Posted: 11/14/2005 5:42:52 PM EDT
I have little experence with all if not all of these, so how bout some imput about the tangs/blending, and other pros/cons on these from the more knowledgeable members?  MCCORMICK: Extreme Control Grip Safety. 250" radius  WILSON COMBAT:  WILSON COMBAT: DROP-IN BEAVERTAIL  KING'S: Drop-In #203: Govt. model frames with standard hammers. #204: Commander/Officers ACP/SA Govt. frames with Commander hammer #205: Govt. with notch to allow for Commander hammer  KING'S: SUPER-HIGH HANDHOLD  ED BROWN: HIGH SWEEP BEAVERTAIL  ED BROWN: MEMORY GROOVE BEAVERTAIL: .250" radius |
|
I know that Brown, STI and CMC make a .250 radius. To install one of them, get this: .250 radius jig The Wilson is a compound radius. To install a Wilson, get this: Wilson Jig Wilson's drop in safeties work well, but they pretty much look like crap because they are relieved to fit any 1911 frame, so you are left with huge gaps. |
|
Here are some articles that will answer many questions, including different beavertails: www.precision-gunworks.com/FAQ.aspx |
excellent source, thank you! |
Thank you hobbs, that's exactly what i was looking for 
|
Is that a fact? Does anyone disagree? I'm looking to install a beaver tail on my Mil-Spec, and I've narrowed my options down to "not Ed Brown and not drop-in" because I don't think I can affoard to have the frame refinished after grinding it to fit the Ed Brown one. What's it cost to refinish a frame? |
It depends on what type of finish you want. The least expensive would probably be blueing, but I'm not sure what it usually costs. Hard chrome plating and most of the polymer type of finishes will cost a little more. I know Virgil Tripp will refinish the frame and all "lower" parts for under $100. Other shops will probably be in the same ballpark. |
|
I've finally grown the balls to take on this project. IT was quit an experience, so far I've got 8 hours of work into it and have a rough project so far. I went with the following parts: WILSON COMBAT High Grip beavertail C&S 4.5 lbs TACTICAL MATCH KIT WILSON COMBAT Narrow Extended Thumb Safety\ I also decided to use the SMITH & ALEXANDER INSTALLATION JIG. it was an extremely rough fit, the upper recess in the beavertail needed a ton of fitting even with the jig. I wonder which of the other jigs are better? These pics are pre blending of the beavertail, but post check. All parts work and engage properly and is a blast to shoot. The big things that I ran into that were unexpected was, the beavertail was too wide and required fitting to allow it to depress. The groove inside the thumb safety was too shallow and required deepening, which was a pia with a hand file, so I had to gently use a dremel. There is maybe .002-.005" difference between the right and left side on the contour, but overall, not too shabby a job for my first time. If I do say so myself. .JPG)   |