Abstract
This study evaluates a current range of mode indicators (also called “safety mechanisms” or “selector switches”) on various firearms. The purpose is to fill a gap in the current knowledge base. There are currently no studies of location or label design for the firearm mode indicator. This study evaluates experienced and novice users. With location, the more the mode indicator is in the user's line of sight, the more quickly it is found. The experienced group located the mode indicators in all locations more quickly than the novice group. In labeling, when the labels are less ambiguous, they are interpreted more correctly and with more confidence. Color needs to be studied further in order to determine which, if any, colors should be used to compliment other labels. Low participant numbers and high variances in the findings dictate that this must be treated as a pilot study; however, there is a trend in the data that indicates further study is warranted.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.