[tech]

I love 1911's. I am wrong handed though so that screws me up as most come with a single sided safety. I have a couple that I have had ambi safeties put on but that runs me around $100 a pistol. I have decided to try installing one myself on a Norinco. I can do a complete strip so how hard is it to fit an ambi safety? Is this something I should leave to a smith?

Thanks
Mike

[AirForceShooter]

I'm a lefty too and I've been shooting a 1911 for over 40 years.
You don't need a ambi safety. Us your index finger to drop the safety. Use your index finger to drop the slide release lever.
It's really easy if you practice a little.
Or do what I do, carry Condition 0.


AFS

[tech]

Ok AFS you are correct I could do either of those. I guess I desire ambi safeties on my pistols. I do find that using my trigger finger on my mag release and slide stop works great.

Mike

[W Turner]

I can't walk you thru the process, but from what I understand, it is not difficult to install and fit an ambi safety. Maybe buy a Kuhnhausen shop manual for the 1911 and post here for tips. $100 sounds little steep to me anyway, but no more work than I have ever had done, I could be way off.


W

[Cazach]

Fitting a thumb safety is not difficult, but it is critical that you have a good understanding of what is happening inside the frame.

Not overly tough, but it is time consuming to perform correctly.

$100 does not seem bad if that includes the part.(i.e. $40-60 for the safety and $40-60 labor).

If you are not 100% comfortable with understanding the relationship of the sear/disconnector/hammer/etc. then take it to your smith of choice.

[1911Tuner]

Howdy Tech,

After fitting, the safety should be checked for proper function in the following manner:

Cock the hammer and engage the safety. Pull the trigger, applying about
twice the amount of force normally required to trip the sear. Hold the left side of the gun to your ear and slowly overcock the hammer. Don't let it touch the grip safety or you'll get a false reading. Listen carefully for a light
"click". If you hear it, the safety lug isn't blocking the sear's movement completely...You took off too much material. If you don't hear it, repeat the
test, but disengage the safety before doing the click test. If you don't hear the click, you've done well. If you do hear it, you need to start over.

If you go just a tiny bit too far, and hear only a very light sound, you may be able to salvage the safety by lightly peening the contact surface and refitting it. If you run into this, start another thread so we can walk through the procedure.

Luck!