Installed new thumb safety - minor trouble

[ALman]

I installed a grip safety, hammer, and ambidextrous safety on my .38 Super today. The ambidextrous safety is fitted now so that it slips past the sear and functions positively. However, there is some play in the right side safety and when I engage the right lever, the left does not rise fully into the notch. (If I engage the left - it goes right into the notch). Several things occurred to me including the area on the left side safety that engages the spring detente, but since this is my first try at this I would appreciate any advice on the issue. The picture below shows the left safety just below the notch.

Thanks,

Kevin



http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk306/kturner3940/IMG_0239.jpg

[pa_guns]

Hi

Who's ambi is it?

Let me try to summarize the problem:

The safety works fine from the left side, but from the right side it's not quite as "positive". Since it's not as positive it's difficult to get the safety to "click".

Is that correct?

If so, something to check: The right hand paddle may be hitting something. The top of the grip generally needs to be modified to allow enough travel.

Bob

[ALman]

It's an Ed Brown tactical ambi safety.

I checked the right grip panel and it looks fine. I had them cut for the ambi when I ordered them.

When the right safety lever is raised to full engagement, the left does not rotate fully upward to engage the notch.

I fitted the safety to just clear the sear, but I didn't do anything yet to the tongue and groove that connects the right and left levers. I just noticed that the right safety is not fully flush against the frame.

Thanks,

Kevin

[pa_guns]

Hi

The left and right halves may not be fully meshed. Take a look at just what the magic gyration is that locks them up.

Be very careful about the back of the right side safety scratching up the frame. It's well worth checking the back of the part to be sure it's smooth.

In case that sounds like a bit much to check: I was looking at some *very* expensive semi-custom pistols last weekend. One of the ones I didn't buy had a nice big gouge (slight exaggeration) in the frame from the right side safety. Even the pro's miss things sometimes.

Bob

[jn316]

http://forum.m1911.org/showpost.php?p=361760&postcount=1
Check this tread out seems very helpful.Have you tried removing the right side and focusing on the left side only just to isolate the problem? Check the the frame notch as well for clearance.

Good Luck and Happy Easter

[Hill]

Something else to do if you didn't do it or new pins weren't provided in the Ed Brown kit is to grind both the hammer and sear pins flush with the surface of the frame. Best to use a spare set if possible, in case you want to go back.

[DissonantEscapist]

I just bought a new SA PX9109LP today, and I have the same problem. The left safety works fine, but the right safety is very hard to move. When I took the grips off, I noticed there is a wear spot on the inner side of the right grip, because it was not cut for an ambi safety. :butthead: The safety is also scratching the frame, so I guess some sanding is in order.

[pa_guns]

I just bought a new SA PX9109LP today, and I have the same problem. The left safety works fine, but the right safety is very hard to move. When I took the grips off, I noticed there is a wear spot on the inner side of the right grip, because it was not cut for an ambi safety. :butthead: The safety is also scratching the frame, so I guess some sanding is in order.

Hi

Welcome to the wonderful world of ambi fitting.

Stone the back side of *any* ambi as soon as you buy the pistol. Also slightly break the edges. Frame scratches are still possible, but you can reduce how fast it gets going.

Some people put a little plastic tape on the back side of the right safety. I'm not a big fan of that one. Unless your safety is way to wide it creates other problems.

Bob

[DissonantEscapist]

My first couple of tries at sanding away enough of the grip to let the safety travel has improved things, but I still haven't gotten it completely right. Being left-handed hasn't been this much trouble for a long time.

I do feel like I am learning a lot in a hurry for a beginner.

-Edit-

Everything fits and moves well now. The altered grip portion is circled in the picture.

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm307/DissonantEscapist/SA_Loaded_Parked/100_1251_back_web.jpg

[Hill]

Hi

Welcome to the wonderful world of ambi fitting.

Stone the back side of *any* ambi as soon as you buy the pistol. Also slightly break the edges. Frame scratches are still possible, but you can reduce how fast it gets going.

Some people put a little plastic tape on the back side of the right safety. I'm not a big fan of that one. Unless your safety is way to wide it creates other problems.

Bob

I put a glass-like polish on the inner surfaces of both of my ambi equipped pistols on the strength of your warning, Bob. Appreciate it.
The undersides of the R/H levers look like they're chromed now.

[pa_guns]

Hi

The other advantage of polishing the right hand safety is that you reduce drag. It may or may not make things work better, but having both move the same way definitely *looks* better.

Bob

[Greyswindir]

This is a little second-hand info about the ED Brown Ambi's....they tend to leave a bit of a gap on the right side so you might be stuck with a little gap. Sometimes, if the right side drags it could mean that the tong and groove are not completely mated together.

[pa_guns]

Hi

If there's a gap on the right side, I certainly would consider a thin bit of tape behind the safety ...

Bob