Wilson Combat 1911 Grip Safety Training Tip

Published on November 2, 2018
Duration: 2:49

Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical provides an expert-level guide on the critical importance of a properly tuned 1911 grip safety. He explains how hand size, grip technique, and thumb placement can affect its function, and emphasizes that the grip safety should require minimal depression to fire. Vickers advises seeking professional gunsmithing for optimal sensitization, especially for duty use or pistols with internal firing pin safeties.

Quick Summary

The 1911 grip safety requires proper depression to fire. Issues can arise from hand size, grip, and thumb placement. Tuning or sensitizing means it should only need about 50% of its travel to disengage. Consult a gunsmith if unsure.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction and Pistol Overview
  2. 00:22Grip Safety Importance
  3. 00:40Grip Safety Tuning and Sensitization
  4. 01:09History of the Grip Safety Bump
  5. 01:23Grip Safety and Thumb Placement
  6. 01:32Optimal Grip Safety Setting
  7. 01:50Grip Safety with Firing Pin Safeties
  8. 02:12Ensuring Reliable Grip Safety Engagement
  9. 02:34Conclusion and Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a 1911 grip safety?

The 1911 grip safety is a mechanical safety that must be depressed by the shooter's hand for the pistol to fire. It prevents accidental discharge by blocking the trigger mechanism until a proper grip is established.

How can hand size and grip affect a 1911 grip safety?

A shooter's hand size, how they grip the pistol, and their thumb placement can influence how much pressure is applied to the grip safety. If not depressed sufficiently, it will prevent the trigger from engaging.

What does it mean to 'tune' or 'sensitize' a 1911 grip safety?

Tuning or sensitizing a grip safety means adjusting it so that it requires minimal depression, ideally no more than 50% of its travel, to disengage and allow the pistol to fire, ensuring reliability with various grips.

When should I seek professional help for my 1911 grip safety?

If you experience inconsistent firing, have to press the grip safety excessively far, or are unsure about its function, it's recommended to consult a qualified gunsmith or contact the manufacturer like Wilson Combat for professional tuning.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Vickers Tactical

View all →