S&W 1911 Question

[Montelores]

A S&W 1911, .45 ACP, post-billboard model, but pre-E-model (approx. 2010 production).

Reassembling the hammer, there is a small stamped steel plate to the right of the hammer, fitted in a machined slot in the upper rear frame. The hammer pin appears to pass through the left side of the frame, then through the hammer, then through this small plate, then through the right side of the frame.

Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks -

Monty

 

[eveled]

I have a LW Commander from that era, I have never had it that far apart.

What is your question?

 

[NikA]

My understanding was that all S&W 1911s are 80-series derivatives that utilize a firing pin block for drop safety. That would be easily confirmed by looking at the bottom of the slide for a FP block plunger. I would bet that plate is part of that mechanism.

 

[hittman]

Owners manual or schematic likely help too

 

[sceva]

I believe that is part of a Schwartz safety. Instead of the trigger in the Series 80 de-activating the FP it is the Grip Safety that does it. block

 

[cee_Kamp]

It may also be a filler plate or the original part with grinding done on it, if the FP block has been removed/deactivated.
Series 80 converted to Series 70.

 

[cee_Kamp]

Usually, the part shown has a small lever offset towards the muzzle that "lifts" the firing pin block in the slide when the trigger is pulled or the grip safety is depressed. The construction will vary as there are several Series 80 styles/types.
One is activated by pulling the trigger, the other by depressing the grip safety.
In the right hand photo, it shows where the small lever "may" have been removed. (little divot on the forward surface, just below the corner)
The tip of that lever generally rides in the milled slot in the frame just inboard of the right hand frame rail.
The slot runs from the hammer pocket up into the magazine channel.

 

[Montelores]

Thank you - this seems to be the answer. -80 "conversion."

Thanks to everyone -

Monty

 

[cee_Kamp]

Post a photo of the bottom side of the slide, behind the breech face to the rear of the slide.
Numrich doesn't seem to have a parts exploded view diagram for your pistol.

 

[Montelores]

Yes, you are correct. Did this change on the E-models (no firing pin block)?

Sorry - I'm not able to photograph just now, but I will when able.

Also, S&W wouldn't share parts list or exploded view, but they were helpful. They have been so in every conversation with them (in the past). Tennessee nice!

Thanks for the help -

Monty

 

[wproct]

My memory is a little fuzzy but previously I had a Colt series 80 type of firing pin safety and you could deactivate it by taking the lever out and putting a spacer shim similar to the one you show to take it's place.