Decocking levers?

U

USP45

New member
I got to thinking the other day that i didn't really like the way that USPs are decocked using the combination decocking/safety switch. Immediately upon hitting the lever, the hammer slams forward. It seems that he only thing that prevents the weapon from firing is the firing pin block. Is this correct or does the hammer fall to 1/4-cocked only?

Also, what are the various types of decockers? I know that Sigs use a lever that can be operated as slowly as you like, and quietly at that. Are there some decocking systems that are completely safe? Are there some that are potentially dangerous?

~USP
 
The decocker on my Beretta 96 is a combination safety/decocker. The hammer does not actually hit the firing pin on the Beretta, but rather hits a small plunger that is part of the safety/decocker switch, and the plunger actually strikes the firing pin. When you engage the safety, the lever rotates the plunger away from the hammer and the firing pin, and once the plunger cannot be struck by the hammer, and cannot itself strike the firing pin, the hammer is released and falls.

This also means that a Beretta that uses this safety mechanism is not subject to discharge should it fall muzzle-up on a hard surface with the safety engaged; there's nothing to hit the firing pin, even if the hammer is forced forward by the impact.

-BP
 
The Beretta/S&W/older Ruger decocker is my least favorite of them all... When you press the decocker down to drop the hammer, it puts the pistol on safe, requiring an additional action to make the pistol fire-capable.

On my HK, I usually ride the hammer down with my opposite thumb, just to be quieter and save wear & tear. I don't worry about dropping it the "regular" way though. I don't have mine in front of me right now, but if memory serves me, the half-cock safety mechanism is physically involved in stopping the hammer prior to getting near the firing pin.

The Sig decocker is an excellent set-up, but I'm left handed, so I don't own one. If it was ambi, I most certainly would.
 
Sig has the best type of decocker. It safely decocks the pistol, then automatically springs back up. There is no manual safety on a Sig. I really like that feature.

The worst is the EAA/CZ system that allows the safety to be be engaged while the gun is cocked. These guns can't be safely decocked.
 
cheygriz, that "worst system" is exactly why people buy CZs in the first place. Condition 1 carry: you can't do it with Berettas, Sigs, Glocks, etc.

If you want to decock a CZ, either get a "D" model or just decock it by hand. They have a firing pin block that makes it safe. But hey, why would you do that? I haven't used the DA trigger on my CZ in months.
 
cheygriz:
The worst is the EAA/CZ system that allows the safety to be be engaged while the gun is cocked. These guns can't be safely decocked.
Click to expand...
Huh?
Are you saying then that a 1911 can't be safely decocked? What about a revolver?
CZs are perfectly safe to decock assuming the operator is minimally proficient with his firearm.
 
The hammer in a USP has, in variants other than the DAO with safety lever but no decocking function, a hammer intercept notch. The only action that will release the sear from engagement in the hammer, allowing it to fall onto the firing pin, is to press the trigger. The USP decocking/safety lever is, like the Sig, spring loaded and will return the lever to the firing position when released.

The S&W pistol decocking system blocks the hammer from striking the firing pin upon engaging the lever. I believe, though I don't have much experience with them, that the Ruger pistol decocking system works the same way but its lever also returns to the fire position when released.
 
Onslought, I don't understand the problem with the Sig

decocker being operated with the left hand. When I'm shooting

left/weak hand with mine, I just use my trigger finger. I find it

even easier than using my thumb strong hand.

What am I missing here?
 
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