TRP 1911 Grip Question

[Shipwreck]

Just got a 1911 TRP w/ Armory Kote - non rail version this weekend.

Someone online told me that standard grips (even made for ambi safety and magwell) will not fit on this gun because of the ambi safety Springfield uses.

This guy had the TRP Operator, though (w/ the rail).

Anyone else w/ this gun can verify this? Have you replaced your grips?

Here is a pic:

 

[Technosavant]

Whoever told you that didn't know what he was talking about.

My SA has the ambi safety (not magwell), and grips cut for an ambi safety (a relief cut on the inside of the rear on the right side grip for the retaining tab) work just fine. As far as the magwell, you want ones with a straight cut at the bottom to avoid the unsightly gaps you would have with the bevel cut.

www.alumagrips.com
You want the "full size ambi mag well" variety. Alumagrips are awesome.

Edit to add: I highly doubt that SA uses a different ambi safety on the TRP than on the loaded models; no point in stocking a separate part, and it looks the same too.

 

[Shipwreck]

Well, i looked at the pics - the loaded ambi safety and the TRP ambi safety do look different. The TRP has a small hook downwards at the very end. I do not see this on the loaded pictures.

 

[BullfrogKen]

With very few exceptions (obscure enough you're not going to encounter it on Springfield stock 1911's) the safety on the right side is retained by the right grip panel.

The hook you reference is a relatively standardized system. The grip panel is relieved underneath to permit this small piece of metal to move freely in its arc underneath, yet still be retained without much play. If you purchase new wood grips that do not have this relief cut, you can do it yourself at home.

Occasionally, aftermarket (or even stock equipped) grips are not relieved enough for the safety to complete its downward arc fully, or freely. Careful work with a dremel tool will make any non-ambi safety grip and ambi-safety grip. I only own wood 1911 grip panels; if you purchase aftermarket aluminum, micarta, plastic, mother-of-pearl or whatnot, contact the supplier if they do not fit. I have no basis to comment on altering these, so I won't.

 

[chuckles]

I have a TRP Operator and I did replace my awful grit grips with Alumagrips and couldn't be happier. I bought the black, standard checkered, ambi safety, magwell grips and they fit like they were custom made. No fitting issues at all with the safety or the magwell. Nice grips and a real improvement over the grit ones.

 

[Technosavant]

That thumb safety looks identical to the one on my loaded lightweight. Different finish, but identical. That little hook at the front of the thumbpad (I guess that is what you were referencing) does touch the top of my alumagrips, but it does not prevent safety disengagement. If it did, I've got a Dremel and 30 seconds to fix it. There is enough play on the right side of that lever for it to not be a problem.

The hook that is below the thumbpad, as said, is for retaining the switch- that half would fall off if it were not there. Rubber grips (like the Hogue monogrip) will form around it (not a problem), but solid grips do require a relief cut there. It is a standard option on 1911 grips.

I am guessing that your buddy heard some bad info (not unusual for people to believe incorrect things about their own gun) or tried some grips that were just slightly out of spec. SA doesn't use funky proprietary parts (well, there is that 9mm/.38Super firing pin, but it is just a different size, not a proprietary design).

 

[Shipwreck]

Alright. I appreciate the information. Thanks.

 

[Shipwreck]

OK, went to the guns tore, and saw the difference in the grips w/ and w/o the SA magwell. Also found out that the other mags would work. But,s eeing as I don't want that gap down by the magwell, and I also don't want my Springfield to say "Kimber" on the mags, I guess I'll stick w/ the stock mags for now.

Any of you TRP owners can answer another question?

As far as I can tell - no way to put meprolights on the TRP w/o cutting the slide and messing up the armory kote, right? The current sights are Novak night sights, but I prefer the mepros.