Where did that come from? I was describing applying the safety, noting to do with chambering a round?
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Ok Lee Enfield, I stand corrected there. Didn't have one handy while I was writing it but just used the sectioned drawing to see what was what. But you get my drift re the half cock........
Anyone else care to add to that either way?
It's the 1911/1911A1 that the safety cannot be applied at half cock. Since i have legally carried both types of pistol for self defense, I think the only way to carry either the Colt or Browning is with the hammer fully cocked and the safety applied. Practice makes perfect drawing, lowering the safety catch and firing. To lower the safety, full cock and fire would be a bit much IMHO.
Reference for "On with fore-finger, off with thumb" on No1 rifles, (at least in Oz service):
Small Arms Training
Vol 1 Pamphlet 3
Rifle
1943
Australia
Page 6
Para 2.i
"Push forward Safety Catch (sic) with thumb of right hand.
Para 2.ix
"......and apply safety catch with forefinger and with remaining fingers ensure that bolt lever is fully down."
See here: http://www.weapons.org.uk/index.htm for a copy.
Of the many things learned in five years of training with the Air Training Corps RAAF, (Cadets), some of it has stuck, even after forty years.
My take is that carrying either a HP or 1911 variant at half cock and loaded chamber is the second least safe way to carry one. The next being at full cock and safety off. If the hammer's fully down the inertial firing pin can't be jarred forward. Have tried it. beat a hammer down pistol with a ball pein until the pistol's hammer fractured in two. No discharge...But well OT, so back to L-Es.