Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec change grip safety to beavertail

[NotAFed]

I just bought a new Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec. I’d like to add a beavertail safety to it without modifying the frame. I’ve read on another forum where this has been done with a Wilson Combat Drop-In Commander Beavertail (after filing the safety). However, this was done on a Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec in 2014. Does anyone know whether the frame dimensions on the Mil-Spec have changed in the intervening 8 years?


Here’s the forum post:

https://www.1911forum.com/threads/mil-spec-drop-in-beavertail-options.455028/


The gun in the photos is marked differently than my new Mil-Spec, which makes me wonder if the Mil-Spec has gone through other changes since then.

 

[HansGruber]

I just bought a new Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec. I’d like to add a beavertail safety to it without modifying the frame. I’ve read on another forum where this has been done with a Wilson Combat Drop-In Commander Beavertail (after filing the safety). However, this was done on a Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec in 2014. Does anyone know whether the frame dimensions on the Mil-Spec have changed in the intervening 8 years?


Here’s the forum post:

https://www.1911forum.com/threads/mil-spec-drop-in-beavertail-options.455028/


The gun in the photos is marked differently than my new Mil-Spec, which makes me wonder if the Mil-Spec has gone through other changes since then.

So…

Any modifications to a 1911 involving putting in new parts will almost certainly involve fitting.

Now, some parts *may* be close enough that, depending on the user, fitting may be minimal/unnecessary…

But, you’ll likely be doing some sanding/grinding.

This is the joy of owning a 1911.

 

[NotAFed]

I’m fine with fitting. If possible I want to fit the part to the frame, and not the frame to the part, though.

 

[dad]

So…

Any modifications to a 1911 involving putting in new parts will almost certainly involve fitting.

Now, some parts *may* be close enough that, depending on the user, fitting may be minimal/unnecessary…

But, you’ll likely be doing some sanding/grinding.

This is the joy of owning a 1911.

Years ago when I first started shooting the 1911 an older gentleman at the range told me that when a 1911 part says "drop in' it meant drop in to your gunsmith and have him do it.

 

[HansGruber]

Years ago when I first started shooting the 1911 an older gentleman at the range told me that when a 1911 part says "drop in' it meant drop in to your gunsmith and have him do it.

A truer statement could not be made.

 

[HansGruber]

I’m fine with fitting. If possible I want to fit the part to the frame, and not the frame to the part, though.

Absolutely that’s how you do it.

 

[Annihilator]

If I may ask, since a beaver tail grip safety isn’t really compatible with the standard hammer style on his mil spec, wouldn’t he have to change the hammer also?

 

[HansGruber]

If I may ask, since a beaver tail grip safety isn’t really compatible with the standard hammer style on his mil spec, wouldn’t he have to change the hammer also?

Not necessarily; depends on how deep the “groove” is on the grip safety.

 

[Annihilator]

Not necessarily; depends on how deep the “groove” is on the grip safety.

Wasn’t sure so I asked, thanks Hans

 

[NotAFed]

My plan is to change the hammer as well, fyi. My question was just about the frame dimensions though.

 

[Annihilator]

My plan is to change the hammer as well, fyi. My question was just about the frame dimensions though.

I know, I was just wondering, sorry

 

[4FishLimit]

In terms of frame, no nothing has changed.

Most beaver tail safeties require reprofiling the frame horns near the grip safety as you know.

IMO the drop in versions tend to a look a little 'off.