Hi Mr. Burton. Thanks for this video. I followed your directions and was able to fit a new safety to my 1911 perfectly. You made this an easy process. Best, John
Too inexperienced to attempt, but I purchased an EGW ignition kit after which my thumb safety no longer fit unfortunately they did not explain the content of this video in their install guide! This was priceless and now everything is working fine. Thank you!
I think you are missing one of your callings in life Jason. Not only are you one of the best pistol smiths out there but you have a real calling on creating videos and as a teacher. Your videos are shot professionally so we can actually see what you are talking about..which seldom happens. However, the way you explain....clearly, concisely and more importantly so we can all under stand is a true gift. You explain something in 1 minute that others you tube ramble on for 20 minutes. And you provide the information so we learn it immediately. Many thanks for your efforts. (and awesome work with Heirloom)
Well, that was six minutes well spent. Just picked up a used Kimber and the thumb safety fit was (can"t say it here.). Four swipes with a file and I'm a happy boy! Thank you for taking the time to publish this. Well done.
Outstanding video. Even with the non-close ups (or as close as I wouldn't have liked-ups) this was extremely helpful. Building my first 1911 here and was a little nervous about where, how and how much to file here. First straight forward tutorial on this. New ambi on my 1911 works perfectly now and is smooth as butter.
Nicely done. I did warranty work for Colt and S&W and you properly described the procedure. You may want to add that, at the function check after fitting, after you try to pull the trigger with the safety engaged and you return the safety to the "off" position, you then slowly pull the hammer to the rear and there should be NO movement or "click" of the sear. BTW, love the sound of a new, fresh file.
I have watched a few of these guntubers and everyone of them have failed to know this fact also needs being done after you pull against the grip safety, so many pretend to be teachers and have not yet learned
Thank you so much for this video. I just upgraded the mainspring housing on my 1911 and somehow I managed to break my ambi safety so now the right just flops around. Luckily I'm right handed but that floppy piece bothers me and was fretting trying to fit a new one. I'll probably buy a cheapy off ebay to practice on first then get a nice one. Thanks again! **UPDATE** I found the parts that I needed on my second purchase, followed your instructions. Three swipes of the file and now my 1911 is fully functional once again. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Awesome, find a DIY ruined thumb safety in my 1911 (pre-owned), ordered new one and it fits like it should be with your instructions. Thx from germany ✌🏼
Thanks, awesome, clear, precise video. Put a new safety on my Commander light weight. This is just what I needed to fit it properly and only took a few minutes.
Great video Jason! just what I was looking for. I love the 1911,have since I was a kid. Trying to learn more about maintenance and repair,to upgrade and keep mine running for a good long time. Thank you.
Really got a lot out of this video. I was having issues with the thumb safety being difficult to engage completely. I had recently installed a beavertail safety, hammer and sear in my 1911 and was unable to get the thumb safety to fully engage. It engaged enough to work, but would not fully engage. After watching this video I was able to file down the spur on the safety that engages the sear and after carefully fitting it, the safety now engages like it should. Thank you for the information.
Thank you so much for this very clear and concise video. I just purchased and installed a CK Arms Ambi safety following your guidelines...it came out perfect. I shoot USPSA with a Edge 40 caliber pistol. I have done all of the Gunsmithing on it except for the trigger job. It's videos like this that allows amateurs to learn how to become craftsman. Thank you again.
Bought a Springfield mil-spec and was experiencing a problem cycling the thumb safety in the fire and safe position. I appreciate this video, but in the end I found the issue was the external plunger spring...it was simply too stiff. It didn't allow a smooth action. I took down the pistol so I could study the internal action of the thumb safety against the Sear everything look great...no binding. Next step...I cut the plunger spring just 1/2 of a coil. Still a little stiff. So I cut another 1/2 coil. Problem solved...the motion is as smooth as my high end Kimber. I'm surprised this issue hasn't been fixed by Springfield Armory. Not sure if other mid range pistols suffer from this issue. But really this is a 2 dollar spring. I was ready to sell off this pistol, now it's a keep because the mil spec is otherwise pretty great. Hope this help other Springer owners. Try the fix...if you cut too much simply buy a new 2 dollar replacement spring. Shoot straight my friends.
