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Fixed that pesky EZ grip safety
- Thread starter Funflyer
- Start date
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scattershot
Member
I always wondered why a grip safety and a thumb safety, too. Looks like you solved your problem.
Ranger17
Member
Op I assume you have to take the tube off each time for cleaning as the grip safety isnt supposed to be held while manipulating the slide?
OP
Funflyer
Member
Nope. You just have to make sure to hold the plunger arm down until the slide clears it during reassembly.
At the request of the Army during the pistol trials that produced the 1911: thumb safety was so the pistol could quickly, safely be holstered to regain command of the horse by cavalry soldiers; grip safety was a drop-safe device.
I like it, the grip safety is the only thing I don't like about my .380 EZ. I'm not morally opposed to them, but I have large hands and seem to have a problem keeping it depressed due to it's design. I'm sure I'm doing something wrong. 
Rastoff
US Veteran
The grip safety is never an issue if you have a good grip. A proper grip makes the grip safety completely invisible.
Linejudgemick
Member
Fortunately neither my wife or I have any problem engaging the grip safety while shooting her 380 EZ. Because it functions as the drop safety for that platform I'd be hesitant to circumvent it, but that's just IMHO.
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Jon651
Member
On the EZ models, the grip safety replaces the articulating 2-piece trigger as the method to prevent accidental discharges if the pistol is dropped. Circumventing a major safety feature is never a good idea, and if you are so opposed to a grip safety then you should actually consider a different pistol altogether.
So now if you drop this pistol and accidentally shoot yourself or (heaven forbid) someone else, I'd really like to know what you intend on telling the investigators when you are answering questions afterwards.
So now if you drop this pistol and accidentally shoot yourself or (heaven forbid) someone else, I'd really like to know what you intend on telling the investigators when you are answering questions afterwards.
I thought about that also. Bought some reloading stuff from a cop once. He had the punisher skull on the back window of his pickup. I pondered how it would go if he was in a shooting and the opposing attorney brought up a picture of that symbol on his truck in the court case. "So, you consider yourself the Punisher". I started to say something to him about it, but didn't know how to bring it up in a diplomatic way.
Rosewood
Actually, the striker block/plunger does most of the work of preventing accidental discharge from drops.
Bypassing safety features is certainly not a good idea.
OP
Funflyer
Member
Guys, I appreciate your concern, so if and when I ever get to the point where I need to carry this pistol, I certainly would not leave the safety deactivated. However, for now it's only used to test my reloads from a rest. Some of you rest shooters will understand the reason grip safeties are a PITA. If it'll put your minds at ease, I promise to remove the sleeve when I feel the need, and for those thinking about adding a sleeve, please don't do it as you'll put your eye out, or worse!
Was going to ask if S&W left that off, the EZ...seemed it would
be quite an odd omission, indeed.
Rastoff
US Veteran
Except the EZ guns are hammer fired. Therefore, don't have a striker block.
Many hammer fired have a firing pin block (same function). I.E. 1911 Series 80 (the original grip safety) and all S&W 3rd gens, probably many more. I do not know about the EZ as I have never taken one apart.
Edit: looked at a disassembled view of the EZ and I do not see a visible striker/firing pin block on the slide. Maybe someone that has one in hand can confirm?
Rosewood
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Rastoff
US Veteran
Actually, it's irrelevant. Any striker or firing pin block is only there for one thing; being dropped on the muzzle.
The grip safety (or trigger safety on a regular M&P or Glock) exists for a drop on the rear of the gun.
In order to fire, all modern guns, and the 1911, must have the trigger held to the rear. If a gun is dropped on the back of the slide, the momentum can cause the trigger to move backward just as if it were pressed by a finger. That action would disable the striker block and fire the gun. The hinged portion of the M&P or the grip safety prevents that from happening.
Ktyhawk
Member
I'm trying to figure out how some people hold guns that they wouldn't activate the grip safety when firing that gun? I'm not trying to be silly.
I just can't picture how someone could fire a handgun, using a traditional grip, and not activate a grip safety.
I just can't picture how someone could fire a handgun, using a traditional grip, and not activate a grip safety.
gwpercle
Member
I'm no fan either ... hand muscle was injured and not shaped right to depress one easily , my 1911's typically get the pin treatment ... BUT , your method is better ... easy on - easy off .
Good tip !
Gary
