Abstract: A hand firearm has a breech block pivotally mounted in the frame so as to be pivotable downwardly from a closed position to a loading position. The breech block has a firing pin mounted therein which is actuated by an armature of an electro-magnet also disposed in the breech block. A source of electrical energy in the form of a removable unit is disposed in the frame and connected electrically to the coil. This electrical connection to the coil is disconnected when the breech block is pivoted downwardly into its loading position so that the electro-magnet can not be energized and thus actuation of the firing pin is prevented.