A safety guard assembly for use on a handheld power saw is disclosed. The assembly includes a safety guard, a locking mechanism, and a weight. The safety guard is swingably mounted on the hood of the saw. The locking mechanism allows the guard to be swung to an open position and locked in position. In a kick-back situation, the locking mechanism quickly releases. The weight forces the guard to swing rapidly down over the guard, thereby providing protection from the saw blade.