1911 Question...

[DCloudy777]

Okay, first off, this is NOT any sort or detraction from the 1911, I love 'em, and finally managed to buy one. I was just curious... one of the main things I really don't like about the design is that the slide can only be manipulated with the safety disengaged. It's impossible to clear the weapon with the safety engaged. Now, I know this isn't a big deal, but I do wonder why this is so. It was obviously engineered into the design intentionally. Maybe I'm missing something obvious, but I don't get it. Anybody want to shed some light on this for me? Thanks.

DanO

 

[RickB]

Its' a "slide lock safety" - the safety couldn't lock the slide, otherwise. Try pushing a cocked 'n' locked gun into a holster with the safety off, and you might eject the chambered round.

 

[Jonpod]

You can clear the weapon without engaging the grip safety by taking a lower grip. Hence, a safety is still engaged.