Swartz Safty

[nevil]

What is the Swartz safty and why is it so bad?

[Black Majik]

The Swartz safety is a firing pin block activated by the grip safety to push a rod into the a plunger in the slide. Purists don't like it because it's an unnecessary added "safety."

Not only that, the Swartz safety has locked up pistols due to the rod riding too far up into the frame, and also the timing has sometimes been off causing a click instead of a bang.

[Cyc Wid It]

Hilton Yam:
Firing pin safeties typically fall into the Colt Series 80 pattern which are actuated by the trigger (Colt Series 80, Para Ordnance, Sig GSR) and the Swartz style safety which is actuated by the grip safety (Kimber, Smith & Wesson). Of all the firing pin safety mechanisms on the market, the original Colt Series 80 - in a Colt - is the most reliable of them all. The platforms utilizing the Swartz safety are a less than ideal choice across the board due to the inherent reliability problems of the design. The Swartz safety is extremely sensitive to the fit of the grip safety to the frame and the timing of the grip safety's trigger blocking arm. Tolerance issues can also lead to a Swartz safety that will time properly when the grip safety is depressed a certain way, and time differently when depressed a different way. This will typically be a product of loose fit of the grip safety to the frame tangs and/or loose fit of the thumb safety shaft through the grip safety. It is possible to have the grip safety timed such that the trigger will be able to release the sear well before the firing pin safety plunger has been moved far enough to clear the firing pin. Problems with improper timing of the Swartz safeties can lead to a situation where you get a "click" when you wanted a "bang." That's a serious problem. Unless department policy mandates a firing pin safety, I would choose a 1911 without one. It is possible to have a drop safe 1911 without the firing pin safety, and given the potential reliability problems with a poorly executed system, the perceived risk of drop safety is outweighed by the real risk of a failure to fire.

[fullspeed1]

Timing? Really? How many Kimber owners have EVER had a timing issue? I barely have to depress the grip safety to deactivate the Schwartz safety on my Custom II. It's a solution to a non existant problem, But certainly a NON-issue to the performance of the pistol.

[chaseface]

Timing? Really? How many Kimber owners have EVER had a timing issue? I barely have to depress the grip safety to deactivate the Schwartz safety on my Custom II. It's a solution to a non existant problem, But certainly a NON-issue to the performance of the pistol.

Same here, barely have to grip it for it to work. Doesnt bother me at all

[Cyc Wid It]

If I can help it, I'll avoid it. I'll take Hilton Ham's word for it as he has serviced/worked on thousands of 1911's, including ones assigned for duty use. Just because your particular gun works/is a dud doesn't mean all of that type are the same.

[MossbergMan]

Today has not been wasted! I learned something...... thanks Mr. Ham.

[himurax13]

Can the Swartz zytem be removed with some parts swapping?

[cmace22]

Can the Swartz zytem be removed with some parts swapping?

I believe the firing pin block and spring are the only things needed to be removed to deactivate it. I could be wrong though. Never had an issue with mine although like cyc wid it said I avoid it when I can.

[fullspeed1]

Today has not been wasted! I learned something...... thanks Mr. Ham.

What you meant to say was Mr. Yam

[fullspeed1]

If I can help it, I'll avoid it. I'll take Hilton Ham's word for it as he has serviced/worked on thousands of 1911's, including ones assigned for duty use. Just because your particular gun works/is a dud doesn't mean all of that type are the same.

You are correct. But let's see some evidence of this issue happening.....Mr. Yam, Not "Ham", clearly states that this is a less desirable feature, And it could possibly lead to failure due to a TIMING issue. But, Combing through posts in so many other forums there has never been an issue. Like any man made part, It is prone to failure at some point in time. And once again, The Schwartz system is a fix to a non existent problem, But for the price I paid for my Custom II, And being able to own a 1911 that shoots like a dream, I could'nt pass it up.

[negolien]

kimber owner

Custom II owner no issues here. It is what it is /shrug to be honest I feel a little more comfortable carrying my SA with the grip safety on it. Just a mental thing but whatever makes you more comfortable with the weapon I guess.

[nevil]

Thanks for the info. I have a Kimber Custom II and love it. Never had a problem and have put a couple thousand rounds threw it.

[The War Wagon]

'Smitty disconnected the one on my TLE/RL II!

[DArBad]

Buy Kimbers and buy with confidence. If the SWAT LAPD don't have a problem with their Kimbers, the same with the Tacoma PDs---now these are law enforcement agencies that puts RELIABLITY at the top of their list when they chose the Kimber, then we can rest assure that when we buy our Kimbers we are buying some of the most reliable brands out there.

I have two Kimbers, both with the Swartz safety and I can honestly say they are some of the most reliable 1911s I've ever owned.