what should i expect to pay to fit a beavertail to a 1911?

2002gti · May 3, 2005, 08:05 PM

im going to my local gunsmith to fit a beavertail(bias cut the frame) and install a set of kings hardball sights that should be a drop in install. can anyone give me a rough ball park figure that i should expect to bay for these two procedures. id like to know how much before i go in so i dont get took.

BigSlick · May 3, 2005, 09:21 PM

grip safety fitted - max -65.00 drop in - max $35

sights - max - 35.00

Both for about $75-80 bucks + parts

HTH

BigSlick

mikikanazawa · May 4, 2005, 01:34 AM

I think fitting a high-grip safety would cost a substantial amount, since it'd have to include frame refinishing and potentially LOTS of grinding.

trespass · May 4, 2005, 12:17 PM

if fitting a hi-grip safety like the ed brown..check brownell's can get a pin set to guide you with a grinder remving the material...then, polish it up with wet fine grit sandpaper and a polishing wheel...fitting the safety itself into the gun is not difficult..check the khunhausen manual (also available from brownell's) or get the AGI build a 1911 video....and if just a "drop in safety" the manual or video is probably all you need to know. then test fire to be sure of function.

mikikanazawa · May 4, 2005, 10:39 PM

Quote:

then test fire to be sure of function.

Make sure the hammer doesn't drop when you disengage the thumb safety! (Assuming a DIY job!)

Dave Sample · May 5, 2005, 05:46 PM

It still takes me several hours to do an Ed Brown grip safety. I don't view it as easy to do. I always lost money doing them and I charged $125.00 and that included the part. There are no "Drop In Sights" that I know of, but I am out of touch on some of the new things. Fixed set of sights? Minimum shop charge of $40.00.

Harry Bonar · May 16, 2005, 01:14 PM

Dear shooter:
Novaks had the same problen until I asked Wayne to buy a rotary table. I rigged up a jig the frame locks on and with a .250 cutter cut the .250 radius the Ed Brown takes (NOT the Wilson - a different radius). It takes at most twenty minutes with grinding frame contour and all. Now, lately I've been using Brownells Oxpho-Blue and it does a great job; not as good as hot blue but acceptable.
Also, Brownells sells a little jig, hardened steel, that fits in the safety hole that you can grind part-way and file finish - you should be able to use that and do it yourself as the jig is cheap.
With the Ed Brown be careful in grinding your frame not to get into the safety hole as it's close! You can do this!
Harry b.

May 3, 2005, 08:05 PM	#1
2002gti Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2004 Location: FIND ME Posts: 1,125	what should i expect to pay to fit a beavertail to a 1911? im going to my local gunsmith to fit a beavertail(bias cut the frame) and install a set of kings hardball sights that should be a drop in install. can anyone give me a rough ball park figure that i should expect to bay for these two procedures. id like to know how much before i go in so i dont get took. __________________ HEE with the most toys dies happiest

May 4, 2005, 12:17 PM	#4
trespass Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2004 Location: oklahoma Posts: 342	self if fitting a hi-grip safety like the ed brown..check brownell's can get a pin set to guide you with a grinder remving the material...then, polish it up with wet fine grit sandpaper and a polishing wheel...fitting the safety itself into the gun is not difficult..check the khunhausen manual (also available from brownell's) or get the AGI build a 1911 video....and if just a "drop in safety" the manual or video is probably all you need to know. then test fire to be sure of function.

May 16, 2005, 01:14 PM	#7
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	beavertail Dear shooter: Novaks had the same problen until I asked Wayne to buy a rotary table. I rigged up a jig the frame locks on and with a .250 cutter cut the .250 radius the Ed Brown takes (NOT the Wilson - a different radius). It takes at most twenty minutes with grinding frame contour and all. Now, lately I've been using Brownells Oxpho-Blue and it does a great job; not as good as hot blue but acceptable. Also, Brownells sells a little jig, hardened steel, that fits in the safety hole that you can grind part-way and file finish - you should be able to use that and do it yourself as the jig is cheap. With the Ed Brown be careful in grinding your frame not to get into the safety hole as it's close! You can do this! Harry b.

May 3, 2005, 09:21 PM	#2
BigSlick Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Texas of course Posts: 277	grip safety fitted - max -65.00 drop in - max $35 sights - max - 35.00 Both for about $75-80 bucks + parts HTH BigSlick

May 4, 2005, 01:34 AM	#3
mikikanazawa Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2004 Posts: 449	I think fitting a high-grip safety would cost a substantial amount, since it'd have to include frame refinishing and potentially LOTS of grinding.

May 5, 2005, 05:46 PM	#6
Dave Sample Junior member Join Date: December 10, 2004 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 1,002	It still takes me several hours to do an Ed Brown grip safety. I don't view it as easy to do. I always lost money doing them and I charged $125.00 and that included the part. There are no "Drop In Sights" that I know of, but I am out of touch on some of the new things. Fixed set of sights? Minimum shop charge of $40.00.