I see I can buy a Springfield Loaded Model 1911 with an ambi safety. Is the mag release reversible like the one on my Beretta Model 84?

No, The magazine cutout for the release wouldn't work either.

Greg

I am right handed, and I have been shooting a 1911 since 1966.

Once upon a time @ the mid 1980's, I managed to injure my right hand to the extent that I could not shoot a handgun in it with out bad pain.

At the time I was shooting in indoor night IPSC Matches twice a week...

I did have a 1911 with an Ambi safety.

So, I borrowed a left hand holster from a left hand buddy.

The only problem I had was dropping the magazine with my left hand trigger finger. The magazine release spring was just too strong...

So I got a spare spring, and cut it down 1/2 coil at a time, until I could easily press the release button, droping the magazine.

This did not effect reliability in any way.
I never had a magazine drop free when I did not want it to.
When reloading after a slide lock back it was easy to press the slide release button with my left hand trigger finger.

If it is too hard to do that on your 1911, then just use the "Glock technique", and after inserting the magazine with your right hand, use it to pull back on the slide and release it.

I shot left handed for several months.

However, I do seem to remember someone making an ambi magazine release for a 1911, I just cannot remember who it was, I will look in a couple of books I have...

Oh now I remember..

It was a shooting buddy...

Steve Alexander
SA Shooting Accessories, Inc.
PO Box 835790 Richardson, Texas
hone 214 231 6084

Not sure if he is still in business or not as I have not shot with him in several years.

You can also get extended mag releases, and mag realeases with larger buttons, but while I would use one if left handed on a match gun I would probably not use one on a carry/duty gun.

I think a standard release with the spring cut down a little is less likely to become accidently depressed, and I had no problem using it with my left hand trigger finger.

Thanks for the replies. I just won an auction for a Springfield Loaded Black Target model. Looking forward to trying it out.

Bring back the Randall lefty .45! I wouldn't part with mine, which I bought new.

I am a left handed shooter. I use an ambi safety, but just operate the magazine catch and slide release with my index finger. Try it, for me this method requires little shift of my grip, less than trying to use my thumb, when I shoot "weak hand".

Been shooting my Springfield left handed and no problems. I do have the ambi safety.

Fun gun to shoot, should have bought one a long time ago.

Springfields are great - so is their lifetime warranty . . . I once had a Tropy Match that was my first 1911 - had trouble with the adjustable sights slipping the dovetail and breaking off - tried to fix it three times locally and twice sending it to Springfield. Told them I'd lost confidence in the Trophy Match with the adjustable sights for personal defence. Told them had I known then what I know now, would have spent the extra $400 and bought a TRP (Tactical Response Pistol) with fixed sights. The said, send the Trophy Match in and we will send you a TRP - no additional charge. They did just that. Now my TRP has been well broken in - and sent to Ro-Bar for a full treatment - my best defense pistol in my arsenal. That's a real warranty story. Love Springfield.

Smith and Alexander is still around. Their ambi mag release is excellent, however I have practiced so long with the original, I guess I got past the need for it:
99.00 plus a 1.50 for a lighter spring

Their one piece mag well/MSH's are second to none in my opinion though.