"Notch" On Top Edge Of 1911 Trigger Bow

[Kagnew]

I know that the late-war 1911A1s were made with a notch on the upper edge of the rear portion of the trigger bow. Current triggers seem to be a mixed bag - some have the notch and some don't. Is it really all that important?

 

[Cpt Caveman]

Pics?

 

[churchmouse]

I know what he is referring to. Never really gave it any thought.
Besides staying true to the gun as built I would not worry about it. Unless that serves some function specific to that frame.

 

[rvb]

I think it's just a relief cut to ensure that the trigger bow cannot engage the sear legs. Shouldn't matter if all the parts are in spec and tolerances not horribly stacked.

Sometimes you'll see cutout on the bottom of the rear of the bow. That's to ensure that excessive over travel can't cause the bow to lift the sear spring. Did that once on accident.

Sometimes you'll see other cutouts on the back/sides of the bow just to reduce weight.

-rvb

 

[rvb]

Pics?

quick google found this:

 

[Kagnew]

quick google found this:

Exactly what I was talking about. Thanks.

 

[churchmouse]

quick google found this:

Makes perfect sense but if the piece is properly assembled and checked this should never be an issue.

 

[rvb]

yup. but I can imagine late war, w/ lots of manufactures making these guns besides the original vendor, parts getting swapped at depot, etc....

-rvb

 

[churchmouse]

yup. but I can imagine late war, w/ lots of manufactures making these guns besides the original vendor, parts getting swapped at depot, etc....

-rvb

That came to mind right after posting my response.

 

[Kagnew]

Yeah. Some of the late war production (especially Ithacas) were probably getting pretty loosey-goosey as the machining wore out.

 

[migunner]

The rear of the trigger bow is contacted by the grip safety. When fitting the grip safety, it is a gunsmith trick to notch the rear right corner of the trigger bow. This will allow the grip safety leg to retain more metal. This is handy if you ever need to fit another trigger.

The factory notch in the pic serves no defined purpose as far as I know. Might be some oft of index or register for locating the bends during manufacture.