1911s - When Do You Take Them Off-Safe?

[TheFrontRange]

(I'm not sure if this question is best suited to Strategies & Tactics or Handguns: Autoloaders)

For 1911-platform pistols, what is / are the typical training recommendations for when to release the thumb-safety (assuming cocked-and-locked carry to begin with) when practicing / preparing for defensive shooting?

In my own periodic mirror-drills and when on the range, I've begun developing the habit of releasing the safety right after drawing, while I'm bringing the pistol up in line with the target. During these practice sessions I will alternately assume a "shoot" or "no-shoot" solution, finger not entering the triggerguard unless "shoot" is the call.

My assumption here has been that if a scenario warrants having the pistol unholstered in the first place, it had better be ready-to-go (safety off) in case it's needed further. Alternately, "shoot" or "no-shoot," I've been cultivating the habit of finger off trigger - reapply thumb safety - reholster.

Granted, I'm sort of on-my-own thus far with such practice as I've not yet attended any formal shooting training with a 1911.

Any and all thoughts and input is appreciated!

 

[Devonai]

For me, the safety stays on during draw and while the pistol is at low ready (45 degrees below horizontal). If I need to level the pistol, the safety comes off, and as you said my finger stays off the trigger. Only when I've decided to fire does my finger drift to the trigger.

If I must engage instantly, I still go through the motions above, just without delay. In such a case I sweep the safety off after the weapon passes 45 degrees, or the same point at which I would remove the safety if I had time to pause at the low ready.

As such, if I decide not to shoot, the weapons returns to the low ready, with the safety being swept back on as I pass 45 degrees downward.

I have practiced this with snap-caps with both frame mounted and slide mounted safeties. I prefer a full-length mirror so I can use myself as a target.

 

[Geronimo45]

Safety comes off at fifty degrees to the left/right of the target (as seen by shooter) depending on the hand drawing the thing. The snapping action puts the muzzle about where it ought to be.

 

[KD5NRH]

With the 1911, I train to disengage the safety as the front sight enters peripheral vision.

With DAO or DA/SA carried DA, the safety comes off as soon as it clears the holster.

Either way, it goes back on as the gun leaves my field of view. Somehow, I seem to be able to keep this straight in spite of switching guns several times each practice session.

 

[KD5NRH]

With the 1911, I train to disengage the safety as the front sight enters peripheral vision.

With DAO or DA/SA carried DA, the safety comes off as soon as it clears the holster.

Either way, it goes back on as the gun leaves my field of view. Somehow, I seem to be able to keep this straight in spite of switching guns several times each practice session.

 

[XavierBreath]

I snick off the safety at about 45-50 degrees into the presentation towards the target. My finger stays off the trigger until I am ready to shoot.

 

[oregonshooter]

Comes off about 2" above leather. Goes back on at the "3", with it staying off anytime between.

 

[Falconeer]

My draw is to a retention position (right wrist pressed into right pectoral muscle) so the method I'm practicing is that's where the safety comes off. I'm also working on always returning to retention, safety on, then reholstering.

 

[Zach S]

I disengage mine as it leaves the holster. Re-engage when the muzzle it at 45 degrees (to the ground) on its way back into the holster, or basicly, when I'm at low-ready and decide to reholster.

I take the same approach with longarms. Off-safe when I pick them up, on safe when I sling them or set them down.

Basicly, if I'm holding it, its hot.

 

[1911 guy]

When the call is made to shoot.

I go off safe when the call is made to shoot. Generally when transitioning from a ready position to a firing position, unless firing from retention. Then it's just off safe and squeeze.

 

[combatantr2]

When I get hold of the grip of my 1911 I draw as always and safety comes-off either on 45 or 90 degrees. However, trigger finger is off the trigger until I intend to shoot.

 

[Geno]

As I take hold of the grip

This is what we were taught in Tactical and Advanced Tactical Classes:

Press the safety off as hand slides down over the grip. At the instant that one is drawing the 1911 from the holster, the safety is now off, and the finger remains OFF the trigger until at presentation and target acquired.

Doc2005

 

[geekWithA.45]

Doc: Most rigs I've seen deny access to the safety when holstered. What's your rig like?

Me, I flip off the safety on the way to retention position, shortly after clearing, and back on @ about 45 degrees during reholster.

I assume that if I'm pointing a gun at something, it probably needs to be shot, pending approval from the internal shoot/don't shoot module, and the safety might interfere with that process.

I also assume that the safety's purpose is primarily to help me prevent shooting holes in my own buttocks, and since the muzzle isn't pointing anywhere near them, there's no need for it to be on.

 

[DirtyBrad]

I've posted this question before myself and was surprised at the non-standardized responses. I think a lot of them make good sense (not sure about taking off safe while still holstered), but it seems there would be a more ingrained school of thought, especially given the longevity of the 1911.

 

[Biker]

I carried a Colt LWC for years and as soon as it cleared the holster, the safety was swiped off, which is why I had no problem transitioning to Glocks. The main safety is my index finger and that oughta do.

Biker

 

[El Tejon]

Just after 3 in the draw count.

 

[10-Ring]

I wipe off the safety as I bring my gun up and on target.

 

[roo_ster]

Safety comes off while drawing, with my thumb riding it.

It goes back in on as I re-holster.

 

[TheFrontRange]

Thanks all for the replies here!

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

When Do You Take Them Off-Safe?

When I want to dust the top of the safe.

 

[torpid]

When Do You Take Them Off-Safe?

When I want to dust the top of the safe.

Well, P&R here's a tip:

The solution is in your nearest golf bag. With a hammer (and a little balancing) you'll never have to move your 1911 to dust again.

Hooray for the safe-tee!

.