RIA AMBI Safety Install Problem

[pfclee11b]

Ok well since I am a lefty I need a ambi safety on my 1911. I ordered an Ed Brown tactical thumb safety. Upon removing my old safety, and attempting to install the new one I ran into a problem... it wont click in. there is about 1/16'' gap between the safety and the frame. Upon looking at some videos I do not see what I am doing wrong it seems to be just a drop in system. Do I need to shave off some metal on the safety? As these are not cheap I dont want to have to buy a new one ($50 bucks is still $50 bucks) I am going to wait on what I hear from you all to see what I should do. As I am in winona it does not seem that there are any gunsmiths close by that work on 1911s that I can find.

[Bessy]

Ok well since I am a lefty I need a ambi safety on my 1911. I ordered an Ed Brown tactical thumb safety. Upon removing my old safety, and attempting to install the new one I ran into a problem... it wont click in. there is about 1/16'' gap between the safety and the frame. Upon looking at some videos I do not see what I am doing wrong it seems to be just a drop in system. Do I need to shave off some metal on the safety? As these are not cheap I dont want to have to buy a new one ($50 bucks is still $50 bucks) I am going to wait on what I hear from you all to see what I should do. As I am in winona it does not seem that there are any gunsmiths close by that work on 1911s that I can find.

*EDITED for more complete answer*


Okay let's get the stupid answer out of the way first... Are you sure your plunger spring+endpiece isn't blocking the insertion? If it is take a small flat head screwdriver.. press the spring/end into the plunger tube. Make sure your hammer is cocked, and your safety is halfway between safe and fire. If that's not the issue see below.


Even if the above does work to get the safety into the frame, you are probably still going to need to fit the safety so that it properly blocks the sear from moving. I've never seen a thumb safety just "drop in", there is usually some fitting required. Go down to mainstream in Winona, ask for Lucus, he should be able to point you in the right direction.

here is an article that talks about fitting both the grip/ and thumb safety.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=1030 ... ___Part_VI

[1911fan]

Where are you located? It's about a three minute fix, well okay a half hour taking it slow and taking it a couple of thoundths at a time but it is still easy. Be happy to show you how.

[pfclee11b]

I am in winona

[1911fan]

That's a little far but will still try to meet or I can take some pics and show you the process. I am in the cities.

[Bessy]

Look, I'm sure 1911 fan is a great guy who can help you out, but I'm serious Lucas at mainstream should be able to give you a hand, and you won't have to drive 1.5 hours to meet him either.

[pfclee11b]

dropped it off with lucas, the only problem is that it will take a week and a half but oh well i prefer it to be done right than done fast.