Help with 1911 thumb safety

[Rogue1911]

All,

I'm trying to finish up a CMP legal 1911 service pistol. I used an Infinity hammer, sear and disconnector and am trying to fit the thumb safety, a Brownells GI replacement. The tab on the safety is not long enough to block the sear. I tried another safety with the same problem. Has anyone run into this before? Is my only option to weld onto the safety and then refit?

Thanks in advance for any input

Rogue

 

[Old Fuff]

Who made the frame? It's possible that the hammer or sear holes are not where they should be.

Also the Brownells' safety may be made to USGI blueprint dimensions. Many of the aftermarket now offered are not, with each maker doing their own thing. Maybe an e-mail to Infinity is in order.

 

[Rogue1911]

New Caspian frame. Spoke with Infinity on the phone, they put the blame on the thumb safety. I haven't found found many sources for a GI style safety other than Brownells. I'll measure to see if it's within specs, but that doesn't help the immediate problem of not enough metal. Are you aware of any other manufacturers to look at?

 

[Old Fuff]

You might take it up with Brownells, because they stand behind what they sell. If possible I would switch that safety into a different pistol just to see if it worked.

I haven't had trouble finding USGI safety locks/manual safeties at gun shows because of the large number that were removed by shooters that wanted a different one with an extended thumbpiece. You also might try www.e-gunparts.com and specify you want an original USGI part.

However this doesn't mean that it will work with the hammer/sear/disconnector combination you are using.

I haven't looked at a rulebook for awhile, but it used to be they'd accept a stock postwar Colt commercial safety lock if the thumbpiece hadn't been extended or otherwise modified. If so, Colt might still have some. They might also have some new ones that were used in their WW-1 and WW-2 reproductions.

 

[rcmodel]

I used an Infinity hammer, sear

If you have another stock hammer & sear, put them in the gun and see how the new safety fits with them.

I've heard of problems with Infinity parts being out of spec in real 1911 frames sometimes.

rc

 

[ROBBY.1911]

i have worked on 1911s for a long time and have yet to run into a thumb safety that was out of spec, no matter who the manufacturer. i'm going to follow this one. do you have another to compare?

 

[Rogue1911]

I have another thumb safety but it has already been filed to fit another gun, so it too is a little short on engagement. I'm out of town right now but when I get back I'll try calling Brownells and take some measurements. It looks to me that the sear is a little thin on the backside where it should contact the safety. Ill post measurements when I get a chance.

Dave

 

[Rogue1911]

Spoke with Brownells today. Appears the thumb safety is, in fact, too short. Part number 560-453-601. The problem I'm having is finding quality GI type thumb and grip safeties. Any suggestions on where to turn for some CMP legal parts?

Dave

 

[krs]

I'd call Colt - they've got two current models that use the old style small checkered thumb safety, the New Agent and the WW1 1911 reproduction.

 

[RogersPrecision]

Rogue,
I'd be happy to weld-up the engagement area of any safety you have.

 

[Drail]

A big +1 for RogersPrecision. It's so nice to encounter people that are willing to help out with other people's problems. I salute you sir!

 

[Rogue1911]

Chuck, thank you very much for the offer. I spoke with Les Baer today and asked about their ball gun and the thumb safety that they use on it. He said they just cut down an extended safety to to original profile. I'm going to order another and try that. If it doesn't work I'll post here and definitely take you up on the offer. I've seen your work, and it's a work of art.

Dave

 

[Rogue1911]

Received new thumb safety today and it works fine. I ended up going with a C&S as it matched the slide stop. Once the final fit is complete I'll lop off the extended thumb section and re-blue. Thanks for the input on this one.

Dave