What type of safety mechanism blocks the firing action in a firearm?

The slide or tang safety serves as a crucial safety mechanism in a firearm by blocking the firing action. This type of safety disrupts the operation of the trigger or firing mechanism, preventing the firearm from discharging accidentally. When engaged, it helps ensure that the gun cannot be fired until the safety is deliberately disengaged by the user.

In contrast, other options serve different purposes. A lever safety typically allows for easy engagement or disengagement but may not directly block the firing mechanism. A trigger guard is primarily designed to prevent unintentional triggering by covering the trigger area, while a manual safety can vary in its function but usually refers to a mechanism that requires manual operation to activate or deactivate the safety feature. Understanding these differences is vital for safely handling firearms.