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AR15.COM
10/14/2005 2:44:48 PM EDT
So. How about left-handed controls?

I'm a predominately right-handed shooter, but I like operating the controls on my 1911 with my index or middle fingers as per left-handed shooting.

Forinstance: I know there are tons and tons of ambidextrous safety switches. I could really care less about an ambi-safety, the classic 1911 safety switch is perfect for me.

But, I really dislike having the slide-stop lever on the left side of the weapon. I know that the slide-stop lever isn't placed there for the operator to drop the slide, but sometimes, if speed is important (zombie attack scenario) and those mere tenths of seconds you would shave by hitting the slide-stop lever versus the classic pull back-release charging method.

That being said, I'd love to have an ambidextrous slide-stop lever, so in the event I feel like using the lever to send the slide forward, I can do so with my index finger. Not only is this a matter of personal preference, but I can also see it as a safety issue as having a slide-stop / release actuated by the operator's trigger finger would keep the operator's trigger finger OFF THE TRIGGER as he is charging the weapon, thus mitigating the chances of a negligent discharge.

Also: How about a left-handed magazine release? For the same reasons stated above, I prefer to use my middle finger to drop the magazine (One of the reasons that I plan on getting a HK USP instead of a brand-new 1911 next time I decide to purchase a new .45).

So, gentle 1911 forum: Do the creatures that I describe actually exist, or will I have to keep on dreaming of the super-custom 1911 that I've always wanted?
10/15/2005 6:17:22 AM EDT
[#1]
I've never seen a "mirror image" 1911.

As far as your arguement re the slide stop, the part i'm confused about what you're saying is the part of how you acknowledge that the slide stop is not for everyday release of the slide.
If you train using the sling shot method for releasing your slide, how would you have the time or frame of mind to all of a sudden change to a different method when attacked by multiple assailants?
I'm not trying to flame you, just curious as to what you're getting at.
I think that the idea of using your trigger finger in order to keep it out of the trigger guard has merit, it's just a question of whether such a change is marketable.  With the way hardcore fans of the 1911 are (myself included), I frankly doubt it would come about.
I've seen a few new pistol designs ( I think CZ is one of them) that do have an ambidextrous slide release, just not a 1911.
However, there's a complete lefty design AR out there, maybe you should petition some companies to see if it is something they have researched.
10/15/2005 7:54:42 AM EDT
[#2]
.
10/15/2005 12:56:19 PM EDT
[#3]
Thanks Hobbs, you just made my day.

As for the ambiguation above: I was rambling, pure and simple. A lifetime of substance abuse has left me a battered shell of a stream-of-conciousness style writer. Much like the late-great Hunter S.

So, it's looking like my Dream 1911 is going to cost me about a thousand bucks to build. Heh. Caspian Hi-Cap, magwell guides, ambi controls, night sights. I may as well go the whole nine and add some custom engraving to match.

Killer. It feels like I have more money than sense here.
10/19/2005 5:47:37 AM EDT
[#4]
Personally, I wouldn't use an ambi slide stop. That extra lever is going to add weight to the slide stop, in the exact area you don't want it, at the lever end. This could cause malfunctions, such as the slide stop working, or not working when it's not desired. Most competition shooters, and "professional" users won't even use an extended slide stop for this same reason. It makes the slide stop function unreliable, and unpredictable. This is the reason you're having trouble finding one, no one wants to use 'em.

Bob
10/22/2005 4:27:47 PM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:
I've never seen a "mirror image" 1911.

As far as your arguement re the slide stop, the part i'm confused about what you're saying is the part of how you acknowledge that the slide stop is not for everyday release of the slide.
If you train using the sling shot method for releasing your slide, how would you have the time or frame of mind to all of a sudden change to a different method when attacked by multiple assailants?
I'm not trying to flame you, just curious as to what you're getting at.
I think that the idea of using your trigger finger in order to keep it out of the trigger guard has merit, it's just a question of whether such a change is marketable.  With the way hardcore fans of the 1911 are (myself included), I frankly doubt it would come about.
I've seen a few new pistol designs ( I think CZ is one of them) that do have an ambidextrous slide release, just not a 1911.
However, there's a complete lefty design AR out there, maybe you should petition some companies to see if it is something they have researched.




You have now!  I have one.  Just purchased it.  Runs like a champ.






Mark
10/23/2005 7:02:55 PM EDT
[#6]
Damn,
That's the second mirror image 1911 I have seen. How much did it set you back?
10/27/2005 12:06:51 AM EDT
[#7]
Dude!

That is righteous! Where did you find it and how much was it?

I just parted with my Springfield "Government Model" and I'm feeling a sad little empty hole in my soul that needs to be filled by custom-awesome 1911 goodness.

Do tell, amigo, where from and how much!
10/28/2005 10:33:57 PM EDT
[#8]
This is by no means a "new" pistol.  It was made by Safari arms (now Olyimpic).  I was at a rifle match and someone drove up and had a bunch of guns and stuff to sell.  His Father-in-law left him quite a collection he kept what he wanted and was selling the rest.  This was one of the guns.  I spent $400.00 on it.  So far I'm in love.  I may have to get another "righty" 1911 and let the Glock take a rest for a while.  I do like the 1911.  I had forgotten how nice they shoot.


Mark.



10/29/2005 5:37:34 AM EDT
[#9]
Maybe I'm strange, but I don't have any problems hitting the slide stop with my thumb.  I'm not a big guy and I don't think my thumbs are unusually long (I dunno, maybe they are), but I shoot IDPA and USPSA with a 1911 and frequently shoot to slide lock and release it with my thumb.  Its fast and reliable and I've never had any problems with it.  

I'm of the opinion that game guns make great defense guns.  Speed and accuracy are what you want for both, but the extended release never seems to be an issue.
10/29/2005 9:49:47 PM EDT
[#10]
FYI you can get lefty controls on an SA 1911 @ the custom shop.  Send it in, have em mod it up.