Please sticky this for a while ( thumb safety )

[2rott]

I agree with what I read here about cops being shot with their own guns but for the rest of us that are not cops & our guns will be concealed & not easy for someone to grab, even if they knew we had it, or if we draw them they will be ready to fire anyway, I believe thumb safeties could be a handicap. Unless you practice an awful lot, you may not of developed the muscle memory you need under duress to be ready to fire.
I wonder how many examples of cops with gun safeties that drew their guns & forgot to take their safeties off, could be found. I personally know of one example. That is ONE of the reasons Glocks become popular in LE (KISS).

[Ezra Smack]

Originally Posted by 2rott

I agree with what I read here about cops being shot with their own guns but for the rest of us that are not cops & our guns will be concealed & not easy for someone to grab, even if they knew we had it, or if we draw them they will be ready to fire anyway, I believe thumb safeties could be a handicap. Unless you practice an awful lot, you may not of developed the muscle memory you need under duress to be ready to fire.
I wonder how many examples of cops with gun safeties that drew their guns & forgot to take their safeties off, could be found. I personally know of one example. That is ONE of the reasons Glocks become popular in LE (KISS).

For those of us who are long time 1911 owners this is a non issue. It is so reflexive for me that if I shoot someone elses Glock at the range I find myself trying to flick off the non existant safety. For the rookie cop who never fired a pistol before going to the accademy, I can see your point. But that is why they make both! Take your pick. There is nothing like free market capitalism when it comes to satisfying the customer.

[2rott]

Originally Posted by Ezra Smack

For those of us who are long time 1911 owners this is a non issue. It is so reflexive for me that if I shoot someone elses Glock at the range I find myself trying to flick off the non existant safety. For the rookie cop who never fired a pistol before going to the accademy, I can see your point. But that is why they make both! Take your pick. There is nothing like free market capitalism when it comes to satisfying the customer.

You're the perfect example of someone who should use a thumb safety. You're experience dictates it. I'm only directing this opinion at those who won't develope this reflex, & that's most shooters, & choose to have it for DEFENSIVE purposes. Plus, if you don't fool with the trigger of the XD's, Glocks, M&P's, etc, do you really need a safety, especially non LE people?
I've been to the range with thumb safeties & attempted to fire before removing the safety. How many others have done this? What do you think could happen under extreme stress?
I apologize for preaching, but want people to realize that thumb safety off reflex takes a lot of continuing practice. IMHO.

[VaGunNut]

The link to the video is no longer on the right hand list but the following is a direct to it Thumb Safety XD

[HiVelSword]

Awesome website and awesome video! Rob is my hero!

Getting the exact same pistol on the 13th!!!

[HiVelSword]

Originally Posted by 2rott

You're the perfect example of someone who should use a thumb safety. You're experience dictates it. I'm only directing this opinion at those who won't develope this reflex, & that's most shooters, & choose to have it for DEFENSIVE purposes. Plus, if you don't fool with the trigger of the XD's, Glocks, M&P's, etc, do you really need a safety, especially non LE people?
I've been to the range with thumb safeties & attempted to fire before removing the safety. How many others have done this? What do you think could happen under extreme stress?
I apologize for preaching, but want people to realize that thumb safety off reflex takes a lot of continuing practice. IMHO.

I cut my teeth shooting 1911's. I then discovered High Powers. Unless it's a traditional DA pistol then I prefer condition one carry when available. I also prefer a frame mounted thumb safety on striker fired pistols. That's why I'm getting the XD w/thumb safety. I like how S&W now has the thumb safety for all calibers as an option, not just for the .45 ACP. I hope Springfield follows suit.

Anyway, even when I fire a pistol that doesn't have a frame mounted safety my thumb swipes down on it (the "phantom" safety) regardless. If it's there, that action works as intended, if there's no safety then it's a non issue and doesn't effect my first shot whatsoever.

[HiVelSword]

Originally Posted by Ezra Smack

For those of us who are long time 1911 owners this is a non issue. It is so reflexive for me that if I shoot someone elses Glock at the range I find myself trying to flick off the non existant safety. For the rookie cop who never fired a pistol before going to the accademy, I can see your point. But that is why they make both! Take your pick. There is nothing like free market capitalism when it comes to satisfying the customer.

Good post!

[Mac Bolan]

Like what one person said in this forum "if you don't like it don't use it" But if you do by all means use it . It becomes muscle memory....................

....Mac

[three]

I guess i just don't understand why there's such a debate about thumb safeties.
Why do some have such a big problem with them? My rifles & shotguns have safeties. I'm sure everyone elses do too. Have I forgot to take the safety off before taking the shot? Yes, it happens, but that's my fault, not the gun. I'm sure most of us have done that when were hunting or at the range. It's definitely something that needs to be practiced.
If you believe the extra fraction of a second it to flick the safety off if you forget will cause you to be shot to death, well...wake the ***** up! Take your ninja outfit off & join the real world.
1.Less than 5% of us, including LEO will ever be in a gunfight
2.Learn how to use your firearm, this includes engaging & disengaging a thumb safety. This should be mastered BEFORE carrying it.

I have to wonder if someone is trying to act so fast that it's a problem to flick a lever that's less than half an inch from their thumb, what other steps are they forgetting to do? It's quite scary if you think about it.

[JDNC]

I was weened on 1911's and have been carrying and using them for 35 yrs or more and it still is my favorite (because it's like another hand). I also like my compact XD.. and I've got to admit it was a little strange at first getting use to a gun without a thumb safety.... but no problem. The f'ing problem I have is as a LEO, dept's using handguns with a safety that you have to push up (S&W's', Berreta's to name a few) and so hard that most of the time you have to use your weak hand thumb to push the &*$ thing off! So... you guessed it, I never carry my service gun with the safety on while on duty because if I have to push it up...it's useless!