Kimber Ambi safety install?
 

I have a Kimber with a RH safety (I am LH). SO, I just got the ambi safety in from Kimber yesterday. Is that something I can swap out myself? Do I need to go to a gunsmith? Anybody done this. I obviously don't have experience, but would like to do it, and don't wan't to take it somewhere if it's a easy install.

Please help, SJ

Re: Kimber Ambi safety install?
 

It's a fairly easy swap. ASSUMING your RH saftey pin goes all the way through to the other side of the frame, WHICH IT SHOULD.

Basically consider a full strip down, using a 1911 book (Kuhnhauser or other) and follow the step by step. It's really pretty easy after you've done it a couple of times. The best part is, if you 'mess up' reinstalling everything, go back and start over.

THAT'S HOW I LEARNED IT AT GUNSMITHING SCHOOL. Repetition is your friend.

Now's the time to buy this book and get to know your firearms intimately. Waiting until things go south is NOT the time to wonder if you should have added this kind of knowledge to your knowledge base. If you screw it up NOW you can always take it to a gunsmith and have him show you what you did wrong. Later on, that might not be an option.

NOW IS THE TIME.

Re: Kimber Ambi safety install?
 

I am completely unfamiliar with what is required to make this install.
Are you? does the part come with instructions?
Can you find forum help (like a Kimber forum not GIM)?
I'd say that if your not confident then get help. Watch how the help does it.
I can't think of many parts on a gun that I could allow myself an to install without confidence and the safety is definitely not on the list. An extractor is a good example of something I'll experiment with.

Re: Kimber Ambi safety install?
 

Hi,removing the safety on a 1911 is part of the detail strip (complete disassembly).Ed Brown makes a left hand only safety and many companies make an ambi safety.Removing the safety is fairly simple but I am right handed and have never replaced it with a left or ambi safety.Taking the safety out can be frustrating if you don't have the hammer at the correct angle.Here are some useful web sites: www.brownells.com ,www.1911forum.com/ ,Regards,Mike

More info for Lefties.
 

Hi,try this www.handgunsandammo.proboards36.com.There's a lefty section .You may have to register but they break down the various left handed safeties.

Re: Kimber Ambi safety install?
 

You are going to have to fit it. I.E. file metal off the stud to allow it to slip in and slip up to block the sear when the safety is in the up, safe position. If you strip the pistol and slip the safety in and look at how the sear stops it from sliding all the way in you can see where you need to remove metal. Look at the factory safety and compare it to your ambi safety. That will show you what I mean.
Also the right side stock (grip) will have to be relieved to allow the right hand side of the Ambi safety clear.
It might be wise to take it to a competent gunsmith and let him fit it.