The Thumb Safety -1911 shooters know how important it is to get this one part right. Every draw stroke, press check, shot fired, reholster...involves interacting with the thumb safety.
Done wrong, the thumb safety can be a constant source of irritation. Sharp edges, lousy action and poor fit to the shooter can make running a 1911 a chore.
Done right however, say by a high end custom 1911 builder, the thumb safety helps the pistol become a natural extension of the shooter. It should fit well under the thumb, be devoid of any sharp edges, and offer a positive action with every flick on and off. Shooting and handling the pistol now becomes an effortless joy.
That is what we've captured in the Chen Thumb Safety. Right out of the box, without having to have a gunsmith 'rework' a safety until it works, feels, and looks right. We believe the Chen Thumb Safety is perhaps the most 'finished' thumb safety on the market today.
KEY FEATURES
Ergonomically Sculpted Lever. Follows the natural curves of the thumb for ultimate shooter comfort.
Fully Dehorned. Every edge is carefully broken or radiused for shooter comfort.
Clean, Flowing Lines. Lines you would expect from a high end custom pistol, after the pistolsmith has spent a considerable amount of time shaping, blending and sculpting the part.
Positive Engagement. Crisp and clean engagement. Detent geometry was tuned and modified so that the safety positively snaps either on or off. There is no muddy, wishy-washy feel, nor any "bounce" at the bottom of the stroke.
Integrated Design Designed in conjunction with the Chen Beavertail Grip Safety. The two parts meld together when fitted together properly.
Precision Machined. Meticulously Manufactured IN-HOUSE. Incredibly tight tolerances throughout. The shaft is perfectly concentric and held to max tolerance to aid in more precise function and fit with the grip safety. It is also dead nuts parallel with the safety paddle, also enhancing fit and function.
These parts are made on high-end, extremely rigid and accurate Japanese machinery capable of mold-making precision. Multi-axis machining techniques allow for extreme dimensional consistency, leading to more precise fitting to the pistol.
These are made under my personal watchful eye. No dickering with vendors, no accepting something that's "good enough" because you don't want to hassle with sending back a batch that wasn't quite right. Here, it either meets my extremely high standards or it goes in the scrap bin. Period.
Three lengths available.
This is not a drop-in part. While the Chen thumb safety was designed to be as finished as possible, it does require fitting of the safety to the sear for installation.
31 Reviews
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Thumb Safety- SS -
Great Fit, Very Little Fitting , Restored the Snap, Crackle, Pop of the Ruger sr 1911 10 mm
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Chen Thumb Safety
Looks great, functions flawlessly.
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ss thumb safety
This is an excellent thumb safety. It is the mid-length model which is perfect for both concealed carry and competition.
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Safety mid length blued
I used this safety in a Garrison NHC total build in 38 Super and it is perfect in both function and fit. I also used a SI Magwell on this one. Both compliment the clean flowing lines designed into the 1911. As this pistol is finished in Royal Blue, the small parts are finished to match. The SC safety and magwell blued up matching the SS GS etc. I have several more to swap out the safeties. The paddle/plate alignment is perfect for my grip and is super positive in both positions with no overtravel or drag. Excellent safety
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Thumb Safety Medium
I love these thumb safeties and have them on all my 1911’s the fit, finish and quality are excellent. Thank you for making the best products in the business.
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Excellent Product and Customer Service
This short single-sided thumb safety is fantastic. The fit, the finish, and the feel are just right. But, this is hardly a surprise because this is what one should expect from Chen Customs. #2A4Life
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Thumb Safety Size Small - Colt
Used the size Small on a retro type build Colt Series 70. Looks great and functions great. Easy to install and perfect engagement. All of Stan’s parts are a step above anything else out there.
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1911 thumb safety
Great product highly recommend
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Mid-Length Chen Thumb Safety
This is the best 1911 thumb safety you can have. Nearly every time you handle a 1911 you are engaging the thumb safety in some manner, so it must be a well-fitted part, especially in a defensive pistol. I've carried and used 1911 pistols in LE and civilian life for decades, and competed internationally with them. As a Colt factory-trained 1911 armorer, I've fitted scores of thumb safeties over the years. The Chen is far and away the most precise. There are no sharp or ill-advised edges anywhere. The thumb pad starts properly at the rear of the safety and tapers outward at the idea angle and without any obtuse "wing". When fitted, the engagement detents are smooth and crisp and there is no over-travel when placed into the fire position. The finish is both attractive and durable, and the safety itself. Moreover, the instructions provided go well beyond anything from any other maker (which is usually none) and very clear for the home hobbiest. This part is a safety function and is best fitted by a trained individual, but there were no surprises with this safety (such as an oversized pin, rough finish against the frame, sharp edges - I've seen all of these from well-known parts makers). Even though all of my 1911s came with factory working safeties - some of the "extended" style - I have replaced them on my carry guns with the Chen Mid-Length, as it has perfect function and operation. I've fitted 5 of these so far to 4 different manufacturers of 1911s and in each case the end result was perfect.
