Studies estimate that anywhere from 70 to 90 percent of people are right-handed. If that’s the case, then why would the majority of shooters, who are right-handed, need an ambidextrous safety for their firearm? Could it simply be a case of people wanting every bell and whistle on their rifle? What use could there be for a non-leftie?
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Some right-handed shooters will tell you that ambidextrous safeties are a waste of money and absolutely unneeded. We disagree. Some of us are right-handed and find ambidextrous safeties useful. When we shoot AR-15s and other AR-type rifles, it’s fast and safe to use our trigger fingers to flip the switch on the right side of the lower receiver back to the “safe” position. When we’re ready to fire, we flip the lever on the left side of the receiver down to the “fire” position with our thumbs.
It’s the way we’ve trained, and it works very well for us. By not having your trigger finger anywhere near the trigger—since it’s busy flipping the safety switch—you avoid the possibility of a negligent discharge. Using the thumb to place the rifle on “safe” can be awkward, and some people keep their trigger finger on the trigger while doing so, which increases the probability of an accidental discharge. For those who are more tactical-minded, the idea of transitioning hands and shoulders to fire your rifle is also a possibility in a real-life scenario. Ambidextrous safeties also make this easier to do safely.
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Ambidextrous safeties have come a long way since they were first introduced. Manufacturers now offer them in a variety of different shapes, contours and colors, and many now even feature interchangeable lever sets. The opportunity to tailor-fit your rifle’s safety is a good thing in our book. The following guide covers ambidextrous safeties that will fit most AR-15, AR-10, DPMS-patterned AR rifles and more. Take a look and see which one is right for you.
AXTS Talon Ambidextrous 45/90 Safety Selector
- MSRP: $79.95-$119.95
- Color: Nickel (shown), black, burnt bronze, FDE, tungsten gray
- Options: Multiple levers, 45- or 90-degree throw
- URL: axtsweapons.com
Battle Arms BAD-CASS Combat Ambi Safety Selector AR15/AR10
- MSRP: $70 Color: Black
- Options: Multiple lever options
- URL: battlearmsdevelopment.com
Bravo Company USA Ambidextrous Safety Selector – Semi
- MSRP: $26.95
- Color: Black
- URL: bravocompanyusa.com
Hera Arms MPSS
- MSRP: $66.84
- Color: Tan (shown), black, OD green
- Options: 45- or 90-degree throw
- URL: hera-arms.com
JP Enterprises JPFC-SA
- MSRP: $69.95
- Color: Gold (shown), black, blue, red, silver
- Options: Multiple lever options
- URL: jprifles.com
Noveske Ambi STS 60-Degree Selector
- MSRP: $39.95
- Color: Black
- URL: noveske.com
POF-USA Ambi Selector Switch
- MSRP: $29.99
- Color: Black
- URL: pof-usa.com
Rainier Arms Selector Switch – Standard / Short (45 Degree)
- MSRP: $85
- Color: Red (shown), black, FDE
- URL: rainierarms.com
Seekins Precision SP Safety Selector Kit
- MSRP: $39.99
- Color: Red (shown), black, blue, FDE
- Options: 60- or 90-degree throw
- URL: seekinsprecision.com
Strike Industries HEX Ambi-Selector Switch
- MSRP: $24.95
- Color: Black
- Options: 60- or 90-degree throw
- URL: strikeindustries.com
TROY Ambidextrous Safety Selector
- MSRP: $55
- Color: Black
- URL: worldoftroy.com
V SEVEN Titanium Ambi Selector
- MSRP: $69
- Color: Raw Ti (shown), Ion Bond black
- Options: 57- and 90-degree throw
- URL: vsevenweaponsystems.com
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