[Roger D]

Brand new to Pistolsmith and happy to be here!!!

Is there an increased risk (of snagging/swiping or even an a.d.) carrying a 1911 c&l (Kimber Gold Match and Compact CDP) with the large factory ambi safety as opposed to a smaller proflie single safety? Before ordering parts and sending the pistols off to a gunsmith I'd greatly appreciate any opinions.

Thanks & regards,


Roger

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. It depends. I do think that there's more possibility of accidentally disengaging an ambidextrous safety than just a strong-side safety. Of course, much of this could be from the type and fit of the ambi and how it's carried. If carrying in a proper and safe holster, you're still OK under the vast majority of circumstances if the safety does accidentally wipe off.

I personally don't care for them, but many folks who routinely carry, do.

Best.

 

[Shane1911]

I have had my ambi-safety wipe off twice over the past couple years. I didn't get all paranoid about it (there are still the other safeties in place), but it did make me decide to replace the ambi with a single-side on my duty Para. It's easy enough to change back to ambi for competition.

It just makes ME feel more comfortable with no safety showing on the exposed side.

 

[Desert Dog]

I am actually ambidextrous, so I have ambi safeties installed on most of my 1911s. A properly fitted thumb safety engages in such a way that it is not casually brushed off. There is a skill to fitting an ambi safety safety so the engagement is a crisp click. A well made holster that has material between your body and the safety, can (and should) be molded so the safety is held firmly engaged by the holster.

DD

 

[Shane1911]

DD is correct with regard to the leather piece between gun and body molded properly to keep the safety from moving. Also, this is a non-issue as well, depending on what type of retention holster you are using. I personally carry mine in an open top while undercover (Wild Bill Speed Scabbard), and have had an ambi safety wipe off, per my post above. I would not hesitate to keep my ambi in place, were my choice of leather different.

 

[VoceNoctum]

I've had my ambi-safety on my Defender knocked off once. I walked into a wall, so I can't blame the gun :smile:
As for snagging, I have rounded the edges on mine, and never had a problem (in practice, haven't had to draw "for real" yet)
If you'll look at the safety on the right side (and the left for that matter) it's got a long flat part where it rides along the slide. This causes a nice sharp point, which has a chance of catching a shirt or something. I think mine looks better rounded anyway.
I carry in an open top holster, so there is no thumb-brake either.

 

[Roger D]

Thanks to all for your responses and help.

I've decided to have the ambi's replaced - any suggestions for a single safety? A quick review of the array of products offered by Brownells is somewhat daunting (e.g. extended/narrow/high grip/wide/low mount/tactical). Which product is a simple, easy to operate safety, and are any to be avoided?

Thanks again,

Roger D

 

[38 Super Combat Commander]

I myself like the Wilson Combat thumb safety.I have had them on all my 1911`s.

 

[Rob Garrett]

Hey Guys,

Great thread on a subject that is very current with me. I have a Springfield TRP Professional 1911 (with ambi safety) that I'm testing for an article for Harris. This is the same gun that the FBI SWAT operators are issued.

I carry it as often as I can in Lou's Heinie DOJ, or Sparks 55BN or 1AT. When carrying in a suit, using the DOJ, I have found the ambi safety knocked off five or six times. I can't say what knocked the safety off. Maybe my elbow, maybe the seatbelt buckle. I also had the same problem with my Baer Priemier II and have since replaced the ambi with a C&S Tactical.

Unless the ambi capability is a must, I am not in favor of them.

Rob

_________________
"The unarmed man is not just defenseless - he is also contemptible"
Machiavelli

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Rob Garrett on 2001-04-12 16:12 ]</font>

 

[Hilton Yam]

I have no problems with swiping off the Wilson ambi safety of my 1911. A good holster will protect the safety or lock one side in place, not permitting the off side lever to move. I just tried to deactivate the safety on my 1911 now, and the inboard leather tab on the Alessi GWH kept the levers from moving.

