Joshua M. Smith
Member
Hello,
I ordered a Caspian ambi thumb safety to try out on my 1911, and it arrived today.
Fitting was extensive on my particular pistol, a Rock Island Armory. I do not believe the same problems I ran into would be evident on a domestic frame as the Rock Island's frame seems to be a bit thicker than most (I've not quantified this; it's just an observation over the course of the build).
The safety feels much like a King's safety, and is retained by a modified hammer pin.
It is a very solid piece, with my only concern revolving around the joint. It came with a lot of slop, and the right side would not disengage the left side fully until I tightened it a bit.
Still, it's reminiscent of a small, square head screwdriver.
The left side of the fitted safety
Forgive the mess; there's wear showing from the previous safety. However, this pistol is quickly becoming a test bed for my next build, and I doubt I'll do much more refinishing to it.
The right side
I appreciate the clean looks of this safety as opposed to the traditional "ear". Additionally, the levers are about 1/4" wide and positioned so that you can't miss them unless you're trying.
This is my one misgiving...
That joint seems like it could be fragile. I took it out of the pistol and torqued on it, and it seems solid. However, having a background in auto mechanics, I've seen way too many stripped bolt and screw heads. If I didn't have to take this thing apart now and again, I'd just hit it with a weld bead and clean it up.
In short, if this thing holds up, I will be pleased. If not, I will try a Wilson Bullet Proof. I've tried a Kimber safety and it broke.
The next build gun is to have clean lines and a good finish applied by someone better in finishes than myself. I'm also a left hander. I am therefore insisting on hidden retention for the right side paddle.
Josh
I ordered a Caspian ambi thumb safety to try out on my 1911, and it arrived today.
Fitting was extensive on my particular pistol, a Rock Island Armory. I do not believe the same problems I ran into would be evident on a domestic frame as the Rock Island's frame seems to be a bit thicker than most (I've not quantified this; it's just an observation over the course of the build).
The safety feels much like a King's safety, and is retained by a modified hammer pin.
It is a very solid piece, with my only concern revolving around the joint. It came with a lot of slop, and the right side would not disengage the left side fully until I tightened it a bit.
Still, it's reminiscent of a small, square head screwdriver.
The left side of the fitted safety
Forgive the mess; there's wear showing from the previous safety. However, this pistol is quickly becoming a test bed for my next build, and I doubt I'll do much more refinishing to it.
The right side
I appreciate the clean looks of this safety as opposed to the traditional "ear". Additionally, the levers are about 1/4" wide and positioned so that you can't miss them unless you're trying.
This is my one misgiving...
That joint seems like it could be fragile. I took it out of the pistol and torqued on it, and it seems solid. However, having a background in auto mechanics, I've seen way too many stripped bolt and screw heads. If I didn't have to take this thing apart now and again, I'd just hit it with a weld bead and clean it up.
In short, if this thing holds up, I will be pleased. If not, I will try a Wilson Bullet Proof. I've tried a Kimber safety and it broke.
The next build gun is to have clean lines and a good finish applied by someone better in finishes than myself. I'm also a left hander. I am therefore insisting on hidden retention for the right side paddle.
Josh
