Can the grip safety be altered? - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Ezra Smack · 06-30-2008, 10:54 AM

I keep hearing the same horror story that a spring can break in the grip safety rendering the slide immovable. And if this happens with a round in the chamber it can neither be fired nor unloaded. As you know, unless the grip safety is depressed the slide can not be retracted. Is there a way to alter or modify the grip safety where it still functions as a safety but will allow the slide to be pulled back? I really don't see a reason for this quirkey feature but as far fetched is it may sound, I would rather avoid this potential disaster.

propellerhead · 06-30-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezra Smack

I keep hearing the same horror story that a spring can break in the grip safety rendering the slide immovable. And if this happens with a round in the chamber it can neither be fired nor unloaded. As you know, unless the grip safety is depressed the slide can not be retracted. Is there a way to alter or modify the grip safety where it still functions as a safety but will allow the slide to be pulled back? I really don't see a reason for this quirkey feature but as far fetched is it may sound, I would rather avoid this potential disaster.

Who is telling you that? Glock die hards? There are thousands of XDs out there and I haven't heard of a case of a broken spring. Even if the spring breaks, I would think it would break to where the grip safety is in the off state. Everything should function and you would only be out one layer of safety.

tomfoolery · 06-30-2008, 11:01 AM

I have put 10,000 +++ rounds through a single XD with no issues at all.

kevindsingleton · 06-30-2008, 11:10 AM

I'd like to know more about where you heard this, and which spring may cause the problem. If what you're describing is true, it probably amounts to a manufacturer's defect, which would prompt a recall for repair or replacement.

I can't imagine how a flaw like that would be allowed by Springfield Armory.

fredj338 · 06-30-2008, 11:18 AM

If you are worried, I'm sure it can be drilled & pinned, much like a 1911 can, but I doubt it ever happens.

Modificationvt · 06-30-2008, 11:26 AM

ive heard that if you do a complete take down of the frame and put the spring in wrong it can break, but seeing how the grip safety works I dont see how a broken spring would stop you from depressing it to rack the slide. if anything a broken spring would have the oposit affect and actualy stop the grip safety from engaging leaving the gun with only the trigger safety.

Ezra Smack · 06-30-2008, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevindsingleton

I'd like to know more about where you heard this, and which spring may cause the problem. If what you're describing is true, it probably amounts to a manufacturer's defect, which would prompt a recall for repair or replacement.

My big concern would be how am I going to ship a loaded pistol back to the factory if I can't get the round out? No carrier would take it in "loaded" condition.

I heard this rumor from two gunsmiths, one police supply store manager and several individuals. Some say it can break while some say the "breakage" was caused from people who take the mechanism apart and reassembe the thing incorrectly, I would suspect the latter. Now, maybe it is just a big myth. But still, what if it is true? If that part did fail for whatever reason, even if it is my fault, I would have a major problem with no way to unload.
If there is a practical way to disable the slide locking feature without disabling the grip safety I would like to know how.

Bill in San Jose · 06-30-2008, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezra Smack

I keep hearing the same horror story that a spring can break in the grip safety

From who (whom?) do you keep hearing it?

You could get hit by lightening or a meteor today as well.

AZXD40 · 06-30-2008, 11:32 AM

To be honest it sounds like Kool-aide to me..

However like mentioned before I believe if the spring was to fail it would be in the safety off position and I could not imagine it jamming the slide closed.

I would be interested to see if there are any documented cases in existence?

**agalindo** · 06-30-2008, 11:38 AM

The way the grip safety works makes it impossible for what you described to happen. It's BS from "gunsmiths" that don't know jack about the XD and how the grip safety works.

06-30-2008, 10:54 AM	#1
Ezra Smack XDTalk Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 78	Can the grip safety be altered? I keep hearing the same horror story that a spring can break in the grip safety rendering the slide immovable. And if this happens with a round in the chamber it can neither be fired nor unloaded. As you know, unless the grip safety is depressed the slide can not be retracted. Is there a way to alter or modify the grip safety where it still functions as a safety but will allow the slide to be pulled back? I really don't see a reason for this quirkey feature but as far fetched is it may sound, I would rather avoid this potential disaster.

06-30-2008, 11:01 AM	#3
tomfoolery XDTalk 4K Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 4,409	I have put 10,000 +++ rounds through a single XD with no issues at all. __________________ "It is better to die on your feet than live on your knees." "One is none, two is one, and three is just a good time." Clint Smith, referring to the number of guns you carry daily.

06-30-2008, 11:10 AM	#4
kevindsingleton XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5	I'd like to know more about where you heard this, and which spring may cause the problem. If what you're describing is true, it probably amounts to a manufacturer's defect, which would prompt a recall for repair or replacement. I can't imagine how a flaw like that would be allowed by Springfield Armory. __________________ Kevin Singleton, Displaced Texan 45S

06-30-2008, 11:18 AM	#5
fredj338 XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,219	If you are worried, I'm sure it can be drilled & pinned, much like a 1911 can, but I doubt it ever happens. __________________ EVERY GOOD SHOOTER SHOULD BE A HANDLOADER!

06-30-2008, 11:26 AM	#6
Modificationvt XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Burlington Vermont Posts: 990	ive heard that if you do a complete take down of the frame and put the spring in wrong it can break, but seeing how the grip safety works I dont see how a broken spring would stop you from depressing it to rack the slide. if anything a broken spring would have the oposit affect and actualy stop the grip safety from engaging leaving the gun with only the trigger safety. __________________ Since it has come up a couple times I figured I would put this here, I have a spelling/reading disability. Although it may cause some humorous posts by me, I hope that people can look past it and understand that what I say is no more valid/invalid just because it may be misspelled. If for some reason you want/need more specifics feel free to send me a PM.

06-30-2008, 11:32 AM	#9
AZXD40 XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Phoenix Arizona Posts: 714	To be honest it sounds like Kool-aide to me.. However like mentioned before I believe if the spring was to fail it would be in the safety off position and I could not imagine it jamming the slide closed. I would be interested to see if there are any documented cases in existence? __________________ John F. Kennedy: "Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take arms, but citizens who regard the preservation of freedom as the basic purpose of their daily life and who are willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom."

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