Problem removing 1911 Thumb Safety

[Dustin92]

I put together a 1911 from parts, everything was within the tolerances and was firing fine. I was taking it back apart last night to clean everything, and to polish part of the trigger that was scratched. Everything was coming off fine until i got to the thumb safety. I put the hammer in the cocked position and tried to wiggle it out, but it wouldn't budge. After trying for a few hours i gave up and called a fellow armorer who suggested to take off the mainspring housing and sear spring.

Now I have a hammer that is loose, and a thumb safety that will barely move. Anyone have a suggestion on how to get this off?

 

[Oro]

I put the hammer in the cocked position and tried to wiggle it out, but it wouldn't budge.

You have to pivot the safety upward 1/2 way between the on and off positions before you start to wiggle it, and you have to pull it upwards at the same time. It doesn't sound like you were getting it lined up properly.

 

[Dustin92]

I've tried to get the thumb safety to the 1/2 way position, but I can't quite get it there. can't tell whats in the way from it moving. I think it's in a bind with a sear.

 

[Walkalong]

Remove the mainspring housing. Pull out the sear spring. Pop out the sear pin, if you can. Shake all the parts out you can. Try it then.

 

[Dustin92]

Great idea, i was able to move the sear pin just enough to cause the system to loosen enough to punch out the thumb safety. Going to mic it tonight to see if i was off on the tolerances or what happened. I really appreciate the help.

 

[ROBBY.1911]

next time push the hammer pin out and remove the hammer. you have room to move that way.