Replace ambi on the SW1911-Pro-Series-45?

M

Mike_Fontenot

New member
I've got a SW1911-Pro-Series-45acp (the one with the grip-lever-controlled firing-pin-safety: SKU 178011). I don't like the ambi thumb safety it came with, for two reasons: First, I'd prefer NOT to have an ambi, and (much more important), it is extremely difficult to remove and re-insert the thumb safety (which makes me avoid detail-stripping the gun, even when I need to).

Has anyone on this forum ever replaced the stock ambi thumb safety with a non-ambi safety? If so, I'd like to hear the details.
 
All of my experience is going the other way - swapping for an ambi - but the process is the same.
The safety bears against the sear, and material has to be removed from the safety so that it blocks movement of the sear while still allowing assembly and disassembly.
The other area of fit is the feel of the safety as it moves from engaged to disengaged, and back.
The lever should "click" into and out of engagement, which can require some fitting of the safety to the plunger.
Neither job is difficult, but it's possible to ruin a part with an errant or extra file stroke.
 
What RickB said. I've replaced several safeties. Not difficult, but as RickB mentioned, an extra file stroke while fitting the new safety can ruin it. In that case, buy new safety, start over.

For details, there's probably somebody on You tube. Everything else is on there.

In a nut shell though: Go slow, file a little and try a lot, fit the new safety with the plunger assy. out and the slide on the frame. At least that's how they taught us in the Colt armorers school. Wouldn't want to contradict any of the You tube experts though;).
 
Removing the left half is the hard part. I've tried removing the right portion first, and also after the left portion ... either way, the right portion comes off easily, and the left portion is very difficult. Similarly for assembly: right easy, left difficult, regardless of whether I do the right portion first or last.
 
The safety has to be half-way between engaged and disengaged, for removal.
I often push inward on the pin with a punch as I rotate the lever up or down slowly, and the lever pops out as it passes the sweet spot.
On assembly, the plunger can be a hindrance, and I'll sometimes us a thin knife blade or similar to depress the plunger as I'm pushing inward on the safety.
The hammer must be fully cocked for assembly or disassembly.
 
I know all that. My Kimber (non-ambi) never gives me any trouble with thumb safety removal or insertion. The SW1911 is different for some reason.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top