Print Page | Close Window

1911 Drop In Beavertail Safety

Printed From: AMT Guns information
Category: Auto Mag Pistol
Forum Name: FAQ
Forum Description: They always get asked so take a look first.
URL: http://www.amtguns.info/forum_posts.asp?TID=2262
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 1:23am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: 1911 Drop In Beavertail Safety
Posted By: srma63
Subject: 1911 Drop In Beavertail Safety
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2018 at 6:09pm
Does anyone know of a source for a SS beavertail drop in (i.e., not milling or inletting required) for a mid-80s (S/N A254XX) AMT Government Model?  Nothing fancy (e.g., Wilson Combat Custom Shop), just functional.  I've tried EGW.com, but  their beavertails all require quite a bit of grinding on the gun itself.
 


Replies:
Posted By: TRX302
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2018 at 6:24pm
Unfortunately the back of the frame has to be radiused so the safety can move without binding. A regular beavertail can't be installed unless you modify the frame to accept it. Just for fun, there are at least three different "common" radii...

However, "back in the day" Armand Swenson (and likely others) made some safeties with extended tabs on the top, extending back under the hammer, that did the same basic job as a beavertail in preventing hammer bite. Those were drop-ins, as much as 1911 parts ever are.

As far as I know nobody makes such a thing any more, but you could mill or grind to narrow an ordinary beavertail at the top so it would work the same.

If you decide to go with a conventional beavertail Midway and Brownell sell a file fixture that you attach to the back of the frame; it uses two hardened buttons to guide a file. It's a quick job to remove the necessary metal with a file.

Posted By: AUTOMAG
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2018 at 8:04pm
This is from Brownells for a Wilson Combat "drop-in" beavertail grip safety. I hope this helps.

High Ride Comfort For Colts, Without Frame Cutting

Install the comfort and convenience of a high ride beavertail safety on your Colt 1911 Auto without cutting or altering the frame. Deeply curved shape lets the pistol sink farther into the web of your hand for improved recoil control and shooting comfort. Raised pad at the base ensures positive safety engagement even with a high-thumb hold. Wide beavertail eliminates painful hammer bite. All models must be used with Commander-style or bobbed hammers only. Minor fitting of trigger engagement area may be required for proper operation.

https://youtu.be/AW5Zb0V5c8o



https://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/safety-parts/safeties/1911-drop-in-beavertail-grip-safety-prod16464.aspx" rel="nofollow">429BG GOVT BLUE DROPIN BT GRIP SAFETY

$39.99
In Stock




Posted By: jw4570
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2018 at 11:10pm
That's the only one I know of.  Have one on a Combat Elite as I didn't want to cut the frame.  

I like the Ed Brown one that you cut the frame myself, for a shooter, but for this one gun I wanted to shoot a little more, I bought the drop in, and yes, it will most likely require fitting, just fit by filing on the safety, not the frame if necessary.  And you will need the commander hammer.  I just bought a strut and pin too, and then put the original hammer with strut, pin, and grip safety in a bag for safe keeping.  Now where did I put that????

JW

Posted By: jw4570
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2018 at 11:11pm
Oh, and it doesn't give you the same high grip, but helps with hammer bite.


Print Page | Close Window

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2023 Web Wiz Ltd. - https://www.webwiz.net