[angryman]

I have a new Colt XSE and want to install a beavertail grip safety. I have called all my local gun shops and 2 of them refuse to do that type of work. They say 1911's are too difficult to work on and the best that they can do is send it off. One gunshop wants 30.00, one wants 35.00, and one wants 65.00, to change the grip safety. How difficult of a job is this and what is reasonable to expect to pay? I am thinking of a Wilson's drop in to minimize the amount of work. I'd like to do it myself, but don't want to screw things up. I haven't touched a 1911 in years and am unfamiliar with the inner workings. Obviously, Id like to go with the cheaper guy, but have been warned by one gunshop to send the Colt to a 1911 "specialist".

 

[Shootcraps]

have been warned by one gunshop to send the Colt to a 1911 "specialist".

+1. There are lots of smiths who can do a beavertail and it won't cost an arma and a leg. Check with geminicustoms.

 

[PghJim]

I had a Wilson drop-in installed on my Delta Elite and it was twenty dollars. He got it to release the trigger just were I wanted. I would check the yellow pages for a gunsmith. Talk to him about the job, and he should tell you the cost up front. Actually they are not hard to install yourself. It takes a little assembly and disassembly as you take a little off the nose that contact the trigger.

 

[perry1963]

$30.00 to fit a drop in i'd say is about right, if you want to do it yourself you could go to www.blindhogg.com , he has some links on how to fit a GS, the drop in would most likely just need fileing on the legg that makes contact with the trigger bow, a fitted beavertail takes a bit of work and is about $80 to $100 for the labor plus the cost of the part, depending how you have do it.