[GOT]

I've noticed that some of the brochures and web-sites of manufactures don't always say whether or not their pistols have a magazine disconnect (someone told me all a perp had to do if he were wrestling with you is hit the mag release and your gun doesn't work... even if a round is chambered).

Which pistols have magazine disconnectors on their guns? Is mostly by make or model or both?

[SoCalGeek]

I don't know if there are any certain companies that routinely put magazine disconnects on their guns, but I think they're actually rather uncommon. Guns I know of off the top of my head that have disconnects are the BHP, most newer Ruger Pistols- i.e. Mark III and the 345, and the Beretta 87 Cheetah.

[Norton]

Bersa Thunder .380

[jrpeterman]

Add S&W.

[jc2]

It is not uncommon to find the slide disconnect removed on used Browning Hi-Powers--it is a very common modification (usually to improve the trigger).

Most S&W autoloaders have a magazine disconnect except the SW1911 Some were made without magazine disconnect. Those are usually marked on the slide as capable of firing with the magazine removed.

The magazine disconnect is controversial to say the least. They have their advantages and their disadvantages. While I have never particularly sought out weapons with mag disconnects, they have never really bothered me either--I can take them or leave them.

The most commonly expressed concern seems to be caught and needing to shoot with the magazine out during a reload (assuming you didn't shoot until lock-back). I haven't seen too many concerns expressed about a adversary disabling your weapon during struggle. I've heard more positive comments about it being a good way to quickly disable your weapon if it looks like you are going to lose it in a struggle. They can be a pain in the neck, and used to cause to poorer trigger pulls (but with today's "lawyer proof" triggers and firing pin disconnects, they don't make any difference).

It is a quick way to safe your pistol for a short time, and undoubtedly, it helps prevent the dropping the magazine ("I thought it was unloaded") and pulling the trigger ADs. If you're the type that keeps a couple of weapons ready around the house, it is a quick way to safe the weapon if little kids (or kids other than your own) are around. It's nice to be able to leave a weapon with a round chambered and ready to go except for the magazine in your pocket.

I wouldn't write a handgun off because it has a magazine disconnect.

[Mixlesplick]

The Star Firestar has a mag disconnect. The Firestar is a single action auto. I never liked the fact that I had to insert an empty mag to drop the hammer after cleaning and reassembling it. I still like the Firestar but I carry a Kahr. Point and shoot is my preference.

[Jim Watson]

SIG P210

[Blueduck]

Hunt around long enough you might run into a Beretta 92 series with one. Not normally a feature but Beretta has installed them on request with large orders from PD's or Fed agencies.

[Marshall]

JC2 hit on the main benefits of a mag disconnect. If you want to disable the weapon, it's an easy and fast way to do so. Some in LE say they prefer to have that as an option. If for any reason they are in jeopardy of loosing their weapon to a perp, it's a quick way to disable it. I have often wondered though, if you're able to eject your mag, why wouldn't you be able to shoot? Haven't found a real good answer yet?

[Blueduck]

I have often wondered though, if you're able to eject your mag, why wouldn't you be able to shoot? Haven't found a real good answer yet?

I can think of several off hand, sure their are more.

* Someone behind intended target

* Can't shoot due to person attmepting takeaways finger trapped behind your trigger (happened to Officer I know carrying a 5906 (though he did think to eject the mag).

* Even if justified officer just decides he would rather take the gun out of commision and go hand to hand. Say a male officer with female attacking, maybe mentall ill, or very young person officer thinks he can handle if he can just get gun out of equation.

To me a mag disconnect just adds options, and prevents the most common AD (drop mag, forget about round being chambered, pull trigger). I got no problems with them. Some folks have an absolutely pathological hatred for the things. To each thier own.

[Marshall]

Thanks Blueduck, I knew someone here would enlighten me. :)

[Moparmike]

Can you disable the mag disconnects on Bersa .380's?

[Norton]

Moparmike,

I'm not sure re:bypassing the disconnect on the Bersa. I don't own one, but have shot Spot77's quite a few times.....he might know

[jc2]

I have often wondered though, if you're able to eject your mag, why wouldn't you be able to shoot? Haven't found a real good answer yet?
I'll add a couple:

1. The weapon is pointed in your general direction.

2. The weapon is out of battery (easy to happen in a struggle), and there is a chance you might loose control of the weapon.

[BHPshooter]

Can you disable the mag disconnects on Bersa .380's?

Yes. I don't remember who, but there are a couple of members who have disabled theirs. It is supposed to be an easy operation.

Wes

[Black Snowman]

As a side note the mag disconnect on the Firestar is actually a very simple blocking mechanism and has absolutely no effect on trigger pull. The #1 complaint of mag disconnects.

[horge]

Originally posted by Moparmike
Can you disable the mag disconnects on Bersa .380's?
Yes!
Just take the magazine disconnect strap and C-spring out,
and just leave 'em out.
It's depicted halfway down this page here:

Disassembly (http://www.geocities.com/bersa_thunder/manual1c.html)

I myself took mine out and went without it for a month,
then decided I really felt better with it in.
:)
hth

[RON in PA]

Many of the Browning designed Colt and FN pocket pistols had mag disconnects. Also Astra 400s. Main reason for them is to prevent NDs due to improper unloading technique, ie., dropping mag, but not ejecting round from chamber.

[albanian]

Guns that I know of off the top of my head:
most S&W autos
BHP
most Star pistols
Bersas
FEG (I think)

BTW, I hate mag safeties and I always remove them on my guns if I can. I don't know how the remove the mag safety on the Bersa or S&Ws without altering the gun so I leave them alone (Bersa) or don't buy them (S&W autos).

[Blueduck]

albanian,

S/W mag safeties are easily disconnected by removing pin under rear site. Search over S/W forums for details.

Shame to ignore a whole series of guns for a "fix" that takes about 2 minutes.

[albanian]

To tell the truth, I have only owned one S&W auto, a M-59. I was not impressed with the ergos but it was a 100% reliable and decently accurate gun. It reminded me of a Ruger P-89, fine gun but just didn't do much for me. Now the 3913 or 69XX series have spiked my interest but I need to come upon a deal.

[Daniel L]

Supposedly, upcoming handguns will feature magazine disconnects. I believe it goes into law for California in 2006.

[enfield]

The only safety on my Sig is the trigger. It's the only one I want or need.

[Bear45]

some special order Sig's have a disconnect on them