Laser weld or Tig weld

[J_Hensley]

I have a particular thumb safety that came on a custom 1911. The safety does not interface correctly with the detent. I am tempted to have the piece welded to correct the fitment issue.

Can any of you guys recommend someone who I might be be able to trust to get the job done right?

 

[Twdmar]

Does the safety work? Figure out what its made of before trying to weld it, just in case its cast or MIM.

 

[J_Hensley]

The safety does not function properly as the detent does not interface correctly. It is an old Swenson safety.

 

[J_Hensley]

I replaced the safety with a single sided stainless safety. But I would like to have the hard chromed Swenson working correctly.

 

[Twdmar]

How do know the detent is the problem? perhaps its sear blocking portion. Does it work sometimes if you don't push it all the way up(where a better fit in the detention would be)? Is the slide in spec? Are you going to rechrome it after welding? Matching colors is sometimes tricky.

 

[jrb06]

Can you get pictures of the problem, I am not sure exactly what you mean by not interfacing with the detent? Are you referring that the plunger doesn't engage in the safety hole or it just doesn't have a solid click when engaging and dis engaging?

 

[Sniperhandle]

.

 

[J_Hensley]

I'll try to get some pictures when I'm home later.

 

[Sniperhandle]

Before I tried welding, I would try changing the sear. A lot of times, Guys will grind or file on the sear portion that interfaces with the knub on the thumb safety. Worth a try if you have some laying around.

 

[JFrank]

Is that safety an original Colt part or aftermarket ?

 

[J_Hensley]

Is that safety an original Colt part or aftermarket ?

Armand Swenson

 

[JFrank]

Armand Swenson

That seems to be a common problem with aftermarket parts.
If Colt offered that part I would order it.

 

[Sniperhandle]

The Swenson parts were most likely higher quality than the oem parts from when that Colt was made, He was renowned 1911 smith in his day.

If you order that from Colt today, It will be an MIM piece of junk also.