How the 1911 Got Its Safeties - and Why Its Ancestors Had None
This video from Forgotten Weapons, hosted by Ian McCollum, details the evolution of safety mechanisms on early Colt semi-automatic pistols, culminating in the design of the 1911. It highlights the transition from early 'sight safeties' and half-cock notches to the grip and thumb safeties found on later models, driven by military requirements and user feedback, particularly from cavalry units.













