I'm a lefty and new to the Colt 1911

[applekev]

My main question is regarding an ambi saftey. Being a lefty do you think I should have one installed on my MK IV Government Colt? Also, would I need any other modifications to master this fine gun? I live in Phoenix, Arizona and gunsmith Nelson Ford's shop is not far from where I live. Thanks for your input!

[Hawkmoon]

I think it's a matter of personal preference. Some lefties learn to live with a safety on the "wrong" side. Many (perhaps even "most") use an ambidextrous safety. It's probably a good idea for you, and not very expensive.

[Weg Ban]

And I'll chime in that Nelson Ford is a spectacularly good gunsmith and will do it right. He is my recourse for the care and feeding of my Colts.

[RickB]

Absolutely get the ambi safety. The mag release is better operated with the trigger finger, by a lefty, than with the thumb of the right hand.
I struggled with the slide release, for a number of years, changing my technique from using the trigger finger, to using the finger tips of the right hand as I seated a mag, and finally just decided to sling-shot the slide; it always works, and it works on every type of semi-auto handgun. A slide-dropping technique that I would probably use, if my gun had forward serrations or sufficient traction on the slide, is, after seating the mag, allow your thumb and fingers to continue upward, pinch the slide and move it rearward 1/8", let it go, acquire your grip, and fire away.

[vashooter]

Lefty Here too and I have to almost have the ambi-safety....Left thumb goes on the right side and drops the safety and we are off to the races from a cocked and locked posistion. :D Floyd

[MacEntyre]

I shoot pistols right handed, but I like to practice left and right handed, using both one hand and two hands. Ambi safeties are a great addition in my opinion.

[Joni Lynn]

I'm a leftie and most of my 1911's get an ambi installed.

[flyhalf]

Applekev,

I am a lefty and just put in a McCormick ambi on my series 80. Not the best safety probably but I shot with it and it worked. Still have to purchase ambi cut grips but, the ones I have on will work for the weekend (IPSC match).

Whether carrying concealed or shooting for fun, I would suggest an ambi safety as a lefty. Actually, I would suggest it for both righties and lefties for injury/offhand purposes.

Also, see the text below and figure out your method. And more companies are manufacturing ambi mag releases but as a lefty I don't think it's neccesary.

Rick B,

I will hopefully nip my mag release issue in the bud; mine is very hard to function/toggle. Funny you mentioned it because I just posted today about a mag catch/release issue I was having and I will probably end up trimming the spring. So, hopefully that will ease up on the pressure used to drop the mag.
Concerning the slide release, I can toggle it just fine with my index finger but, my employer is dictating the use of Glocks so I might as well start using the rack method (I belive Glock suggest that for reloading?). I also don't have forward serrations but would like to try your method. Would take much pratice (slow is smooth) to not mask the muzzle inadvertantly.