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.

The Cylinder & Slide

The Cylinder & Slide "extended" thumb safety for the Hi-Power provides a longer thumb surface while still being suitable for everyday holster carry

The C&S

The C&S "wide extended target" thumb safety is like the big "gas pedal" safety levers so common on competition 1911s. Good for the range, not for carry.

Later factory safeties

Later factory safeties were better, and offered ambidextrous control, but still not great. The levers are still pretty small and flat, offering little purchase.

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

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Daewoo AR-100

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Gear

Shooting Blanks

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Gear

5.7 Elite Ammunition

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Laser Pistols

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Learn

The Famous CAR-15's Path to Modern Combat Rifles

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Mossberg 590s Review

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Gear

The Latest from Black Hills Ammunition

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Gear

Headrest Safe – a new way to secure your firearm.

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Having Fun with the HK MP7 PDW

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

SIG Sauer MPX

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro CCW Pistol Review

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.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Firearms News App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

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