Experience w/ Browning SFS and do you like it?

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NMexJim

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I looked through the threads for specific info on the SFS systems for Hi-Powers, but though mentioned, nothing concrete. Anybody put this system in and how did you like it?
 
I bought an SFS Hi Power about a dozen years ago when CDNN was blowing them out. I've since picked up two more.

If I was to CC a Hi Power, the SFS would be top of the list. The tiny hammer is virtually snag free and the operation while different isn't unsafe.
Rack slide to chamber a round.
Push hammer down with thumb, manual thumb safety engages.
Holster.
On draw, operate thumb safety as normal and the hammer will pop up from the down position.

Those afflicted with Cooperisms will start flatuenting about a solution in search of a problem......it isn't.
 
I have not used one.
There is a lengthy plug for the device at
https://www.1911forum.com/threads/bh-spring-solutions-sfs-installed.1026207/

Thanks, Good article. I re-springed with BH Spring Solutions when they first started up. They have encouraged me to buy an SFS and I may yet.

I no longer carry a P-35 and moved on to a smaller, lighter CCW, but I'll not part with them. I'm a fanboy.

Part of the reason for the change was that, although I carried in a holster that fully protected the trigger, I'd often find the safety pushed down after sitting or riding in a car. My Practical has a FPB, etc., but I would still break a sweat finding the safety off. I've put in heavier safety lever springs which helped.

Fantastic pistol though.

Thanks again
 
I have a 77 "C" series that has the SFS systerm on it. Love it!

Manipulate just like a 1911 when you draw.
View attachment 960388

John Browning really nailed the grip angle on both the 1911 and the P35. I have both and feel they become an extension of my arm. I'm told the CZ-75 feels the same, but I can't testify to that.

I see you have the extended slide release as well. How do you like that?

I have one that's got a lot of rounds through it, and I contemplate sending it off to maybe Cylinder and Slide or other for a full workover. Who did the work on yours?

Beautiful piece.
 
I think those are Novak stocks - I haven't seen any of those in a while. I'm still using a pair. Oh So Sweet.
 
John Browning really nailed the grip angle on both the 1911 and the P35. I have both and feel they become an extension of my arm. I'm told the CZ-75 feels the same, but I can't testify to that.

I see you have the extended slide release as well. How do you like that?

I have one that's got a lot of rounds through it, and I contemplate sending it off to maybe Cylinder and Slide or other for a full workover. Who did the work on yours?

Beautiful piece.
I like the extended release.

Mark, at BHSS installed the SFS kit and replaced all the springs.

He doesn't live far for me so, I just drove to his house.

Thanks for the compliment, it's got a little holster wear on it now. I've been carrying it quite a bit.
 
John Browning really nailed the grip angle on both the 1911 and the P35. I have both and feel they become an extension of my arm. I'm told the CZ-75 feels the same, but I can't testify to that.

IMHO, the grip ergonomics of the CZ-75 feel better than either the 1911 or BHP. The angle is essentially the same, but the contours feel much more natural, at least to my hands.
 
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IMHO, the grip ergonomics of the CZ-75 feel better than either the 1911 or BHP. The angle is essentially the same, but the contours feel much more natural, at least to my hands.
Can I guess your hands are at the larger end of the normal size range.
 
Can I guess your hands are at the larger end of the normal size range.
Actually not. Probably average.

I installed Navidex thin on a BHP and VZ thin on a 1911. I really like the VZ Operator II with the elongated thumb groove. That elongated groove helps with magazine ejection.
 
To me the SFS is a solution in search of problem. It was developed in order to get the BHP to qualify for the pistol trials for what became the M9. It was later used to market the BHP to LEO that could not carry a firearm cocked and locked due to department policy. It failed on both accounts. BHSS sells it and hypes it. It is a love or hate it sort of thing. I have shot it and personally have no use for it.
 
To me the SFS is a solution in search of problem. It was developed in order to get the BHP to qualify for the pistol trials for what became the M9. It was later used to market the BHP to LEO that could not carry a firearm cocked and locked due to department policy. It failed on both accounts. BHSS sells it and hypes it. It is a love or hate it sort of thing. I have shot it and personally have no use for it.

Yes, I agree. Back in the '80 when I carried an HP, of course, the trigger was covered by the holster however many times I would find the safety moved into Fire by friction. I went to another pistol for carry. End of problem. I do recognize that millions were carried w/o incident, but I decided to lay off the liability.
 
Got to shoot one of the test samples years ago, our head FI had one sent in for our eval based on I believe Miami-Dade approving them for off duty, I was impressed with the system. The last P=35 I carried had the system in it and had well over 10k qual rounds thru it when I let it go,
 
Yes, I agree. Back in the '80 when I carried an HP, of course, the trigger was covered by the holster however many times I would find the safety moved into Fire by friction. I went to another pistol for carry. End of problem. I do recognize that millions were carried w/o incident, but I decided to lay off the liability.
When I carry a SA auto, I always ensure I mold the holster to keep the safety engaged; with a well-made holster, the safety *can't* come off in the holster, IMHO.

