TNK
02-06-2013, 10:12 AM
I note on gun boards and on shooting shows, people are often referring to all modern striker fired pistols as a safe action pistols. As far as I know, the words “safe action” are proprietary to the Glock line of fine firearms. The many Glock imitators that have popped up over the last twenty years are properly called modern striker fired (MSF) pistols.
Calling any MSF pistol a “safe action” is akin to calling any photocopier a “Xerox” machine. While this usage attests to the popularity and genre-defining characteristics of the first successful type of its kind, it is technically incorrect. Also, if anyone cares, it is probably a violation of copyright or trademark laws.
The same instance may be cited when calling any spa a “Jacuzzi.” Jacuzzi is a brand name for a particular type of spa. Not all spas are Jacuzzis. In the same way, not all modern striker fired pistols are Glocks, as implied by the casual use of the words “safe action.”
I reckon that asking people to use the correct term for this group of pistols is a futile request. After all, we are still struggling with the difference between a “clip” and a “magazine.” Yet, I offer it nonetheless as something to consider. Modern striker fired pistols have re-defined modern pistol shooting. Do they not deserve recognition as such by using the appropriate term?
Calling any MSF pistol a “safe action” is akin to calling any photocopier a “Xerox” machine. While this usage attests to the popularity and genre-defining characteristics of the first successful type of its kind, it is technically incorrect. Also, if anyone cares, it is probably a violation of copyright or trademark laws.
The same instance may be cited when calling any spa a “Jacuzzi.” Jacuzzi is a brand name for a particular type of spa. Not all spas are Jacuzzis. In the same way, not all modern striker fired pistols are Glocks, as implied by the casual use of the words “safe action.”
I reckon that asking people to use the correct term for this group of pistols is a futile request. After all, we are still struggling with the difference between a “clip” and a “magazine.” Yet, I offer it nonetheless as something to consider. Modern striker fired pistols have re-defined modern pistol shooting. Do they not deserve recognition as such by using the appropriate term?