ambidextrous safety question

[moparp15]

Hi guys, I had a ambidextrous safety installed and picked up a box of winchester 230 gr FMJ 100 count at wally world and tried her out. Worked like a dream, even though the mag had ammo in it since 46 (didn't use that stuff).

It's the first time its been fired since 46 (1911A1 41 model taken from German POW). Given to me by my uncle.

Shoots a little low for my point of aim, I need more pratice :)

Question is, I didn't notice it at the gunsmith, was in a hurry to get going, but after firing, the right side safety has a 1/8 inch of play. No in or out, just up and down.

Solid click when it goes on or off safety. Left side, no play at all.

Is this normal? I don't think I'm worried about it not going into safety, just don't like the play.

My only other experience with an auto is a Smith model 39, and it just has the factory safety.

I'll call the smith in the morning, I just didn't want to look to dumb if it is normal for the new side to have play. The safety isn't much bigger than the orginial, cleared grips.

Thanks

Mike

[mvician]

Take it back to him, doen't sound right to me. There should be no play on either side. What brand of ambi is it ?

Mike

[moparp15]

As it turns out, looks like one of the ears/forks broke and is allowing the slop.

Is this unusal?


Thanks

Mike

[wichaka]

Not unusual, it does happen. But if it happened that soon after it was installed, someone owes you a new one.

[stans]

I'm not a big fan of ambidextrous safeties on 1911's, but it should last significantly longer than 100 rounds! Sounds to me like it was either defective from the get-go or was damaged during installation.

[1911Tuner]

Just a thought...Did the smith who installed it remember to file the hammer and sear pins flush against the right side of the frame? I've seen some omit that step on occasion. If the pins hold the right side of the safety off the frame, it reduces the depth of the engagement on the tenon, and makes for a weaker coupling.

Standin' by...

[lil toad]

Good catch 1911 Tuner. Your a bad man!

[1911Tuner]

Good catch 1911 Tuner. Your a bad man!

Jus' doin' mah job, suh. :cool:

Got rushed and forgot to add:

If the pins aren't flush, and the safety is the type that has the arm-under- grip retention, the safety will sit at an angle, putting stress on the joint.
That can also be a contributor to an early failure.

Easy fix...just be careful not to cut the pins below flush with the side of the frame.

Happy Sunday! Cool weather has finally come to the Carolinas!