1911 beavertail install!

[timmyb21]

Hey, first post in the gunsmithing forum! I just acquired a SA 1911 GI that I plan to use as a project, mostly to learn my limits of backyard gunsmithery. I've got a new mainspring housing, trigger, and hammer on the way, just kinda stockpiling parts to start playing with it. I know I need a new grip safety for the new hammer, but how hard is it to install it myself, assuming I have the proper tools (jig, files, ect.)? Is this something I should take on myself? The most complicated weapon (anything really) I've built is an AR, no grinding or anything necessary. I'm a little aprehensive about screwing something up, but I'm really OCD about this kind of thing. So, should I do it? Anyone in the Fresno area willing to show me how, or is it easy enough that I should just go for it and stop being a sissy?

[Sinixstar]

Have you ever fully stripped a 1911 before?
It's not terribly difficult, but there are a few gotchas to it, especially on reassembly.

[brassburnz]

The Springfield has a different radius cut for the beavertail than a Colt or Kimber. When you order your beavertail, just make sure you order the one for a Springfield.

[timmyb21]

Have you ever fully stripped a 1911 before?
It's not terribly difficult, but there are a few gotchas to it, especially on reassembly.

Yes. It was a little more difficult than a glock, but not horribly difficult.

The Springfield has a different radius cut for the beavertail than a Colt or Kimber. When you order your beavertail, just make sure you order the one for a Springfield.

Got it. .220 radius on the SA vs .250 or something like that for everyone else. Thanks, though.

[Ducman]

If I can do it, anyone can.....







It's a SA Grip safety and very minimal filing w/ dremel, didn't touch the frame.

[Gem1950]

Beavertail install

http://45-auto.com/

http://www.harrisoncustom.com/TextDesc/Beavertail.htm

Go slow, be careful, go from coarse to fine, polish well.

[timmyb21]

http://45-auto.com/

http://www.harrisoncustom.com/TextDesc/Beavertail.htm

Go slow, be careful, go from coarse to fine, polish well.

Thanks for the links...I'm gonna try this myself. Wish me luck guys!

[xxdabroxx]

What does the grip safety have to do with the hammer? I think you have some reading to do. I am stupid.

Go to 1911forum.com go to the gunsmithing section then find the post at the top about 1911 work. Start there. You need to fully understand how all the parts work together before you do any work, otherwise you are working blind.

[ojisan]

What does the grip safety have to do with the hammer? I think you have some reading to do.

The top shape of beavertail safeties is different than the original one.
The beavertails need to be used with a round Commander style hammer, or the tang on a standard hammer needs to be cut really short to clear.
The shortened tangs are too short and uncomfortable to use, so usually the hammer and grip safety are upgraded as a set.

See how the top of the beavertail is hollowed out so the commander style hammer rowl fits inside?

[Bird of Fire]

http://www.blindhogg.com/gunsmith/beavertails.html

[TMC]

If its a GI model there is no radius cut in stock form. Most safeties use the .250 radius, Ed Brown, STI, etc. I've never installed a Springfield Grip Safety but it looks like a Wilson which is a differnet radius. Like others have said, make sure you get the right jig for the safety you buy.

Take your time, go slow, check 3 times and remove 1/2 the metal (or less) you think you need to and check again. Buy good files, it will make the job so much easier. Only use a dremel to get close to the final size. Use a file for final finish so you don't get wavy or high and low spots.

Remember a gun is just a little machine with lots of moving parts that interact with each other so if make sure they are fit right and it should be fine.

Last bit of advise, grind on the cheapest part first

[xibunkrlilkidsx]

i cahnage out my grip safety on my RIA, and the part jsut dropped right in. a little sloppier than my preferance but functions 100%. i was rather upset that i didnt get to tinker.

but good luck

[Omil]

I used Wilson's parts, works best. You 'll need new hammer as well. Go slow, patience is the keyGL.

[xxdabroxx]

Doh, the spur hammer.

My bad. But read up on that anyways. Its good reading.

[brian.243]

Use good new mill files the home depot ones work well if they are new and chalk them. Make sure you have a secure vice to hold the frame as you are working in it. Use a jig and Take your time it is a very easy up grade to do for an do it your self smith.