If you MUST have a new safety, then I like the Brown tactical.

 

[Dane Burns]

On my personal carry guns I use an ambi. I set them up crrectly for fit and function. I also shoot ambi. But the gun is just part of a carry system. Gun, holster and belt are the additions amd equally important. As mentioned a well designed holster will make a huge difference. I designed my own 10 years ago, Alessi makes it now, the GWH. In 10 years I NEVER once have had the ambi brushed off. Believe me it should have :grin:

 

[StormMaster]

I suppose it's worth keeping in mind that some 10% of us don't really have any choice in the matter, being left-handed.

Like Dane, I've never had a problem. I do, however, agree that there are a couple of imperatives in all of this, those being a properly-fitted safety and a carefully-selected carry rig. Take a kitchen table ambi installation and couple it with Mexican carry, and maybe you're asking for trouble.

Assuming that you've taken a few sensible precautions, the measureable risks here are -- in my view -- insignificant.

Chuck

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: StormMaster on 2001-04-13 18:32 ]</font>

 

[GLV]

I have never been able to get used to the large, extended safeties. Still use a left side basic Colt safety. If I have to make a reverse draw, I release the safety with the left hand. My Dad gave me a new GM in 46. My youngest boy now shoots that gun. GLV

 

[Double Naught Spy]

A fellow noted to me that ambi safeties were a competition 'thing' and had no business on a CCW. I am not one who cares about product intent, but actual application. For example, screwdrivers have many uses beyond screws. The only competition that I care about concerns real life and I think the ambi safety has some advantages there for me and my shooting skills and clothing/holster choices. It is a personal tactical type of decision and that decision comes with picking the appropriate gear, such as a holster to prevent swiping off the ambi safety. I have no problem with my Sparks VM2. It is as secure as can be, but on my Sparks 55BN, it can happen. It has no tab that fits between the holster and body like the VM2 and so there is nothing to lock the safety in place - so it can be brushed to off.

Some features require special considerations. This is true of any gun. You either take those considerations into account or should decide not to go with the features.

 

[FortyFive]

On 2001-04-12 20:04, Dane Burns wrote:
On my personal carry guns I use an ambi. I set them up crrectly for fit and function. I also shoot ambi. But the gun is just part of a carry system. Gun, holster and belt are the additions amd equally important. As mentioned a well designed holster will make a huge difference. I designed my own 10 years ago, Alessi makes it now, the GWH. In 10 years I NEVER once have had the ambi brushed off. Believe me it should have :grin:

Good articles in this thread, what is GWH please?

 

[Peter Loron]

The GWH is a IWB holster that Dane designed and is currently being manufactured by Lou Alessi. Check out threads on the Holsters & Belts forum, or visit Dane's Website for more info.

 

[Matt VDW]

In you had to use your 1911 left-handed, how much would applying or de-activating the thumb safety without an ambi lever slow you down?

 

[FortyFive]

Peter, I was asleep at the switch! Checked Danes site and the holsters look really good! Thanks much.

 

[Kavall]

Matt,

I am a lefty that can shoot right handed if NEEDED. In carry practice I would carry on my left side. I would use an ambi safety.
Your question of, if you had to swipe a standard safety with your left hand, how long would it take. The simple answer is try it? Can you do it at all? Are you close to dropping the gun? Understress could you without dropping the gun. With a beavertail it is almost impossible to reach around with your thumb and not have the gun WAY out of position. Reaching back with your index finger requires more movement than I have. The best thing would be to swipe the safety with your right hand on the draw. However if you are left handed and drawing from the left. The safety will be exposed anyway so there is nothing keeping it from being swiped by accident. With an ambi safety it gives the holster a place to hold the safety in place.

Now if you are right handed and right hand drawing. WHY would you want or need to draw left handed? If your arm is pinned or disabled and you needed to draw with your left hand, getting the gun out of the holster would be the biggest trouble. It would probably be fastest to swipe the safety in the holster than draw. (not the safest)