Any such thing as a drop in safety?

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  • wcd

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    I had the pleasure of shooting a 1911 with a GI safety and if fit like a glove. Is it possible to replace the oversized safety with out it being a big deal? I would really like to switch mine out to the smaller safety.

    Thanks
     

    obijohn

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    I'm backing the CM here. That is one item on a 1911 that HAS to be fit to accomodate tolerance stack. Not that difficult to do, just needs done properly.
     

    throttletony

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    halfmileharry

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    Definitely NO on aftermarket safety replacement.
    Over the years I've built "rat guns" out of old milspec 1911s and they were TRUE milspec 1911s and anything would interchange on a 1911. True machinists in the day and not these wonderful modern machines that are supposed to be so perfect.
    It's no longer that way.
     

    halfmileharry

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    I had the pleasure of shooting a 1911 with a GI safety and if fit like a glove. Is it possible to replace the oversized safety with out it being a big deal? I would really like to switch mine out to the smaller safety.

    Thanks

    You can always take your safety down to a size comfortable to you.
     

    88E30M50

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    Replacing the safety on a 1911 is easy and can be done by anyone with no skill required. The steps are simple.

    1. Choose the new safety you want and buy it
    2. Take safety and 1911 to a competent gunsmith to have the safety fit
    3. Pay the gunsmith and take the 1911 home

    That's really all there is to getting a new safety in a 1911. Easy-peasy.
     

    churchmouse

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    There are endless U-tube video's etc that will show you how.
    Having the proper tools (as already mentioned) and the skill sets to use them is the key here.
    The relationship to the rest of the ignition controls the safety has is very important.
     

    r6vr6

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    2 1911s - colt defender with Kimber safety dropped right in. Safety functions great no issue passed all function tests and my own knock around/ drop test. Worked 8 yrs being carried in a crossbreed super Tuck without issue. Dan Wesson vbob required a lot of material to be removed to fit and function properly. I think if you have a modern production style generally you may not have to do much. If you have a older or semi/ custom gun it will likely need fitting. You won't know until you try.
     

    DanVoils

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    I had the pleasure of shooting a 1911 with a GI safety and if fit like a glove. Is it possible to replace the oversized safety with out it being a big deal? I would really like to switch mine out to the smaller safety.

    Thanks

    Since "1911's" are made on different platforms and styles there's not a common sizing. I can only presume that a real Colt 1911 would have a true drop in replacement.
     
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