ClickClickD'oh
Member
My full size has an ambi and rides strongside in a Sideguard Snap. My officer sized one has single side and rides in a Sideguard Cross Guard when it's desk day or a travel day.
Those that carry 1911s, two questions
- Thread starter ruffinit
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alexander45
Member
Mine has a ambi (rock island tactical) and I carry it strong side in a Bianchi model 56 covered with a unbuttoned over shirt or light jacket, the holster has a wonderfully molded thumb latch that covers the safety and in fact won't close unless the safety is on
No preference on single side or ambi safety, but the 1911s I carry have single side safeties. I did carry an EMP 9mm with an ambi-safety for a while.
The only real "con" I can think of with ambi-safeties is the possibility of the safety accidentally being disengaged while you're carrying. But that never happened to me, I think it's mainly related to the holster you're using. I don't see a real need for ambi-safeties if you're a righty, but some people like having that option.
I normally carry with a belt slide OWB holster, never did try out a shoulder rig... I mainly resort to pocket carrying a smaller gun when I ride my motorcycle, and don't change my method of carry for car rides (I have another handgun I keep accessible for car rides).
The only real "con" I can think of with ambi-safeties is the possibility of the safety accidentally being disengaged while you're carrying. But that never happened to me, I think it's mainly related to the holster you're using. I don't see a real need for ambi-safeties if you're a righty, but some people like having that option.
I normally carry with a belt slide OWB holster, never did try out a shoulder rig... I mainly resort to pocket carrying a smaller gun when I ride my motorcycle, and don't change my method of carry for car rides (I have another handgun I keep accessible for car rides).
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I don't carry one, but I have trained with it, including holster carry and draw from holster.
I need ambidextrous thumb lever, period!
Opponents won't give me a time out when I shoot with my left hand.
Also, the accidental switch off is blown way out of propertion.
- It is extremely difficult to happen with a correct holster: a correct holster should not expose the right side lever.
- Even if it is switched off, there there should be the "grip safety" and the firing pin block, if installed, preventing accidental fire.
The additional width, at least according to my experience, was negligible with minimalist design like Wilson Combat's Bulletproof ambi-levers. 1911 is a big gun to start with, and it is not as slim as some people would lead to believe. The slide might be slim, but my double stack M&P grip is actually slimmer with the small back strap on.
The only thing that concern me is the durability issue, but even that can be remedied. There are better designs out there, like the Bulletproof levers from Wilson. Also, by the time the lever would break, you should be doing a full disassembly inspection / parts change anyway. So, if you're that conerned about it breaking, then just make it a periodic replacement part.
I need ambidextrous thumb lever, period!
Opponents won't give me a time out when I shoot with my left hand.
Also, the accidental switch off is blown way out of propertion.
- It is extremely difficult to happen with a correct holster: a correct holster should not expose the right side lever.
- Even if it is switched off, there there should be the "grip safety" and the firing pin block, if installed, preventing accidental fire.
The additional width, at least according to my experience, was negligible with minimalist design like Wilson Combat's Bulletproof ambi-levers. 1911 is a big gun to start with, and it is not as slim as some people would lead to believe. The slide might be slim, but my double stack M&P grip is actually slimmer with the small back strap on.
The only thing that concern me is the durability issue, but even that can be remedied. There are better designs out there, like the Bulletproof levers from Wilson. Also, by the time the lever would break, you should be doing a full disassembly inspection / parts change anyway. So, if you're that conerned about it breaking, then just make it a periodic replacement part.
It's easy enough to manipulate a left sided thumb safety with the trigger finger of your left hand, a little bit a practice is all it takes to become comfortable with it. Your opponents will never see it coming.
I carried a Kimber CDP Pro w/ a Milt Sparks WM II (IWB) with an Ambi Safety as my EDC for years and never had a unwanted safety disengagement. I shoot Ambi, I learned to shoot first lefty (left eye dominant-right handed) and later switched to righty as I learned to shoot both eyes open, so I like an Ambi Safety.
I know the issues involved, since I have tried it. I cannot, in good conscience, recommend it as a standard way of fighting when it can be avoided.
The problem is the delay and insecurity of the grip while I am doing it. It is physically impossible to be as fast as when I am using a thumb to move the lever while my finger is moving toward the trigger.
