Problems with Wilson Combat parts?

[marktg]

I recently bought a Stainless grip safety (part#298s) for my springer GI because I couldn't stand the feel of the stock grip safety digging into my hand...boy did that hurt. After finishing my work on the frame tangs, I decided to see how the new GS looked on my springer. Once It was in place I noticed that the hole where the thumb safety goes through was not strait through as it should be, but was "off skew". I started checking the frame thinking that the frame must be to blame, but to my surprise It was not.

Today I decided to call wilson combat, and see if they could offer any help or possibly replace the part for me. Well, after spending some time talking with one of their courteous techs, I was told that since I had already fit the part, there was nothing that they could do to fix my problem. He told me that they have very expensive computer operated machines that make these parts, and that they are made in batches and randomly checked for quality issues. He also told me that they have never had anyone complain about a problem like mine before.

Has anyone here ever had any problems with the quality of Wilson Combat parts? Am I the only one who has had a bad part? This is the first WC part I have ever purchased, and it has now left a sour taste in my mouth. Should I just buy a S&A GS and throw the wilson out?

[Jolly Rogers]

How did you determine that the hole wasn't true? As you say "off skew". Also what guide did you use to reshape the tangs? Was it the Wilson combat compound radius guide? What did you do to the GS to fit it?
Can you verify that the hole is not true 90 degrees to the boss that slips between the tangs?
Need answers to see if we can help.
Usually Wilson Combat parts are good to go. The #298 grip safety is cast. A poor casting can affect the finish machining if a pick up point is malformed.
Joe

[Spyros]

If your machining resulted in the grip safety mating off-center, then there's something wrong with the way you cut the frame.

Wilson's grip safety IS supposed to be fitted with an off-center radius - and always has been. It is NOT a compound radius, as many people keep saying. The blueprint for the machining is available in this forum, and there's nothing 'compound' about it.

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=67463

If you simply cut a radius around the pin hole, without using Wilson's guide, then you either have to weld up the frame, or go for a grip safety with a smaller center radius, like the .220 Smith & Alexander.

Incidentally, Springfield's Loaded and others models, cut for a beavertail, use the Wilson off-center cut, too.

[Jolly Rogers]

The radius being offset and not centered effectively creates a variable radius. Due to the long time use of compound as a descriptive term for this part I use it to help identify the shape.
Joe

[marktg]

I did use the Wilson jig for this install, so the frame is right.
Since I don't have a camera to use right now I will clarify on my problem. When you look at the pistol from the back, looking at the msh, GS, and hammer, the GS slants left. The space between the top of the msh and bottom of the GS is greater on the right side, aso when the GS sits between the frame there are slight gaps on the top right and bottom left of the GS.

[Cap]

If i recall, it was not to long ago Dave Berryhill ( a professional 1911 'smith) mentioned some issues with Wilson parts.
Can't recall if it was grip safeties or not.

even if you did some fitting, seems there would still be a datum line for Wilson to use and check if it's in spec

I'd like to hear from the Wilson rep that frequents the board

regardless, seems pretty foolish to lose a customer over a part that "might" of cost them $10


..L.T.A.

[Spyros]

Please clarify:

If you take the grip safety, on its own, and 'stand' it on a table, so that the side closest to the mainspring housing is touching the table - then, if you place a rod through the GS's pin, will the rod be parallel to the table, or not?

[Spyros]

The radius being offset and not centered effectively creates a variable radius. Due to the long time use of compound as a descriptive term for this part I use it to help identify the shape.
JoeI wasn't criticizing you, actually Dave Berryhill makes exactly the same point as you do, in the link I posted in my previous post.

My point is, many people seem to think that the cut for this safety is made on an oval plane, or a compound curve, which simply isn't true.

[Jolly Rogers]

I wasn't criticizing you, actually Dave Berryhill makes exactly the same point as you do, in the link I posted in my previous post.


It isn't often (ever) that I am mentioned in the same sentence as Dave Berryhill. :lm:
And thanks for adding the fact that Springfield uses this "shape" on their up optioned factory guns. ;)
Many posters just hear the S&A .220" contour for Springers and think they all use that grip safety.
Joe

[Dave Berryhill]

If i recall, it was not to long ago Dave Berryhill ( a professional 1911 'smith) mentioned some issues with Wilson parts.
Can't recall if it was grip safeties or not.
...

I posted about two different things. One was a copy of the Wilson blueprint showing the shape of the tangs to fit the Wilson grip safety, the other was regarding Wilson tactical thumb safeties having large pins.

I'd like to see some photos showing the problem. The part may have the hole drilled off center or maybe it warped during heat treatment. Another manufacturer's grip safety frequently has this issue.

The fit of the grip safety to the frame can also cause the safety to be off center at the bottom. If the frame tang is making contact with the safety on one side and the other side has a gap, the safety will not hang straight if there is a little play in the pin and/or the inside of the frame tangs.

[marktg]

Thanks for the input everyone!

Dave, there is no contact on either frame tang. I thought that was the prob originally, but after checking, I was able to slide paper between and function it without the paper moving or coming in contact on either side.

Great news... Wilson combat rep replied to a pm and let me know a new part is in the mail, and will be in my possession some time next week. :appld:

[Dave Berryhill]

...Great news... Wilson combat rep replied to a pm and let me know a new part is in the mail, and will be in my possession some time next week. :appld:

That doesn't surprise me. Wilson has some of the best customer service in the business.

[Jolly Rogers]

Heh...Wouldn't be surprised if there was a intra office memo circulating around at WC updating the CS personnel on proper customer retention standards... :eb:
Joe

[Cap]

Great news... Wilson combat rep replied to a pm and let me know a new part is in the mail, and will be in my possession some time next week. :appld:

that's beautiful thing
Good job Wilson


..L.T.A.

[railin93]

thats funny because it seems Wilson isnt the only one with that problem as of late...i JUST bought a Brown btgs and the Brown frame jig and it is the same way...after much trial and very slow going, my safety sits askew as well but to the right...doesnt make sense as the factory part i replaced sits perfectly aligned in its place...even gap and spacing all around...

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee179/railin93/DSC04331.jpg

now that i have read this, im gonna be giving EB a call monday and an email to show the parts installed askew in the frame...hopefully they will reciprocate like Wilson and make things right...

[Rick McC.]

I just fitted a WC "Tactical" thumb safety to a Les Baer CC Comanche Saturday.

Not only was the pin oversized; everything else on the safety was oversized and needed a lot of filing, too.

I've used Baer safeties in the past; they're oversized the same way and are made of harder steel than the Wilson Combat ones (harder to file).

Take care,

Rick

[marktg]

Well, it has been a little over a week, and no new grip safety. I hope it comes soon, I guess I will just have to keep checking the mailbox after work. :(

[marktg]

I came home to find a new grip safety from Wilson today. I will finish fitting it up after I put my son to bed. :)

[foxfyre841]

Can we get an update on this? Maybe a camera/phone picture? I would be interested to know if the problem persisted or perhaps which batch should be avoided