The Grip Safety Debate: Why Some Gun Owners Prefer It on Their SAO Pistols

In the world of high-end firearms, few brands command as much respect as Wilson Combat. Their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and dedication to performance have earned them a loyal following. However, no brand is above scrutiny, especially when it comes to safety features on firearms intended for everyday carry. One point of contention among gun owners is the presence—or absence—of a grip safety on single-action-only (SAO) pistols designed to be carried cocked and locked.

The Role of the Grip Safety

A grip safety is a feature that requires the shooter to grip the firearm firmly in order to disengage the safety and allow the gun to fire. This extra layer of safety can be particularly valuable in two scenarios:

1. Accidental Safety Disengagement: On an SAO pistol carried cocked and locked, the manual safety is the primary safeguard against accidental discharge. However, if the manual safety gets accidentally knocked off—perhaps during physical activity or by catching on clothing—the grip safety acts as a critical backup. Without a proper grip, the gun simply won't fire, reducing the risk of a negligent discharge.
2. Reholstering Safety: Reholstering a firearm is a routine but potentially risky action. There's always a chance that something could snag the trigger—a piece of clothing, a loose strap, or even an unintended finger placement. A grip safety mitigates this risk by ensuring that the gun will only fire if the shooter is actively gripping the firearm, which is less likely during the reholstering process.

For many gun owners, these safety benefits make a grip safety an indispensable feature on an SAO pistol. It provides peace of mind, knowing there's an additional safeguard in place against accidental discharge.

The Wilson Combat Approach

Despite these grip safety benefits, Wilson Combat has chosen to omit this firearm safety feature on several of their popular models, such as the EDC X9 and SFX9. The reasons for this are understandable:

• Design Simplicity: Fewer moving parts mean fewer potential points of failure. In a high-stress situation, simplicity and reliability can be lifesavers.
• Ergonomics: Without a grip safety, the grip profile can be streamlined, offering a more comfortable and secure hold.
• User Preference: Many modern shooters prefer the clean, uninterrupted design of a pistol without a grip safety, finding it easier and more intuitive to use under stress. This preference is particularly understandable in a competition context, where the focus is on optimizing speed and performance without additional mechanical barriers. However, in an EDC context, while speed and performance are still crucial, the added security of a grip safety can provide a valuable layer of safety that might outweigh the need for absolute simplicity.

It's also worth noting that many modern SAO pistols, such as the SAO variant of Sig P220 and P226/P229, and HK USP V3 (which allows for cocked and locked carry), do not include a grip safety. This raises the question: What sets the 1911 platform apart? The 1911’s design is deeply rooted in its history and the specific requirements of the U.S. military when it was first adopted. The grip safety was a key feature designed to meet those early 20th-century military specifications, adding an extra layer of safety to a pistol that was intended to be carried cocked and locked in potentially rough conditions.

While modern designs prioritize different balances of safety, ergonomics, and performance, the 1911 remains special largely due to its historical context and the tradition that many shooters still respect and prefer. This doesn't necessarily mean that a grip safety is a strict necessity for all SAO pistols, as modern firearms have shown that excellent safety and performance can be achieved without it. However, for those who value the 1911's legacy and the added peace of mind that a grip safety offers—especially when carrying cocked and locked—it remains an important feature. While some may be comfortable carrying other pistols in this condition, the 1911’s design and its grip safety offer a level of security that many find uniquely reassuring.

The "Higher Truth" Fallacy

What often prompts a shrug is how some gun owners defend the absence of a grip safety on a 1911-platform pistol as though it's the ultimate truth, beyond reproach. These individuals often position themselves as more knowledgeable or professional than they really are, implying that while mere mortals might need a grip safety, they, at their level of sophistication, do not.

However, this attitude overlooks the fact that firearm preferences are highly personal and should be tailored to the user’s specific needs. Just because a feature is omitted by a respected manufacturer like Wilson Combat doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant or unnecessary for everyone. What works for one shooter may not work for another, and that’s okay.

