- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Single- and Multibarreled Pistols
Home > Examination of Firearms > Examination > Safety Features > Single- and Multibarreled Pistols
The results of the following steps in the examination of the safety features of single- and multibarreled pistols should be documented.
- Check for an external safety device; this should be clearly marked in most pistols.
- Confirm that the pistol is empty.
- Cock the firearm.
- Place the safety in the safe position.
- Pull the trigger.
If functioning properly, the safety should block the trigger from operating or prevent the hammer from striking the primer. If functioning improperly, the following test should be performed.
- Confirm that the pistol is empty.
- Place a primed cartridge case in the chamber.
- Cock the firearm.
- Place the safety in the safe position.
- Pull the trigger.
If the primed case detonates, the safety is not functioning properly.
