fitted grip safetys, do you have to file the frame?

[BoomerBSG]

do you have to file on the frame for fitted BTS's? i'm sure i already know the answer. but i'm curious if theres a way to make one work without filing on the frame itself? (if you've seen my WTS thread you know why i'm asking this).
if you havnt seen it, i purchased a Wilson BTS, and it was supposed to be the drop in type, but the guy sold me the wrong one and i didnt notice till an hour later... at my home.. i'd really rather not drive all the way back out there if i dont have to. can one just file the BTS itself to make it work?



cheers

[RickB]

That's where the fitting is.
You probably could file the beavertail to fit, since there's extra material, relative to the frame. Probably won't look as good as either a properly fitted one, or one designed to drop in, though.

[John]

Beavertails require frame machining, unless they are the Wilson drop-ins which are specifically made for Colt Government or Colt Commander pistols.

If you want to avoid that, you can use a Commander scalloped grip safety, like the one in the picture below.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_1323.jpg

[BoomerBSG]

thanks for the replies (Again):)

i took my defender apart and stuck the grip safety in, it would work if i ground off a bit of the BTS where it fits up next to the tang of the weapon... more work than i feel i need to do. i'm hoping someone either buys mine, or i'll just return it as soon as i can. its just that with the distance it will likely take me about $10 in gas (plus the $10 i spent today on gas) so my $40 part will cost me $60:(

ah well live and learn.
cheers

[Joshua M. Smith]

Why not order a Wilson jig and fit it to the frame?

I did a Brown cut on mine, and it's much more comfortable than any handgun I've ever shot, bar none. And I've shot a lot of handguns, from snub revolvers to duty revolvers to autos of all sorts.

My Taurus PT92 (Beretta M9 clone) in 9mm feels now like it has more recoil due to the fit in the hand.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/WabashShootist/Guns/1911/RIA/finished/SOCOMcloneonlyHA.jpg

I think if you ended up with a fitted safety, you would not regret it in the least...

Josh <><

[BoomerBSG]

i'm still new to "smithing" so i'm not quite ready to tackle that job just yet. also this is going on an aluminum framed Defender.
i hope to one day have the confidence to do my own fitted, but for now.. i'm gonna hold off.

cheers

[Hill]

Boomer,
Did the defender come with Colt's 'duckbutt' beavertail, or maybe with one of the Caspian style with a longitutinal bump?

If it did, there won't be much fitting needed to use the Wilson because Colt already rounded the tangs. They don't round them to a Wilson contour exactly but it's close enough to let you get a decent fit.

My CCO (Officer/Defender aluminum frame) had the long vertical bump style and changing to a Wilson took nearly no work at all:http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/twagger/firearms/afterCCOa.jpg

(slim alumagrips no longer installed - I didn't like the feel)

[BoomerBSG]

sorry for the late reply. my defender comes with the Duckbutt, i purchased a wilson drop in, but i screwed it up i think. i filed too much off.. so i'm gonna order another one next payday:(

i guess nothing is going to be easy for me on this lol.

[terabyte]

Just shop around, I have Drop in Beavertail safety's I bought that are exc aftermarket pieces that drop in a std Govt style frame w/o any mods.

I mail order most stuff $$gas$$ the shipping is usually cheaper vs the fuel cost..

Gun shows are the best to pick up extra parts you "MAY" need later.

[saltydog]

As suggested by 1911Tuner months ago, I ordered an aftermarket 'drop in' grip safety from Kings for the Cmdrs. I keep it in my gun box and put it on when needed for a range session. It does make extended sessions a bit more plesant. The factory safety goes back on when I wipe the guns down.

salty