Install my own beavertail grip safety ?

[StealthyBlagga]

I have a Springfield GI 1911 that I am using as the basis for a single-stack match gun. It has the original GI-style grip safety, which I want to replace with a high-ride beavertail. I was going to simply buy a beavertail jig from Brownells and hand-file the frame to fit the new beavertail. However, in browsing the EGW website, I see that they offer a service of "weld frame on Springfield or gun with not enough material to do a proper Brown beavertail" ... is this necessary for a proper fit of any beavertail, or is this specific to the Brown beavertail only ? Is my plan of fitting the beavertail myself doomed to failure ?

[GentlemanJim]

I have never done a springer....but have never had to weld on one to fit the beavertail.

It IS something you can do yourself.

Jim

[Kingman]

beavertails are pretty simple. Plan on some refinishing or cold blue, but it can be done easily.

find a good shop manual.

[Run n Gun]

Here's some decent information about the process...

Ed

[Shawn Knight]

Here's some decent information about the process...

Ed

I second the information at Blind Hogg!

I was able to do a great job on my own!. It takes a steady hand with a dremel so I used a bench grinder to get down to the jig I was using then I made my way with hand files and stones afterword.

[Joe4d]

rule number 1, for home pistol work. Modify cheap part to fit expensive. Never the other way around. I am all for do it your self but if you run into a must have mod that requires the expensive part (frame) to be fit it's best to seak out a pro with the right tools for the job. That being said I am pretty sure I have run across beavertail safeties specifically made for Springfield frames that only require the usual fitting. For that matter I'd be willing to bet a factory one from their loaded line would work without cutting on your frame.

[Canuck-IL]

A couple of references with specific discussion of the anomalies of SA tangs.

http://www.harrisoncustom.com/TextDesc/Beavertail.htm

http://www.oz.net/~jammer/Milspec/

/Bryan

[ChuckS]

I have a Springfield GI 1911 that I am using as the basis for a single-stack match gun. It has the original GI-style grip safety, which I want to replace with a high-ride beavertail. I was going to simply buy a beavertail jig from Brownells and hand-file the frame to fit the new beavertail. However, in browsing the EGW website, I see that they offer a service of "weld frame on Springfield or gun with not enough material to do a proper Brown beavertail" ... is this necessary for a proper fit of any beavertail, or is this specific to the Brown beavertail only ? Is my plan of fitting the beavertail myself doomed to failure ?

SA uses a 0.220" radius for it's grip safety. The "standard" radius is 0.250".

Later,

Chuck

edit; Smith and Alexander will sell you one for the SA http://www.smithandalexander.com/gripsafety.html

Edited November 13, 2007 by ChuckS

[z40acp]

Probably what they are talking about is the new Springfields with the Smith and Alexander style beavertails have a .220 radius not the .250 used on the Ed Browns. When you put an Ed Brown on them you have a gap between the frame and the beavertail. The GI models are not cut, so you can fit the .250 on correctly.