Is Your Pistol Drop Safe?

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of a drop test conducted on various popular handguns to determine their safety in the event of an accidental drop. The goal is to understand which pistols are drop safe and to clarify some of the controversies surrounding handgun safety. This information can be particularly useful for gun owners concerned about the reliability and safety of their firearms.

Chapter 1: Understanding Drop Safety

• Definition: Drop safety refers to a firearm's ability to not discharge when dropped from a height, mimicking a worst-case scenario where a gun slips from a person's hand.
• Importance: Knowing which handguns are drop safe can help prevent accidental discharges, particularly in high-stress situations or during handling.

Chapter 2: Test Methodology

• Preparation:
  • Use of blanks with no slug or powder, containing only the primer for safety during testing.
  • All guns tested had their safeties disengaged to simulate real-world scenarios.
• Testing Procedure:
  • Drop each handgun from chest height in various orientations (muzzle down, butt down).
  • Observe and record whether the gun discharges or shows any damage after each drop.

Chapter 3: Results of the Drop Test

1. M9 Pistol

   • Drop Result: No discharge or damage.
   • Conclusion: Safe design for drop situations.

2. M&P 2.0

   • Drop Result: No discharge, minimal impact marks.
   • Conclusion: Reliable under drop conditions.

3. 1911 Variant

   • Drop Result: Experienced issues; discharged when dropped.
   • Conclusion: Not drop safe in certain configurations.

4. Glock 19x

   • Drop Result: No discharge, minor scuffs.
   • Conclusion: Consistently safe under drop conditions.

5. Sig P320

   • Drop Result: No discharge; performed well despite controversies.
   • Conclusion: Safe in this test, contrary to popular belief.

6. Sig M17 and P365

   • Drop Result: Both guns showed no issues or discharges.
   • Conclusion: High reliability noted for both models.

7. CZ 75 (Cajunized)

   • Drop Result: Did not discharge, but sustained internal damage.
   • Conclusion: Requires repair after testing.

8. Nighthawk 1911

   • Drop Result: Discharged during the drop.
   • Conclusion: Not safe for drops; requires caution.

9. Archon Firearms Type B

   • Drop Result: Sustained physical damage.
   • Conclusion: Reliability questionable; needs further testing.

Chapter 4: Key Takeaways

• General Findings:
  • Most modern production handguns (e.g., Glock, M&P, Sig) proved to be drop safe.
  • 2011 models (including variants of the 1911) showed vulnerabilities.
  • The Sig P320 performed well despite its controversial reputation.
• Safety Measures:
  • Always keep firearms secured and avoid dropping them if possible.
  • Regularly check and maintain handguns to ensure all safety features are functional.

Conclusion

This drop test highlights the importance of understanding firearm safety regarding accidental discharges. While many modern handguns are designed with drop safety in mind, others, particularly older models or certain configurations, may not be as reliable. As a gun owner, it’s crucial to stay informed about the specific safety features of your firearm and to handle them with care. Consider further testing on additional firearms to expand knowledge on drop safety.