1911 AMBI MAG RELEASE QUERY

[RaymondMillbrae]

Hey folks,

I have a question for yall.

I am a right-handed shooter, and I made a boo-boo a while ago and lost part of my right thumb. ("No"...I didn't shoot it off).




So along those lines, I am still looking for a more effecient method of dropping the mag from my 1911 pistol.

I have tried:

1) Tilting the pistol sideways (pointing left and upward), and reaching with my "stubby thumby" to depress the mag release.
2) Using my weak-hand thumb to depress the mag release, on it's way down to grab a spare mag from my belt holster.

They work OK, but I am still searching.

I have always LOVED the ambi mag release of my H&K USP Compact45 (see pix below), and would love to find something similar for a 1911...but alas, it is like finding the fountain of youth. *sigh*








Anyhoo...in my search, I have found 2 different types of ambi mag releases.

One is the SMITH & ALEXANDER, and the other is the CYLINDER & SLIDE ambi mag release.

The Smith & Alexander looks nice, but carries a hefty price tag of $100.00. And the Cylinder & Slide can be found for a very decent $35.00.

I prefer the sleek look of the S&A ambi, but for the price difference, the C&S looks like a better bargain. The only catch I see about the Cylinder & Slide model is that it has a LEVER that needs to be pushed downward to release the magazine. Whereas the S&A just needs to be depressed like a regular magazine release.

So here's my question...is the Cylinder & Slide worth it? Will the lever catch on a holster and eject my magazine, or is it troublesome to use?

Once again, I WILL NOT be using it with my left-hand thumb. It will be used with my right-hand index finger.

Any input from personal experience would be appreciated.

In Christ: Raymond

[Fjold]

I'm left handed so the mag release on a regular 1911 is on the wrong side for me but I have never had an issue with it getting depressed in my holster and I carried one for 5 years on a CCW permit. I actually prefer pushing the release with my trigger finger when I reload.

[dfletcher]

The C & S looks to me that the pivoting action of that hook/lever pulls the mag release from left to right. I think - and this is just the way I think I might do it - is that I would use my right index (trigger finger) to push that lever forward - cam it forward and drop the mag. I think pushing forward with the index finger gives you more leverage as opposed to depressing the S & A button type with your index finger.

Brownells carries the C & S, if you buy it & don't like it they'll take it back no questions asked.

[RaymondMillbrae]

Thanks for the responses, guys.

As for the C&S device...there's a video on the website showing you how it works. Check it out.

I have also come across this ambi mag release from BULLETWORKS.

It also seems pretty nice...but...

1) I cannot find a price tag for it on the website
2) It looks like it sticks-out a lot. I think it needs a home in a "ghost holster" more than a Blade-Tech.

I would also like to know if I could use an ambi mag release in a USPSA L-10 match, or in the Tactical Division for 3-gunning?

Thanks!

In Christ: Raymond

[Fjold]

L10 should be fine. The rules for Limited class are:

Authorized Modifications:
— Internal modifications to improve accuracy, reliability and function (such as spherical bushings, Acc-U-Rails).
— Replacement barrels – provided they are the same length as original factory standard.
— Exchange of minor components (springs, safeties, slide stops, guide rods).
Prohibited Modifications:
— External modifications or features such as weights or devices to control or reduce recoil (such as but not limited to thumb
rests or components which could be used as such).

It should fall in under the "Exchange of minor components."

[JTROKS]

I'm right handed and I use my right hand middle finger to release the mag from my Para Ord/STI Limited gun. Try it it may work for you.

[bigcalidave]

Interesting dilemma! I think I'd be constantly reaching for the controls with the ghost fingertip. As usual with 1911 parts the good ones are the expensive ones. Have you given any thought to shooting left handed?? Or learning some off hand magazine release technique? Just tossing out ideas... ?? What's with the tat?

[HkFan416]

Use your index finger, problem solved

EDIT - Just read your a right handed shooter, never mind.

[adamsreeftank]

Tablesaw?

[xxdabroxx]

i was going to say use your left hand index. You have prob tried though. or middle finger like the abv. said.

[RaymondMillbrae]

Thanks, guys.

I think I am going to go with the BULLETWORKS gadget.

It will be pricey ($125.00, shipped), but it seems to be the standard.

The guys were super cool, and answered me back promptly.

I will need to get a black finish on it, as it only comes in a shiny finish.

I'll keep yall posted.

Thanks again.

In Christ: Raymond

PS: "Nope"...not on a tablesaw. Lets just say that the rear wheel of your motorcycle should NOT be spinning when you are cleaning the chain.

[xxdabroxx]

ouch!

[dfletcher]

Tablesaw?

So I'm thinking - how is he going to use a tablesaw to make his 1911 drop magazines?

Nevermind .......

[JTROKS]

So I'm thinking - how is he going to use a tablesaw to make his 1911 drop magazines?

Nevermind .......

Hmmmm... But having a digit caught between a bike chain and sprocket will make you drop a gun and everything else. I done that with my BMX bike and it almost took the tip of my left index finger. It hurt like hell when they were cleaning my finger trying to flush all that grease and gunk out.

[dfletcher]

Hmmmm... But having a digit caught between a bike chain and sprocket will make you drop a gun and everything else. I done that with my BMX bike and it almost took the tip of my left index finger. It hurt like hell when they were cleaning my finger trying to flush all that grease and gunk out.

Dang - I hope you guys both go with the button fly jeans, ya' know.