I've done this for years now in my shop. Great video but I would like you to take some really close up pics so everyone can really see the part of the safety your filing on.
I always make sure I only put two rounds of ammo on the mag. when testing. 55 yrs ago I had one run away with me. That was very scary and cost me 7 rounds, back then a lot of money.
This video would have been much enhanced had there been close-up shots of the lobes on the safety and where to file and at which angle. Other than that, well presented.
Great video. I have a question and I can’t seem to find an answer anywhere. I put a deposit down on a new Dan Wesson Specialist 45ACP today. Never owned a DW. Here’s my question, if I try to engage the thumb safety when there is no bullet in the chamber and the hammer isn’t cocked, is it normal for the thumb safety to slightly travel, click and stay slightly up as if it’s engaged? I was confused because it seemed to feel like it slightly locked in place when the thumb safety shouldn’t move? I’ve tried to make the thumb safety budge on a Springfield and a Sig, but the safety didn’t move. I’m hoping the gun I’m buying isn’t defective.
Thanks for the video. What does it mean if my hammer won’t lock back? It will only lock back if the grip safety is depressed but as soon as it’s released the hammer falls without pulling the trigger. I put a new thumb safety as well as hammer. Thanks.
I applaud his effort he knows what he’s doing with this video was completely useless to me because I can’t tell what the hell he’s doing I can’t see it but I’m sure he knows but I Does it help me a bit
good video but ... first it is advised that you fit a new safety to the frame (without the sear, hammer and diso), before filing it to fit onto the sear. The safety needs to move up and down in the stripped frame, first.
I have a question maybe you can help me with. I recently acquired a 1945 Colt 1911. When I place the gun in position 1 with a thumb safety on, I am still able to fire the hammer. Im not sure if the thumb safety cam is not blocking the Seer or possibly the hammer is missing the detent which is allowing the hammer to fall when I pull the trigger with the thumb safety on. Aside from this everything with regards to pulling the trigger and the hammer falling seems to be working normally. Do you have any suggestions on how I can correct this issue? Thank you
"You can see that [...]". The thing you're pointing at with the pointy end of a file is about the size of a grain of rice, and you're holding it 4 ft away from me. So, No, I can't see. Imagine if the screen had 4 million pixels, but you were using only 16 of them in the center to "show" what you're doing.
Installation of the grip safety was not necessary for what he was demonstrating. When operating properly, the grip safety blocks the rearward movement of the trigger bow when the trigger is pressed. When the grip safety is compressed it pivots the grip safety arm up and out of the way of the trigger bow allowing the trigger to move rearward and contact the disconnector. With no grip safety installed there was nothing to block the rearward movement of the trigger.
What a relief to see/hear a pro with clean delivery. No stuttering, stammering, or aaaaaaahs like so many others. Great vid.
Hi Mr. Burton. Thanks for this video. I followed your directions and was able to fit a new safety to my 1911 perfectly. You made this an easy process. Best, John
Too inexperienced to attempt, but I purchased an EGW ignition kit after which my thumb safety no longer fit unfortunately they did not explain the content of this video in their install guide! This was priceless and now everything is working fine. Thank you!
this would be a great video but i can see what you are filling on ! a close up shot would be nice.
I think you are missing one of your callings in life Jason. Not only are you one of the best pistol smiths out there but you have a real calling on creating videos and as a teacher. Your videos are shot professionally so we can actually see what you are talking about..which seldom happens. However, the way you explain....clearly, concisely and more importantly so we can all under stand is a true gift. You explain something in 1 minute that others you tube ramble on for 20 minutes. And you provide the information so we learn it immediately. Many thanks for your efforts. (and awesome work with Heirloom)
Well, that was six minutes well spent. Just picked up a used Kimber and the thumb safety fit was (can"t say it here.). Four swipes with a file and I'm a happy boy! Thank you for taking the time to publish this. Well done.
Outstanding video. Even with the non-close ups (or as close as I wouldn't have liked-ups) this was extremely helpful. Building my first 1911 here and was a little nervous about where, how and how much to file here. First straight forward tutorial on this. New ambi on my 1911 works perfectly now and is smooth as butter.
