Safety Pin Hole Specs

[dbarn]

Have noticed on several older Colt 1911 & A1s that the safety pin hole sometimes has peening around the edges of the hole, leading me to believe this hole was sometimes out of spec or perhaps this was done to keep the safety from backing out too easily. Would appreciate your knowledge as to why this was done.

[Duane Hansen]

Are we holdin em together with safety pins now? Seriously though, I'm not really sure what you are speaking of. Are we talking about the thumb safety pivot pin where it goes through the frame? I have seen where it looks like someone, not knowing how to take it out, started pounding on the end of the pin and left multiple peen marks on the side of the frame for their trouble. I have never seen where one was tightened by peening though. Let me know if I'm even talking about the right thing.

[dbarn]

Hey Duane, here's a photo. It tells the story much better than I can. Thanks for your reply.

[Duane Hansen]

Seems like there would be a much more sanitary way of keeping it from coming out, if that was there intention in the first place. Someone sure messed that one up good!

[dbarn]

I have seen several like this. All have been Colts that I can remember. It leads me to believe the hole may have been out of spec but am not sure.

[Duane Hansen]

I've not heard of any Colt pistols being out of spec in any way. Possibly worn and someone thought they had a great way to tighten it up. I guess that no one cared how it looked at that time.

[chuckindenver]

i have seen this type of damage a few times before.
thats from some yahoo not knowing how to get the safety out, no knowing you have to cock the hammer back.
and using a punch and hammer to force the issue.
id be digging inside and looking for more damage.

[oldcanuck]

Actually I believe it is the way some gunsmiths tighten up a hole that has become worn from use. I have seen it many times over the years on military weapons, so maybe it was a common field repair.

[JBS]

i have seen this type of damage a few times before.
thats from some yahoo not knowing how to get the safety out, no knowing you have to cock the hammer back.
and using a punch and hammer to force the issue.
id be digging inside and looking for more damage.

Chuck is right on the mark. The damages in the photo are Idiot Dents. I have had the same thing show up in my shop. Check the inside for more damage !

[dbarn]

Actually I believe it is the way some gunsmiths tighten up a hole that has become worn from use. I have seen it many times over the years on military weapons, so maybe it was a common field repair.

This is the answer that I have seen on another forum from a knowledgeable collector and I believe it makes sense. Not to discount other possible options. Have been looking at other military 1911s on GB and other forums and it does not seem that uncommon to some degree.

The way the marks are placed around the edge of the hole would seem to offer a clue. My original thought was because the hole is slightly out of spec.