change out ambi safety?

sjones · May 29, 2000, 09:45 AM

I have a kimber compact that has one on it and I want to put on a single speed safety. How do I switch them out?Step by step instructions would really help. thanks a lot sj

George Stringer · May 29, 2000, 10:14 AM

Sjones, make sure the pistol is not loaded. Put the hammer at the half cock position, and the safety roughly halfway between on and off. Wiggle the left side out. Once it is out you will be able to remove the ambi or right side. Attempt to install the new safety in reverse. It will probably require some fitting. If it engages and works properly then just leave it alone. If not, you will need to remove a small amount of material from the lug where it contacts the legs of the sear. Paint the area with Dykem Blue and try to install it. Move it as much as you can as if you were trying to engage/disengage it. Remove the safety and file no more than .003" from the "shiny spot". Repeat until the safety works properly. If you go too far the lug can be peened or stretched back out a little but as long as you don't take more than .003" at a time this shouldn't happen. George

James K · May 29, 2000, 01:18 PM

The right side of the ambi safety may be held in place with the right grip piece, and you may have to remove the grip.

Jim

sjones · May 29, 2000, 05:16 PM

Is this a two piece safety?If so,can I just take off the right side or will I have to buy a new safety? thanks sj

Jim V · May 29, 2000, 05:48 PM

sj, you are going to be in the market for a new thumb safety. The ambi-jobs had 1/2 the pin on each peice. And you will need the whole pin to hold the safety in place.

------------------
Ne Conjuge Nobiscum
"If there be treachery, let there be jehad!"

sjones · May 29, 2000, 05:58 PM

Thanks for the info guys,I guess I will have to look around for one. Anyone know where I can get one thats not too wide?

BBBBill · May 30, 2000, 08:59 PM

Brownell's has the Ed Brown stainless on sale right now on their web site. I believe it's about $20. www.brownells.com go to "specials"

Jim V · May 31, 2000, 12:21 AM

Try:
http://www.dennysshooters.com
http://www.kingsgunworks.com
http://www.wilsoncombat.com

------------------
Ne Conjuge Nobiscum
"If there be treachery, let there be jehad!"

May 29, 2000, 09:45 AM	#1
sjones Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 1999 Location: waxahachie,Texas Posts: 337	I have a kimber compact that has one on it and I want to put on a single speed safety. How do I switch them out?Step by step instructions would really help. thanks a lot sj

May 29, 2000, 10:14 AM	#2
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	Sjones, make sure the pistol is not loaded. Put the hammer at the half cock position, and the safety roughly halfway between on and off. Wiggle the left side out. Once it is out you will be able to remove the ambi or right side. Attempt to install the new safety in reverse. It will probably require some fitting. If it engages and works properly then just leave it alone. If not, you will need to remove a small amount of material from the lug where it contacts the legs of the sear. Paint the area with Dykem Blue and try to install it. Move it as much as you can as if you were trying to engage/disengage it. Remove the safety and file no more than .003" from the "shiny spot". Repeat until the safety works properly. If you go too far the lug can be peened or stretched back out a little but as long as you don't take more than .003" at a time this shouldn't happen. George

May 29, 2000, 01:18 PM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	The right side of the ambi safety may be held in place with the right grip piece, and you may have to remove the grip. Jim

May 29, 2000, 05:16 PM	#4
sjones Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 1999 Location: waxahachie,Texas Posts: 337	Is this a two piece safety?If so,can I just take off the right side or will I have to buy a new safety? thanks sj

May 29, 2000, 05:48 PM	#5
Jim V Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 1999 Location: SE Michigan - USA Posts: 4,038	sj, you are going to be in the market for a new thumb safety. The ambi-jobs had 1/2 the pin on each peice. And you will need the whole pin to hold the safety in place. ------------------ *Ne Conjuge Nobiscum* "If there be treachery, let there be jehad!"

May 29, 2000, 05:58 PM	#6
sjones Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 1999 Location: waxahachie,Texas Posts: 337	Thanks for the info guys,I guess I will have to look around for one. Anyone know where I can get one thats not too wide?

May 30, 2000, 08:59 PM	#7
BBBBill Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2000 Location: Alabama Posts: 197	Brownell's has the Ed Brown stainless on sale right now on their web site. I believe it's about $20. www.brownells.com go to "specials"

May 31, 2000, 12:21 AM	#8
Jim V Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 1999 Location: SE Michigan - USA Posts: 4,038	Try: http://www.dennysshooters.com http://www.kingsgunworks.com http://www.wilsoncombat.com ------------------ *Ne Conjuge Nobiscum* "If there be treachery, let there be jehad!"