GUNTALK S1: The 1911, Pt 3

Published on January 25, 2011
Duration: 4:43

This guide details essential operating procedures for the 1911 pistol, emphasizing proper grip and manipulation of the manual thumb safety. It covers effective techniques for loading, performing press checks, executing empty reloads, and tactical reloads, all crucial for proficient handgun use. Instruction is provided by Tiger McKee, an author and instructor with extensive experience.

Quick Summary

Learn essential 1911 pistol operation from expert Tiger McKee. Key techniques include proper grip with constant thumb safety manipulation, effective magazine loading with positive indexing, performing press checks for chamber confirmation, and executing both empty and tactical reloads.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction & Sponsor
  2. 00:15Tiger McKee's Expertise
  3. 00:531911 Grip and Thumb Safety Operation
  4. 01:43Safety as a Systems Check
  5. 02:19Loading the 1911 Pistol
  6. 03:06Performing a Press Check
  7. 03:17Empty Reload Procedure
  8. 03:48Tactical Reload Procedure
  9. 04:30Upcoming Drills and Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

How should the thumb safety on a 1911 pistol be operated during shooting?

The thumb safety on a 1911 should be constantly manipulated. Your thumb should rest on top of it, disengaging it as you bring the pistol up to shoot and re-engaging it when you move off target. This ensures safety and serves as a systems check.

What is a press check and why is it important for a 1911?

A press check is a visual confirmation that a round is chambered. After cycling the slide, gently pull it back slightly to see if a round is present. This is crucial for ensuring the pistol is ready to fire when needed.

Describe the correct technique for loading a magazine into a 1911.

Hold the magazine with your index finger along the front, touching the top round. Seat it firmly by indexing the flat on the back of the magazine with the flat on the mag well. A positive index ensures it's properly seated.

What is the difference between an empty reload and a tactical reload?

An empty reload occurs when the pistol is completely out of ammunition, requiring a full magazine insertion and slide cycle. A tactical reload involves replacing a partially spent magazine with a full one while retaining the partial magazine for later use.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Gun Talk Media

View all →