Drop in grip safety.

[duggan]

So the scabs on my hand have fallen off from this past weekends test firing of my new RIA 1911 and I'm gonna go this weekend and add some more sores lol. The thought of just shooting it till I build up scar tissue padding has crossed my mind, as well as just wearing gloves. The alternative to all that would be to get a better grip safety and thats what I'm leaning towards, so I need opinions on them. Ideally I'm looking for something with a minimum amount of fitting required, something I could do at the house without modding the frame, also wanting the part to be either Parkerized or blued. I'm assuming that by getting a beavertail I'm more than likely going to have to change out the hammer as well correct? I have looked on my own, but am wanting some leads as my idea of minor fitting may differ from a manufacturer's that has access to a full machine shop. Thanks in advance.

[zfields]

what are you cutting yourself on?

[duggan]

The frame is digging into the webbed area of my hand between the thumb and trigger finger (hammer bite?).

[Black Majik]

You can have a gunsmith debur and shorten the hammer. You are correct, if you install a new beavertail grip safety, it limits the travel on the spur hammer so you'll have to change out the hammer too.

[jonzer77]

I have heard good things about the wilson combat drop in grip safety. I also saw this video and I have one on its way to try and get in my 38 super. Looks simple enough, you just have to be patient.

[PRCABR4Christ]

Drop in grip safeties won't be as "seamless" as a normal grip safety that must be fitted, it will have a gap around the frame tangs, but it will serve you well...FWIW, you will likely have to file the arm on the inside of the grip safety, make sure to do all your function tests before shooting it

[zfields]

hammer bite is when the hammer hits your hand, so doesnt sound like that.

[L4D]

Here is a Wilson Drop-in on a SA 1911 GI. huge gap with sharp corners. Unsightly and uncomfortable with a high grip.




Here is a Smith and Alexander that has been fitted. You can have much higher grip with out worry of getting caught between the frame tang and grip safety.

[PRCABR4Christ]

I say if you're willing to put a few hours into it, fit a grip safety, then you can get exactly what you want, the only thing is you'll need to refinish the safety and the frame tangs, and it's really not that difficult. If you need help I'm sure me and some others will help guide you through it.

[redcliff]

Theres a reason that, when asked, many of us old 1911 guys always recommend you purchase a pistol with a beavertail grip safety, lowerred/flared ejection port and good sights instead of a retro GI style. Adding these things later (which most people that shoot their 1911's a lot usually do) costs time, money and often aggravation.

If you go the drop-in route (which does still require fitting), try a Wilson drop-in for a Commander to see if it fits; they fit many (not all) 5" models too and have much smaller gaps than the Wilson Govt model one in L4d's picture. You will also need a new hammer, which means more fitting required unless you get a drop in kit like cylinder & slides (which may need a little fitting).

If you modify your frame tangs for a custom fit grip safety (the best choice) you need all of the above plus need to contend with the finish. Not so hard on Stainless pistols, but parkerized or blue'ed pistols either require a refinish or touch up with cold blue to camouflage the modification.

[psango]

The gap

Here is a Wilson Drop-in on a SA 1911 GI. huge gap with sharp corners. Unsightly and uncomfortable with a high grip.




Here is a Smith and Alexander that has been fitted. You can have much higher grip with out worry of getting caught between the frame tang and grip safety.

The gap didn't hurt my hand but I didn't like the look. I'm having a Smith and Alexander installed right now, Novak sights, and Cera-Plate 2 nickel finish. CCR is doing it for me. I'll post a pix when it's done. They have done great work on my guns before.
before pix:

[gatdammit]

anyone know of a good "drop in" grip safety for a Sig 1911 XO? I believe it's a .250 radius. Just looking at the shape of the frame tangs, it doesn't look like Ed Brown or Wilson will fit right.

[Q619]

Having gone both ways, I'll go ahead and say it's worth the extra time...or money to fit one rather than use a drop in safety (which sometimes require some fitting anyhow). Much nicer fit, feel and obviously: look.