Heckler&Koch HK45 COMPACT TACTICAL - Manual (Page 11)

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HK45 & HK45 Compact
Operating Controls & Components
WARNING: The HK45 series or pistols incorporate single-action and double-
action modes of operation. Anytime the trigger is pulled with control lever
(if applicable) in the fire (horizontal) position and a cartridge in the chamber,
the pistol will fire from either the hammer down or cocked positions.
NOTE: Some variants do not have a control lever.
Control lever as a Safety Lever - On HK45s with the “safe” position (Variants 1,
2, 5, 6, 9, &10), the front of this lever is fully raised above horizontal so that the
"S" on the lever itself aligns with the reference line on the frame (See Figure
4). With this control lever engaged, the release of the hammer is blocked in the
single-action mode of fire. In the double-action mode, the hammer will partially
cock but will not release to fire the pistol.
Figure 4 Control Lever in “safe” position
To fire the pistol, the front of the control lever is moved down into a horizontal
position into the “FIRE” position. In this position, the “F” on the lever aligns
with the reference line located on the frame (See Figure 5). With the control
lever set on “F”, the pistol will fire if the trigger is pulled and a cartridge is
present in the chamber.
Figure 5 Control lever in “fire” position
Control lever as a Decocking Lever - On HK45’s without the “safe” position
(Variants 3 & 4), the front of the control lever cannot be raised above horizontal
and the pistol will fire anytime the trigger is pulled with a cartridge in the
chamber. The lever only functions as a decocking lever to lower the cocked
hammer into the double-action mode. The cocked hammer is lowered when the
decocking lever is fully depressed by the operator (See Figure 6).This lever is spring
actuated and springs back up into the horizontal (fire) position when released.
Figure 6 Control lever in “decocking” position
On HK45 variants 1 and 2, the control lever can be placed in the safe, fire, and
decocking positions described above.
An HK45 pistol fitted with this control lever can be carried as a single action
or double action pistol, with or without the safe position. The control lever
also allows the cocked hammer to be decocked when the control lever is fully
depressed. (Figure 6). Optional ambidextrous controls levers are also available
for the HK45.
WARNING: The HK45 should not be carried in the single action mode
without the control lever in the safe position.
Extractor
The extractor located on the right hand side of the slide acts as a loaded
chamber indicator. When a cartridge or case is present in the chamber the red
painted surface of the extractor protrudes from the slide presenting a visual
and tactile indicator to the operator.
Slide Release
This lever is located on both sides of the frame directly above the trigger.
This lever is used to lock the slide open, to release the slide when open, and
to disassemble the pistol. As a slide stop, it is lifted upward by the magazine
follower or the operator's finger as the slide travels rearward during recoil
or manual manipulation. The slide release engages in the recess located on
the left side of the slide at its midpoint. The slide release is spring actuated
and is held down out of engagement with the slide until required. The slide
release will automatically hold the slide open when the last shot is fired. As a
disassembly lever, the slide release is removed from the left side of the frame
when the slide is held partially rearward.
SECTION 3