Left-handed operation of 1911 (w/o ambi safety)

Hi Everyone,

In my quest for a 1911, I've been trying to gather up as much knowledge as possible, and this one recently came up in another Forum:

From what I've learned, in no particular order, she could:


(1) Carry in "Condition 2," round chambered, hammer down. Cock hammer with left thumb.

(2) Use left index finger to actuate the single-side thumb safety.

(3) Use a three-finger draw technique where the left thumb rides on the left side of the grip and works the safety, crossing the thumb over to the right side to assume a full shooting grip (although the gun should be able to be shot without the thumb coming to that position) - note that this is the same as how some schools teach you to manipulate a single (left) side-only safety on an AR.


Can you guys and gals here please discuss some pros and cons of each - as well as bring up things that I may have missed?

Yes, I know, she could install an ambi safety. I'd like the discussion for my sake, as I'm right-handed and will likely end up with a 1911 that has only "righty controls" on the left side of its frame. Nevertheless, I want to make sure that I'm competent in ambi operation, though.

 

Thanks, guys! :smile:

 

^ That's a good point, Jess, and I apologize for not having clarified -

I think that for the OP of the thread that I'd copied, Mustang380gal, this is a temporary issue, due to her injury - and that she would either seek a dedicated lefty holster or, alternatively, need to execute a left-handed draw from, say, a purse-holster, and will not be relying on her injured right hand.

For myself, the question is based on the "academics" of left-handed-only operations.