New GS on a Springer

[TrapK80]

New Grip Safety Question

One thing I did learn about 1911's is when you get stuck...get help! Tuner, Dave, Jim, anybody: I could use a little advice and help! I have a Springer that I want to change the GS on. I ordered the S&A .220 radius model designed for the Springer. What and where do I need to "fit" this GS on my gun? Since this is a safety feature I want to be sure this is something I can do or maybe I should send it out to a 'smith.

 

[Dave Sample]

I do not know how much skill you have at metal work. You need a Jig from Smith an Alexander (.220) and that will let you file away the rear tangs on the frame. Then you will need to fit the GS for the trigger release, making sure that it blocks the trigger when it is out all the way. You also need to fit the grip safety to the mainspring housing which many amateurs miss and you need the luck of the irish to get this done in a half way decent manner. Good luck. I would hesitate to tell you to take it to a Smith, because many of them lack the skill to do this right. You will also need several files to do this and good ones are not cheap.



Using a taper pin on an Ed Brown Platupus Bill fit.

 

[Dave Sample]

Here is how the .225 jig looks on a normal lower end.

 

[Jammer Six]

It's not hard. It's a great first project.

I did it using their jig, and with advice from 'Tuner and Old Fuff.

I used one file and a stone.

I took some pictures, and wrote about it here.

Good luck!

 

[TrapK80]

"You need a Jig from Smith an Alexander (.220) and that will let you file away the rear tangs on the frame".

Dave, the Springer NM frame is already cut for the .220 S&A so that's one less major fitting process I think I need to do. BTW, I have no metal working experience!

"Then you will need to fit the GS for the trigger release, making sure that it blocks the trigger when it is out all the way. You also need to fit the grip safety to the mainspring housing..."

Dave, I think this will be the biggest problem area. When I stripped the frame the GS fit the tangs, etc. The "fingers" of the GS are a little long, preventing the installation of the thumb safety. As far as the GS/MSH fit I am completely lost there!

Jammer: thanks for the info and link! The pics help explain and clarify things. The finished product looks great..nice job!! Thanks again Dave and Jammer!!!!