[andy58-in-nh]

With a 1911, you ought to have not only a thumb safety but a grip safety as well. That's why the standard carry condition is cocked and locked ("Condition 1"). If I had a .45 that did that, I'd take it to a gunsmith, pronto. In this poor guy's case, I'd still bet he caught the trigger somehow. Regardless, I learned a long time ago that cheap holsters are not worth the risk. Get yourself some good leather, work it in properly, and if you have to go to the mens' room while carrying, make sure you know where all your weapons are at all times. ;-)

[Gaffer]

A 1911 does not have a firing pin safety. This was added on the 1911A1 because of this problem. It only has the slide/trigger safety coupled with the grip safety. Whether it is hammer up or hammer down doesn't make much difference. A hard drop can impart momentum to the firing pin which would ignite the primer. 1911A1 variants were later improved with the G80, etc. but an original 1911 still has this problem.

I have 5- 1911A1s, one US issue, four milspec aftermarkets, and I have an original Colt 1911 which has this undesirable feature. With this one, extra care has to be taken.