First off, I have measurements for performing this modification, but to try to keep this post short, I will provide measurements for those builders who want them through e-mail. I will be illustrating how I do this, using one of my KT Tac-Rail'd 1911 frames. First off, I measure and mark the frame for cutting. As you can see in these photos, both KT 1911 frames have just had Chip McCormick Extreme Highride beavertail grip safeties installed and blended.
The frame is then cut using a fine tooth hacksaw blade close to the line scribed on both sides. Then I use a file to finish up to each line taking great care to make sure both sides are uniform.
The MSH I used for this build was one I received from GrahamCracker. It began life as a military arched and serrated MSH, but I quickly took care of that!
I replace all internal parts with an Officers MSH rebuild kit by EGW. The Government length internal, excluding the mainspring cap pin and MSH pin, will not work.
The MSH is first cut and shaped by placing it in the frame and marking the MSH to match the lines of the portion of the frame that was cut off. One marked, I used my bench grinder to get close to the shape marked out. The MSH is then welded in the area that was cut, to close up the old hole for the internal parts. I use my MIG to close this area
The MSH is placed into the frame with the use of thin brass shim stock to act as a "wedge" to hold it in the frame with a friction fit so the frame and MSH housing can be drilled for the new MSH pin location.
After both frame and MSH have been drilled, the MSH is once again removed and the tunnel for the internals is placed in the drill press vise and re-opened, taking very special care not to go too far, and the MSH is then re-assembled and tested for function.
Grips-
As some may already know, I am partial to the Kim Ahrend's tactical 1911 grips. The reason for this is simply because they have the cut-out for the ambidextrous safety levers and they are just plain gorgeous grips!
I had a tool built, which was inspired by Blindhogg's website, which allows for perfect installation of the Dlask medallions. The medallions are nothing more than lapel pins. The pins are removed and the backs filed smooth. Once the medallion cut-outs are finished, the medallions are set in place using industrial contact cement.
I them install the grips on the frame and mark the areas of the grips that will need to be removed and reshaped. This is done using medium and fine sandpaper on flatstock.
Voila!
This picture shows the 1911 builds I currently have on the go. The other BobTail'd 1911 in this photo, is a Remington Rand I swore up and down I was not going to extensively modify. Yeah right! It will be receiving all the tactical hardware, not to mention a 4 port compensator to bring the Officer's slide to Commander length! The compensator is being machined by an EXTREMELY talented machinist who is a part of this forum. All 1911's will have Dlask low mount sights, triggers and hammers. Other major components will be Chip McCormick tactical components. The exception is the Remington Rand, it will have a Wilson Highride beavertail and will have the "black on green" finish as the Wilson CGB's wear.
On the KT BobTail'd 1911 the frontstrap under the finger groove (or probiscuous) and the MSH will be stippled. This will allow for a non slip grip as well as look very eye catching. What I neglected to mention, and will post pictures of when installed, is that this pistol will be wearing the very first ever lanyard looped BobTail'd MSH! I believe this is a first, if not the very first ever BobTail'd KT 1911. The lanyard loop is fastened using the old method of pinning it in place, but there is a twist... ;)
I have always been a fan of Ted Yost's work on the 1911 pistol, especially the pistol he built while he was at Gunsite. Although my lanyard loop has it's own tactical advantage, take a look at this picture, you'll understand where the inspiration comes from...
Though I will happily send any builders of the 1911 these measurements to create their own BobTail MSH's, shortly I will be offering these revamped housings with lanyard loop for sale. I figure there may be a few builders out there who would like to have the BobTail's housing with lanyard loop, but are unable to, or do not have the necessary equipment to weld their own housings.
I'll post the picture of the lanyard looped MSH soon.