Installing a Beavertail Grip Safety - Recommendations Please

[MacA]

I recently purchased my first 1911, a Colt Commander (pic below). The only thing I wish it had was a beavertail style grip safety. In the little research that I have done there are several options (drop-in & custom fit) and manufacturers. A few questions that I have are:

* Is a drop-in OK?
* Typical cost to custom fit?
* Recommended manufacturer (drop-in or fitted)?
* Any other feedback?

Thanks in advance for any help!

OOPS....forgot to attach the picture...

[jrod]

MacA, I'm in the same boat. I just bought a Blued 1991 Commander. Hopefully we'll get some answers. Joe

[MacA]

MacA, I'm in the same boat. I just bought a Blued 1991 Commander. Hopefully we'll get some answers. Joe

Congratulations on your new purchase! I am pretty excited to "get to know" my new Colt. There are some great guys on the forum. Can't wait to be able to contribute!!

[haggis]

My opinion is that it depends on what else you're going to do with the gun. If you plan on extensive mods that require refinishing, it doesn't matter how you do it - it can't go back to original condition anyway. If all the exterior mods that you plan are only the grip safety and manual safety, I'd go the drop-in route since you can go back original if you want. Remember that drop-in parts don't (Murphey lives!), and that some will require minor fitting.

I have used Wilson's drop-in grip safety on a Satin Nickel Combat Commander I have, and it worked and looked fine.

Buck

[MacA]

...If all the exterior mods that you plan are only the grip safety and manual safety, I'd go the drop-in route since you can go back original if you want. Remember that drop-in parts don't (Murphey lives!), and that some will require minor fitting.

Buck: Thanks for the insight! I was probably leaning in this direction anyway. I saw an interesting YouTube video of a guy installing a Wilson drop-in safety. He had to do some "adjusting". I've owned several other types of semi-autos and revolvers. I have most the tools to do 90% of my maintenance work. So I don't think "fitting" a drop-in would be too much of a challenge.