Manual
Safety Features
Auto-Ordnance Model 1911 semi-automatic pistols incorporate several positive
safety devices which, if properly employed, reduces the danger of accidental dis-
charge.
Trigger Guard
The trigger guard is a metal loop that surrounds the trigger, protecting it from dam-
age or accidental discharge.
Thumb Safety
The thumb safety is located on the left rear of the pistol just below the slide. To oper-
ate the thumb safety pull the slide to its most rearward position and release. Then
push the thumb safety upward until it fully engages the thumb safety notch (see pic-
ture #3). The slide is prevented from moving rearward and an internal cam surface
engages the sear preventing the hammer from moving forward when the trigger is
squeezed. The thumb safety cannot be engaged unless the hammer is fully cocked
and the slide is fully forward.
To disengage, move the thumb safety fully downward until it is completely down.
When the thumb safety is down, the sear is free to release the hammer to fire the
pistol when it is properly gripped and the trigger is squeezed (see picture #2).
Grip Safety
The grip safety is located on the upper rear part of the frame (see picture on page
6). The grip safety is automatically applied by spring action to prevent rearward
travel of the trigger unless the pistol grip is firmly and properly grasped. The front
of the grip safety (inside the pistol frame) is in contact with the rear of the trigger to
prevent it’s rearward travel. When the pistol grip is positively grasped, the grip safe-
ty is rotated out of contact with rear of trigger to allow trigger movement.
Disconnector
This safety device prevents a round from being fired before it is in the chamber with
the slide and barrel locked. When the slide is not fully forward, the disconnector is
depressed; its lower part disengages the sear, so that the hammer cannot be
released if the trigger is squeezed. However, when the slide and barrel are locked,
a spring pushes the disconnector up into a recess in the slide. This links the trigger
and sear so that the pistol can be fired by squeezing the trigger.
7
THUMB SAFETY DISENGAGED
THUMB SAFETY ENGAGED
PICTURE #2 PICTURE #3