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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 1911 thumb safety

Posted: 8/23/2019 9:39:44 PM EDT

Do you use the thumb safety on 1911, or rely on the grip safety when holstered? I read when "back in the day" people carried the colt 1903, safety off, just the grip safety and felt that was enough.
thanks
Mac.

Posted: 8/23/2019 9:47:49 PM EDT

[#1]

Yes. Cocked and locked.

I already limp a little, no need to make it worse.

Some of us call it Condition 1. Not using the thumb safety, but having the chamber loaded and the hammer cocked is Condition Zero.

Yes, historically, some have done so. I don't recommend it however.

With a bit of practice, disengaging the safety as the muzzle is presented to the target becomes an automatic process.

Posted: 8/23/2019 9:47:53 PM EDT

[#2]

Always use the thumb safety

Posted: 8/23/2019 10:00:28 PM EDT

[#3]

I carry cocked and locked, always with the thumb safety.

Posted: 8/23/2019 10:06:38 PM EDT

[#4]

Yes and when you present the pistol, your thumb rides the safety. When firing you thumb is on top, no threat your thumb is below.

Posted: 8/23/2019 10:08:44 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
Always use the thumb safety

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Of course. Silly question.

Posted: 8/24/2019 12:07:27 PM EDT

[#6]

I switch multiple platforms on a regular basis, from revolvers to glocks to 1911 to others. For me at least the natural acquisition of the grips has my
Thumb landing on top of the safety and gets pushed down without a thought. I also agree you push it down and ride the top of the safety while firing. Keeps grip high which helps control recoil
With 1911’s I have heard of old school pinning of grip safety or old pictures of south west lawmen ( early adopters of the semi auto) with grip safeties tied down to disable them, but never heard of someone carrying without the safety on.

Posted: 8/24/2019 2:43:18 PM EDT

[#7]

I have to go slow and pay attention to NOT flick off the thumb safety when unholstering a 1911.

It is so automatic after 40+ years of using one.

Posted: 8/25/2019 1:00:21 AM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
I switch multiple platforms on a regular basis, from revolvers to glocks to 1911 to others. For me at least the natural acquisition of the grips has my
Thumb landing on top of the safety and gets pushed down without a thought. I also agree you push it down and ride the top of the safety while firing. Keeps grip high which helps control recoil
With 1911’s I have heard of old school pinning of grip safety or old pictures of south west lawmen ( early adopters of the semi auto) with grip safeties tied down to disable them, but never heard of someone carrying without the safety on.

View Quote

Same

Quoted:
I have to go slow and pay attention to NOT flick off the thumb safety when upholstering a 1911.

It is so automatic after 40+ years of using one.

View Quote

I always deactivate the safety as soon as I unholster

Posted: 8/25/2019 1:22:46 AM EDT

[#9]

I always carried one with safety on.
I believe the safety also locks the sear.

Posted: 8/25/2019 2:00:29 AM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
Always use the thumb safety

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yup

Posted: 8/25/2019 2:25:32 AM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
Always use the thumb safety

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Posted: 8/25/2019 2:55:00 AM EDT

[#12]

+1 for depressing the safety as part of your draw/ shooting grip

Posted: 8/25/2019 4:32:58 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
I always carried one with safety on.
I believe the safety also locks the sear.

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When fitted correctly it hold the sear in the full cock notch.

Posted: 8/26/2019 12:39:08 AM EDT

[#14]

Cocked and locked here.

Posted: 8/27/2019 10:29:52 AM EDT

[#15]

thumb safety on...it gets deactivated as the gun is coming up to the firing position.

after enough practice it becomes automatic and you don't even think about it. hell, there have been times where i'm firing a different gun and i find myself trying to click the safety off on a gun that doesn't have one.

Posted: 8/27/2019 7:53:32 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
Do you use the thumb safety on 1911, or rely on the grip safety when holstered? I read when "back in the day" people carried the colt 1903, safety off, just the grip safety and felt that was enough.
thanks
Mac.

View Quote

Between the trigger travel, pull weight, usable holster design, and thickness of said 1911, I don't have the balls to carry it without the thumb safety on.
YMMV

Posted: 8/28/2019 2:49:45 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:

Between the trigger travel, pull weight, usable holster design, and thickness of said 1911, I don't have the balls to carry it without the thumb safety on.
YMMV

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View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Do you use the thumb safety on 1911, or rely on the grip safety when holstered? I read when "back in the day" people carried the colt 1903, safety off, just the grip safety and felt that was enough.
thanks
Mac.

Between the trigger travel, pull weight, usable holster design, and thickness of said 1911, I don't have the balls to carry it without the thumb safety on.
YMMV

Sounds like a good way to get 'Glock leg.'

Posted: 9/8/2019 6:07:59 PM EDT

[#18]

Definitely have the safety engaged when you have one in the pipe and the firearm is holstered. There's nothing to be gained (potentially much to lose) by carrying to the pistol with the thumb safety off.

I shoot a 2011 (double-stack grip w/1911 top end) in competition. It is now second nature to release the safety with my strong-hand thumb as my weak hand connects to complete my grip. At this time the pistol the pistol is raised to eye level and sights become aligned with the target. From draw to first hit on target is ~0.5 to 0.6 seconds, and I'm only average. With practice this can be done consistently in less than .2 to .3 seconds

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 1911 thumb safety

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