Does anybody here know how to pin the grip safety on a 1911 type pistol? I've heard people taking about it and never really understood how it was done. I suppose with all the speed bump style safeties the technique isn't used any more.

While I don't openly advocate disabling safety devices, unless its one of those stupid ass magazine safeties, () the idea behind pinning the grip safety is to drill two holes, one in the bottom of the grip safety for which to install a small (5/64) roll pin, and a slightly larger hole in the mainspring housing to receive the pin. If you measured correctly, these holes when aligned with the pin in place, will hold and keep the grip safety in the fired position.

This method allows the owner to pull the pin at anytime to restore the function of the grip safety, which is probably desirable when selling the gun to a less savy party. Hopefully this makes sense. It's tougher to describe it than actually do it. Which I don't advocate.

I get the idea. Thanks!

I pin the grip safety on all my 1911s just the way Malm described. Easy to do once you figure out the concept.

The prototypes for the 1911 did not have a grip safety. It was added at the insistance of the Ordnance Dept as a military requirement. The 1911 was a Cavalry weapon meant to be carried cocked and locked and they didn't want some trooper dropping his pistol and having it dangling alongside his horse, attached to the lanyard, without an additional safety.

I personally don't see the need for them in a civilian use, especially for home or self defense.

JMHO

Ray

There is no need to drill holes to pin the safety. ...You need a spacer of 5/64" or 3/32" thick material .Cut a piece 1/2" x 7/32". Then cut a half round notch, 5/32" radius to clear the strut. This spacer lays on top of the mainspring housing and keeps the safety in the forward position. It can be removed at any time without permanent change [holes ] in the gun !!

quote:

Originally posted by mete:
There is no need to drill holes to pin the safety. ...You need a spacer of 5/64" or 3/32" thick material .Cut a piece 1/2" x 7/32". Then cut a half round notch, 5/32" radius to clear the strut. This spacer lays on top of the mainspring housing and keeps the safety in the forward position. It can be removed at any time without permanent change [holes ] in the gun !!

I guess if one wanted, they could jam a tooth pick between the grip safety and mainspring housing and then break it off.

mete

The big advantage to pinning is that it gives the rear of the frame a neat, smooth, profile. The way it was meant to be. I'd even recommend the additional step of using a flat mainspring housing rather than that monstrosity arched one. But that's me.

Holes in the housing and grip safety do nothing to detract from the pistol, BTW.

Ray