Problem with grip safety

[ammo dave]

I have a new SR1911 commander that sometimes fails to fire due to my grip on the pistol. The grip safety doesn't always disengage if my grip is a little off. I also have two Colt 1911s (series 70 and series 80) that never seem to cause me a problem. The series 70 has an old school rubber coated Pachmayr grip safety; the series 80 is stock. Is there an aftermarket grip safety that might resolve my problem? Pachmayr is long out of the grip safety business. Anybody else make one with the same shape?

 

[Jeepnik]

You should be able to find a grip safety with a speed bump to fit. There are a number of manufacturers. Might need a little fitting, but that's usually very easy. Check Brownell's.

 

[3manfan]

Every Wilson Combat & Ed Brown beaver tail safety with speed bumps I've bought to upgrade with have dropped in & fit perfectly with no fitting needed.

 

[ammo dave]

The SR1911 safety already has a speed bump wheras my other 2 1911s do not. I know I can alter the existing safety to require less movement to operate but I’m reluctant to do so until I can my get my failure to return to battery issue resolved. (In case I have to return the pistol to Ruger)

 

[hittman]

Maybe just return it now?

 

[XUSNORDIE]

I'm curious as to how you are gripping it. Maybe too high not allowing the grip safety tab to clear the trigger bow? Hand size can matter. It's a very easy fix to just file a bit off the tab to ensure it clears the bow.

I recently completely tore down a SR1911 (10MM) to fit/install parts more to my liking. Ruger did a OK job with fitting. My only internal gripe was the over use of grease on the sear/disconnector.

 

[ammo dave]

I'm holding it just like I hold my other two 1911s (thumb down near the mag release). I don't want to have to develop a different grip strategy to accommodate this particular pistol. I'm hoping another 100rds of range fire will resolve the failure to return to battery.

 

[XUSNORDIE]

Have you removed the grip safety to inspect for burrs? If not and you are planning to check the clearance when you have it broken down. The thumb safety hole will provide you a good view of the grip safety tab engaging the trigger bow.

 

[s4s4u]

I would contact Ruger and see what they have to say.

 

[Crocs561]

I despise grip safeties, I no longer buy anything that has one.

 

[ammo dave]

Contacted Ruger about the grip safety and the failure to return to battery. I expect this one will be going back home for a little TLC.

 

[ammo dave]

Gone back to Ruger for the failure to return to battery and grip safety issues.

 

[XUSNORDIE]

I'm very interested if they respond with the cause, if any. Probably won't if there is a found issue though due to legality which is understandable. I'm betting a couple swipes with a file on the tab for bow clearance is what they do to resolve if anything. Hopefully it isn't "could not replicate issue".

 

[ammo dave]

I really don't expect them to do anything with the grip safety; they'll just declare it's "in spec". I'll fix it myself after they resolve the "return to battery" problem.

 

[XUSNORDIE]

I'm a bit confused.....you titled the thread "Problem with grip safety"....then you merged the "return to battery" issue with it. Yes there it is possible for the grip safety to impact slide cycling.....usually a insufficient grip. The grip can cause both your issues. Both are fairly easily fixed.

Following with curious interest. Please post what or if Ruger states issues with the pistol.

 

[neilin]

Gone back to Ruger for the failure to return to battery and grip safety issues.

By failure to return to battery, do you mean the slide is not fully closing after you fire a round?

 

[p345Fan]

The SR 1911’s and Kimber are notoriously tight when new, especially the steel frames. I have had them lock up after as few as three magazines when new, due to the tight fit and debris.

Instead of wasting 500 rounds to break them in, I just disassemble down to the frame and slide and hand cycle with Flitz until I can put the slide on the frame, point it toward the the floor and the slide falls off. Then it returns to battery and doesn’t lock up with a little dirt in there.

 

[ammo dave]

Sorry if I confused everyone by merging grip safety with return to battery. After firing the slide fails to fully close about 10-20% of the time. It can be easily closed with a push of the thumb. I don't see how a grip safety can affect the slide returning to battery.

 

[hittman]

They all run best when wet

 

[XUSNORDIE]

They all run best when wet

....and gripped appropriately...

 

[ammo dave]

Received my SR1911 back today (10 day turnaround!). Ruger changed the recoil spring and firing pin spring to (hopefully) fix my failure to return to battery. They did not address my perceived problem with the grip safety. After I'm sure it functions correctly I'll adjust the grip safety myself.

 

[XUSNORDIE]

 

[ammo dave]

Made it to the range today. 100rds of 115gr FMJ and nary a hiccup. Apparently Ruger put in a stronger recoil spring. Solved the grip safety problem with a little judicious filing.

 

[pisgah]

I don't see how a grip safety can affect the slide returning to battery.

Me either. But I can see limp-wristing causing both.

Just sayin'...