Rifleman Q&A: What Is A Magazine Disconnect?

posted on January 25, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
disconn.jpg

Q: I have just started reading American Rifleman, and I love the technical information in the magazine. But it seems like you guys sometimes assume every reader knows what every gun term you use means. What is a magazine disconnect? Is it the same thing as a safety? 

A: The answer is “yes” and “no.” A common misconception—usually made by those not familiar with semi-automatic pistols—is to assume that when the magazine is withdrawn from the firearm, the gun is empty. There may still be, however, a live round in the chamber.

If the slide is in battery with a cartridge chambered, the gun—whether a single-action like the M1911 or a double-action (first shot only) like the Beretta Model 92FS—can be fired, even with the magazine removed. A magazine disconnector, sometimes called a magazine disconnect safety, is designed to prevent this.

Thus, a handgun such as the Browning High Power, which has a magazine disconnect, cannot be fired if the magazine is even partially withdrawn, as the firing pin is mechanically blocked from striking the primer. With the magazine fully reinserted, the handgun becomes operational again. 

For some, the presence of a magazine disconnect is a welcome feature and another layer of mechanical safety—of course, no mechanical device should take the place of common safety practices, including always keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and assuming every gun is loaded. 

Nonetheless, the inclusion of a magazine disconnect has some potentially serious drawbacks in a handgun intended for defensive use. For example, if the magazine has not been completely seated in the gun, which can happen, especially under stress, the pistol will not fire. Too, inadvertently depressing the magazine release while drawing the pistol has the same unwanted effect. 

Also, while performing a tactical reload, in which a partially empty magazine is replaced with a fully loaded magazine in a situation where increased capacity might be needed, a magazine disconnect renders the gun useless during the reloading process. This puts the handgunner momentarily in a vulnerable situation with a partially loaded gun that will not operate.

I experienced all of these situations while undergoing the strenuous but comprehensive 250 Pistol Class at Gunsite in Paulden, Ariz. Whether or not you opt for a pistol with a magazine disconnect, it is critical that you understand how your pistol operates (or when it doesn’t) and train to become proficient with whatever handgun you choose.

Latest

Star Model B Ihtog 1
Star Model B Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

New For 2025: Kimber Next Generation 1911

For its latest M1911 offering, Kimber Mfg. borrowed design elements from its double-stack 2K11 pistol to create what it calls the Next Generation 1911.

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.