Is there a decent drop in grip safety for a Colt Defender??

[hker71]

Hello,

I have a Colt Defender and I would like to change the grip safety. I had the frame duracoated satin black already so I would like to find a drop in type if possible.

I love this pistol and it has become my primary off duty carry gun (I was carrying a 1991A1 off duty, but this Defender is far better to conceal). This thing is accurate and light. The only thing I don't care for is the grip safety. Any ideas or recommendations?? Thanks.

hker71

[Hersh]

Here's a Wilson drop-in that I used on a 5" gun. I think it will work on your Defender.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/Hershel_Van/DSC00106.jpg

[clughog]

That's what I was going to suggest, Hersh. A Wilson Combat Drop-In Beavertail, #429BC for the Colt Commander/Officer (Blue).

[kenhwind]

See my "Slightly Modified Defender" Pictures of your Colt
Wilson; drop in grip safety, bullet proof slide stop, checkered mainspring housing (not visible)
The safety is Cylinder & Slide Ambi (I'm a lefty) and the trigger is C & S.
The extended mag catch is available from several venders.

Not bragging just suggesting

Ken

There are two drop in grip safeties, one for the GM and one for the Commander. I suggest a visit to Brownells.com

[MoFormula]

I used the stainless Wilson "drop in" on my Defender. Pretty easy install considering I have no talent for that type of work. I recommend it.

[dogdollar]

Another vote for the Wilson.

DD

[hker71]

Looks like it will be Wilson Combat then. Thanks to everyone for their help.
:D
hker71

[fire_hunter988]

will that work on my full size? how hard are they to put in?

[Grainfed]

Be sure to fit the tang on the front of the "drop-in" safety. With everything out of the gun when you put the new Wilson in you have to check the trigger bar and safety so that the tang just allows the bar to release when the safety is pushed up. It might need some filing as most 429s in the package have too much metal at the bottom of the tang. File just enough off to allow the trigger bar to move back. It won't take much if some has to come off. Creighton is correct about the Wilson being #429BC. The one posted above for the 5" is not a 429 to my eyes.....TW

[Grainfed]

The one for the New Agent and Defender will not work on a full size Govt. Model. The throat on the safety is longer for the Govt. I forgot the number for the full size safety. Check Brownells. If you can disassemble your gun the safety is not that difficult to install. But you have to check the bottom of the protrusion on the safety and possibly file some material off so the end of the trigger bar can continue to the rear when you push in on the grip safety which blocks the bar.

[fire_hunter988]

Thank you grainfed. I will give it a try

[paul45]

Worked well for me........

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/paul10mm/100_0066.jpg

[cmh2007]

I have a Para has the old style government piece and hit bites my hand too. para says all the 80 series will fit it. how hard is it to really fit that wilson drop in piece?

[Ed Zachary]

paul45,
How do you like the wood grips compared to the rubber?
I like the look!

[kenhwind]

I have a Para has the old style government piece and hit bites my hand too. para says all the 80 series will fit it. how hard is it to really fit that wilson drop in piece?
re: posts 9 & 10
I needed the medium trigger in mine, and used McCormick Double Diamond rosewood grips I like the traditional looks and the feel of these.
Ken

[chuckels59h]

Worked well for me........

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/paul10mm/100_0066.jpg
Not to hijack , but just curious: Paul, could you tell me what brand the night sights on you're defender are? Also, big favor, can you micrometer the total heigth to the center of the dot from the bottom of the sight where it touchs the slide? The reason I ask is I have a set of enhanced govt trijicons and the rear is perfect , but the front is .050 too low causing it to shoot high and wondered if I could round up a trijicon front blade for the right fit. Thanks much in advance!
P.S. Mine is a first gen and I believe you'res is a second gen?