What is a device that blocks the action to prevent accidental firing?

A safety mechanism is a crucial device designed to prevent accidental firing of a firearm. This mechanism can take various forms, including manual safeties that require the user to engage or disengage them before the firearm can be fired. The primary function of a safety mechanism is to ensure that the firearm cannot be discharged unintentionally, thereby enhancing the overall safety for the user and those around them.

While trigger locks and action blocks are also tools that can prevent a firearm from being fired, they serve slightly different purposes. Trigger locks physically prevent the trigger from being pulled, while action blocks may prevent the action from cycling. However, a safety mechanism is inherently built into the design of the firearm itself and provides a user-activated method of preventing accidental discharges.

Understanding the role of safety mechanisms is vital for anyone handling firearms, as they form a foundational part of firearm safety practices.