A good knock on the arm while I am loosely holding the gun with the 3 finger grip to use the left hand for left side lever manipulation would send the gun off flying.
Why deal with that risk when all of it can be avoided?
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zerobarrier
Contributing Member
I carry a full size with ambi-safety. I use this rig http://www.mernickleholsters.com/pssys/ps6sys1r3.html with a medium ride holster instead of the high ride one. I didn't like the high ride one, the grip of the pistol was all the way up to my ribs.
I carry a full sized steel Govt. Model. It's a righty safety. No need for ambi, as I am not left handed, and can't really see any advantage.
It gets carried in a Desantis Speed Scabbard. I love it. Conceals nicely, great holster for the price and the combo of the gun, the holster and a good belt makes it perfectly comfortable to wear all day.
It gets carried in a Desantis Speed Scabbard. I love it. Conceals nicely, great holster for the price and the combo of the gun, the holster and a good belt makes it perfectly comfortable to wear all day.
Johnny_B_Goode
member
I cannot pick a holster for you. But when that heavy gun and ammo start dragging your britches down tractor supply has some very nice suspenders.
herrwalther
Member
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ruffinit said:
Single sided. Ambi safeties and I do not get along. I shoot right handed so I use left side safeties on 1911s. Carrying at 3 o'clock the safety is protected against my body.
ruffinit said:
I carry all my weapons in a White Hat IWB holster. The kydex is replaceable so I have one leather backing and several kydex shells for different weapons. When carrying a 1911, the belt is just as important or perhaps more so than the holster. I went the cheap route with a Desantis Econobelt which is still a very stiff belt for $20.
When I carry my Springfield Loaded it's in a hybrid IWB holster consisting of homemade leather and a Blackhawk polymer holster body, hung from a 5-stitch Wilderness Instructor belt behind the right hip. I think a wide-bodied IWB holster with two belt attachments (think Crossbreed, MTAC, Alien Gear, Galco Kingtuk, etc.) with a sturdy belt is the best way to conceal a 1911 and keep you comfortable. Oh, and my Springfield has ambi safeties which I'm of two minds about; there is the possibility of deactivating the safety by bumping the outboard lever against something... but looking at it another way, maybe the more ways to get the safety the hell off in a hurry the better.
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Old Dog
Member
Normal carry is a Colt's LW Commander (with ambi-safety) in a Kramer Belt Scabbard (mid-rise, slight cant horsehide pancake OWB) or if I feel like IWB carry, a Milt Sparks VM-2 (started with the old Summer Special, but once I discovered the VM-2, no other IWB was comfortable enough or stayed put as well).
I will say that I have carried 1911s with ambi-safeties, typically of the extended variety, on a few different models that have become on a handful of occasions disengaged somehow during the course of a day. Just not a major concern, since the gun won't be fired unless I draw it ... I would strongly prefer a safety only on the left of the slide, but it seems that all my 1911s over the past many years come with ambi versions and I'm not gonna take 'em off.
On a few cold days where I'm wearing layers of outerwear or when wearing a sport jacket, I have infrequently experimented with a Springfield Armory TRP or Wilson CQB in a Galco Miami Classic shoulder holster ... mostly for nostalgia's sake, and then I put the holster on its hanger back in the closet. The draw is just too slow and awkward, no matter how much I've practiced.
I will say that I have carried 1911s with ambi-safeties, typically of the extended variety, on a few different models that have become on a handful of occasions disengaged somehow during the course of a day. Just not a major concern, since the gun won't be fired unless I draw it ... I would strongly prefer a safety only on the left of the slide, but it seems that all my 1911s over the past many years come with ambi versions and I'm not gonna take 'em off.
On a few cold days where I'm wearing layers of outerwear or when wearing a sport jacket, I have infrequently experimented with a Springfield Armory TRP or Wilson CQB in a Galco Miami Classic shoulder holster ... mostly for nostalgia's sake, and then I put the holster on its hanger back in the closet. The draw is just too slow and awkward, no matter how much I've practiced.
Valkman
Member
My carry gun since '03 has been a Kimber Compact CDP with ambi safety in a VM2 and I have also never wiped the safety off.
