1911 question

[AK103K]

Theyve been trying since the 60's, and probably before, to address the 1911's mode of carry.

Anyone remember the old Caraville Arms Double Ace conversions? And you thought the HK P7 was something novel.


Ive owned and carried both Series 70 and Series 80 Colts, and I preferred the 80's for that. Having dropped a freshly loaded, and not yet "safed" Commander to the kitchen floor (it didnt go off), I understood the advantage to the 80's. Never had a problem with one, and the triggers were just as good as the 70's.

Condition 2 makes no sense to me either. If youre afraid of the gun in its accepted safest mode of carrying it loaded, then do yourself, and the rest of us a favor, and get something else. There are plenty of guns available today, that will allow you to safely carry it loaded, and instantly ready for action.

Contrary to what the Colonel would have you believe, a decent DA auto, is just as easy to shoot well with as a 1911, if you bother to take the time to learn to do so.

 

[Charlie Martinez]

This discussion reminds me of a 1911 a friend of mine inherited from a deceased Texas Ranger. It was a very plain & well worn Colt Government model 1911 but it had one thing that I had never seen before; It had a thin rawhide band tied around the grip which I presume was mean to remove the grip safety feature.
Anyone know why he would do that?

 

[JTQ]

It had a thin rawhide band tied around the grip which I presume was mean to remove the grip safety feature.
Anyone know why he would do that?

Was that a rhetorical question?

In any case, to defeat the grip safety. It allows the gun to fire with a less than optimal grip, as long as you can pull the trigger. Gunsmiths have since figured out how to desensitize a grip safety and others have even deleted them. Novak's "Answer" one piece backstrap was one of them.

 

[Charlie Martinez]

No it isn't.
Thanks

 

[herrwalther]

I'm sure I could eventually run into a scenario where Condition 2 could be of use to me. However, up to now (I've been shooting 1911's since the 1980's) I haven't found a situation where Condition 2 would be an advantage to me. I have a Series 80 Colt, and the presence of the firing pin safety has no bearing on my lack of interest in Condition 2.

My only 1911 is a series 80. And I will be building another series 80 in a few months. I am sure if I was started on the 70 series I would have different thoughts about 80. I also have no reason to carry or put a 1911 into condition 2 (hammer down, chamber loaded, safety off). It goes against all the ready and unready positions I know how to carry a handgun, regardless of action type. My question was more direction to those who feel the need (for some reason) to put a 1911 in condition 2, if 70 vs 80 series made a difference. Thank you for the response.

 

[JTQ]

The series 80 incorporated a firing pin block. So you could lower the hammer on a live round after releasing the trigger. (For those who do not know the design)

My question was more direction to those who feel the need (for some reason) to put a 1911 in condition 2, if 70 vs 80 series made a difference.

It shouldn't.

The Series 80 firing pin safety keeps the gun from firing if you don't pull the trigger. It is a drop safety. When you pull the trigger to get to Condition 2, you've disengaged the Series 80 firing pin safety. The chance of the hammer slipping out of your control is probably the same at any point through the arc. I don't see the Series 80 firing pin safety as an advantage to Condition 2 carry.

 

[whatnickname]

Quite a few people carry 1911 style pistols condition 1 or cocked and locked. I don’t believe that a quality pistol like your SIG will suffer any type of spring set. I have a nice SIG 380 version of that gun and, while it is certainly small enough to carry in the front pocket of my slacks, that is definitely something I would advise you NOT do. Carried in a pocket,condition 1, even with a pocket holster, it would be way too easy to accidentally disengage the safety which is extremely dangerous, as your pistol could easily end up pointed at some valuable real estate with the safety off and a round in battery. They’re excellent guns but they need to be carried in a belt or IWB holster that covers the trigger guard. If you’re going to carry your pistol in a pocket, I would follow Slamfire’s advice on the mode of carry.