What exactly is a mag disconnect?

[plinkmeister]

I`ve owned handguns for years yet it never crossed my mind to ask this question before. Could someone here explain it to me, please?

[Black Majik]

The gun wont fire without the magazine inserted in the pistol.

[plinkmeister]

The gun wont fire without the magazine inserted in the pistol.

So how come they still print "can fire with magazine removed" on the slide?

[code33]

Could be the version w/o the mag disconnect feature. Like the S&W M&P, they come in both flavors from the factory.

[1911su16b870]

IMO The CA mag disconnect law (and microstamping) is just another way for CA to limit firearm enthusiasts ability to own firearms.

[ajl2121]

Most experienced handgunners I speak with do not recommend that feature. All new models released in CA, however, will include one. If for some awful reason you used all your mags in the heat of battle, your weapons would be rendered useless (well, you could use it to pistol whip people or threaten them as if you could shoot them). Of course, even without the feature if you had no ammo left.......

[plinkmeister]

Thanks, guys!
It appears that none of my handguns have that feature...

[Ech0Sierra]

Wow, they just made single shot/semi handguns illegal? Is it because of the insults to gun owners that just release the mag and think it's unloaded?

[cho034442]

I had a Firestar .45 back in the free state (early 1990's) that has the magazine disconnector. The previous owner removed it, though.

Please correct me if I am wrong. This feature probably won't matter for target shooting crowd, but for combat/slef defence, most would prefer to have the ability to fire a roud while reloading the magazine.

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Smith & Wesson feels the need to print it on the side of their newer models since traditionally (since the 1st Generation pistols) they've always had the magazine disconnect. Corporate CYA.

[randy]

The mag disconnect has been around for along time. Ever hear of a Browning Hi Power?

Smith and Wessons with the mag disconnect can still fire without the mag in and the gun in perfect working condition.

[ajl2121]

I had a Firestar .45 back in the free state (early 1990's) that has the magazine disconnector. The previous owner removed it, though.

Please correct me if I am wrong. This feature probably won't matter for target shooting crowd, but for combat/slef defence, most would prefer to have the ability to fire a roud while reloading the magazine.

Exactly...I have 5 mags for my USP .45 and if I were ever in the unfortunate event of being in a shoot out, I wouldn't wait to reload my pistol untill I use every round and the slide locks. With that in mind, I have the option to drop a mag with a couple rounds left, or maybe just one in the chamber, and still have the option to fire that single round without having the new mag inserted.

[U2BassAce]

The mag disconnect has been around for along time. Ever hear of a Browning Hi Power?

Smith and Wessons with the mag disconnect can still fire without the mag in and the gun in perfect working condition.

How? Unless it is defeated by owner in some fashion. "not hard to do"

Reason behind mad disconnect is for....lets say kids who get a hold of a loaded gun. Drop mag and think gun is unloaded and then shoot themselves or a friend. BTW not only kids do this. Plenty of adults have too.

Some police agencies like this feature as they figure if an officer gets into a brawl with a suspect and is loosing control of his/her handgun, the officer could drop mag and make gun useless to BG trying to shoot him with it.

I personally am NOT a fan of it and I HATE the fact it is now mandated in California. Major reason we are not going to see many new model of handguns in the future.

[pepsi2451]

Reason behind mad disconnect is for....lets say kids who get a hold of a loaded gun. Drop mag and think gun is unloaded and then shoot themselves or a friend. BTW not only kids do this. Plenty of adults have too.

This is just one more reason I think it is stupid to require them. People should learn not to point guns at other people. This will make people think a gun won't fire without a mag. Then they pick up an old gun that doesn't have a disconnect, drop the mag, and think its safe to point at their friend and pull the trigger.

[Ironchef]

Some police agencies like this feature as they figure if an officer gets into a brawl with a suspect and is loosing control of his/her handgun, the officer could drop mag and make gun useless to BG trying to shoot him with it.

Correct. This is a good reason to have it..and why the M&P models offer it (to target that consumer group). Concord PD just switched to the M&P .40 with the mag disconnect and they love it.

I personally don't mind the feature as it would be a beneficial safety. If I'm defending the homestead and get into it with someone I missed, I'd love to be able to eject that mag and kick it away or something and let the badguy think he has a live round in the chamber ready to go..it can offer a second chance or a getaway.

However, requiring it as a state law...as stupid as microstamping and complete infringement/harassment of legal gun buyers.