How do you grip your gun

I do thumbs forward, but push forward with my strong hand and pull back with my weak hand. Helps control the muzzle climb.

 

As soon as the 1911 is in your hand (i.e. you are expecting action), the thumb safety should be off and kept off until you holster. Magazines like Combat Handguns even advocate using your right thumb to hold down the safety while shooting, to prevent inadvertently engaging the safety.

This is the preferred way for both shooting pistols and shooting rifles with the stock folded.

 

I started shooting thumbs forward following one of Gabe Suarez's DVDs. You are basically pointing your thumbs toward the target, very instinctive.

 

Big THANK YOU to all who contributed to this discussion. I shoot RH/right eye with a left hand mag release semi. Parallel thumbs had an instant (positive) effect on my accuracy and tactical reloads. My right thumb is over the left thumb, allowing the left in position near the release button. Open hands on the bottom allows the mag to drop clear. With practice, these changes will greatly improve my skills. Put 300 downrange this morning drawing from holster with over 90% inside center mass (ring 8) at 7 yards.

Thanks again, today was a great day at the range for me.