How to grip a GI style 1911...

by rob , Saturday, November 02, 2013, 19:48 (3982 days ago)

My fist 1911 was a Colt Delta Elite, and short of the Commander hammer it had a GI style grip safety save for being ground down to clear the hammer. I shot it like any revolver or auto pistol with my thumb on the grip panel. It shot well and felt fine in my hand. After going to a multitude of modern 1911's with extended safeties and beavertail grip safeties, I learned I was supposed to have my thumb on the safety. Didn't take long and it felt natural and just right. Now, I only have my stainless Series 80 with the GI style hammer and grip safety and that just doesn't feel right at all, partly because you can't get your hand as high and partly because the rear of the frame is more pointed since it hasn't been radiused for a high ride beavertail grip safety. Anyhow, just curious if you 1911 guys with the standard grip safeties shoot them with a low thumbs or high thumbs sorta grip. Thought about converting this one but I'm not real sure I want to...I kinda like it like it is. I would like to find a genuine Delta Elite grip safety and Commander hammer eventually or find a good gunsmith that can mill mine down to the same profile. Anyhow, appreciate your thoughts, rob.