Nicely done. I did warranty work for Colt and S&W and you properly described the procedure. You may want to add that, at the function check after fitting, after you try to pull the trigger with the safety engaged and you return the safety to the "off" position, you then slowly pull the hammer to the rear and there should be NO movement or "click" of the sear. BTW, love the sound of a new, fresh file.
I have watched a few of these guntubers and everyone of them have failed to know this fact also needs being done after you pull against the grip safety, so many pretend to be teachers and have not yet learned
Thanks! I have forgotten more about fitting one than I ever knew.
Great video. You can tell that Mr. Burton knows his way around a 1911. I always get helpful tips from his videos. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this video. I just upgraded the mainspring housing on my 1911 and somehow I managed to break my ambi safety so now the right just flops around. Luckily I'm right handed but that floppy piece bothers me and was fretting trying to fit a new one. I'll probably buy a cheapy off ebay to practice on first then get a nice one. Thanks again!
**UPDATE** I found the parts that I needed on my second purchase, followed your instructions. Three swipes of the file and now my 1911 is fully functional once again. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Nice to see an actual professional giving these DIY tips rather than some guy in his basement
Thanks with your help I fitted the WC single sided safety to my RIA 1911 Tac II. Thanks
Awesome, find a DIY ruined thumb safety in my 1911 (pre-owned), ordered new one and it fits like it should be with your instructions. Thx from germany ✌🏼
Close up is a cool feature......you should try it.
Great video, did a adjustment on a thumb safety last night after I got a Wilson Combat trigger and sear for one of my 1911s.
Thanks, awesome, clear, precise video. Put a new safety on my Commander light weight. This is just what I needed to fit it properly and only took a few minutes.
Man I know this is old video but I think your one of the best builder out there really love you're work much respect hope I can afford it one day
Thank you for posting this video.
Very clear presentation which guided me in changing out my safety.
Well done.
Great video Jason! just what I was looking for. I love the 1911,have since I was a kid. Trying to learn more about maintenance and repair,to upgrade and keep mine running for a good long time. Thank you.
Really got a lot out of this video. I was having issues with the thumb safety being difficult to engage completely. I had recently installed a beavertail safety, hammer and sear in my 1911 and was unable to get the thumb safety to fully engage. It engaged enough to work, but would not fully engage. After watching this video I was able to file down the spur on the safety that engages the sear and after carefully fitting it, the safety now engages like it should. Thank you for the information.
Seems like you keep it simple! In most videos they disassemble the pistol sometimes all the way down. Good video!
Outstanding Jason. Thank you for a clear and concise video
Excellent video - probably the best I've found! Thanks!
Best video out here thus far. Great detail and information. Thanks.
Thank you so much for this very clear and concise video. I just purchased and installed a CK Arms Ambi safety following your guidelines...it came out perfect. I shoot USPSA with a Edge 40 caliber pistol. I have done all of the Gunsmithing on it except for the trigger job. It's videos like this that allows amateurs to learn how to become craftsman. Thank you again.
Thank you, Jason. You are also a great teacher!
Great job, just did my first build and with your help the safety was not that difficult!
GREAT video Jason!
Excellent tutorial. I'm saving this for later use. I subscribed.
Great video! I agree that a tighter camera shot should have been used. Still an excellent video.
Very good Jason. I've been watching several videos, but yours "clicked" with me and I will be using it to fit my safety. Thanks!!
Great narrative but you need to tighten up those detail shots so my old eyes can see your work and methodology.
Jason is the man!
Bought a Springfield mil-spec and was experiencing a problem cycling the thumb safety in the fire and safe position. I appreciate this video, but in the end I found the issue was the external plunger spring...it was simply too stiff. It didn't allow a smooth action. I took down the pistol so I could study the internal action of the thumb safety against the Sear everything look great...no binding. Next step...I cut the plunger spring just 1/2 of a coil. Still a little stiff. So I cut another 1/2 coil. Problem solved...the motion is as smooth as my high end Kimber. I'm surprised this issue hasn't been fixed by Springfield Armory. Not sure if other mid range pistols suffer from this issue. But really this is a 2 dollar spring. I was ready to sell off this pistol, now it's a keep because the mil spec is otherwise pretty great. Hope this help other Springer owners. Try the fix...if you cut too much simply buy a new 2 dollar replacement spring. Shoot straight my friends.
