When it comes to customizing your AR-15 one component that can often be overlooked is your safety selector. If you flip it ON you get Pew Pew, and if you flip it OFF you get No Pew. Pretty straightforward, right? Well, there is a lot more involved in that tiny piece to the puzzle that is your AR-15. You could contemplate the functionality of it, what your handedness is, and whether is it comfortable, or does not matter to you?... There is a lot to consider. Let’s dive down the rabbit hole of AR-15 safety selectors so you can make the most informed decision when customizing your AR-15.
First, we need to identify what is the function of a safety selector. Inside your lower receiver, the safety selector either obstructs the hammer from dropping onto the firing pin; thus, detonating a case in the chamber (when ON safe). Or, it allows the hammer to freely drop; thus, allowing your gun to go off (when OFF safe). You have 2 basic positions: ON and OFF. Unless that is, you fall into the rare category of having a fully-automatic firearm. Then, you have 3 positions, but we will leave that for a different conversation (Safe, 3-Round Burst, Full-Auto).
Next, what is your handedness? Are you right- or left-handed? Some safety selectors – like those offered by us at Tyrant CNC – are ambidextrous. Then, whether you are right- or left-handed, you can naturally manipulate your safety selector with ease. Some firearm and aftermarket parts manufacturers will only offer right-handed safety selectors, and while the majority of the population is right-handed, that ends up alienating a segment of the shooting population. So, by upgrading your safety selector to one like we offer at Tyrant CNC, everybody is taken care of.
Another element to consider is the “throw” of the safety selector. Do you want it to “throw” or rotate in place 45° or 90°? For some people, they don’t have a preference. Either way is fine. For others, if you have small hands and cannot fully wrap your hand around a traditional AR-15 pistol grip, a shorter throw (45°) might be desirable. Whatever gives you the most fluent, natural, and confident command of your weapon is the correct answer. This isn’t a pop quiz, and it is definitely not a trick question. Choose a safety selector that works best for you, and lucky for you, the one offered by Tyrant CNC can be fit to your AR-15 in either a 45° or 90° configuration. You get the best of both worlds.
Finally, there is the argument of comfort versus function. Maybe you would like some polymer or rubber embedded into the safety selector for better grip and positive dexterity. Perhaps that is more comfortable, too. This is where you need to “thread the needle.” To identify what is best for you, you need to find optimal functionality along with what might be comfortable. We cannot provide a definitive answer for you. That is for you to decide. In the end, make sure to get out there training, honing your craft, getting reps with your firearms, and Tyrant can help you along the way with some rad accessories. Until next time, continually check out our blog, join our newsletter, and watch the website for new and exciting updates! As always, let us know all your thoughts in the Comments below. We love it when you participate in our articles and keep the conversation going!
