Ambi-Safety Mod

[CPTBeaker]

Since nobody makes an ambi-safety for the 15-22, I decided to make my own...

*** Disclaimer ***
This is a modification/addition of the Lever(s) only on the existing 15-22 safety selector. The contact surfaces and function of the safety is not altered. However, since this is a safety component, don't try this unless you are sure you can apply the mod without rendering your safety inoperable.

For this modification I used the following components:

- the stock 15-22 Safety Selector
- two JP Enterprises Ambi Safety Levers: Link

Step by step CAD drawings in next post below...

 

[CPTBeaker]

Tools / Items Needed:

- 8-32 Tap and a #29 drill
- portable drill or drill press (recommended)
- jeweler's files / craft files / gunsmithing files
- hack saw
- the stock 15-22 Safety Selector
- two JP Enterprises Ambi Safety Levers: Link

Step 1:

Remove stock safety selector from properly cleared rifle:

Step 2:

Mark a line parallel to the existing lever through the center point of the stock lever. THIS STEP IS CRITICAL. If the line isn't parallel to the existing lever, the new lever will be crooked and your selector won't be able to rotate from fire to safe properly.

Step 3:

Using a small file, make a groove to accept the male projections on the JP replacement lever. An accurate and well sized groove is important.

Step 4:

- Place the new lever into the groove for alignment and mark the center position of the hole in the groove.
- Drill a hole ~1/4" deep using a #29 drill bit
- Tap the hole using an 8-32 tap

Step 5:

- Secure the lever to the safety using the included machine screw.

OPTIONAL

I'm a nut about stuff being symmetrical. Since the new lever does not match the old lever in appearance, I replaced the original lever as well.

Step 6:

Remove the old lever from the safety using a hack saw.
Important: Keep the cut as close to the lever as possible to leave the remaining safety as long as possible. If you cut too much off, the final product will drag/bind because the lever will be too tight against the receiver.

Step 7:

- Clean and square up the cut with a file or sandpaper.
- Repeat steps 2 thru 5 on this end.

I applied a small amount the blue threadlocker on the screw threads.

Total time from start to finish was about 45 min.

 

[tacticool22]

Nice real work and nice CAD work.

 

[straightshooter47]

just a FYI...
for anyone who wants to try this adaptation, i currently have 3 brand new STOCK S&W 15-22 safety selectors available for immediate delivery so you can do the mod without jepordizing having the gun down for a "boo-boo", or just to have a spare...i've worn one out because eventually the metal plunger rounds over the polymer detents.

 

[sahlomonic]

Wow, excellent work and build up.


Is the selector switch polymer? If so, would it be possible to simply "gorrila glue" a simple polymer tab on the other side to roughly do the same thing (for those who don't want to risk the build-up)?

 

[CPTBeaker]

Is the selector switch polymer? If so, would it be possible to simply "gorrila glue" a simple polymer tab on the other side to roughly do the same thing (for those who don't want to risk the build-up)?

Thanks!

Yes, the selector is polymer. I suppose it would be possible to glue, but without a mechanical attachment method (i.e. a screw or a mated surface), I doubt it would hold up. Most plastics (especially the glass filled type) don't glue well enough in my experience, even epoxy well enough, to make me believe it would hold up given the tiny surface area you have to work with for this modification. The barrel end is only 3/8" in diameter.

 

[spleify]

Nice work.

I agree I would not bother gluing it. If it did hold, what would you do if you had to take it off for some reason.

 

[BPD4]

just a FYI...
for anyone who wants to try this adaptation, i currently have 6 brand new STOCK S&W 15-22 safety selectors available for immediate delivery so you can do the mod without jepordizing having the gun down for a "boo-boo"

how much are they?

 

[Brett248Vista]

CPTBeaker,

Great write up as always! Very thorough and easy to follow, great CAD work!

 

[nathantc]

i know i could do this my self but what would you charge to sell me one already done just like yours........

 

[CPTBeaker]

i know i could do this my self but what would you charge to sell me one already done just like yours........

It wouldn't be cost effective for you to have me do it. You (or I) would have to order the levers and a replacement stock safety for the mod. The shipping to me, then to you, plus what I'd have to charge for my time, etc...I'd end up having to charge you $100 and that doesn't make much sense.

It's a very simple mod.

 

[wolverine]

Morning CPTBeaker

Good write up.

Just a point to ponder-- not all Loc-Tite is plastic safe & some will soften plastic. Some Loc-Tite will say so on the bottle others won't so it is in peoples best interest to research the Loc-Tite product they are using to make sure it is plastic safe.