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.
32 Reviews
-
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.
-
Chen Thumb Safety
Outstanding quality on these safeties. Finish and design are flawless. Easily fit to my SA Operator to replace the factory ambi. Looks and functions excellent. Positive engagement in the on and off positions. A perfect match to the Chen SI magwell. Only complaint is there isn’t a matching slide stop yet.
-
Just installed first time beautiful piece
Great piece I took my time and fitted perfectly I wish you sold a matching slide saftey as well!
-
Thumb safety
Outstanding instruction for fitting safety are straight forward and easy to fallow.very high quality part.
-
High Quality Upgrade
Fitting was a breeze and the paddle eleminates the sharp corner on the rear of my Garrison mil-spec paddle. Fitting was simple and took about ten or fifteen minutes. Looks factory and works a treat.
-
SS thumb safety
This safety is VERY ergonomic and really makes this build have that custom look
-
Thumb Safety
I installed the Stan Chen Thumb Safety on my 1911. Some fitting was required, so have a small file and some patience handy. This thumb safety was an excellent upgrade over OEM and improved both tactile and audible feedback.
-
Love it
Not normally one to write reviews, but this thing rocks! First time doing any real fitting of 1911 parts, and the included instructions were fantastic. Can’t beat the free m&m’s either
-
Thumb safety medium
Wow. My Les Baer UTC came with a thumb safety that was digging in to my thumb bad. I shaved it down but still hurt my thumb. Bough an EGW and installed it only issue was it did not look right on gun. Decided to try Stan Chen Thumb Safety medium. Wow!! Finish is perfect nice smooth flowing lines and best rear contour I have seen out of the box. Thick baseplate so plunger stays in place if you know what I mean. Fitting was a breeze if you file slow and even. Post fits perfect keeps beavertail from moving side to side if you know what I mean. Positive clicks and it follows the shape of my thumb. No sharp edges and is baby smooth.100% satisfied. Ordering one for my Wilson combat CQB compact.
