Beavertail?

[Grizz Axxemann]

After getting another slide bite after a day shooting my 1911, I've decided it's high time I replace the factory grip safety with a beavertail. I tend to get as high up as my meat-hooks allow, and the factory grip safety offers no protection.

For the record, it's an original Colt Delta Elite, and I'm wondering which beavertail to get, since not all are created equally. Ideally, I'd like to get as close to drop-in as possible, but a little work with a needle file or similar is acceptable to get it to fit just right. Something in Edmonton, or even Canadian is great too.

 

[turbo_bird]

Depending on what your definition of "just right" is, pretty much any beavertail will require a lot more than just a little work with a needle file. There are drop in ones, but they won't blend seamlessly with the frame.
Kristian

 

[EdGCNM]

The ones with a "memory bump" (the raised bump at the bottom of the grip safety at the grip) are worth it in my experience. I have a little scar from hammer bite I got on my Gold Cup that has no beavertail, and although I don't get bitten by my .45 that has the beavertail, if you grip high it is entirely possible to move the bottom of the grip safety out of position and have it go safe while firing. The memory bump helps to keep the safety positively pressed into the grip.

 

[MTLGUN]

Kings used to make a few different types that were essentially drop in. They don't offer the truely ' high ride ' feel that an Ed Brown does but they work pretty well overall.

Colt went with a modified version of the Kings around 1996 on the Enhanced 1911's. You might get lucky and score one of those.

Otherwise if you get a Brown/Wilson/Caspian style you'll need to get the installation jig or be exceptionally careful installing it. A file probably wont cut it, you'll need to use a grinder and then finish with a fine file to blend.

gl