[1KPerDay]

I'm trying to fit a Wilson "drop-in" beavertail to a Colt MKIV Stainless Combat Commander. I have learned how the end of the safety tang interacts with the trigger from the kind and patient members here and have looked at the sticky pics at the top of this forum, but what I can't figure out is why my new grip safety won't depress at all once the thumb safety pin is installed into the frame.

I see how the trigger shouldn't be able to move rearward if the grip safety tang is in the way (because it's not depressed, or if not enough material has been removed) but in my mind, the grip safety should be able to be depressed whether or not that material has been removed.

What am I missing? What else could be blocking the travel of the grip safety? Or is it simply being blocked by the back of the trigger stirrup (which doesn't make sense to me)?:confused:

[1KPerDay]

With the thumb safety out I can press the grip safety in and release the trigger properly, and if I sort of hold it in position and let the grip safety out, i blocks the trigger as it should... but with the thumb safety pin in no dice.

I assume I just have to remove some more material from the thumb safety tang? I don't suppose I should enlarge the hole in the thumb safety where the pin goes through, right?

(I just heard 1911 Tuner cringe when I typed that). :D

[rcmodel]

Color the grip safety tang with a Magic-Marker and put it all together.
Mess with it awhile, then take it apart.
You can see what is getting tight where the Magic-Marker wears off.

It sounds like the top of the grip safety tang is hitting the bottom of the sear before it clears the trigger bow.

rcmodel

[1KPerDay]

The TOP of the tang? I'm not supposed to mess with that area, am I? the instructions say to remove material from the 'notch' area only.

Maybe I should just suck it up and realize I'm a moron. :rolleyes:

[rcmodel]

Look at the old safety and compare where it was filed on to the new one.

rcmodel

[1KPerDay]

The old one is the original colt duckbill and there are no file marks I can see... the profiles look identical but it's obviously not. I think the difference may lie in the distance from the safety pin hole to the tang or something.

[1KPerDay]

I finally figured it out. I got some pretty cool video of the interior of the gun, showing what was going on. I'll post it tonight if I remember. :)

took me long enough, huh? :D

[EMC45]

It should be the tab touching inside. The tab is on the side of the safety. Carefully file away the tab tip and keep fit testing it and it will eventually work.

[1KPerDay]

Yeah... wish I'd understood that 2 years ago. :D

Here's the vid for those interested. Once you can see inside and have a look at what's going on it makes a lot more sense. At least for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oSg42YCfP8