Replies

I've also heard of at least one case where a cop, while holding a suspect at gunpoint with a cocked semi-auto handgun, tried to "safe" his gun by pressing the decocker. The gun went off while pointing at the perp's head. Oops.

Always treat your handgun's decocker as something that might make it go off, too

I've also heard of at least one case where a cop, while holding a suspect at gunpoint with a cocked semi-auto handgun, tried to "safe" his gun by pressing the decocker. The gun went off while pointing at the perp's head. Oops.

Somebody told me about how they once owned a Beretta semi-auto pistol with the 'safety de-cock'. He said he promptly sold the gun after it went off when he operated the 'safety de-cock'.

When I saw the Beretta pistols at a gun store, and saw how the de-cock worked, I thought it was madness! I don't care whose pistol I have. The only time I'll de-cock a semi-auto is AFTER I have removed the clip and the chambered round.

Still, I do own a Beratte .22 semi-auto pistol. (no safety de-cock) I got it for two reasons. One, it's cheap to shoot all day long. Two, it's something I can have for concealed carry until such time as I have enough money to buy the Kimber Compact CDP I want.

I've also heard of at least one case where a cop, while holding a suspect at gunpoint with a cocked semi-auto handgun, tried to "safe" his gun by pressing the decocker. The gun went off while pointing at the perp's head. Oops.

IF the cop was putting it on "safe" then he clearly didn't perceive a deadly threat was present. In which case, there is no justification for pointing the gun at the perp. If a civilian did this he would be charged with murder. Was this cop charged?