Factory Ambi-Safety 1911 suggestions

[Jameso]

Hi, this is my first post and thread after searching a good amount about this topic, so I hope this question hasn't been asked before.

I am extremely left handed, and have always wanted a 1911 of my own. However, I've noticed that pretty much every company only offers their 1911 pistols with the standard right handed external safety, until you get into the near-top of the product line and higher. My question is, does anyone know of any models (regardless of brand) that feature an ambidextrous safety for less than say...$800? (Please don't laugh! I really don't know!) I have read a bit on aftermarket installations, but there seems to be quite a stigma attached to them, so I'm far less than sure about that route.

Also, the problem of the slide release simply isn't a problem, and I don't think I've ever seen an 1911 with an ambi slide release. I've taught myself to be pretty good with slapping it down on almost any gun with my trigger finger (except for Sigs, they are the least lefty-friendly gun's I've ever seen).

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[msgt/ret]

Try the Taurus PT1911

Taurus International Manufacturing Inc

[Cthulhu]

Rock Island Armory Tactical

-JT

[T Bone]

No stigma to adding a quality ambi to a quality 1911 at all. In the "old days", it was the ONLY way to get one.

Choose whatever 1911 you wish. Buy a tactical (thin, as opposed to wide) ambi safety made by someone like Ed Brown or Wilson Combat (available around $50-$60 from Brownells or Midway) and have a decent 'smith experienced in 1911's fit the safety to your gun (note: Your grips will also need to be cut under the right side for clearance, unless you buy aftermarket grips most of which are available pre-cut for ambi's).

This way you don't allow one feature to dictate which pistol you buy (not a good idea IMHO).

Oh, and Welcome to the Forum!

From a left handed 1911 collector who's been there....

[AVIVIII]

Get the gun that you want and just add the ambi- safety.

Its not tough to do, and you can get the parts from brownells for $40 (STI) to $60 (Wilson Combat). You'll either have to cut your grips or get ambi- friendly grip panels.

If you don't feel comfortable doing it, a gunsmith or even your local shop should be able to make short order of it.


EDIT: T-Bone Beat me to it!

[T Bone]

Get the gun that you want and just add the ambi- safety.

Its not tough to do, and you can get the parts from brownells for $40 (STI) to $60 (Wilson Combat). You'll either have to cut your grips or get ambi- friendly grip panels.

If you don't feel comfortable doing it, a gunsmith or even your local shop should be able to make short order of it.


EDIT: T-Bone Beat me to it!

Great minds think alike. I also use that Freud quote over on Arfcom...

[wareagleky]

recommend teh Taurus. it is my EDC. I am right handed though. But only paid 499 for mine about 18 months ago not sure what they run now but I am sure they are still well under the $800 range

[Zippy]

I think if you look the Springfield Loaded comes with the ambi on it. Not sure on price though. I have a GI waiting at the local shop for me that I will be putting an ambi on very soon.

Zippy

[archer51]

+1 on the Taurus. MSRP is under $800. Actually I'm waiting to see the Taurus Compact model, may have to pick one up for my collection.

[AVIVIII]

Here:
KIMBER Custom II 45 ACP Factory# 3200001 45ACP : Semi-auto at GunBroker.com

Then put an ambi- on it.