[toolman]

I recently saw my first SR1911. Gorgeous. I have a feeling that I may have to break my revolver only status. I have two SR1911 problems. First, my "regular" gun shop has not been able to get one yet, so the wait continues. Secondly, I am a lefty. Has anyone, that is not a certified gunsmith, put an ambi on one?. I am comfortable around all tools from welders to mills, etc., but I am wondering if the precise fitting (where to cut, what angle, and how much) required would be obvious to a technical person, or are the mating parts obscured from view when assembled, so you can't see if you need to remove a little more, or if you are on the brink of removing too much? The utube video's I have watched show someone filing away, sticking it in the gun, flicking it on and off, and they are done. I wish there was one with close-ups photo's in the gun that showed the clearance, and proper fit. Any suggestions? -

 

[Iowegan]

toolman, Not to worry ... ambi safeties are no more difficult to install than a normal thumb safety. Thumb safeties have an internal stud that has two functions ... it keeps the safety from falling out and it locks the sear into the hammer notch when the thumb safety is flipped up and the hammer is cocked. When you buy a new thumb safety, the stud is slightly oversized so it can be fitted to virtually any 1911. Chances are ... the safety will not move fully into the "safe" position when new so what you do is install the thumb safety then apply modest "up" pressure. When you remove the thumb safety, you will see a "witness mark" on the stud, which is exactly where you file. The concept is .... you want the thumb safety stud to fit with near zero tolerance. If you don't file enough off, the safety will not fully engage. If you file too much off, there will be too much play between the stud and sear, creating a dangerous situation where the gun could fire accidentially when the thumb safety is flipped down. I have photos on my other computer and will add them to this post. I think it will make more sense when you actually see the part.

Edited to add: Here what the back side of the thumb safety looks like:

 

[toolman]

Thank you for that reassurance and the explanation. I suppose I could even apply a little layout dye on the stud to telegraph the contact area even more. I think you just pushed me over the brink on my 1911 quest. I would be delighted to check out your pictures while I am waiting for my gun shop (that I am calling now for an update) if that is not too much trouble - thanks again.

 

[LAGun]

Another note if you put an Ambi safety lever on you will also ,either get a new set of grips made for an Ambi safety or you may have to mod the grip you have by sanding or grinding enough space for the extra lever to move on the right side of the gun.I had to do this when I put an Ambi safety on my officers model 1911.