Ambi-safety IDPA/USPSA

[KJG67]

I have searched the forum (saw some old threads), Google, and tried to understand the current rules/division allowances, but hope you could provide some clarification. It's very likely I'm just a moron and am just not seeing it

I'm lefty with a Springfield Range Officer. As an ambi-safety is not standard, is it legal to install one for IDPA and USPSA? I know everyone has differing opinions on whether they like them or whether it's necessary. I'm aware it has to fit into the box too to be legal.

If it's OK, I'm open to suggestions on what to get, but have been looking at these.

Ed Brown has the Wide, Wide Extended, and the Tactical.

Wilson has the Tactical Bullet Proof, and the High Ride

Of course there's the generic Springfield Custom Shop ambi as well.

Has anyone tried the Karl Lippard NCO ambi safety (a little pricey though)

Thanks for any guidance you can provide.

[Zoomy]

I don't know about IDPA but in the USPSA rule book appendix B 21.6 seems to say that the thumb safety may be replaced with OEM parts only that are on the specific model gun or another approved gun from the same manufacturer.

Sorry, but thats all I got. I'm sure someone will show up with more info.

[KJG67]

Thanks. That's what I saw as well.

So theoretically I could have Springfield Custom add a "Springfield" ambi safety, but then there's that "OEM parts only that are on the specific model gun or another approved gun from the same manufacturer." That leads me to believe they could take the ambi safety from the Loaded and put it on there, but again I don't want to take a chance without checking.

[a.roberts]

App. D4, the only one with a 21.6, applies to Production Division. Your Springfield RO is not legal for Production Division because it's a single action handgun.

Replace your safety with an ambi.

Look at the Appendix D5 for Single Stack requirements and Appendix D3 for L-10 requirements. These two divisions are where your 1911 would best fit.

[KJG67]

Thanks for the correction.

D3 - Limited 10 doesn't seem to reference this.

D5-(23) Single Stack states external modifications are permitted:

•External extractors, firing pin blocks, and other factory safety features.

•Duplicating features that are on a factory, massed produced slide available to the general public.

It's not clear here if it needs to be OEM or can be aftermarket. A safety is a factory feature which can be duplicated by non-OEM parts.

I put a call into IDPA and they said the ambi-safety was legal. I have an email out to USPSA (per a phone call to them) for clarification. But still curious as to your experience at matches, as well as if any safety can be used, what would you chose?

[KJG67]

Well, I guess I should have just gone to the source in the first place But for future Google searchers, here is the answer from USPSA as of today:

For Single Stack division 23 means that you can duplicate safety features that are on a factory, massed produced gun, they do not have to be OEM parts, ambi safeties are allowed.

For Limited 10, restrictions were removed by the BOD effective 1/1/13 except for those listed.

So with that said, any thoughts on the safety's listed, or others you would recommend?

Ed Brown has the Wide, Wide Extended, and the Tactical.

Wilson has the Tactical Bullet Proof, and the High Ride

Of course there's the generic Springfield Custom Shop ambi as well.

Has anyone tried the Karl Lippard NCO ambi safety (a little pricey though)

Edited January 29, 2014 by KJG67

[Steve RA]

I'd suggest feeling the safety on as many guns as you can and pick the one that you like the best.

[johnhhuber]

Yes, I run an ambi safety in both IDPA CDP and USPSA Single Stack. It is legal for both. I love the Wilson safeties and run them on my pistol. The one I run has a smaller left thumb safety though so being left handed it might not be ideal for you.

[GmanCdp]

Watch putting a super wide safety on..The lid on the IDPA box may not close.. Also applies to wide magwells..