Half cock meaning

Half cock is a safety mechanism on a gun that partially engages the hammer to prevent accidental firing.


Half cock definitions

Word backwards flah kcoc
Part of speech It is a noun.
Syllabic division half cock - half / cock
Plural The plural of "half cock" is "half cocks."
Total letters 8
Vogais (2) a,o
Consonants (5) h,l,f,c,k

Understanding Half Cock

Half cock refers to a mechanism found on some firearms that allows the hammer to be pulled back to a partially cocked position. This feature serves as a safety precaution to prevent accidental discharge of the weapon.

Function of Half Cock

When a firearm is in half cock, the hammer is only partially cocked, meaning it is not fully engaged with the firing pin. This prevents the gun from firing, even if the trigger is pulled. It provides an additional layer of safety during handling and storage.

History of Half Cock

The half cock mechanism dates back to early firearms and has been used for centuries as a safety feature. It was designed to prevent the weapon from firing accidentally if it was dropped or bumped.

Usage of Half Cock

Shooters often engage the half cock position when loading and unloading a firearm, as well as during routine maintenance. It is also used when carrying a firearm with a round in the chamber for added safety.

Importance of Half Cock

The half cock mechanism plays a crucial role in firearm safety, helping to minimize the risk of accidental discharge. It is a standard feature on many types of firearms, providing peace of mind to gun owners and users.


Half cock Examples

  1. He only pulled the trigger halfway to put the gun in half cock position.
  2. The old revolver has a safety feature that allows for half cock engagement.
  3. Make sure the hammer is at half cock before attempting to disassemble the firearm.
  4. I accidentally left the gun in half cock mode, causing it to misfire.
  5. The gunsmith adjusted the half cock position to improve the weapon's performance.
  6. Before cleaning the gun, always check if it is at half cock to prevent accidents.
  7. The cowboy kept his revolver at half cock while riding to avoid accidental discharges.
  8. The gun jammed because it was not properly set to half cock before firing.
  9. Half cock position can be useful for safely carrying a loaded firearm.
  10. The soldier always double-checks if his gun is at half cock during combat missions.


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  • Updated 26/03/2024 - 23:18:21