How does the hammer on half-cock notch safety operate?

The half-cock notch safety is an important feature in the operation of firearms, particularly in certain types of hammer-fired designs. When the hammer is positioned at half-cock, it typically provides a level of safety by preventing the hammer from falling fully and striking the firing pin, which would result in a discharge of the firearm.

In this position, the firearm is not completely safe, as it is still capable of firing if the trigger is pulled while the hammer is at full cock. However, the half-cock position generally serves as a safeguard against accidental discharge, such as when the hammer is inadvertently dropped. This is why the half-cock position is often considered a safety mechanism; it helps to secure the firearm against unintentional firing while allowing the user the option to fully engage the hammer when ready to shoot.

Therefore, when discussing the status of the safety in relation to the half-cock position, it is accurate to say that the safety is considered ON when in this position, as it provides some measure of protection against accidental firing.