Cheeseybacon
Member
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2006
- Messages
- 246
So I've delved into a little bit of Kitchen table gunsmithing with my 1911 and I might have got in over my head, I'm not sure. Anywho, I'm working with a Colt Model 80, and trying to install a number of Wilson parts into it, mostly to dress up the gun a little, but hopefully I'll get a little improvement in functionality while I'm at it.
I've already fitted and installed a Wilson ultra-light trigger (#190), a modicum of filing was all that was needed. The Wilson skeletonized hammer (#337S) I also bought didn't appear to need any fitting and just dropped right in. The trigger pull is indeed lighter than before, this gun should be really fun if I can ever get the damn thing back together.
Finally, I'm attempting to finish this off with a Wilson "drop-in" beavertail (#429SG) and this is where I'm running into problems. The beavertail goes in easy enough, but I immediately an running into issues when I attempt to install the thumb safety. If I understand the process correctly, the hammer should be cocked before inserting and installing the thumb safety. My problem is I cannot insert the rod on the thumb safety into the hole in the frame, and through the hole in the grip safety while the hammer is cocked. Instead, I have to insert the thumb safety rod through the frame and through the grip safety just partially while the hammer is uncocked. I then cock the hammer and seat the rest of thumb safety fully into the frame. Unfortunately, doing so causes the hammer, grip safety, and trigger to all bind up and not move.
Obviously there is some filing that probably needs to be done somewhere on this grip safety, but where? This is driving me bonkers, I'm soooo close to finishing this install.
I've already fitted and installed a Wilson ultra-light trigger (#190), a modicum of filing was all that was needed. The Wilson skeletonized hammer (#337S) I also bought didn't appear to need any fitting and just dropped right in. The trigger pull is indeed lighter than before, this gun should be really fun if I can ever get the damn thing back together.
Finally, I'm attempting to finish this off with a Wilson "drop-in" beavertail (#429SG) and this is where I'm running into problems. The beavertail goes in easy enough, but I immediately an running into issues when I attempt to install the thumb safety. If I understand the process correctly, the hammer should be cocked before inserting and installing the thumb safety. My problem is I cannot insert the rod on the thumb safety into the hole in the frame, and through the hole in the grip safety while the hammer is cocked. Instead, I have to insert the thumb safety rod through the frame and through the grip safety just partially while the hammer is uncocked. I then cock the hammer and seat the rest of thumb safety fully into the frame. Unfortunately, doing so causes the hammer, grip safety, and trigger to all bind up and not move.
Obviously there is some filing that probably needs to be done somewhere on this grip safety, but where? This is driving me bonkers, I'm soooo close to finishing this install.
