Posted: 6/25/2007 2:52:03 PM EDT
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I just acquired a brand new "AH" date coded P22 and have a question about its safety lever. Even if I have the gun on "safe", I can still pull the trigger and the hammer will cock and fall. Is this normal? I noticed that when I put the safety "on" the hammer moves back a smidgen. Is something blocking the hammer from hitting the firing pin? Thanks. |
Yes, your safety is functioning correctly. The safety is a metal 'barrel' that rotates as you move the lever. On the fire mode, the pin is free to move. When on safe the barrel blocks the hammer from contacting the rear of the pin and also locks the pin in place. The small amount of movement you see in the hammer when you engage the safety is the hammer being pushed back by the safety. Try this; unload the pistol and cock the hammer. Then, looking at the rear of the pistol where the hammer normally rests, locate the rear of the firing pin. It will look like a small black nub protruding from the rear of the slide. Try poking it with a pen. with the safety off it should move forward when you press it and return under spring pressure. Now engage the saftey slowly, while looking in the same area. You'll see the safety 'barrel' moving and blocking the hammers path. Now try moving the firing pin. It should be locked in place. Play around with this for a few minutes and it'll be clear to you how it all works. |