6904 Binding Ambi Safety

demkofour · #1 08-06-2018, 06:02 PM

Hey guys- I recently picked up an as new 6904 here on the Forum. As a southpaw, I activate the Safety/Decocker from the right side and noticed it was binding. But only when I activate from the right side- not from the traditional left side (as in what a right handed shooter would do...)

I took a quick close look and I see that the binding is caused by the inside edge of the r/s lever contacting the pistol frame below the lever and about 1/4" above and behind the red dot (see the attached photo).
I also can see and feel a slight amount of lateral movement with the levers from left to right and right to left. When trying to activate the Safety/Decocker with my left thumb, that causes the lever to slightly move inward, causing contact with the frame.

I'm thinking of removing the r/s lever and sanding/polishing down the inside edge a bit, but...
Does anyone have a better viable solution and/or suggestions (other than switching to right handed shooting and safety/Decocker activation LOL)?

bigggbbruce · #2 08-06-2018, 06:50 PM

Answered below..

armorer951 · #3 08-06-2018, 06:54 PM

Before removing material, you might disassemble/remove the safety to confirm the proper plunger and spring have been used inside the safety body itself. If the wrong spring is used, the plunger will not exert the proper tension on the assembly to prohibit it from lateral movement in the slide cavity.

The problem could also be related to the interface of the removable, right-side lever in its slot in the safety body. The right side lever should fit the slot tightly when inserted into it's "T" slot. If there is too much open gauge between the lever and the slot in the cavity, the lever itself can be moved sufficiently to impact the frame when the safety is engaged. Carefully peening the lever stem on each side can help close the gauge and keep the lever from tipping down. (If this is determined to be the issue) Side to side gauge on the frame rails (normal wear and tear) can also contribute to this issue.

JohnHL · #4 08-07-2018, 03:03 PM

If, after following armorer951's excellent advice and no improvement is realized, you might consider swapping the right side safety lever for a lever from a S&W 3rd gen 45 model (like a 4505, 4513TSW, 4566TSW, etc.).

The 45 levers have a small protrusion on the inside that prevents the safety body from moving laterally.

That could solve your problem.

John

demkofour · #5 08-08-2018, 12:42 PM

As it turned out, I disassembled the safety and discovered that the installed plunger was in fact the wrong one and that the spring had been cut down to a point where there was very little tension on the plunger... replacement parts are on the way thanks to armorer951!

JohnHL · #6 08-09-2018, 01:23 AM

Good call, armorer951!

John

BLUEDOT37 · #7 08-09-2018, 02:32 AM

The OP already found his problem but if it didn't fix your's this thread has some other ideas that may help.

stiff/notchy decocker lever

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RMFnLA · #8 08-09-2018, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demkofour

As it turned out, I disassembled the safety and discovered that the installed plunger was in fact the wrong one and that the spring had been cut down to a point where there was very little tension on the plunger... replacement parts are on the way thanks to armorer951!

"I recently picked up an as new 6904 here on the Forum."

demkofour · #9 08-10-2018, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMFnLA

"I recently picked up an as new 6904 here on the Forum."

FWIW, there’s no doubt that the member here I purchased the pistol from did not do the alterations or had any idea of them... frankly, he’s a righty, did not carry or fire the pistol and never tried to activate the safety/decocker left handed.When I originally took possession of the pistol and noticed the situation, he was immediately advised and recommended some steps including taking the pistol back.
In addition, I’m the sort of person who believes that things happen for a reason. Had I not bought the 6904 and had the problem I would not have met armorer951 and made a new forum friend! Who, I might add, has been a great help with this situation.

adrianolsen · #10 08-10-2018, 05:46 PM

also, couple of things to add. the decocker body plunger comes in sizes .0320, .0325 , .0335. it might make it feel tight when moving the levers. use oil or grease in the slide where the plunger moves up and down. if it is too loose , the safety will drop while shooting. also, the lever spring is a lighter gage spring than the decocker body heavy spring. don't put the lever spring in the decocker body, will make the lever fall while firing