first beavertail fitting experience

md1911 · #1 05-14-2012, 08:49 PM

I originally installed a Wilson Combat drop in btgs on my GI, but really didn't care for the gap. So I ordered a Ed Brown beavertail, and jig. This was my first real try at fitting, and I think it turned out pretty good. The jig pretty much made it impossible to mess up. I also ordered a Fusion chainlink MSH last week, hopefully it will be here in the next day or so.

alias5.56 · #2 05-14-2012, 11:36 PM

Looks good. Did you have to file to fit the undersides of the grips safety tangs?

NIGHT AL · #3 05-14-2012, 11:56 PM

Looks pretty good for a first time try, BTGS still looks a little high on the top of the tangs, a few strokes with your file should make it perfect, IMO.

md1911 · #4 05-15-2012, 09:30 AM

I used a small straight grinder with a bur bit. I noticed the to part after you mentioned it, I hit it with the file this morning and touched it up with some cold blue. I will post a pic once the msh comes and it's all done.

NIGHT AL · #5 05-15-2012, 10:02 AM

I wasn't sure about it being to high sometimes camera angles mess with your eyes.....

alias5.56 · #6 05-15-2012, 10:23 AM

It looked high to me too but I wasn't going to mention it. While you got your file handy I'd bob the extra tail that extends past the hammer groove.

On my Brown I even welded in the back part of the groove so I could bob the tail closer to the hammer.

Dave Waits · #7 05-15-2012, 12:57 PM

OP, great job so far. All you need to do now is finish blending the top and bottom. I got mine close on the bottom by using a fine sanding drum in my dremel at low speed, then sandpaper,200, 400,finish with 600 grit. Just take your time and you'll do great!

md1911 · #8 05-19-2012, 11:20 AM

I got the MSH from Fusion today, but they sent me a checkered one instead of the chainlink one that I ordered. I emailed them, and got a rapid response. They are sending the one that I ordered, and said to keep the checkered one as well. I did a little more blending on the beavertail, and put the checkered one on until the other comes.

alias5.56 · #9 05-19-2012, 05:03 PM

If you're into speed drawing and shooting from a holster now is the time to make it a natural pointer. Draw 3-4-5 times and see where you're finding your front sight in the picture. If it constistantly is to the right you can shave a little off the right underside of the tang and grip safety. If it's to the left than the other side until everytime you aim your gun the sight picture is perfect. The grip safety and tangs can act like a rudder and you can fine tune the gun to your hand.

eta- when I said "shave a little off" I should have said sand off as it takes only a subtle amount to make the gun steer differently. This is after the files and dremels are put away.

md1911 · #10 05-24-2012, 03:33 PM

The chain link MSH came. To date I have done the fallowing, full length guide rod, ambi safety, sights, barrel bushing, hammer and strut, msh, trigger, sear and disconnector, mag release, and of course grips. This was my first 1911 project gun, and overall I think it came out good. Took it to the range this afternoon and everything was great.