1911 Thumb Safety Help

[Linkinlog]

I purchased an extended thumb safety and attempted to install it last night. I went ahead and installed it to see if it would just drop in. To my suprise, it went right in and works properly.

The problem is the safety is hard to engage with just my thumb. It takes extra pressure to push it up into the "safe" position. Swiping it off is not a problem and it doesn't seem to take any extra force. The safety is working properly so I'm scared to mess with it. I don't want to start filing on it and end up needing a new safety. Any ideas on what I can do to make it a little easier to engage?

 

[Jim K]

The thumb safety on a 1911 type pistol blocks the sear. So difficulty in engaging the safety can come in two areas. The first is in the spring and plunger operating against the outer part of the safety. The angle and burrs in that area can make the safety difficult to move (in one direction or both). That problem can usually be resolved by checking the spring and plunger and by stoning the safety itself if that seems to be the problem.

The other area is in the internal part of the safety moving up to block the sear. If that appears to be the problem remember that that area is touchy, as the safety has to be able to move up against the sear but NOT allow movement of the sear with the safety engaged. If that seems to be the area of concern, SLOWLY and CAREFULLY stone the safety cam where it bears on the sear. I mean one stroke and try it, then another stroke and try it. If you take off too much, you can make the gun unsafe and have to buy a new safety.

Jim

 

[Linkinlog]

Thanks Jim. I'll check it out and take it very slowly.