Holsters and Self-Sufficient Firearm Safety: A Combined Approach

While a quality holster is an important safety accessory, it should not be the sole or primary line of defense against accidental discharges. Holsters are external entities, and while they contribute to overall safety, a firearm should be self-sufficient, with built-in safety mechanisms that don’t rely on the holster to function effectively.

1. Holsters Are Not Infallible: Even the best holsters can wear out, get damaged, or fail to fully protect the trigger. Foreign objects, clothing, or debris can find their way into the trigger guard, increasing the risk of an accidental discharge. However, the firearm itself should be designed with sufficient safety features—like a grip safety—that operate independently of the holster, ensuring that the gun remains secure even if the holster doesn’t perform perfectly.
2. Self-Sufficient Safety: A gun should have all necessary safety features built into its design to function independently of any external accessory. The grip safety is a crucial component in making the firearm self-reliant, providing an inherent safeguard against accidental discharges regardless of the holster or other external factors.

Challenging the Belief: 'Holster and Trigger Discipline' Combination Renders Grip Safety Obsolete

Some users argue that a good holster, solid trigger discipline, and a manual safety are sufficient safeguards in pistol design, making the grip safety redundant or at least not imperative. However, this reasoning is flawed:

1. Trigger Discipline Under Stress: While trigger discipline is vital, it's not foolproof. High-stress situations can cause even experienced shooters to make mistakes. A grip safety compensates for these human errors, ensuring the gun won't fire unless it's being held intentionally.
2. Manual Safety Alone Isn't Enough: Manual safeties can be accidentally disengaged, especially during physical activity. Without a grip safety, the gun could be primed to fire with nothing but trigger discipline standing in the way of an accident. The grip safety serves as a critical secondary barrier in these situations.
3. Not Exactly Apples to Apples: Some might draw parallels between the grip safety debate and the choice between the 70-series and 80-series 1911 designs (with the latter introducing a firing pin block for added safety), but it's important to recognize that these comparisons are not exactly apples to apples. The grip safety is an external, user-activated safety feature that directly interacts with the grip and handling of the firearm, whereas the firing pin block in the 80-series is an internal device that affects the trigger mechanism and internal operation of the gun. Each debate has its own unique considerations, and preferences often come down to what the individual shooter values most in a firearm—whether it's simplicity, trigger feel, or additional layers of safety.

A Historical Perspective: The Origins of the 1911 Safeties

Interestingly, the grip safety was part of the original 1911 design, included from the very beginning when the U.S. military adopted the pistol. The grip safety was introduced to meet military requirements for added security, ensuring that the firearm would not discharge unless intentionally gripped.

The manual thumb safety, however, was not part of the earliest versions of John Browning’s designs that led to the 1911. It was added later in the development process, specifically in response to the military’s request for a way to safely carry the pistol with a round in the chamber. This feature allowed the 1911 to be carried "cocked and locked," providing a safe and quick transition to firing if needed.

This historical context underscores the importance of multiple safety layers, which have been central to the design of one of the most iconic firearms ever made. It also highlights why some modern shooters continue to value the grip safety as an essential feature.

Choose What’s Right for You

In the end, the decision to carry an SAO pistol with or without a grip safety comes down to personal preference and the specific scenarios you’re preparing for. Wilson Combat makes exceptional firearms, but that doesn’t mean every feature—or lack thereof—is perfect for every shooter. It’s important to critically evaluate what safety features you need based on your lifestyle, carry habits, and personal comfort.

Don’t be swayed by those who claim to see a "higher truth" in firearm safety and pistol design. The only truth that matters is what keeps you safe, confident, and ready when it counts. A grip safety, far from being an unnecessary relic, remains a vital component of a comprehensive approach to firearm safety for many shooters.

My Personal Take

Personally, I believe that an extra layer of security, like a grip safety, belongs on an SAO pistol used for everyday carry (EDC). Its absence, at a minimum, takes away from an EDC pistol’s versatility. While I appreciate the design and performance of various pistols, when it comes to carrying a firearm "cocked and locked" in situations where my safety is on the line, I won’t compromise on this feature. A range gun is a different story—where the controlled environment and focus on performance can justify different choices. But for EDC, the added security of a grip safety is non-negotiable for me.

(by Edward Meyman)