EGW HD Ambi Thumb Safety – Stainless Steel

EGW HD Ambi Thumb Safety – Stainless Steel

A Thumb Safety Machined for Strength, Positive Engagement, and Long‑Term Reliability

The EGW HD Ambi Thumb Safety sets a new standard for strength and reliability in the 1911 platform. Unlike cast or MIM safeties that can bend, loosen, or fail over time, EGW machines this ambidextrous thumb safety entirely from solid, heat‑treated stainless steel. As a result, it delivers a cleaner design, superior rigidity, and dependable performance under hard use.

Machined From Solid, Heat‑Treated Steel

EGW machines both paddles from solid blocks of stainless steel after heat treatment. Because machining occurs in the hardened state, the safety stays straight, rigid, and dimensionally stable. Consequently, it resists flexing and wear far better than inferior designs.

In addition, EGW serrates the thumb pads to improve grip and control. This ensures positive engagement and disengagement, even under stress or with wet or gloved hands.

Advanced Ambi Joint and Sleeve Design

Rather than using a tapered joint that can loosen over time, EGW machines the ambi joint flat. This design choice keeps both sides locked together securely. Furthermore, EGW adds a patented internal sleeve that joins both sides of the safety inside the frame tangs.

Because the grip safety rides on this round sleeve, it operates smoothly and remains unaffected when you move the thumb safety. At the same time, the sleeve prevents the safety from spreading at the joint, which reduces flex and increases long‑term durability. In effect, the sleeve makes each side functionally longer and more secure.

Thoughtful Details for Reliable Operation

EGW machines a radiused down‑stop on the left‑side safety lug instead of the sharp, pointed contact seen on many safeties. As a result, the safety contacts the frame more smoothly and consistently. Additionally, the T‑slot on the right side prevents the safety from walking out during use.

To complete the system, EGW includes a specially made hammer pin that also acts as the down‑stop for the right paddle. These pins, along with the shortened flat‑head sear pin and patented sleeve, are all manufactured on Swiss screw machines and heat treated for strength and precision.

No Grip Relief Required

Unlike many ambidextrous safeties, this design does not require relieving the right‑side grip panel. Therefore, installation remains cleaner and more straightforward, especially on high‑end or custom grips.

Fitment Notes

This thumb safety is not a drop‑in part and requires proper fitting by a qualified gunsmith, as all quality 1911 safeties should. It fits standard 1911 frames using the included .750″ hammer pin. For 2011 or wider frames, EGW offers an optional .765″ pin, or the pin recess can be countersunk to match frame width.

Key Features & Benefits

• Machined from solid stainless steel (no MIM or cast parts)

• Heat treated before machining for maximum rigidity

• Serrated paddles for positive grip

• Flat ambi joint that resists loosening

• Patented internal sleeve reduces flex and improves durability

• Radiused frame contact for smooth operation

• T‑slot prevents the safety from walking out

• No right‑side grip relief required

• Designed for serious duty, competition, and custom 1911 builds

Bottom Line

The EGW HD Ambi Thumb Safety delivers unmatched strength, precision, and reliability for the 1911 platform. Through smart engineering, solid steel construction, and attention to detail, it eliminates the weaknesses found in lesser safeties. If you want a robust ambidextrous safety that stays tight, operates smoothly, and lasts for years, this EGW design is the clear choice.