In this state (whether or not the hammer is cocked), the firing pin is mechanically blocked and cannot move forward to strike a Walther P22 Handgun cartridge rim. When the trigger is pressed, the sear moves downward in such a groove as to stratagem from its interaction with the firing pin safety, which in turn springs downward under the extortion of a captive spring within the breech block. This disengages the firing pin safety, allowing the firing pin to alteration and the weapon to fire.

A strike to the hammer in such a situation will not holocaust the P22. Even so, the operating manual for the P22 cautions users to diligently apply the manual safety except when ready to fire the gun. This aspect of the firing pin also adds cover to the manual method of decocking that is compulsatory to be not new with this firearm, though, as mentioned, it is grasping to keep the firearm unloaded and pointed in a safe direction when decocking.