cocked and unlocked

[Sarge55]

Never had a problem with a safety coming unlocked in all the years I've carried (on and off) 1911 type pistols.

This thread reminds me of a little story that was told to me by a retired southern California police officer who carried a Colt Government 1911 as a duty weapon. Don't know how true it is, but it's worth telling for the entertainment value.

Many years ago, this officer and his partner stopped for lunch at one of the local diners in their sector. While seated at the counter waiting on their orders, the retired officer was approached by a woman in her late sixties/early seventies. The conversation went like this...

Woman: "Excuse me officer"

Officer: "Yes, maam"

Woman: "Do you know that your gun is cocked?"

Officer: "Yes maam, it was designed to be carried this way"

Woman: "But isn't that dangerous?"

Officer: "Damn right it is!"

The woman just turned around, mumbled something, and walked away.

(I guess you had to be there when he told the story....)

 

[Grayrider]

Michiganfan,


When I was a reserve LEO years ago I carried a 1911 cocked & locked almost exclusively, both in a duty rig and concealed carry when not working. I never had the safety disengage with any 1911 used. I would swear by any quality 1911 not to do that--for that matter probably most of the cheaper ones as well. The design just doesn't tend to allow that unless you get ambis or some really big extended lever. As pointed out above, the grip safety is there too just in case. I cannot imagine something accidently depressing the grip safety and pulling the trigger at the same time (unlike the trigger thingy on a Glock). Go ahead and carry it the way it was intended. When you get used to it, you won't want to wear a pistol any other way.

GR

 

[TonyB]

Safeties are for whimps anyway!!

 

[GitSome45]

I sometimes carry a Series 80 COLT, and never have to worry, as the trigger MUST be held to the rear to "cam" the firing pin "safety plunger" up and clear of the firing pin...

Alot of people don`t care for the "Series 80" safety as they say it interferes with a lighter trigger job.

I personally think that your carry piece should be a basically "Stock" model, and NOT be your tricked out 1911 with a custom trigger job... (flame suit on)

Two reasons:

1.) If you get involved in a shooting, you will probably lose your piece temporarily, if not permanently. And you may have to "DROP IT", or "Kick it over here" (cringe) if so requested by LEO responding to scene, nevermind the scratches it will probably get in the evidence locker or in transport... Basically don`t carry a gun that you`re not comfortable "Parting" with...

2.) Also keep in mind, that if you are invoved in a shooting, (of course I'm assuming it`s a "Righteous" shoot) It may go before a Grand Jury, or worse, you may have to go to Trial....(this doesn`t include the fact that even if you`re cleared "criminally", chances are that you WILL be sued in CIVIL court by the family of the "VICTIM"...
You can be assured that if your gun has been "modified / customized"(lighter trigger, disabled safeties(pinning grip safety or taking out firing pin safety parts to lighten trigger on Series 80), it may cause the District Attorney to "Take Notice" and accuse you of being an "Aggressive Gun Toting Vigilante", who "Made his gun "MORE DANGEROUS" to the public at large, by modifying it to be "Easier and Faster to Kill People With"...
"Why else would you ALTER the Trigger pull / (and or safeties) of your gun beyond the Manufacturers` Original Specifications...?"
(I`m sure that you can imagine the D.A. trying to twist the facts around to fit their needs...a CONVICTION to clear their docket.)

Anyways, notwithstanding the above mentioned problems, I find that the "cocked and locked" 1911, is just as safe as any other weapon due to the overlapping and redundant safeties inherently built into the 1911 design...(especially the Series 80).

JMHO,

Howard

 

[Shaughn Leayme]

When I had my carry gun built (1911 series 70 type) I informed the smith that I almost wanted to hear a "KLACK" when flicking the safety on and off and it just about does it.

I do not expect to have the safety wiped off accidentaly in contact with my person, but it is always possible for something to come between my body and the holster and flick the safety off, but that is why there is a grip safety and a 4.5 pound trigger pull.

It is possible that all the impossible factors could come into play (See Murphy Rule) and an accidental discharge could occur, but I have a better chance getting struck by lightning.

I am not worried about an AD due to a dropped pistol, even with a series 70 type. If I remember the test's about the only way that they were able to cause the Series 70 Colt 1911 to fire was a perfect muzzle to concrete floor impact and this was fom a height of 6 feet or more. If I have reason to drop my 1911 from 6 feet or more, odd's are I have more to worry about than the possible AD that may occur.

Probably it is going to be something along the lines of learning how to fly before I hit the the ground.

 

[AK103K]

I personally think that your carry piece should be a basically "Stock" model, and NOT be your tricked out 1911 with a custom trigger job... (flame suit on)

No flame here, I agree 200%.