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Was the 1911’s Grip Safety a Mistake?

If one carries a 1911, or any SAO semi-auto full time, you will on rare occasion find the thumb safety has unknowingly worked its way into the "fire" position. Probably from brushing against something. I have carried SIG SAO pistols and 1911's in Condition 1 every day for years. Increasing spring pressure on the thumb safety lever helps prevent the safety inadvertently working to "off". You should get a distinct snap when disengaging the safety. Proper holsters and trigger finger discipline mitigate, but when I find my pistol in that condition it still gives me the heebee jeebees. That grip safety just adds another welcome safety margin. Browning was a genius.
Agree!
 
An interesting topic for sure, brought out a lot of angst in some and joy in others! Personally I like the grip safety, as another commenter made mention about carrying in Condition 1, I have carried as such since the 80's, no worries, NOW, go buy yourself a Kimber Next Gen 1911 in 9mm and I have the best of both worlds! Nice shooting low recoil 9mm, (my arthritis frigging sucks) and just like my old 1911 but better! As always no matter what ever firearm you chose, practice and practice with it till it is 2nd nature.
 
Grip safety a mistake? Errr…..no.

The use for the half-cock notch …. now that’s a good question 😂
Many, many, many moons ago, prior to my Model 457, my EDC was a Combat Commander. I didn't like carrying cocked & locked so I carried hammer down. One day right after I pulled into the driveway after work, the neighbor kid pulled into my driveway on his new Honda 3 wheeled ATC. He was proud as heck grinning from ear to ear. He insisted I take it for a spin. Well, I did. Right thru the neighbor's fence. When I checked my pistol, the round in the chamber had a very light primer strike. After that very moment, I always carried it half cocked.
 
I like it. Grew up with it. You will never win an argument against a fella that has used it for 40 plus years. If you don't like it, get a Browning Hi Power and live with 9mm.
I like it. Grew up with it. You will never win an argument against a fella that has used it for 40 plus years. If you don't like it, get a Browning Hi Power and live with 9mm.
Fifty years ago I carried a Star PS, which doesn’t have a grip safety. About forty years ago I switched to a Star PD, aluminum framed .45acp, which also has no grip safety. I still carry the PD, but imagine my surprise when I tried out my Springfield Loaded Parkerized, with grip safety, and the transition was seamless. I don’t feel that the 1911 needs a grip safety, but I have no issues with the grip safety on the Springfield. I’m an easy going feller.
 
Back in the cavalry days - which still included some threads in WWII, safety on horseback was a very big deal. And fully understanding the operation of semi-automatic pistol was new technology for military staff.
I favor the grip safety as a non-issue but, if a manual safety is present, it becomes redundant. I REFUSE to carry any single-action handgun where the only safety is the pretend blade-safety on the trigger. There are plenty of accidental discharges including police officers, to show that to be an accident waiting to happen.
 
I have no issues with the 1911 grip safety. It is an added layer of safety. I don't carry it that often, as I have others that fill that role. When my wife and I entertain her family at our house, or go to their homes for events and kids are involved, I typically carry either my IWI Jericho 941, or Berreta PX4 Storm. Both being SA/DA makes any accidental discharge very unlikely to happen, especially since I conceal carry. Just me doing me things.
 
Many, many, many moons ago, prior to my Model 457, my EDC was a Combat Commander. I didn't like carrying cocked & locked so I carried hammer down. One day right after I pulled into the driveway after work, the neighbor kid pulled into my driveway on his new Honda 3 wheeled ATC. He was proud as heck grinning from ear to ear. He insisted I take it for a spin. Well, I did. Right thru the neighbor's fence. When I checked my pistol, the round in the chamber had a very light primer strike. After that very moment, I always carried it half cocked.

Series 80 pistol?
 
Many, many, many moons ago, prior to my Model 457, my EDC was a Combat Commander. I didn't like carrying cocked & locked so I carried hammer down. One day right after I pulled into the driveway after work, the neighbor kid pulled into my driveway on his new Honda 3 wheeled ATC. He was proud as heck grinning from ear to ear. He insisted I take it for a spin. Well, I did. Right thru the neighbor's fence. When I checked my pistol, the round in the chamber had a very light primer strike. After that very moment, I always carried it half cocked.
Half-cocked can get someone killed…
 
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