Well, mine apparently has a transfer mechanism, and the manual lists as part of 'safeties' a transfer bar block (whatever that means), and firing pin block.tomconpsk wrote:first post to the group as a new p-64 mak owner. just came across this thread.
pistols of this time period and earlier dont have transfer bars as I have recently learned. the transfer bar on newer model handguns will ensure that the firing pin will only work if the trigger it pulled (ensuring that the gun will not discharge just by half-cocking the hammer)
obviously, as you have proven p-64s do not have this so they ARE NOT drop safe. (you can determine if your pistol has a transfer bar or not by inserting a pen down the barrel, pointing the gun up and cocking the hammer most of the way and letting go. If the pen jumps, no transfer mechanism if it doesnt there probably is. would try a few times)
So, sort of in limbo here, but I am inclined to lean toward carry with safety off if one is left-handed, and optional with a right-handed person.
All I know is that after a field strip and looking down on the frame there's no way my firing pin goes forward beyond the little disc that one sees if you let go of the trigger and then left the hammer fall (gently because bare frame).
More importantly, after field stripping, just cock back the hammer a bit shy of fully cocked and let it go gently forward - the firing pin does not protrude beyond that disc on mine.