1911 Thumb Safety installation

[BerksCountyDave]

My Taurus 1911 needs a new ambi thumb safety. Are they easy to install (i.e. no fitting needed) or will I need to have a smith do it?

Thanks
Dave

[knight0334]

changing them are easy. some do require fitting, some dont.

Be careful not to allow the safety lock plunger to go flying across the room.

[BerksCountyDave]

Any idea which ones generally don't need fitted?

[bdevil73]

I bought a Fusion ambi safety on ebay for about $30. It needed a little fitting, but it wasn't too difficult. I followed instructions I found on Taurusarmed.net.

http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=3229.0

[Lycanthrope]

None are really drop in. You need to file the tab in the grip safety in order to JUST clear the sear in the up position with hammer back. Have the mainspring housing installed to check your fit and progress. When fitting, have the grips and grip safety off so you can see. If you go to far, you have an unsafe gun.



Also smooth the face of the thumb safety where it rubs the frame. Some are sharp there and will scratch the frame. You can see where I polished the inside of this one under where you file.

To check for proper fit, the hammer should be back and safety on. Pull trigger hard and let go. Hammer should not move. Then....pull hammer back slowly (yes, it's already back). Listen for a small "click". If you hear that, you went too far and need to start over or peen the thumb safety to get engagement back (you can pinch it in a vise).

But....just go slow.

Lycansomeneedotherblendingtoothrope

[BerksCountyDave]

Looks like I'll be taking it to a smith. They need to earn their money too, so no biggie!

[knight0334]

Looks like I'll be taking it to a smith. They need to earn their money too, so no biggie!

tis sometimes the best thing to do if you're not experienced. I doubt a smith will charge more than $20-30 for installation and fitting.

[eodbusch]

Does anyone have suggestions on how to "thin" down (see attachment)? It seems to be a bit larger than its intended holes. Gun is a PT-1911 and the TS is a Wilson combat tactical TS.

[Lycanthrope]

How about some 400-800 grit wet/dry paper? You want it to fit snug, but you shouldn't need to pound it in either.

Once again, go slow and check fit often.

LycandidIsayslow?thrope

[knight0334]

It probably has too much coating on it. You can take some rough steel wool "0" and work it around it. It'll take some time, but you wont take off too much metal.