A lot of NDs

[Sim G]

Sorry, again, I get what a decocker does from its name, but how does it work and which well-known pistols are fitted with one?

Walther PP, S&W M39/59, Beretta 92FS et al...

[Sim G]

as ordnance said, however not a safe thing to do with most Hi Powers/1911's and like pistols, regardless of whether they have external safeties or not (think, firing pin resting on primer waiting to be tapped!)

Condition 2, although described as "chamber loaded, hammer down" they were to be lowered to half cock, not all the way down. Also, at half cock safeties can also be applied, which aids in handgun retention.

[IainWR]

as ordnance said, however not a safe thing to do with most Hi Powers/1911's and like pistols, regardless of whether they have external safeties or not (think, firing pin resting on primer waiting to be tapped!)

Condition 2, although described as "chamber loaded, hammer down" they were to be lowered to half cock, not all the way down. Also, at half cock safeties can also be applied, which aids in handgun retention.

Yes, but unless I'm misunderstanding, having put the mag in you pull the slide back and let it go, thus arriving in condition 1 or 0 depending on how the safety works, then put your thumb on the hammer, pull the trigger and ... what results when your thumb slips? or indeed when you get thumb and finger out of sequence? It must have happened sometime.


Iain

[ordnance]

Sorry, again, I get what a decocker does from its name, but how does it work and which well-known pistols are fitted with one?

Lots of modern handguns can be bought with different safety systems to suit the user. The CZ 75 for example can be bought in different confederations .

This model is a decocker version of the basic CZ 75 B model. The decocking lever mounted on the left side allows the hammer to be easily lowered on a loaded chamber for a safe, 'hammer down' carry

The Beretta 92 can be bought with a decocker. You load the firearm make ready round in chamber hammer back. When the decocker is pressed the hammer falls but is blocked before hitting the firing pin. To use the firearm all you have to do is pull the trigger. The first shot will be double action the rest single action. Its a bit disconcerting the first time you use one as you see the hammer falling on a loaded chamber.

[Sim G]

It may very well have happened, which is why, except for double action semis, it's not a recommended practice.

The method for getting from Condition 1 to Condition 2 with a single action pistol was, in a safe direction, whilst gripping both sides of the hammer with the thumb and fore finger of the support hand, press the trigger so the sear releases, then release the pressure off the trigger so the hammer is held by the half cock. Likewise, with no pressure on the trigger, should the hammer slip from the grip of the other hand, the half cock will prevent the pistol from firing.

[nfrancis]

Should only use the decocker - not attempt to drop the hammer by pulling the trigger with your thumb on the hammer.

Decockers are also the safety catches on self loading pistols - where the thumb is. Flick it down 90 degrees and it rotates transfer bar connecting to the firing pin 90 degrees as well. The hammer also drops and falls back into the frame. Trigger also isolated in this position.

Flick the catch back up 90 degrees and the trigger is now viable but the hammer is down. This is essentially condition 2. The pistol is safe to carry in this format. First pull is double action after that single action.

[Dougan]

Dougan: leaving your life to chance - what more can one say.

Not necessarily...I've told you before mate; I've seen a lot of action movies, and am a big fan of Steven Seagal...so if I didn't have time to draw and cock my weapon (oh err), I'd simply take them out with my bare hands...

[Sim G]

big fan of Steven Seagal...

A great advocate of the 1911 pattern and condition 1 carry.

[Dougan]

with the safety on or off?

[Sim G]

Condition 1, round in the chamber, hammer cocked, safety on.