I've done this for years now in my shop. Great video but I would like you to take some really close up pics so everyone can really see the part of the safety your filing on.
I always make sure I only put two rounds of ammo on the mag. when testing. 55 yrs ago I had one run away with me. That was very scary and cost me 7 rounds, back then a lot of money.
Thank you, for an excellent and informative video.
This video would have been much enhanced had there been close-up shots of the lobes on the safety and where to file and at which angle. Other than that, well presented.
This video helped me refreshing a Colt Series 70, its internals were raped with a file now this baby got a new life thank you for your videos
You didn't tell the trigger reset with the grip safety!!? Good video
Very well made video! TY
Thank you Jason
Great video. I have a question and I can’t seem to find an answer anywhere. I put a deposit down on a new Dan Wesson Specialist 45ACP today. Never owned a DW. Here’s my question, if I try to engage the thumb safety when there is no bullet in the chamber and the hammer isn’t cocked, is it normal for the thumb safety to slightly travel, click and stay slightly up as if it’s engaged? I was confused because it seemed to feel like it slightly locked in place when the thumb safety shouldn’t move? I’ve tried to make the thumb safety budge on a Springfield and a Sig, but the safety didn’t move. I’m hoping the gun I’m buying isn’t defective.
Thanks for the video. What does it mean if my hammer won’t lock back? It will only lock back if the grip safety is depressed but as soon as it’s released the hammer falls without pulling the trigger. I put a new thumb safety as well as hammer. Thanks.
Very well taught!
I applaud his effort he knows what he’s doing with this video was completely useless to me because I can’t tell what the hell he’s doing I can’t see it but I’m sure he knows but I Does it help me a bit
OMG I got lucky. Took me all of 60 seconds. Functioned perfectly.
Outstanding video! Where do you get your files?
At first I was like how did it fire without the grip safety but he did have his palm pressed against the sear 😂
"Look closely"....and then film from far away. :( A few slow close ups so I can see definitely WHICH surface needs filing would be helpful.
good video but ... first it is advised that you fit a new safety to the frame (without the sear, hammer and diso), before filing it to fit onto the sear.
The safety needs to move up and down in the stripped frame, first.
1:28 My lord, nobody ever told me this so suddenly all my struggling is vindicated.
Jason, where is Airline precision located in Mesa. I'm at power and Brown
Nick
Great video! Thank you
Thanks for that
Why did it work without the grip safety
Hi, new friend here, sending full support to your channel
Gunsmithing is patience.
I wouldn't last a day.
I have a question maybe you can help me with. I recently acquired a 1945 Colt 1911. When I place the gun in position 1 with a thumb safety on, I am still able to fire the hammer. Im not sure if the thumb safety cam is not blocking the Seer or possibly the hammer is missing the detent which is allowing the hammer to fall when I pull the trigger with the thumb safety on. Aside from this everything with regards to pulling the trigger and the hammer falling seems to be working normally. Do you have any suggestions on how I can correct this issue? Thank you
Recoiltv i have question
"You can see that [...]". The thing you're pointing at with the pointy end of a file is about the size of a grain of rice, and you're holding it 4 ft away from me. So, No, I can't see. Imagine if the screen had 4 million pixels, but you were using only 16 of them in the center to "show" what you're doing.
Imagine complaining about instructions that the top 1911 gunsmith in the world is teaching you for free lmao
FIRST...safety needs to be fitted to the frame. Then fitted to the sear.
What kind of or number file did you use sir?
He says in the video, try watching it.
Cant see shit from 3 ft away
Installation of the grip safety was not necessary for what he was demonstrating. When operating properly, the grip safety blocks the rearward movement of the trigger bow when the trigger is pressed. When the grip safety is compressed it pivots the grip safety arm up and out of the way of the trigger bow allowing the trigger to move rearward and contact the disconnector. With no grip safety installed there was nothing to block the rearward movement of the trigger.
ok video, but god i had to put my nose on the screen to see the lobe,
If you move your fingers and the camera closer, that'd be great..can't see shit..
It would be wise to keep your day job.
But I’ll give you a place and a P for trying
Bada$$