Winkman822
Member
I've got a Wilson Combat CQB Compact with an ambi safety that I carry daily strong side at the 4 o'clock position in a DeSantis Cozy Partner, a Blade-Tech UCH, or a Wilson Combat Lo-Profile pancake holster OWB. If I'm just doing some casual shooting at the range, I also have a Blackhawk SERPA that I use.
Day to day, I wear a DeSantis IWB for my government model or officer model depending on how hot it is outside. If I am going on trips, I wear a Galco shoulder rig-seems easier to be able to access the weapon from a sitting position.
To yourself a favor and get a good quality belt, especially if you are carrying an all steel pistol. I don't care for aluminum frame pistols-just my personal choice as there probably isn't anything wrong with them. They just don't handle as well in MY hands.
To yourself a favor and get a good quality belt, especially if you are carrying an all steel pistol. I don't care for aluminum frame pistols-just my personal choice as there probably isn't anything wrong with them. They just don't handle as well in MY hands.
420Stainless
Member
Only carry mine in the winter months. Combat Commander in either a Yaqui slide OWB or Galco Summer Comfort IWB. Single sided safety for me.
BlindJustice
Member
I'm 6' 4" slim, RH handed anddon't care for an ambi
1. LH thumb safety - both my S&W 1911 5" and Colt Commander have
the Ed Brown Tactical Extended Blued TS. I also have a Springer
Range Officer Compact and it's LH safety is close to the same length
as the ED brown.
2. Milt Sparks Gun Belt and single Mag IWB carier with
Full Size 1911 - #Axiom OWB needs a medium length
jacket or sport coat.
Colt Commander and the RO Compact
#Mirage - just covers the trigger guard so it works for
any size 1911 however the muzzle is exposed, it's like
a Yaqui Slide but is inside the belt but outsie the waist band.
but usually the Milt Sparks
IWB Summer Special 2 made for a 4.25" Comander
but works with the RO Compact and Full size for that matter.
Randall
1. LH thumb safety - both my S&W 1911 5" and Colt Commander have
the Ed Brown Tactical Extended Blued TS. I also have a Springer
Range Officer Compact and it's LH safety is close to the same length
as the ED brown.
2. Milt Sparks Gun Belt and single Mag IWB carier with
Full Size 1911 - #Axiom OWB needs a medium length
jacket or sport coat.
Colt Commander and the RO Compact
#Mirage - just covers the trigger guard so it works for
any size 1911 however the muzzle is exposed, it's like
a Yaqui Slide but is inside the belt but outsie the waist band.
but usually the Milt Sparks
IWB Summer Special 2 made for a 4.25" Comander
but works with the RO Compact and Full size for that matter.
Randall
Mainsail
Member
I've been carrying my Sig Carry Nightmare 1911 all day today, concealed mostly but took my jacket off in Olive Garden so it was open carry for an hour or so.
Today, and a lot lately, I've been carrying cross-draw. I really like the butt forward.
Other times I will carry it in a shoulder holster.
EDIT to add: My 1911s don't have the ambi safety. I'm right handed so I see no reason for having it, and several for not.
Today, and a lot lately, I've been carrying cross-draw. I really like the butt forward.
Other times I will carry it in a shoulder holster.
EDIT to add: My 1911s don't have the ambi safety. I'm right handed so I see no reason for having it, and several for not.
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45_auto
Member
testpilot said:
Exactly how do you normally hold a gun?? What do you pull the trigger with if you're using all 4 fingers to grip it? Why would you ever hold it loosely ?
Strong hand normal grip for everyone I've ever seen is three fingers around the front of the grip and thumb around the back. Trigger finger is alongside the frame with no pressure on it. When the trigger finger goes to the trigger, there's still no pressure on it. There's never more than 3 fingers gripping.
Weak hand grip is identical. Three fingers gripping in front, thumb gripping in rear. Trigger finger is floating loose waiting to go to the trigger.
I can imagine that you would have huge problems with the gun flying off if you ever had to use something like an HK or Walther with a paddle mag release where you have to use a finger rather than a thumb to release the mag. Having only three fingers to grip the gun while you're manipulating that mag release with the fourth must be like torture!
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dakota1911
Member
Colt steel Commander with standard single sided safety and carry in a Galco shoulder holster. Even when I shoot a range toy with ambi safeties with my weak left hand I still reach over with my thumb to flip off the safety.
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