Single action, lefty-friendly .45?

[Ian]

Yes, I have a 1911 with an ambi safety.

However, I'm thinking about picking up another .45 that would be suitable for carry and competition. I'm a big fan of single action pistols with good triggers, and the capability for cocked-n-locked carry. And being left handed, I need a safety I can disengage with my left thumb.

Thus far, the only guns I can think of that meet all three requirements (single action, lefty, .45) are the 1911 and the EAA Witness. Are there any others?

 

[Black Majik]

USP 45. Ambi mag release and you can convert it so safety is left hand friendly. I don't remember what variant.

 

[mainmech48]

The CZ-97B. Similar to the EAA (in fact, uses the same magazines) but with pinned front sight (makes it easier to add aftermarket options or change to correct elevation for your load and style) and only made in carbon steel presently. Finish options from the factory are a very tough black polymer applied over a phosphate base and polished blue. IMO, much more consistent quality than EAAs I've examined and a good deal more accurate than the .45s of theirs that I've fired.

I had an ambi thumb safety installed on mine, as none was then offered from the factory. The part was from EAA, and required a minor frame mod to install. I also had to have a 'smith do the work, as CZ-USA wouldn't install any part not of their make, and they didn't make one for the .45.

The reasons that I was willing to spend the extra money and effort on mine is that it was as accurate OTB as a Big Name custom 1911 I have that cost me 3X as much, the ability to carry in Condition 1 and the ergos of the design fit my hand superbly.

And yeah, I'm a southpaw too.

 

[ugaarguy]

The HK USP definetly is one. Variants 2 (safety and decocker in one can be carried C&L or DA/SA) and 10 (SA only with safety) both have the lever only on the right side of the pistol for LH use.

http://www.hkpro.com/usp.htm

 

[BrennanKG]

Another USP option is to buy whatever version is available, most likely V1, then have an ambi safety added.


B.

 

[ugaarguy]

Good point BrennanKG. If I remember correctly the fire control group on the USP is modular. One could add the ambi safety as suggested or even swap the RH to a LH fire control group. The USP is a pretty neat weapon. The variant numbers also apply to the USP compact.

 

[BrennanKG]

That was my understanding as well.

I'm currently trying to figure out if I am buying a USP45CT, or just a cheaper USP45 C and get the extended/threaded barrel when I get an appropriate suppressor. Either way I'll be adding an ambi safety. The compact safeties are nice and slim.

USPs are great pistols.


B.

 

[ChuckB]

+1 on the CZ, but also keep an eye out for the new(?) Sig P220SAO. It has an ambi safety, too.

Chuck

 

[BrennanKG]

Chuck,

Good thinking on the P220 SAO, although good luck finding one. I can't for the life of me find even one to handle.
That said, the P220 has a reversable mag-release, and the slidestop/release is situated where it's pretty easy to actuate with your trigger finger left-handed.



B.

 

[10-Ring]

USP or USPc 45 left varient Great guns!

 

[highlander 5]

years ago there was a company named Randell that made a left handed SS 1911 you might find one with a little luck

 

[Ian]

I like the feel of the CZ-97...hadn't realized you could rig a Witness safety on them. Hmm. I do like the caliber flexibility of the Witness, though (mainly for .22 use).

A Sig would be tempting too. Dunno about the HKs, though. They never quite felt right to me, and cost two or three times what the CZs and Tanfoglios do.

Anyway, thanks for the info!

 

[GoRon]

Isn't the XD considered single action?

XD45

 

[dmftoy1]

XD-45 . .is fairly lefty friendly (Being one myself). The only nit I have is that the slide release is a tad farther back than I'd like . .but I've adjusted quite well.

Just my .02

Regards,
Dave

 

[BrennanKG]

GoRon,

I believe the XD is a striker-fired DAO.


B.

 

[Autolycus]

The Springfield XD is technically a Single Action. However it is a single action disguised as a DAO weapon. I believe that was what they ruled for some sort of sport shooting such as IDPA or the like. I dont shoot like that so I cant tell you.

 

[Ian]

Regardless of what the XD technically is, I'm not buying one, because I've handled them and don't like the trigger. Same reason I'm not looking for a Glock.

 

[BrennanKG]

Tecumseh,

Looks like you're right.
http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-xdpstl-xfeatures1.shtml

I wouldn't have guessed it from the trigger pull, but the striker is fully cocked.

That's what I get for assuming.


B.

 

[Autolycus]

I would suggest an HK. They have all kinds of cool models in .45

If you have patience (I mean a lot of patience) the HK45 will be out next year. It seems to basically be an HK P2000 chambered in .45 acp