Hello all, here is today's article posted on TheArmoryLife.com. It is titled “Was the 1911’s Grip Safety a Mistake?” and can be found at https://www.thearmorylife.com/grip-safeties-suck/.
Was the 1911’s Grip Safety a Mistake?
- Thread starter Mike H.
- Start date
Annihilator
Hellion
Interesting read, thanks Mike!Hello all, here is today's article posted on TheArmoryLife.com. It is titled “Was the 1911’s Grip Safety a Mistake?” and can be found at https://www.thearmorylife.com/grip-safeties-suck/.
HayesGreener
Ronin
There is a training curve with 1911's. You have to train with it, and the grip safety becomes a comfort
HayesGreener
Ronin
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.
As stated, there is a bit of a learning curve when shooting a 1911 style pistol. I have smallish hands and I don't like the grip safety. I have the Prodigy as well as other similar guns, but there are times when my grip on the grip safety isn't strong enough to disengage the safety. My bad I know, but still, it is a concern. If I had the choice I would rather not have to deal with a grip safety. I see that EAA Corp is now shipping their 2011 clone minus the grip safety. Just my 2 Cents. Happy shooting!
This. I do not ever recall an “AD” with a 1911. You have to (1) grip the pistol correctly, (2) flick the thumb safety to off, and (3) pull the trigger for it to fire. Odds of all THREE occurring “accidentally are pretty low. (This does NOT mean their aren’t Negligent discharges where someone gets careless while handling the pistol- simply that odds of a true “accident” are a lot less likely that where the simple pull on a fairly light trigger will pop a cap.
GrandpaDan
Alpha
NO, it was not a mistake. I'm 61 yo, have 3 gkids, and 1 main reason I only buy 1911's is because of the multiple safetys and modes of carry. I'm not an experienced shooter, I want to maximize my abillity to defend myself and family AND maximize safety. A misfire could kill someone, maybe my family, I want all the safetys I can get. After about 350 draws, instruction, and practice; I can consistently put a bullet center mass from a fully concealed 1911 in abt 2 seconds. Never Once had a problem with the grip safety.
Lab4Us
Professional
I think that if gun building folks thought it was a mistake, it would have been gone long ago. I don’t even consider it when buying a pistol, which is why four of my pistols (3 1911s, 1 2011) have them and the rest don’t. It would never be a show stopper for me on a gun I might want. That said, I’ve also never had a problem with them (or gripping a 1911 in way that causes malfunctions).
But I’m sure, just like some folks who think manual safeties are the devil, there are those that think a grip safety will get them killed in the event of a self defense incident.
Always great to brush up on gun history!
But I’m sure, just like some folks who think manual safeties are the devil, there are those that think a grip safety will get them killed in the event of a self defense incident.
Always great to brush up on gun history!
Winchester67
Professional
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.
TEXASforLIFE
SAINT
I'm NOT a fan of the grip safeties! Probably wouldn't make me like the 1911's any better if they didn't have them. Having 2 xdm's i don't have an issue with those. I just don't prefer them!