Calling all 1911 guys

[Bullnettles]

Hello all,

I will be purchasing a 1911 RIA tactical, but am not a fan of the ambi-safety. How difficult would it be to swap it for a regular safety?

Thanks,
BN

 

[JoeSlomo]

Meh...

It's not too bad as long as you go slow.

I dorked up the first one I did, but learned from my mistake and did 2 relatively headache free.

Just make sure you do a thorough safety and function check upon completion to ensure you got it right.

 

[Bullnettles]

Good, thank you for the reassurance. I remember field stripping my first 1911 years ago, but never messed with the innards. One reason I like polymers is the ease of breakdown. Thanks Joe.

 

[Demitrios]

It's not too bad. If you want/need to do it there are various posts on this forum of exploded 1911 diagrams on how to do basic smithing, including dealing with safety's. If those don't make you feel comfortable to take on this venture Patrick Sweeney has written some books in very detailed formats for beginners and he really eases you into the process while at the same time giving you some insight to possible mistakes you could make. Like JoeSlomo said, take your time and you'll do just fine.

 

[1911Tuner]

You'll want to get a hammer and sear pin set as well. The ones in the gun now have been cut flush with the frame for clearance with the right side of the safety. Probably an anal thing that I have, but I like to go all the way back to standard when making that particular change.