antishootthrough

Antishootthrough is a term used in firearm safety and design to describe mechanisms or techniques intended to prevent a firearm from discharging if it is dropped or subjected to severe impact. The primary goal of antishootthrough features is to mitigate the risk of accidental discharge caused by external forces, rather than by the intentional pull of the trigger.

Different firearm designs incorporate various antishootthrough measures. These can include internal safeties that disengage only when the trigger is deliberately pulled, or inertia firing pin blocks that prevent the firing pin from striking the primer unless the firearm is fired normally. For instance, a drop safety might use a spring-loaded mechanism to hold the firing pin away from the primer, requiring the trigger to be pulled to compress the spring and allow firing.

The concept of antishootthrough is a critical aspect of modern firearm safety standards. Manufacturers often invest considerable effort in developing and testing these features to ensure the reliability and safety of their products under a range of conditions, including those that could simulate a drop or impact. While not all firearms may have explicit antishootthrough mechanisms, the general principles of safe firearm handling inherently contribute to preventing accidental discharges, regardless of the presence of specific design features. The term is particularly relevant in discussions about the safety of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols.