Sir, I received your private email reply. Not sure why it could not be on this thread. I would reply in private but the system I am currently using is not friendly with the private email accounts for simple internet security reasons.
What I gathered from the email was that from your 1911 battle experience, that perhaps friends or comrades ran into problems by exercising the 1911 thumb safety. I want to respect your experiences which I know nothing about. But by qualifying, I presume you carried in a tradition 1911 leather holster with a snap strap in front of the hammer and, using your own practiced trigger finger discipline, you knew how to safely draw while bypassing the safety. (Sorry but I am just guessing, and at the same time trying to follow your line of reasoning).
So with that ‘qualification’ I might be able to understand your post. Having said that, most folks I know carrying 1911’s today, including myself occasionally, are using a hard polymer retention holster. The use of the safety is simply a training and habit issue. While you may never use a safety for the 1911, many who are just learning have neither the background or personal experience you might have. As an instructor myself, it would be highly irresponsible for me to encourage or train anyone to not use available safeties as appropriate.
You sated in an early on post that the 1911 was designed to be carried in condition 1. That is a correct statement, assuming the safety is on. Again, if its battle experience that convinced you to operate otherwise, I am in no position to argue that with you. I just want folks who exercise their 2nd amendment rights to do so responsibly, avoiding accidental discharges and the problems they might create.
Best FRegards,
I won’t argue your logic in regards to teaching new people. I would actually agree with that. As a civilian, a person would hope to never be in a position that they would have to use a firearm in self defense. In my old line of work, it was expected.
If I’m down your way, I’d love to head to the range with you and compare notes. I may be an old dog (42), but I’m not opposed to learning new tricks.