Colt Series 80 - 2 Questions

[augustus_01]

1) I just installed some new Wilson Combat parts - full length guide rod, ultra light skeletonized hammer, drop-in beavertail grip safety and stainless steel hex head grip screws. Everything went smoothly on the install, but when I tried to insert the magazine, it would not go. Seems like something is blocking it. Anyone have a clue as to what might be causing this? This was my first time to disassemble a 1911, so I might have something backwards.

2) The drop-in beavertail fits very nicely, however, it does need some slight fitting. What would be the best way to remove material for fitting, OR, should I just take it to a gunsmith?

Thanks in advance,

Jack

[Side-by-Side]

Being a rookie myself, this is just a guess on #1, but what happens when you back out your new grip screws? One or more of them could be slightly too long and impeding the movement of your magazine. SxS

[John]

I would also guess the screws are to be blamed for the stopping of the magazine. Or maybe a bent trigger bow which protrudes in the mag well.

As for the second question, a small fine file will do fine. Which area needs to be fitted? Better yet, what is the problem you are facing?

[augustus_01]

I'll check the grip screws when I get home. I'm guessing it might be another piece though, as I didn't know where one of them went. I'll try to disassemble again tonight and take a picture of the part I am talking about.

As for the beavertail, it seems like it's slightly catching on the right side. I can't actually see where it's catching though.

[Hawkmoon]

As for the beavertail, it seems like it's slightly catching on the right side. I can't actually see where it's catching though.
Verify first, before you file anything.

The most likely place would be the tip or the underside of the finger that actually engages the trigger bow and stops the trigger. The Wilson instructions tell you that may need to be fitted, and they show you an illustration of where you may have to file.

[augustus_01]

Verify first, before you file anything.

The most likely place would be the tip or the underside of the finger that actually engages the trigger bow and stops the trigger. The Wilson instructions tell you that may need to be fitted, and they show you an illustration of where you may have to file.
1) Upon further inspection of the pistol last night, there is a small part that is stopping the magazine from fully seating. I must have put it in wrong, so I will disassemble it again tonight.

2) I noticed that the grip safety only "catches" when the hammer is cocked. It does not "catch" when the safety is fully foward. Any thoughts on this?

[John]

Where is the small part? What small part doesn't allow the magazine to go in???

Grip safety doesn't catch when the hammer is not cocked? You mean it doesn't bind when it is down, but it binds when the hammer is cocked? There must be something wrong with the way you have reassembled this pistol. Or the safety is binding on the sear most probably. Can't tell from here. Tell us what part is stopping the magazine, I can't think of anything else but the disconnector or one of the Series 80 parts.

[augustus_01]

Where is the small part? What small part doesn't allow the magazine to go in???

I believe that it may be the trigger bar lever - it fell out before I could see where and how it's positioned.