Springfield 1911 Question

[darkstar2000]

Might be a dumb question but im new to the 1911 platform. Does the grip safety need to be depressed in order to rack the slide back or lock back the slide ? In other words does the grip safety need to be depressed at all to move the slide?

[sirgrumps]

In a word, no.

Look at this webpage, it will show you how the guts on a 1911 works

https://animagraffs.com/how-a-handgun-works-1911-45/

[splithoof]

Might be a dumb question but im new to the 1911 platform. Does the grip safety need to be depressed in order to rack the slide back or lock back the slide ? In other words does the grip safety need to be depressed at all to move the slide?

No it does not.
Being new to the 1911 platform (or any firearm) please also remember that a mechanical safety can never take the place of proper, safe gun handling.

[Tarmy]

No dumb questions when it comes to guns OP.

If you are unsure...ask lots of questions.

No, as mentioned. Maybe consider getting trained on the platform...or talk to experienced training staff at your range.

Welcome to the 1911...it will cost you a lot more as you go.

[Sailormilan2]

As was previously stated. No dumb questions with regards to firearms.
Depressing the grip safety has nothing to do with the slide. However, the thumb safety will lock the slide, but it can only be applied when the hammer is cocked.

[darkstar2000]

Appreciate all the responses. Its my first 1911! so i'm kind of excited to go take it out to the range.The 45 ammo might burn a hole in pocket lol. I own a Springfield XD as well so that's why I asked the question. Because on the XD the grip safety needs to be depressed to rack the slide or lock it back. I Definitely agree that mechanical safety is no excuse to skip regular gun safety or proper handling. I always treat the gun as if its loaded. 1911's are beautiful that's all i'm gonna say!

[AlHO1966]

It doesn’t but how exactly are you holding the gun if your not pushing in the grip safety while racking the slide?

[Mr. Blue]

I just want to say, No dumb questions when it comes to guns. If anyone makes you feel “too new, or dumb or whatever” either here on calguns or anywhere...just move on to someone who can provide the answer. As you’ve heard above, no it does not, however you’d be hard pressed to notice any flaw in the safety features of the 1911. Be it the grip safety or the external safety. Glock stole the word perfect from John Browning, and springfield does a pretty good job at making 1911’s. What model did you get? I got my first 1911 just a couple months ago and I absolutely love it. I picked up the springfield loaded mc operator.

[Pupulepeter]

All the grip safety does is physically block the trigger bow. (Prevents the trigger from moving.) The thumb safety physically blocks the sear and prevents the gun from firing. So simple and awesome at the same time. Congrats! Nothing is more fun than getting to know the 1911.

[darkstar2000]

Cool. Yea I got a Springfield 1911 Loaded Parkerized Model 45ACP version. Your 1911 looks beautiful man congrats!

[darkstar2000]

All the grip safety does is physically block the trigger bow. (Prevents the trigger from moving.) The thumb safety physically blocks the sear and prevents the gun from firing. So simple and awesome at the same time. Congrats! Nothing is more fun than getting to know the 1911.

I love it so far thanks! Just need to find time to go to the range

[The War Wagon]

Welcome to the club.