replace deactivated grip safety

[golfwarrant]

I'm looking at a 30 year old Colt 1911 that the seller claims to have been a full custom job by Wilson. He doesn't have documentation and there is no Wilson marking on the pistol. It is all blued, but has a stainless grip safety that has been deactivated. I was wondering two things: How can I tell if it really was Wilson? Could I have the grip safety put back to normal or replaced with a working one?

 

[rcmodel]

Can't tell you how to prove it is a early Bill Wilson gun.

But the grip safety is probably just pinned down with a cross-pin under the grips.
Knock the pin out and it will probably return to normal operation.

rc

 

[BBBBill]

There are numerous ways to deactivate a grip safety. rcmodel mentioned one. Ultimately, you can replace a grip safety with a new one if you wish to or need to do so.

As for it being a Wilson built gun, contact Wilson with the make and serial number. They may be able to verify the work or tell you what marking to look for on the gun.

There are lots of guys out there modifying guns and, once sold, the new owner can claim anything he wants to about the work.

 

[hueyville]

If it shoots good don't worry about who actually built it and leave it alone. If it shoots like junk it is either the person holding it at the time or its not a Wilson. I have half a dozen 1911's with pinned grip safeties and "its one less thing to worry about". Pistol that lives under my pillow and my daily carry are pinned.