1911 ambi-safety

[ElmoH]

It would seem to me that the weak part is where the left and right side join.

I always wondered why no one made an 1911 Ambi safety like the Browning Hi-power. the bar runs through the frame and is secured by a roll pin. That system seem much stronger.

Does anyone know if one is made that way?

 

[Neckshot5seven]

I don't want to see a roll pin on the outside of my gun???

 

[BlindJustice]

I think master 1911 gunsmith Armand Swenson first came up with an
Ambi-thumb safety design in the 1960s. I caught an
answer on ambi-safeties recently about the different types
that are available over on the 1911 Forum.... can't remember
the types, but one required inletting the inside of the RH grip
panel for clearance of something protruding.

If I find it I'll try to geleen the info. and types.

Randall

 

[ZeSpectre]

Southpaw here agreeing 100% with the OP. The ambi-safety on a 1911 is a kludge and SOMEBODY needs to improve it.

Sorry to all you folks who think the 1911 design has reached it's pinnacle, there is still some room for improvements

 

[AndyC]

Go right ahead - we'll wait

 

[Neckshot5seven]

if they used quality steel, the design is 100% A-OK, it is when manufactureres build a ambi for a price is where there is a problem.

 

[Pat-inCO]

Sorry to all you folks who think the 1911 design has reached it's pinnacle, there is still some room for improvements

OK, but the ambi safety is NOT one of them (said by a Left Handed shooter).

it is when manufacturers build a ambi for a price is where there is a problem.

I guess I missed something. Isn't that the way ALL ambi safeties are built for 1911s?

Being Left handed for the last 65 years, I see no need for anything but the standard 1911 safety.

 

[Sistema1927]

You know that there are different designs on 1911 ambi safeties, don't you?

The one pictured in the OP is the Mueshke style, with a slotted sear pin that holds the starboard side close to the weapon. Other designs modify the grip to do the same thing.

I have both, and have had both, on various 1911s, and have never had a failure. As a lefty, it is the only modification that I need to make this platform useable for "sinister" use.

 

[ElmoH]

Pat-inCo,
How do you carry in condition one without an ambi-safety. I'm left handed also and without an ambi I have to carry in condition three.

 

[Frog48]

Call me crazy, but I like the original GI type safety. But then again, I'm not a lefty.

On a similar note, I dont understand why almost every 1911 maker puts ambi safeties on all but their entry-level guns...? Lefties are a relatively small portion of the population, and I think it looks goofy for righties to carry a gun with an ambi safety.

 

[ktd]

You know that there are different designs on 1911 ambi safeties, don't you?

The one pictured in the OP is the Mueshke style, with a slotted sear pin that holds the starboard side close to the weapon. Other designs modify the grip to do the same thing.

Sistema, I do not think the original poster is talking about how the right side safety is secured to the frame, he is talking about how the left half is connected to the right half by half a hammer pin on each safety with a tongue and groove joint in the middle. He is talking about 1911 vs HiPower rather than Mueshke vs Swenson.

I too have always wished they would make a HiPower style ambi safety for the 1911. My guess has been that the hammer pin on the 1911 is a little small in diameter for a cross pin, and the tongue/groove is also easier to manufacture/install. Or possibly since the 1911 is such a "flat" safety, making a pinned version would result in a right side safety that would be a very different aesthetic from the left side.

The Mueshke ones are pretty sloppy and come loose pretty quick, but my better brands have always worked fine, even though I worry about that mid point connection.

When using a non ambi gun left handed, I snake my thumb over and dis-engage the safety with my thumb, then bring it back over, kind of similar to the motion you would use to cock a gun.

 

[ElmoH]

Ktd,
Your right, that's what I was asking.

 

[Snapping Twig]

I suppose I'm missing out on something here with design issues. I haven't been inconvenienced by mine and it looks nice enough in fit and finish. I value it for the fact that, God forbid, I ever need to shoot weak handed.