Defender grip safety????

[Hank Dodge]

I've got a question about the grip safety options available for the Colt Defender. My Defender came with the "duck bill" Colt style safety that is kinda' squared off and downward sloping. I've found that this does not work well for me; with a high hold on the weapon, the web of my hand actually works to keep the safety engaged by forcing up upon the beavertail. I've seen many pictures of Defenders with an up-swept beavertail and "memory bump" of sorts at its base. I thought that style was a factory grip safety as well.

Any information would be appreciated. Right now, my Defender has been shipped back to Colt to hopefully resolve some serious functional issues. I'd like to know if I have any beavertail options that Colt could install and therefore maintain the warranty issues (at least until they get the weapon to function 100%). Otherwise, I'm looking for aftermarket recommendations that I would install after Colt gets it working right.


Thanks,

Hank

[RickB]

The early Defenders had a grip safety supplied by Caspian. Subsequently, that same part has been used by both SIG and Detonics on their pistols, so you should be able to get it from a number of sources. Colt uses a S&A beavertail on the Special Combat Government Model, and they could install that one for you.

[flintsghost]

The early Defender grip safety that was made by Caspian is still available from them. The 2nd and 3rd issues of the Defender used a different type which is reminiscent of the old King "drop in" style. Fortunately if you wish to go to the 1st version, it isn't difficult but does require installation by someone who knows how, as the radius for the curve on the back of the frame horns is smaller on the caspian version than on the later two.

[Hank Dodge]

So it's probably the Caspian version that I'm thinking of. When I was considering buying the Defender, I was reading a lot of reviews on line about them. I guess that most of the articles showed pictures of earlier model guns. I ordered this one through my dealer sight unseen and was a bit disappointed with the grip safety it came fitted with. It wouldn't bother me much if it worked well; but, with a high hold and my thumb perched on the thumb safety, the web of my hand wants to keep the grip safety engaged. Not such a big deal on the range, but this is meant to be a defensive arm. Something like that would be detrimental in a high stress situation.

Hank

[paul45]

How bout the ole standby.......? a Wilson drop in?
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/paul10mm/100_0066.jpg

[Hank Dodge]

I'm sure that would work better than the one that's in it. I was just thinking that Colt could swap mine out to something more functional while they had it in their hands. Do you have a part number for that specific Wilson safety? What are those grips on your Defender, they look nice and they even have the little pony on them.

[TcRoc]

I 'd love to know the part number too,,I have 3 numbers but don't know which it is from midwayusa

[pjsjr]

Here's my Defender with the Wilson's drop-in, #429SC, it's the one for officer/commander. It was beadblasted for a better match. Made a big difference in grip for me. Preston

Click for larger image.

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/1700/img0140lo1.th.jpg (http://img527.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0140lo1.jpg)

[RickB]

The Wilson drop-in is a great option. Either the Caspian or S&A requires cutting on the frame and subsequent refinishing.

[dakota1911]

Thankfully the duckbill works fine for me. I even sort of like it. If it didn't I think I would also go with the Wilson drop-in given the Defenders Alloy frame.