety?

I appreciate any help you can offer.
Link Posted: 6/5/2003 11:46:37 AM EDT
[#1]
You need a safety on a Browning because it is designed to be carried in Condidition One....that is , cocked and locked (round in chamber , hammer back , and safety engaged)

If for some reason you wanted to carry in Condition Two (round in chamber , hammer down , and safety off)the half cock setting on the hammer is there as a safety measure to prevent accidental discharge when lowering the hammer on a live round...

hope that helps


t
Link Posted: 6/5/2003 1:21:54 PM EDT
[#2]
The reasons for a safey are numerious indeed.  Not only in condition one, but if you're moving from cover to another position, it's a good idea to put the safety on while you do that.  Climbing in and out of windows, all sorts of activity where you don't want to unload the gun, because you're in the middle of using it, but need to execute whatever you're doing safely.

You could ask the same question about why a safety on nearly any gun.  Why would you need one on a bolt-action?  Why would you need one on a lever gun?  Why would you need one on an M16 (after all, the internal trigger parts are just a single action)?  Why would you need one on a shotgun?  Some DA/SA, and most DAO guns, and most revolvers don't have external safeties, but they have internal ones and are designed with this in mind.  

If you're lowering or cocking the hammer for some reason and your thumb slips, then the half-cock will most likely stop the hammer from falling all the way to the firing pin.  

Ross
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