Wilson Drop in Beavertail...well sort of

[G23Shooter]

Ok guys, I got my Colt COmmander about 3 weeks ago. Wanting to
customize it to my liking I have since added a S&A Magwell, VZ
Grips, and ditched the Colt clips for Wilson Combat 8 rounders. I still
wanted a better look so I decided I would get a beavertail to replace
that whatever tail Colt used on it.

Fitment: I am still wondering if I acctually got a drop in as it did
require a bit of fitting. The sides needed to be filed down a bit to
get it to slide in and out easily, it still has a small hiccup but that
will fix itself by working it in and out.

Finally got the beavertail on and sliding in and out easily. Filled
down the trigger catch and had it all working properly. Installed MSH
and now it is permanantly engaged. Took it apart and had to file down
the tangs on the MSH and the tangs on the beavertail to allow it to
move in and out. Now it is in and working, took a bit of filling but
nothing just about anyone couldn't do, so gunsmithing per say was not
required.

Appearance: It acctually fits better to the gun than the factory Colt
tail did. I was surprised. If you can tell in the below pics that the
bottom of it lines up with the polished SS on my frame almost
perfectly. From underneath the fit is tight and even all the way
around. About the only two things that are left to be desired is the
top of the tangs on the frame need to be worked to make it flow a bit
better, and the finish needs to be blasted to match the rest of the
gun. I plan on sending it to Precision Gunworks while I am on honeymoon
and have the front strap scalloped and get a trigger job, so I will get
them to do the Beavertail while they have it.

As I recieved it minus the S&amp;A Magwell that I had to put on as soon as it came in the mail:<br>
http://www.mustangmods.com/ims/u/177/175/7907.jpg

1911 as it is now: VZ Grips, S&amp;A Magwell, WC Beavertail:

http://www.mustangmods.com/ims/u/177/175/7904.jpg

Close up side view of the beavertail:<br>
http://www.mustangmods.com/ims/u/177/175/7905.jpg

Close up of underside:

http://www.mustangmods.com/ims/u/177/175/7906.jpg

Had this pic of my gear...sorry about the Glock :dead_hors lol

http://www.mustangmods.com/ims/u/177/175/7908.jpg
http://www.mustangmods.com/ims/u/177/175/7908.jpg

[John]

I can't see any pictures, did you read the FAQ before posting them?

[Ericthenorse]

I see the pictures just fine.... Also saw them just fine right after he posted this... Must be a problem on your end John...

[DanR]

Most "drop in" parts may need some work to make them fit. You will see that on most of the parts pages in Brownells catalog. John Moses drew up the plans with tolerances to +- 2 to 3 thousandths. So, if your frame is toward the low side and the part is to the high side, they may not fit without a little work. I always expect to have to do a little work to get things right.

[G23Shooter]

Most "drop in" parts may need some work to make them fit. You will see that on most of the parts pages in Brownells catalog. John Moses drew up the plans with tolerances to +- 2 to 3 thousandths. So, if your frame is toward the low side and the part is to the high side, they may not fit without a little work. I always expect to have to do a little work to get things right.


I am not complaining about having to do some fitting. I acctually enjoyed doing it. It kind of gave me a sense that I can do some other things that I thought I didn't want to try. On the whole I am acctually impressed with how well it fits. I have seen alot of guys that used this part and the fit is nowhere near as close as it is on mine.

I did alot of searching on this part before I decided to buy it and everyone was just saying that you had to file the pin that contacts the trigger, well there was a bit more involved than that in my case atleast, so maybe now when other people search for this part like I did they will see that it might require a bit more fitting to make it work.

[John]

I know for sure there is nothing wrong on my end, and I still can't see the pictures.

[G23Shooter]

I know for sure there is nothing wrong on my end, and I still can't see the pictures.


Has to be something wrong. I can see them.

????

[John]

I am sorry but www.mustangmods.com does not resolve for me.

[G23Shooter]

I wonder why??

Is there another image hosting site that I could use that would allow you to see them?

[John]

I am using Photobucket, but I have no problems with any other one.

[Ericthenorse]

The one I put on my Gold Cup dropped right in with no problems what so ever... I guess I am one of the lucky ones.....
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c132/ericthenorse/newpix015.jpg