Ambi safties, whats...

[Marsh1]

wrong with them? Why do some people eschew them? I like them and have them on a Wilson and a Springer but not on my Predator. I'm thinking of getting some for it, but why do some not like them?
Marsh

[Frank]

In a gun that I might carry, I prefer not to have a safety on the right side where it could catch in my covering garment of even be accidentally swept off. I admit that these are not major concerns, and I will carry a gun with an ambidextrous safety. But I would just as soon not have one.

Now on a gun intended primarily for competition (IDPA or IPSC), I prefer an ambidextrous safety since a course of fire may require weal hand work. While a gun with a single side safety may be managed weak handed, the ambidextrous safety may be helpful and the possible disadvantages of an ambidextrous safety for carry purposes aren't issues in competition.

If you like them, that's fine. It's all a matter of personal preference.

DVC

[Bud White]

I would prefer not to have one on the left side of the frame for same reason people dont want them on the right

I'm a lefty and worry what it can snag on


I've never had it happen but there is always a first time

[Marsh1]

I, on the other hand, like to discreetly reach around and and feel of the right hand side & make sure the safety hasn't been snicked off while riding against my body.
Marsh

[Frank]

I, on the other hand, like to discreetly reach around and and feel of the right hand side & make sure the safety hasn't been snicked off while riding against my body.
Marsh
I don't like to do that. I try to avoid doing anything that may draw attention to my gun. I keep my hands away from and off it.

DVC

[MacEntyre]

...like to discreetly reach around and and feel of the right hand side & make sure the safety hasn't been snicked off while riding against my body.
If the safety is up against the top of your holster, like it is in my Answer, then it cannot be snickered off UNLESS it is an ambi.

I have not had it happen, but it could happen.

[RickB]

I'm a lefty, and have ambis on all of my guns, but wouldn't use them if I were right-handed. They are an added bit of complexity and bulk, and I use them only out of necessity. That said, of those I have tried - McCormick, Brown, Cylinder & Slide, Wilson, Mueschke - I prefer the C&S. I have Kimber and SVI ambis awaiting installation, and they appear to be good parts, too. The SVI part is machined barstock, while all the others are conventional castings or MIM. I've never had a pin joint come loose, as many report, and I think it has more to do with proper installation, than anything else.

[Marsh1]

I note that this post has been moved, but where? I can't find it. I don't know what was wrong with it where it was. I was asking NHC people what they thought about something :nono: . Not allowed? :scared:
Marsh

[RickB]

I suspect because it's not really a Nighthawk-specific question. If you'd asked about deficiencies in the ambi used by Nighthawk (and maybe you did? Was your post edited, too?), it might have stuck there. Since there are really very few Nighthawks around, moving the thread will assure more people see it.

[Frank]

RickB, you got it in one. And I agree that posting a question in the right Forum usually improves the member's chances of getting meaningful answers.

DVC

[Joni Lynn]

I've a leftie, if I weren't I probably wouldn't use an ambi on most of the guns. No particular reason, just an added item that if it didn't come on the gun I probably wouldn't add.

[Marsh1]

Thanks guys. My bad.
Marsh

[Tom]

In another day and age, the post would have been flagged with an alert or warning for being in the wrong forum. I guess John & Co. has gotten soft in recent months. :D LOL

My first 1911, being a more G.I.-like styled weapon, didn't have an ambi safety, and more me I didn't need it. But my two most recent 1911 purchases have both come with an ambi safety, and it hasn't bothered me. I used to worry that it (the right-hand side) might catch while I carry, but I haven't had any incident of the gun coming out of its safe condition - and I, too, would discretely check the condition while it was holstered just to make sure.

Ambi safeties are like FLGRs and light rails - some people like 'em; some people don't. For me, it's a matter of what "looks" right. In a G.I. model, I wouldn't want one. But once you've moved off the G.I. reservation, then it comes down to whatever YOU like/want in a 1911.

[Marsh1]

Well put Tom and my sentiments exactly.
One reason I like them is my shooting buddy and I like to do certain training drills at the range and one of them involves shooting from the ready left handed. A ambi is easier than litfting my trigger finger to drop the safety. Engaging a left side only safety when shooting left handed it is really difficult.
Next I think I'll pose the guestion about night sights. :D
Marsh

[deadmarsh]

I don't care for them since they add another step when I break down the 1911...sometimes I don't need to remove the grips to check a customers handgun for a problem, and the ambi forces me to do so. I know that's nit-picking, but when you're repairing/upgrading (downgrading to me sometimes) them everyday it gets to 'be-a-thing' of irritation...

And if they are loose or tight, well, more problems either way... :(


Dead

[Rifleman]

I too question the need for an ambi safety. I had not thought about the possibility of the ambi safety being unsafed accidentally while in CCW mode. I am currently doing a lot of point shooting drills that also involve using my weaker left hand. For now I'll keep my Colt 1991A1 original and just either leave it off when transfering in the low ready position or use one of my left hand digits to unsafe. Still working out the routines!

As always, I have learned something new each visit from the members this outstanding forum!

shannon

[Ping Ping]

Seat belts, subway turnstiles, cover garments, reaching for your wallet... can all be enemies of the ambi.

I would never be without a 1911 with an ambi-safety, because I shoot a lot of matches where they are necessary.

I would also not be without a 1911 without an ambi-safety, as I prefer them for carry. In the years I've carried 1911s, I've found my ambi-safety swept off, twice. Thankfully, God spake unto John Browing and said, "Let there be TWO, independent, safeties!" It's not enough to dissuade me from carrying a gun with an ambi, but it's not my preference.

Both have their place. Both are valid. Both cross over. But, having at least one of each is ideal.

[parrothead2581]

In a continuous effort to prevent me from spending money when it isn't absolutely necessary, what do you lefties do without an ambi safety? This is in regards to CCW pistols, not just range or competition.

If you know of a way to get along w/o it, please share. It'll save me some $$$$$ and likely, aggravation!

[Rob1035]

I'm a lefty, and I won't carry a 1911 w/o an ambi safety. I can engage a standard safety with my trigger finger, and disengage it with my thumb, but neither happens quickly or consistently, which is fine for the range, not fine for defense.

Next ambi that gets installed on one of my guns will have the left side paddle shaved down as much as possible, to cut down on snag potential, and to drive right handers batty. Ya'll get all the goodies, its only fair :p (dont get me started on wheelguns...)

[MacEntyre]

If you are left handed, or an amphibian like me who practices with both hands, then get an ambi safety and be careful. I'm always protecting my strong side when I'm carrying, but not just because of the ambi safety.

The only one I have is for my carry gun, a SA V10 Ultra. Since it has Crimson Trace laser grips, the ambi safety has been cut down, so the lever is small and the chances of it being snicked off are lower, maybe... just be careful!

[Joni Lynn]

When I carry in a holster I carry right handed and shoot right handed even though I am a leftie. However I recently got a new holster and it's a leftie.

[MacEntyre]

Sounds like you're amphibious, Joni. :D

When I carry my C&S ambi fitted Mustang in a pocket, it goes in the left front pocket. When it is in an ankle holster, it is on the left ankle. I'm equally comfortable shooting it rightie or leftie.

I've always been tempted to try carrying my primary leftie. Maybe I can pick up a left handed Summer Special this weekend at the gun show.

The one thing I have a hard time being amphibious with is my cell phone. I use it leftie.