Skip to main content

Browning Hi Power Upgrades: Thumb Safeties

Browning Hi Power Upgrades: Thumb Safeties

As a shooter who has lived with 1911s since the '70s, my handgun comfort zone tends to include single-action pistols like the Browning Hi-Power. The Browning is accurate, reliable and is one of the few high-capacity autos that fit my small hands well.

Naturally, custom upgrades to the Hi-Power tend to follow the same track as the 1911: trigger work, sights and thumb safeties. The original Hi-Powers made before the early '80s had a minuscule thumb safety that is difficult to operate under the best of conditions and could be a disaster in a high stress encounter.

Apparently, FN listened to their customers and introduced a larger ambidextrous extended safety with the MKII pistols. It is an improvement compared to the original part but still leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion. The shape is wrong and there is no shelf for the thumb if you use the "high thumb" shooting grip currently being taught. Fortunately, there are options.

Cylinder and Slide, Inc. of Freemont, Nebraska offers two custom safety levers that will make 1911 owners feel right at home. Their "extended" model is similar to 1911 tactical extended safeties, big but not huge, suitable for carry. The "wide extended target" model looks like the big "gas pedal" safeties on competition 1911s offering a wide shelf that is very easy to operate. Both models are available in either single side or ambidextrous versions and in blued or hard chrome finishes.

Installation of a C&S safety usually requires very minor fitting and the included instructions spell out everything you need to know. One thing to remember is that the spring-loaded detent in factory safeties is captured but the C&S plunger is free to fly off into space if you are not careful. I think unrestricted plunger movement may be the reason that C&S levers feel more positive than the originals. So, if you like Hi-Powers but dislike the factory safety don't worry. It's an easy fix.

HP thumb safety

The original style HP thumb safety is not going to hang up in your holster, but is small and difficult to operate under stress or with gloved hands.




GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

KelTec releases their PR57 pistol and SUB2000 rifle in 5.7x28mm as the demand grows for more firearms in this unique and...
Gear

Firearms News Gets the Rundown on Burris's New XTR-PS

KelTec releases their PR57 pistol and SUB2000 rifle in 5.7x28mm as the demand grows for more firearms in this unique and...
Guns

SDS Arms Releases New Tactical Shotgun Lineup

KelTec releases their PR57 pistol and SUB2000 rifle in 5.7x28mm as the demand grows for more firearms in this unique and...
Guns

New Hunting Shotguns Available in Mossy Oak and Realtree Camo

KelTec releases their PR57 pistol and SUB2000 rifle in 5.7x28mm as the demand grows for more firearms in this unique and...
Guns

Inglis MFG Launches New P35 Pistol

KelTec releases their PR57 pistol and SUB2000 rifle in 5.7x28mm as the demand grows for more firearms in this unique and...
Guns

MAC Firearms unveils New 5' Comp Barreled Double Stack 1911

KelTec releases their PR57 pistol and SUB2000 rifle in 5.7x28mm as the demand grows for more firearms in this unique and...
Gear

New Iron Lady Gun Safes from ATI

KelTec releases their PR57 pistol and SUB2000 rifle in 5.7x28mm as the demand grows for more firearms in this unique and...
Guns

American Tactical Releases GSG Anniversary 1911 Pistol

KelTec releases their PR57 pistol and SUB2000 rifle in 5.7x28mm as the demand grows for more firearms in this unique and...
Gear

First Look at ATI's new Rukx Rifle Case

KelTec releases their PR57 pistol and SUB2000 rifle in 5.7x28mm as the demand grows for more firearms in this unique and...
Guns

ATI Launches New Double and Triple Barreled Shotguns for 2025

KelTec releases their PR57 pistol and SUB2000 rifle in 5.7x28mm as the demand grows for more firearms in this unique and...
Guns

American Tactical Showcases their Latest GSG-16 22 LR Pistol and 410 Bull Dog Shotgun

KelTec releases their PR57 pistol and SUB2000 rifle in 5.7x28mm as the demand grows for more firearms in this unique and...
Gear

New Glock 17/19 18-Round Magazines Offered by Mec-Gar

KelTec releases their PR57 pistol and SUB2000 rifle in 5.7x28mm as the demand grows for more firearms in this unique and...
Guns

KelTec Launches PR57 Pistol: The Best and Lightest 5.7

Firearms News Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW OUR CURRENT ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the Firearms News App apple store google play store

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Firearms News stories delivered right to your inbox.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Firearms News subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top Firearms News stories delivered right to your inbox.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use