Washington State Hunters Ed Practice Exam

What is a common safety feature found on many handguns?

1. Grip safety

2. Trigger lock

3. Recoil buffer

4. Barrel cleaning rod

The correct answer is: Grip safety

A grip safety is a common safety feature found on many handguns, particularly in models like the Colt 1911. This feature requires the shooter to maintain a firm grip on the firearm in order for it to fire. If the grip safety is not engaged—meaning the shooter is not holding the handgun properly—the trigger cannot be pulled, thereby preventing accidental discharges. This design concept enhances safety by adding an additional layer of interaction required before the gun can be fired, reducing the risk of unintentional shootings. In contrast, while a trigger lock serves as a separately applied safety mechanism that can be vital for storage and child safety, it is not an integrated feature of the firearm and is not commonly found as part of a handgun's design. A recoil buffer relates to the functionality of the firearm by managing recoil but does not serve as a safety feature for preventing accidental discharge. Lastly, a barrel cleaning rod is a tool used for maintenance and cleaning rather than a safety feature.