1911 replacement safety question

exit30 · June 30, 2018, 12:16 PM

I am looking to replace the stock safety on my Springfield 1911, and am going with Harrison, but I need a little clarification.

I found a 1911 Extreme Service Thumb, and a TAC Black Extended Thumb, I don't see a difference, but given the different name I assume there is. Anyone know? Also, my gun is black and wondered if a blued safety would look odd. Thanks.

T. O'Heir · June 30, 2018, 12:30 PM

The term 'blued' is kind of a misnomer. Your pistol, if it's not phosphated(flat black), is considered blued. Still black in colour.
I think the only difference between the Harrison TAC and their Extended is the colour of the finish and $5. Brownell's shows both and that's the only difference.
Nobody is looking at your safety. snicker.

exit30 · June 30, 2018, 12:57 PM

Oh c'mon, maybe there's a 25 year old hottie staring at my safety, giggling because it doesn't match. LOL just kidding, but thanks for the response, I always wondered about the whole "blued" thing, never quite got it. I didn't see any difference in the two safety's either.

HiBC · June 30, 2018, 03:54 PM

I'm making the assumption that if you are asking this question,you may not be experienced with working on 1911's. No disrespect intended.
Sometimes a thumb safety will drop in and work fine,but I would not expect it.

Its generally a part that requires some hand fitting. I suggest you turn the job over to a good 1911 smith.

RickB · June 30, 2018, 04:09 PM

The thumb pad on the TAC appears to be narrower,

**Aguila Blanca** · June 30, 2018, 04:14 PM

^^^ Yes. The "shelf" (or whatever you choose to call it) on the TAC is significantly narrower.

**44 AMP** · July 2, 2018, 10:27 AM

if the pistol and the parts match WWII GI specs, then it will drop is and work (no fitting needed).

However if this is not the case, and in this case, its not, then a drop in fit is serendipity. Some aftermarket parts are deliberately made oversize and require fitting. And, fitting by someone who knows how.

You MAY not need a smith, but expect otherwise these days...

"Blueing" or "blued" refers to the process used finishing the firearm. The actual color produced can range from black through shades of blue to even purple, depending on many variables.

gwpercle · July 2, 2018, 02:09 PM

I've got a blued safety and a blued slide release on a stainless steel AMT Hardballer, they laugh at my miss matched socks more than the safety and slide release....it's a two tone !

Gary

exit30 · July 4, 2018, 04:17 PM

Oh i have NO experience working on a 1911 and have already contacted a local gunsmith that will totally install the new safety. Thanks for all input.

exit30 · July 14, 2018, 06:56 PM

Update:
Just got my 1911 back from the smith with a new Harrison thumb safety, and I love it. This lower safety is far more comfortable than the stock safety, I highly recommend it.

June 30, 2018, 12:16 PM	#1
exit30 Member Join Date: June 18, 2018 Posts: 24	1911 replacement safety question I am looking to replace the stock safety on my Springfield 1911, and am going with Harrison, but I need a little clarification. I found a 1911 Extreme Service Thumb, and a TAC Black Extended Thumb, I don't see a difference, but given the different name I assume there is. Anyone know? Also, my gun is black and wondered if a blued safety would look odd. Thanks.

June 30, 2018, 12:30 PM	#2
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	The term 'blued' is kind of a misnomer. Your pistol, if it's not phosphated(flat black), is considered blued. Still black in colour. I think the only difference between the Harrison TAC and their Extended is the colour of the finish and $5. Brownell's shows both and that's the only difference. Nobody is looking at your safety. snicker. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

June 30, 2018, 04:09 PM	#5
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	The thumb pad on the TAC appears to be narrower, __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

July 2, 2018, 10:27 AM	#7
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,835	if the pistol and the parts match WWII GI specs, then it will drop is and work (no fitting needed). However if this is not the case, and in this case, its not, then a drop in fit is serendipity. Some aftermarket parts are deliberately made oversize and require fitting. And, fitting by someone who knows how. You MAY not need a smith, but expect otherwise these days... "Blueing" or "blued" refers to the process used finishing the firearm. The actual color produced can range from black through shades of blue to even purple, depending on many variables. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

June 30, 2018, 12:57 PM	#3
exit30 Member Join Date: June 18, 2018 Posts: 24	Oh c'mon, maybe there's a 25 year old hottie staring at my safety, giggling because it doesn't match. LOL just kidding, but thanks for the response, I always wondered about the whole "blued" thing, never quite got it. I didn't see any difference in the two safety's either.

June 30, 2018, 03:54 PM	#4
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,286	I'm making the assumption that if you are asking this question,you may not be experienced with working on 1911's. No disrespect intended. Sometimes a thumb safety will drop in and work fine,but I would not expect it. Its generally a part that requires some hand fitting. I suggest you turn the job over to a good 1911 smith.

June 30, 2018, 04:14 PM	#6
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,468	^^^ Yes. The "shelf" (or whatever you choose to call it) on the TAC is significantly narrower.

July 2, 2018, 02:09 PM	#8
gwpercle Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 1,752	I've got a blued safety and a blued slide release on a stainless steel AMT Hardballer, they laugh at my miss matched socks more than the safety and slide release....it's a two tone ! Gary

July 4, 2018, 04:17 PM	#9
exit30 Member Join Date: June 18, 2018 Posts: 24	Oh i have NO experience working on a 1911 and have already contacted a local gunsmith that will totally install the new safety. Thanks for all input.

July 14, 2018, 06:56 PM	#10
exit30 Member Join Date: June 18, 2018 Posts: 24	Update: Just got my 1911 back from the smith with a new Harrison thumb safety, and I love it. This lower safety is far more comfortable than the stock safety, I highly recommend it.