Can a Gun Fire When the Slide Is Open?

A semi-automatic pistol is a firearm with an external slide mechanism. This mechanism is part of the feeding system for the weapon.

Functions

• A semi-automatic pistol loads each round from a magazine using the recoil of the previous shot. When a bullet is fired the slide of the pistol is forced back. This triggers a small lever, which discharges the bullet case. As the slide is forced forward by a spring in the frame, it catches the next round and pushes it into the chamber.

Effects

• The firing pin of a pistol is located in the slide. This is the part that strikes the back of a bullet case, igniting the powder inside. When the slide is closed, the firing pin is within reach of the bullet in the chamber. Cocking the weapon draws back the pin; pulling the trigger releases it to strike the bullet. When the slide is open this pen is not in reach of the bullet, and the bullet cannot be fired.

Firearm Safety Features

• Modern semi-automatic firearms come equipped with a firing-pin block. This safety prevents the firing pin from striking unless suitable pressure is placed on the trigger. This prevents the pistol from misfiring due to a malfunction in the hammer or due to vibration from dropping the pistol. Most modern pistols have a number of other safeties in place. These include trigger disconnects, hammer blocks and grip safeties.