What kind of modifications do grips need to fit guns with an ambidextrous safety? I found a pair of grips I like and want to put them on my new Tisas 1911. I don’t think they’re cut for an ambidextrous safety. How hard would it be to make them fit?
What kind of modifications do grips need to fit guns with an ambidextrous safety? I found a pair of grips I like and want to put them on my new Tisas 1911. I don’t think they’re cut for an ambidextrous safety. How hard would it be to make them fit?
I don’t have one and wouldn’t trust myself to do the job if I did. The grips are on eBay and I asked the seller if they’d fit and he said he could make them that way if I wanted him to. So I guess I made this thread for no reason. Sorry. I should have ask him before I posted but it’s good to know what makes the difference anyways as I had no idea. Thank you for your reply.
If you want some new and really nice grips, you can custom order them from Wood Caliber .com. On their website you click on 1911 grips, click on Custom Build 1911 Grips, then go through each step where you pick the wood, the cutouts for ambidexterous safeties, checkering or smooth, etc and it gives you the price at the end.
I got these smooth wood, Gaboon Ebony grips through Wood Caliber. I found that I actually prefer smooth wood grips to checkered grips. They feel better and I don't need or want checkered grips.
Get the safety that doesn't rely on the grip holding it in, they're a better setup. I have no use for an ambi but I sure don"t want the joint to loosen up over time and rely on wood to keep it together. Just my peabrain opinion
Yeah I really wish the Tisas didn’t have the ambi safety but it does. I really wouldn’t mind swapping it out for a non ambi safety but i’m not sure where to get one. I wouldn’t mind paying to have it put in.
EDIT: i found some at Wilson Combat. Would they fit the Tisas? I’ve heard they are compatible with most 1911 parts
Depending on what you're up to, and how good you are with it, a dremel is fine. It's like any other power tool, learn to control the tool and you can turn out decent work. Go about it ham fisted or lose control of the tool and things can get ugly fast.
I wouldn't use one for making an ambi notch though, especially in wood. Careful use of a razor set would probably look better.
Factory ambi grips are usually overcut, the recess being too large in the interest of being at least large enough, and that can result in the offside lever "floating"; if you ride the safety with your thumb, the torque is going straight to the pin joint, which can weaken or break it.
I always modify the grips for the specific gun/safety combination, so the grip panel acts as an overtravel stop.
Two of my 1911's regular grips fit. Some safety's ride higher. Use a metal fingernail file. I had a tooth too long and the dentist wanted $200 to grind down. I filed it for free. I flinch too much for a Dremel. If you have steady hands use the Dremel--Just don't tell anyone. I use a side grinder almost every day for something.
Back in IPSC days I fitted many sets. Very easy with hand tools or Dremel (if you are accustomed to them!) Very little cutting. just take it slowly. Less is sometimes more.
This is from a seller on eBay and he stated he would cut them for it also, but they shipped out really fast so I don’t know if he did it. I just messaged him and ask him so we shall see.
The Wilson Combat Bullet Proof Ambi, while not cheap, offers pretty solid support. The design includes a replacement hammer pin, with a captive screw which engages in a T-slot in the right side piece. Operation is very firm, and very solid. No requirement to pocket the grip panel, either.
Just got the message back from the seller on eBay and he says he did cut them for an ambidextrous safety so I should be good to go! Thanks so much for all the replies. If the grips work out I may buy another pair just like them for my Ruger SR1911 Commander. They are faux ivory with a steer head on them. I’m sure not everyone’s cup of tea but I really like them. Tried to snag a picture of them but eBay won’t let me.
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