systema grip safety

[1911Fun]

i just have a quick question .. i am currently working on fixing up my systema just to be a good plinker and fun shooter .. i want to replace the grip safety but i amnot sure of the radius of the frame cut on the systema .. i see that most aftermarket grip safeties require a .250 radius .. will they work with my systema or will i have to modify the gun .. or can i just modify the grip safety to fit .. generally i am a newby to gunsmithing 1911's (hence why i bought the systema to start with)and i just need some advice ..

[RickB]

The frame is not cut to a radius; you have a choice of radii to which you must cut the frame for a given grip safety. Today, .250" radius is most popular, and there are number of them from which to choose, but all require cutting the frame. Wilson Combat makes a very nice drop-in safety that is contoured to fit Colt frames, and this might work well on a Sistema, as well.

[Hawkmoon]

Ditto what RickB said. The Sistema is built to Colt M1911A1 specs, which do not include a frame tang that's set up for a beavertail. Brownells sells jigs for grinding down your frame to accept a .250 radius beavertail, but once you've done that you can never go back. The Wilson Combat drop-in beavertail is optimized for a true Colt M1911A1, so it should work well with your Sistema and avoid the need to carve away the frame.

[1911Fun]

Thanks guys you more than answered my questions .. i really appreciate it .. like i said i am a novice and i am sure i will have many more questions to come .. its great to have somewhere to go where i can get good solid advice .. thank you !! gonna purchase the drop in model ,i dont have the skills to mess with milling or grinding anything haha and i am not afraid to admit that ..