Manipulation of Manual Safeties

[1911Nut]

This is the way it was being taught at Gunsite in 1981 when I learned it:

https://www.gunsite.com/videos/draw-...n-handgun-tip/

It's still being taught that way, to my knowledge.

I can't find fault with it.

But there may be others that can.

[Chuck Whitlock]

As cool as I think the BHP Spring Solutions SFS is, one big problem is that it's kinda hard to get back on safe easy. You have to push the hammer forward to safe it, and that's a bit of an odd move.
And sadly, the traditional BHP hammer tends to jab me jelly rolls, so traditional cocked & locked doesn't really work comfortably there, either.

That is my hangup with the SFS, too, and that it is inconsistent with my 1911s. Also, replacing the spur hammer with a C&S no-bite hammer alleviated thjabbing issue.

With a 1911, I keep it on-safe, unless/until I have the muzzle orienting itself on a target. I will then on-safe the weapon when it comes off-target. Notably, I am on-safe when in any type/interpretation of low ready, unless I am pointing at a real, live, articulable threat, and have simply lowered my muzzle in order to better see his hands. I actually did use 1911 duty pistols for a total of six to seven years, if I recall correctly, so, did point them at bad guys, multiple times. My first handgun purchase, at age 21, was a 1911, so, a 1911 thumb safety has always been my brain’s concept of a “proper” safety device.

If I start moving my feet, I will on-safe, unless I am literally shooting-while-moving. (In the real world, I do not feel comfortable shooting while moving, so, have only done it very rarely, during training.)

I agree with this, and other similar posts. I also agree with having the hand on the holstered gun, where applicable.

[Chuck Whitlock]

Since it hasn't been mentioned so far, I will add a tangent... that those near and actual mistaken ID shootings illustrated above most likely would have been mitigated by using a handheld light to PID.

Let's be real. We aren't calling the cops (and I are one) to come clear our abodes every time we hear a strange noise. If you believe that that noise is someone rooting around, then absolutely hunker down in a secure defensive location and call 911. But how many of us have heard some noise and wondered, "WTF was that?" Are we really donning our rifle plates and heading to the bunker every time that happens? I would submit that, no, we don't. We go investigate sounds and such that we don't really think are going to be the big bad wolf, but we take the pistola just to be prudent in case we are wrong. In this instance, a handheld light is the answer, not a weaponlight. I'm not saying having a weaponlight is bad, just that the handheld is the proper tool for this scenario.

[mmc45414]

I would say that if a manual safety prevents you from inadvertently shooting someone you are doing it wrong, if it was an adversary you intended to shoot your practiced motion will have had the safety disengaged by that point.
OTOH, it might stop you from accidently shooting, like if you fell or something like that.

[mmc45414]

Let's be real. We aren't calling the cops (and I are one) to come clear our abodes every time we hear a strange noise.

Last time was when the alarm went off, but there were no other sounds or signs other than the horn. I ease down the hallway, with my handheld light, pistol, and ninety pound dog, to check it out. The problem is obvious, the door to the attached garage didn't get latched and blew open, so the two of us peeked into the garage and other rooms and went back to bed, where the girl dog and wife were waiting for us.

[farscott]

My practice with the 1911 is the thumb safety comes OFF when the sights are aligned with the target and the thumb safety goes ON when the sights start to move off the target. That is now purely instinctive as it should be after three decades of 1911 usage. I have been told during matches the sounds of my safety changing states is quite audible as it is happening so often.

With the 1911 great trigger, there is a flip side. Once a good grip is achieved and the safety is OFF, very little pressure on and movement of the trigger fires the pistol. Being startled or jostled with a finger near or on the trigger can result in an ND. Judicious use of the thumb safety can help avoid that ND. Mileage may vary, but that is my approach to the thumb safety.

[BillSWPA]

At the risk of thread drift, if you have not had the discussion with your loved ones about why trying to scare people is a really, really bad idea in an armed society, that conversation needs to occur.

Also, if there is a likelihood that the source of that bump in the night is a family member, I have a much higher likelihood of recognizing that person than a responding police officer who does not know me or my family.

[Joe S]

Since it hasn't been mentioned so far, I will add a tangent... that those near and actual mistaken ID shootings illustrated above most likely would have been mitigated by using a handheld light to PID.

Let's be real. We aren't calling the cops (and I are one) to come clear our abodes every time we hear a strange noise. If you believe that that noise is someone rooting around, then absolutely hunker down in a secure defensive location and call 911. But how many of us have heard some noise and wondered, "WTF was that?" Are we really donning our rifle plates and heading to the bunker every time that happens? I would submit that, no, we don't. We go investigate sounds and such that we don't really think are going to be the big bad wolf, but we take the pistola just to be prudent in case we are wrong. In this instance, a handheld light is the answer, not a weaponlight. I'm not saying having a weaponlight is bad, just that the handheld is the proper tool for this scenario.

This, this, this. And for most people, you will use the flashlight thousands of times to varying degrees of need in your lifetime; your gun likely never.

You can have 650 lumens on a keychain or in a watch pocket or clipped to a hat/backpack/watch strap. Plug it in to recharge next to your phone at night or a computer while you are sitting down. Less than $20: https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-...s%2C128&sr=8-7

Slight upcharge for PF Orange: https://www.amazon.com/Aurora-A1x-Ke...s%2C128&sr=8-3

[Chuck Whitlock]

Last time was when the alarm went off, but there were no other sounds or signs other than the horn. I ease down the hallway, with my handheld light, pistol, and ninety pound dog, to check it out. The problem is obvious, the door to the attached garage didn't get latched and blew open, so the two of us peeked into the garage and other rooms and went back to bed, where the girl dog and wife were waiting for us.

We've got 4 lap dogs. They aren't big enough to be guard dogs, but are excellent alarms.

There are times that the missus and I think we may have heard something, but if the dogs don't appear concerned, then generally I'm not, either.

[TGS]

Thumb safety only comes off once a decision to shoot has been made.

Additionally, ideally your thumb should ride under the safety until that point...not on top of it. Riding the safety is for when you're shooting, not handling the pistol otherwise. The same reflex response that causes fingers to curl and inadvertently pull a trigger will also cause your thumb to disengage the safety if it's riding on top the safety.

Lastly, quality of the safety detent. TISAS makes good 1911s for the money, but there's zero fucking way I'd ever carry one with their weak ass detents unless replaced with something quality like a Wilson. A slight breeze can disengage their thumb safety. It's objectively not suitable for carry, IMO.