swartz safety removal

[mechdriver]

What would be required to put my Kimber into a 'series 70' state?
I have read that replacing the firing pin is all that would be necessary, but it appears to me that would leave all the 'prone to break' parts in place and would simple keep the horseshow shaped piece pushed up and resting on top of the firing pin. If I remove all the parts involved, would I have to replace any of the present parts with 70 type parts and would there be any bushings or spacers that would have to be installed? Does anyone offer a kit to do this? Is the failure rate significant to warrant this conversion.

Now that I have asked all these questions, let me explain what brings this up. At the gunshow Saturday I was engaged in a conversation with a dealer who, upon learning that I routinely carry a CDP II, emphatically told me to take it to a gunsmith right away and have the firing pin safety removed as it is a source of failure. He said that his shop builds guns for the military and police and they never let one go to duty with this type of FP safety in place. I decided to do some research and found that he is not the only one of this opinion. I have not had any problems with this gun but at the same time I don't want to. Anyone with any pictures or drawings of what would be required would be most helpful. Also, links to parts for sale would be nice.

1911Tuner: Do you have any thoughts on this??

Thanks
Mechdriver

 

[1911Tuner]

Swartz

T'was asked:

>1911Tuner: Do you have any thoughts on this??<
*************

Have heard rumors that it's real easy...but don't have first-hand experience with it.

 

[mtncat]

I would imagine that it would be the same for turning a series 80 Colt into a series 70. Not a difficult task. BUT I doubt very seriously the "smith" you talked to did any conversions for a law enforcement agancy. Deactivating ANY safety on a firearm that is carried for self defense reasons is foolish and having spent most of my adult life as as an LEO, firearms instructor, etc. I know of no agency that would allow a safety modified weapon to be carried.

 

[orionengnr]

Sure are a lot of Kimbers out there, and I have never heard of anyone having a problem with the Swartz type safety. And I've spent a bit of time on 1911 forums reading all about Kimbers.

I'd rather have a pre-Series II "just 'cause" but I like my Ultra Carry II just fine.

 

[Jim K]

This might be in the "story" department, like the horror stories about the thousands (or was it millions?) of people killed when their S&W locks failed, but if Kimber's Swartz safety is like the original, it is easy to remove and there is no shim needed like there is in the Series 80. Just strip the gun, remove the pin that bears on the grip safety, plus the block and spring in the slide. You can replace the firing pin with the standard solid one if you want.

But, the cautions about deactivating a safety device are worth reading. It wouldn't matter much in a justified shooting as far as criminal charges go, but it could make a lot of difference in a civil suit, where it could be used to show recklessness and disregard of safety. Also, of course, if the gun does go off in the way the safety is designed to prevent, the person who took it out would be liable for damages.

Jim