Firing pin safety (block) - keep or discard?

Kimber is a Swartz safety which is not the same as a Colt Series 80. If you replaced the firing pin, you have defeated the safety but the firing pin block is now riding on the fat part of the firing pin. Most people don't report any problems doing that but it has caused a light strike or two in others. The FP block spring is pretty weak so it shouldn't cause too much drag.

I'd suggest you read the manual and look at the diagram of the safety. If you didn't get a manual, you can download one from Kimber's website.

Remove rear sight, toss the plunger and spring. My Kimber ran fine with the "stuff" still in the frame. You will also notice the grip safety will push in easier with the sight cleaned out

BTW, swartz safety is a firing pin block actuated by the grip safety. A colt series 80 firing pin block is actuated by the trigger.

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/tech/s80fpb.htm

http://www.m1911.org/mod_kimb.htm (lower down the page)

1858 said:

My Kimber Tactical Entry II is an 80 series pistol because it has a firing pin block mechanism. It's my understanding that 70 series pistols (such as those from Ed Brown) don't have a firing pin block. What are the less obvious pros and cons of a firing pin block? I replaced the firing pin, firing pin stop and extractor this morning with Ed Brown parts and was wondering if I should remove the firing pin safety (block). It looks like the rear sight needs to be removed to do this.

Thanks

Click to expand...

Yes, remove it.

Remove the piece under your rear sight and detail strip the frame to remove the finger in the frame. It's not hard to do.

While you have the rear sight off look into Heinie Ledge sights. Swapping sights on a Kimber is easy. Just need a vice, wood to protect slide, a steel punch, electrical tape, a regular sized claw hammer, and a solid workbench for the vice.

Get a regular guide rod too.

Yup, just remove #31, 39, and 40. The grip safety lifts 31, which hits 39, lifting it out of the way of the firing pin.

1911forum.com has a method for testing for FP drag with the safety in, I didn't bother, I just removed mine so that my Kimber is similar to my other 1911's.