[ironmarshmallow]

I'm curious as to what safety system is preferred on a handgun: A trigger safety or a flip switch. Are they both just as reliable? Is one better than the other, or is it just a personal preference? My current handgun has a handle and trigger safety and I'm looking at getting a Taurus 9mm that has a safety switch.

While I'm at it, what are some good points and bad points about Taurus handguns? I've heard a lot of good things about them, but I would be interested in any feedback any of you might have. Thanks.

Ironmarshmallow

 

[bane]

While I'm not so much of a "gun guy" as much as a 2A proponent... I have come to really like the grip/trigger safeties of my SA-XD. Up to that point the gun I had shot the most (and thus liked the most) was the Barretta 9. It had a switch safety.

Initially, not having a switch bothered me a bit. Now I find I prefer active safeties and recognize that they are inherently better than passive ones. That being said, I'm not sure I'm as much of a fun of guns that ONLY have trigger safeties unless they are STRICTLY kept inside the holsters when not being shot.

The additional grip safety, however, makes AD's almost impossible.

 

[GeneticsDave]

The SA-XD doesn't have any active safeties. Both the trigger and grip safeties classify as 'passive safeties' as you aren't required to do anything but hold the gun and pull the trigger.

Guns such as the 1911 have a safety switch or lever that must be deactivated in order to fire the weapon. Granted, they are perhaps a bit 'more safe' as they require 'more work' to make the weapon fire, but then again, there is more work - something you need to train your self to be able to do so that you can do it every time you draw down on a target. I don't really think a self-defense gun needs to have an 'active' safety (more buttons just means more problems). Like I said before, any gun is safe (even a Glock... I know, I said it...), if the user is competent.

I'm sorry my advice stops here, I don't know anything about Taurus - wish I could be of more help on that point.

 

[bane]

Dave... I got my terms reversed b/c I thought I had read that an "active" safety was one that was ALWAYS on automatically and required input from the user EVERY TIME to be deactivated; while I thought a "passive" safety was one that, on it's own accord, couldn't actively engage itself.

Oops! Obviously I was mistaken -- so, thanks for the correction!

 

[xmirage2kx]

both safeties have their strong points and weak points. I prefer not to have to worry about anything other than pulling the trigger. Taurus ranks about a B+ in my book, Good for the price but you will most likely end up with something better down the road.

 

[GeneticsDave]

Dave... I got my terms reversed b/c I thought I had read that an "active" safety was one that was ALWAYS on automatically and required input from the user EVERY TIME to be deactivated; while I thought a "passive" safety was one that, on it's own accord, couldn't actively engage itself.

Oops! Obviously I was mistaken -- so, thanks for the correction!

I guess you could be right. I have always heard the terminology refer to the actions that must be taken to disengage the safety. Active - must actively disengage the safety (switch or button). Passive - safeties are disengaged automatically with correct usage of the weapon. Not that it really matters, I understood what you meant, but hey, I could be wrong... really wish there was a glossary or encyclopedia about guns we could refer to

 

[bane]

No, I think you are right. I scoured stuff online and though I never found a definitive source stating as much, all but one source I did find fit with your understanding of the term.

Additionally, I'm sure you are more "in the arena" of the gun culture much more than I am. I have traditionally been more of a 2A Proponent and interested in Rights issues and only recently got more involved in what until now has only been THEORY for me. Long story short, I trust your understanding of these things MUCH more than my own.

 

[GeneticsDave]

Well, thanks for your compliment. I only hope your trust in my understanding is well founded :shock:

BTW: Thanks for all the support you have given the XDs on this site - I can tell you are a happy owner

 

[althor]

I still can't figure out the purpose of a trigger safety. What are they supposed to prevent... triggers moving by themselves? I can't imagine anything pressing on the trigger that doesn't also press on the trigger safety.

I guess I figured that they were a result of marketing more than anything else.

 

[GeneticsDave]

According to the Glock Safety page: the trigger safety prevents inadvertent firing by lateral forces on the trigger.

Update: I just realized that the link doesn't take you where I found the information. You need to go to http://www.glock.com and then select 'Pistols' in the top left, then select 'Glock Advantage' in the left menu, then click on the number 2 below the description. Hope this helps.

 

[xmirage2kx]

I still can't figure out the purpose of a trigger safety. What are they supposed to prevent... triggers moving by themselves? I can't imagine anything pressing on the trigger that doesn't also press on the trigger safety.

I guess I figured that they were a result of marketing more than anything else.

I am sure it had to have a safety to meet some requirement (state/fed/insurance/police/military/etc).

 

[James]

I like the idea that to operate the XD you just have to hold it and pull the trigger. In this regard it is like a double action revolver. Simple to operate.

There is a good article on the XD on the Wikipedia site.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield_Armory_XD

 

[James]

This is the only Taurus I have had hands on. It is a titanium frame double action in 44 Spl. It weighs only 20 oz. It has a nice finish. It has a good crisp trigger pull in single action. Yes, the recoil is snappy with the 44 in a light gun.

I have put about 500 rounds through it and it has been good in all respects. It is capable of better accuracy than the shooter in this case.
What more can I say? It does what you would expect it to do. Shoot!

I know there has been lots of Taurus bashing on other forums, but my one experience with Taurus has been positive.

 

[xmirage2kx]

Taurus Revolvers are good enough (it is kinds hard to mess up a revolver). It is hard to beat a 357 compact lightweight revolver for $310 new. (model 605)

 

[Paul]

I recommend the your carry gun, not have a safety that requires you to mechanically move something to allow you to fire. I want a carry gun that you simply grab and pull the trigger and it shoots. If you have a carry gun that requires you to move a safety to fire, you had better be darn good (practice) at making that safety disengage. I have a Ruger P89 that I use at the range. I don't carry that gun. I was practicing flipping the safety up that other day while drawing from my holster. I must say I SUCK at that. I could not draw quickly, and disengage the safety without fumbling around. I haven't practiced that move much with that gun as I don't carry it, but I sure wouldn't feel comfortable carrying it unless I get much better at fluidly drawing, flipping the safety and then firing. Or carry it with the safety disengaged. I prefer no safety (my Kel-Tecs) or safeties that are disengaed simply by holding the gun (like the XD... I don't have an XD, but have my eyes on one). I personally feel the the only effective safety is the one between your ears.

 

[scallywag46]

When I was on a Utah County department back in the early 80's we carried a 9mm Smith and Wesson 59, which had a safety switch. We never carried them on duty or any other time with the safety on because in a real stressful event you didn't want to be fumbling with a safety. I did like the magazine disconnect. If we got into a wrestling match then we would drop the magazine and we wouldn't have to worry about the BG getting your gun and using it on you. On the other note I had a Taurus 357 revolver, when I used 357 ammo the cylinder would freeze up, not rotating for the next shot. That was 7 years ago so they may be better now.

Scallywag

 

[nxiv]

I prefer firearms with slide or frame mounted safeties for the weapon retention properties. This was a major concern back when I carried openly as an employment requirement. It's not as much of a concern with civilian CCW.

Also for those of us who carry 1911s or Brownings, the only way to carry a single action semi-auto is in condition one which is the safety on.