Colt Gov't Mdl. Hammer drops via thumb safety

[JohnnyJohnsoninWI]

Can you help troubleshoot a problem with my Colt Government Model Series 70, 45 Auto?

Here's what happens. 1. Cock hammer and engage the thumb safety. 2. Attempt to fire, ie squeeze and release the trigger (gun does not fire). 3. Still grasping the firearm so the grip safety is disengaged, push the thumb safety down (disengage). 4. The hammer drops to half-cock.

I assume I have a hammer, sear, or sear spring issue, but don't want to assume any thing. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks,
John

 

[earlthegoat2]

Your thumb safety is incorrectly fitted and needs a replacement that is fitted correctly.

If you are familiar with the click test for 1911s then this gun will fail it.

Pretty common problem among those who do not have enough experience in smithing 1911s.

Please do not use the pistol in its present state and get a new safety and have it installed by someone who knows what they are doing.

 

[Drail]

Agreed. Time for a new thumb safety.

 

[JohnnyJohnsoninWI]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your replies. The thumb safety is the factory part. I'll order a new one from brownells. Do you have any favorite brands? I don't want an ambidextrous model.

Also, do you have a link for a "click test"? Thanks.

John

 

[Drail]

The click test is essentially - clear the weapon -close slide - pull hammer back to full cock and apply the thumb safety - squeeze the trigger as if you were trying to fire the gun -hammer should not fall - let off of the trigger and press the thumb safety down (off) and then hold the gun up close to your ear slowly pull the hammer back and listen for a very faint click when it first begins to move, If you hear it then the thumb safety allowed some movement when you pulled the trigger and it is NOT holding the sear firmly enough. The click is the sear resetting into the hammer notch. However with what you described on your gun it seems clear to me that your safety is not holding (even if you don't hear the click). The new safety will have to be fitted with a file to the sear. If you don't know how to do that you should take it to a knowledgeable 1911 smith. It's easy to do but also very easy to take off too much and trash the new part.

 

[earlthegoat2]

http://www.cylinder-slide.com/1911safetyck.shtml

Here is a link that is basically what Drail described above. However Drail you are inaccurate in that you take the safety back off. You need to put the safety in the on position then squeeze the trigger and then put the gun close to your ear and pull BACK on the hammer only slightly to hear the click of the sear reengaging with the hammer notch.

With his situation if he were to pull the trigger and then take the safety off he has stated that the hammer drops to the safety notch which is normal if it is not right.

If you are thinking of fitting it yourself: go slow, read up on it a great deal, BUY TWO OR MORE safeties for good measure. I did not screw up the first one I did but I think I was lucky. I was at school when I did it and had quite a bit of background knowledge to work with.

Anything Wilson Combat or Ed Brown are my favorites with me buying Ed Brown more often.