Is there a procedure for fitting normal grips on an abmbi pistol

[dakotaranger]

I'm thinking of changing the grips on my Springer Loaded pistol, but with the ambitexterous safety I'll have to do some alterations. Is there an easy way to do this? Is there a gauge so I don't cut to deep?

[sarge43]

A pic would help, but I'm assuming that your ambi safety has the tab that fits under the grip panel. There are a number of ways to accomplish modifying the grip to give this tab space to operate. First off, usually the "notch" in the grip panel is a very little bit under 1/32" into the wood of the panel and needs to be about 1/2" tall and about 3/8" from the rear of the panel toward the front. You can deterimine this by looking at and measureing the tab and its movement. I use a trim router with a 3/16" straight bit in it to make this notch quickly and easily, but you can use a dremel tool, or even a sharp chisel and do it by hand. I would suggest you practice on a scrap piece of wood or two before doing it to your actual grips, just to make sure you have it down. There's not much frustration involved in screwing up a scrap piece of pine. ;)
Good luck!
Sarge

[RickB]

I lay the grip over the installed ambi, to determine exactly where the safety rests in the off position, as you want to cut away only enough wood that the safety is resting solidly against the grip panel when in the off position. Same at the top of the panel; if the thumb lever is in contact with the top of the panel, don't remove so much wood that the lever is left dangling. This is all advice from a lefty, who's riding that lever while shooting; you don't want to transfer that torque to the pin joint, and that's what you'll get if you remove too much wood. Make sure the safety is all the way down against the stop in the frame (left side) when you fit the lever to the grip (right side). I use a small pocket knife to do the whittling, as it allows minute adjustments as the fit gets close.

[dakotaranger]

Thanks guys

[sarge43]

Looks like Rick and I attacked the problem from different angles. Funny how two people can read the same thing and take away two different questions being asked. He saw "top of the grip panel" problem and I saw "safety tab cut into the back side of the grip" problem. Between the two of us I think we solved them both. :p
Sarge

[RickB]

Depending on the grips and the safety, there may be one contact point - the back side of the panel - or there may be two - back side and top - and you want to make sure you have solid contact in at least one of those locations. :)