What role does the grip and thumb safety play?

[PinnedAndRecessed]

In a 1911 pistol, what role does the grip safety play? Does it solely impact the trigger?

And the thumb safety? Does it also solely impact the trigger, or does it contact the hammer?

thanx.

 

[45auto]

On "standard" type 1911's the grip safety only blocks the trigger bow.
Kimber and S&W have FP safety systems that also operate off the grip safety...dual function.

The thumb safety blocks the sear, not the hammer. The hammer can't fall because the sear won't move. When engaged, the thumb safety also prevents the slide from being racked. And, , the thumb safety is one half of the equation in keeping tension on the plunger tube spring and parts, which allows the slidestop to function properly.

I'd guess JMB probably wasn't happy until a single part performed more than one function. Smart fellow!