I've had the same experience you had-that's part of the reason I started making holsters, actually. I think it's overlooked by lots of makers.

Larry
 
When I carry a SA auto, I always ensure I mold the holster to keep the safety engaged; with a well-made holster, the safety *can't* come off in the holster, IMHO.

I've had the same experience you had-that's part of the reason I started making holsters, actually. I think it's overlooked by lots of makers.

Larry
I read this all the time on forums, and I'm skeptical.

I have a handful of holsters with sweat shields and some without. Even on my very closely molded sweat shields, my thumb safety just pushes the sweat shield out of the way no matter how the thumb safety is configured, either on or off.

Edit to add: my comment may be off topic as I'm talking about a 1911 with a Colt teardrop thumb safety. I apologize for comparing my apple to other's orange.
 
I read this all the time on forums, and I'm skeptical.

I have a handful of holsters with sweat shields and some without. Even on my very closely molded sweat shields, my thumb safety just pushes the sweat shield out of the way no matter how the thumb safety is configured, either on or off.

Edit to add: my comment may be off topic as I'm talking about a 1911 with a Colt teardrop thumb safety. I apologize for comparing my apple to other's orange.
You simply haven't found the right holster. And since you mentioned a 1911, here's a holster for my EMP (a mini-1911, essentially); you could draw it to disengage the safety, I suppose, but it's going to be tough to deactivate it still in the holster.

Larry IMG_0766.jpg IMG_0765.jpg
 
Here's its IWB sister; same basic premise:
IMG_0768.jpg IMG_0767.jpg

Especially when worn IWB, that's putting significant pressure on the safety to hold it engaged.

Larry
 
At the risk of taking the thread too far afield, what I'm saying is the only thing that is going to move my thumb safety is my thumb. I'm not counting on the shape of a sweat shield to keep a thumb safety in place. My thumb safety, in either position, will simply move those sweat shields out of the way. A sweat shield is a spacer to keep the gun away from you, and you away from the gun. I'm not counting on it to keep a thumb safety in place.

I don't have a problem with not having a sweat shield either.

As I said, I realize a Hi-Power is a different gun, with a thumb safety that engages differently. However, it's a topic that comes up often on the 1911 forums, and often from those new to 1911's, and most who really are not comfortable with Condition 1 carry. My main argument, with 1911 users, is you should count on the security of your 1911 thumb safety rather than trying to find a holster that will provide a perceived security, because it most likely won't. If your 1911 thumb safety is getting switched on or off (righty with single sided thumb safety - ambi's for everybody, and lefties don't count) while your gun is holstered, it may be a holster problem, but it's more likely a problem with your thumb safety that needs to be addressed.
 
As the OP let me add that I have both 1911's and P35's (HP). All have ambi-safeties. If I have a safety at all, I personally want it ambi because I happen to be pretty good in both right and left-hand grips.

I do happen to make my own holsters and I mold the heck out of them especially around the safety. I finally went to Kydex and heat-molded around that safety. But, the outboard lever is still exposed to friction.

I carried a High Power for near 10-years and lived with the safety issue. After all, the holsters all covered the triggers really well, so the odds were pretty good. FYI, I trusted the 1911 a bit more because of the grip safety.

However, a risk analysis performed on a particular event that will happen very rarely (100-years) but that will result in catastrophic consequences when it does happen, well, that analysis tells you to make a change. I did. I was just wondering about the SLF.

Thanks all

Oh, I almost forgot. I recommend anyone owning 1911 or HP's to change the springs in the safety tang. It helps. BP Spring Solutions has a heavier spring that helps even more.
 
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As the OP let me add that I have both 1911's and P35's (HP). All have ambi-safeties. If I have a safety at all, I personally want it ambi because I happen to be pretty good in both right and left-hand grips.

I do happen to make my own holsters and I mold the heck out of them especially around the safety. I finally went to Kydex and heat-molded around that safety. But, the outboard lever is still exposed to friction.

I carried a High Power for near 10-years and lived with the safety issue. After all, the holsters all covered the triggers really well, so the odds were pretty good. FYI, I trusted the 1911 a bit more because of the grip safety.

However, a risk analysis performed on a particular event that will happen very rarely (100-years) but that will result in catastrophic consequences when it does happen, well, that analysis tells you to make a change. I did. I was just wondering about the SLF.

Thanks all

Oh, I almost forgot. I recommend anyone owning 1911 or HP's to change the springs in the safety tang. It helps. BP Spring Solutions has a heavier spring that helps even more.

Was there a noticeable difference with the BHS safety spring, Jim?

Thanks,

Larry
 
Was there a noticeable difference with the BHS safety spring, Jim?

Thanks,

Larry

Yes, very although I think it could be even stronger. It is the strongest I've used to date. You'll also get a chance to look at the detents and the condition there.
 
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