Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety Review

First Impressions of Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety

The 1911 platform is a legend, a true workhorse of firearms history. Customizing a 1911 is a rite of passage for many firearm enthusiasts, and the thumb safety is a critical component for both function and personalized ergonomics. When I heard about the Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety, promising enhanced durability and precision, I knew I had to get my hands on one.

My interest in this particular thumb safety stemmed from a persistent issue with the factory safety on my older 1911. The original safety was mushy, lacked a positive engagement, and generally felt unreliable. I wanted a safety that provided a crisp, tactile feel, boosting both my confidence and speed during competition.

Upon receiving the Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety, my first impression was excellent. The deep black finish and the heft of the part signaled quality, and the machining looked clean and precise. Compared to the factory thumb safety, the Kengs Firearms Specialty part felt significantly more substantial.

I considered other thumb safeties from Wilson Combat and Ed Brown, but the Kengs Firearms Specialty option intrigued me with its claim of Wire-EDM machined 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction and the reputation of Kengs Firearms Specialty. The price point, a reasonable $57.99, also played a role in my decision. I was hoping for a robust, reliable safety that wouldn’t break the bank.

My initial excitement was high; the Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety seemed poised to solve my safety issues and elevate the overall feel of my 1911.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety at my local shooting range. Installation was relatively straightforward, though it required some minor fitting, which is typical for 1911 parts. The moment I snapped it into place and felt the positive “click” of engagement, I knew this was an upgrade.

The weather was mildly humid, which often exacerbates any shortcomings in grip or control. However, the Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety performed admirably. Its enhanced texture provided a secure purchase, even with slightly sweaty hands. There were no malfunctions or failures to engage/disengage during the initial testing session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. There are no signs of significant wear, and the finish has held up well despite repeated use and handling. The safety continues to provide a crisp, positive engagement, inspiring confidence in its functionality.

Maintaining the Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety is simple; a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session keeps it functioning smoothly. Compared to the original factory safety, which felt increasingly loose and unreliable over time, the Kengs Firearms Specialty part is a significant improvement. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of both durability and performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Kengs Firearms Specialty
• Color: Black
• Fabric/Material: 4140 Chrome Moly Steel
• Gun Make: 1911 Platform
• Gun Model: 1911
• Gun Type: Pistol

The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction is crucial because it ensures the thumb safety can withstand the repeated stress of engagement and disengagement. This contributes directly to its long-term reliability and durability.

Performance & Functionality

The Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety excels in its primary function: providing a positive and reliable safety mechanism. The crisp engagement and disengagement are a significant improvement over many factory safeties, increasing both speed and confidence during manipulation. The safety meets my expectations for a high-quality 1911 component, contributing to a more enjoyable and reliable shooting experience.

The enhanced texture of the safety lever improves grip and control, especially in adverse conditions. A potential area for improvement might be offering different lever styles (e.g., extended, slim) to cater to individual preferences.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety is well-designed, with a focus on both functionality and aesthetics. The 4140 Chrome Moly Steel construction provides a reassuring heft, and the black finish is both durable and visually appealing. The enhanced texture improves ergonomics, providing a secure purchase without being overly aggressive.

There is a slight learning curve associated with any new 1911 component, especially one as critical as the thumb safety. However, the Kengs Firearms Specialty part is relatively intuitive, and most users should adapt to it quickly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety, constructed from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel, is designed to last for years with proper care. The robust construction and durable finish suggest a long service life, even under heavy use.

Maintaining the safety is straightforward: regular cleaning and lubrication are sufficient to keep it functioning smoothly. There are no special tools or procedures required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety is a standalone component and does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with standard 1911 frames and should work with most 1911 grips without modification. The compatibility with standard 1911 components makes it a versatile upgrade for a wide range of 1911 pistols.

Pros and Cons of Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety

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Who Should Buy Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety?

The Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety is perfect for 1911 owners looking to upgrade the reliability and feel of their pistol’s safety mechanism. It’s also ideal for competitive shooters who demand a crisp and positive safety engagement. This is a good choice for anyone who carries a 1911 for self-defense, where reliability is paramount.

Those who are completely satisfied with their factory safety or who prefer a drop-in, no-fitting-required solution might want to explore other options. It could also be skipped by individuals who are new to 1911s and don’t have experience with minor gunsmithing.

A must-have modification to pair with this would be high-quality grips.

Conclusion on Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety

The Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety is a well-built, reliable upgrade for any 1911 pistol. Its durable construction, crisp engagement, and enhanced texture make it a worthwhile investment for both recreational shooters and serious competitors. At $57.99, the price is justified by the improved performance and peace of mind it provides.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Kengs Firearms Specialty 1911 Thumb Safety to anyone looking to enhance the reliability and feel of their 1911. Upgrade your 1911 today and experience the difference a quality thumb safety can make!