Is this grip safety ok on a Gov't?

[RA40]

This was in a bag of misc parts taken in on a trade. The finish matches the GI-A1 so was debating if I want to fit it up. In this instance will the spur hammer need to be shaved to clear? Any idea who the maker is on this safety? (Was thinking Wilson.) There was also a commander round hammer in the bag.

 

[larryh1108]

That is a beavertail grip safety and will not fit on a standard M1911 frame unless it (frame) is modified quite a bit. The spur hammer would not work unless it was shaved down quite a bit. The round commander hammer works with the beavertail grip safety. Unless it is marked, it may not be possible to identify the maker since so many companies make them.

 

[sequins]

that's a nice looking aftermarket beavertail. Wilson is the premiere aftermarket so it is fairly likely it's a wilson combat, but as another poster stated it's a common part so it's hard to be sure.

As for fitting, as with most 1911s it may be drop in, may not. 1911s are finicky and often require fitting. Just because it's not drop in doesn't tell you much. The commander hammer is likely a clue though, it's probably a commander sized part and thus not suitable to an A1 1911 government frame.

 

[mgmorden]

It won't work with a GI frame or hammer. Needs a round hammer and the back of the frame will need to be radiused for the grip safety to fit.

Radiusing the frame can be done easily with just a file and some patience (getting it to work is pretty darned easy - getting it to work AND still look nice will require the patience ). For the hammer - that will take a bit more skill. It may or may not drop in, and even if it does drop in and technically "work", it might result in a very bad trigger feel/weight.

Me personally, I'd probably stick with the GI safety. If your gun also has GI sights IMHO a beavertail grip safety won't even look right. Beavertails only look good with Novak/Heinie/Bomar style sights IMHO.

 

[9mmepiphany]

This is how much you'd have to contour the tangs of your frame...note that the spur hammer has been trimmed off to work with the beavertail grip safety

 

[RA40]

Thanks guys! Called on the parts and he thought the beavertail may be a Clark. He had no idea on the hammer other than he said he'd bought from Wilson and Clark in his shooting days.

Looked online at pictures of 1911's in the 80's and 90's. A different look than now for sure. IDK if I'd want that retro styling.

Added some better pics of it: