There seems to be a lot of interest in the ambi-safety on the Taurus PT1911... especially problems with it coming apart. Before you feel that this is a part design error, newbies should know that this design was one of the earliest efforts at putting an ambi-safety on the 1911 guns and is used basically in the same form by a number of manufacturers. With guns that are "decked out" the ambi-safety is a marketing requirement, but unless you are a left hand shooter, they are a visual attraction not a functional demand.
IF you are replacing safety because you are having problems, and IF you have changed grips to make sure that the right side grip isn't binding the leg that rests in an area designed for use with ambi-safeties of the "Swenson" type. Remove the right side grip... if the safety is still operable, check the range of movement required under the grip... replace the right grip... even many of the grips that are sold as having the ambi cutaway... they are not adequate in terms of their angle of clearance. If the safety hasn't suffered metal fatigue from the torque required to move the safety with the right side binding, then you may have solved your problem and installing the right hand is truly an aesthetic interest.
Regardless of the reason, here is the process if you really want to fit all left hand safeties which is the traditional Browning design.
A number of readers have either (1) replaced their own, (2) paid a gun smith since these universally require hand fitting, or (3) are looking for information to explore doing this themselves.
CAVEAT: DO NOT try this is you are not comfortable with small hand jobs, lack the small files necessary or are generally totally uncoordinated. Too much filing can turn a $30 thumb safety into (1) a dangerous addition to your gun, or (2) an interesting curio!
If you are sure you are interested in tackling this job... here are some required reading that might go toward making this a success!
Here is a good clear explanation of the parts of the thumb safety and what parts need to be filed to fit...
http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?p=361760#post361760
This is drawn from a M1911.org forum... the bulk of which is insignificant and long. I apologize for not getting all of the citations correct and I hope this is adequate to give credit to the author.
Here is a very good explanation of how the thumb safety interfaces with the other parts of the firing system and how to evaluate what is working and what isn't
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=245926
I have ordered something cheaper than the Wilson Combat (although it looks like it) for $20 from Ebay. This sounds like an interesting diversion on a cold winter evening. I will let you know what I learn about "knowing where" to file and learning "how much" to file.
In the mean time, please feel free to share any other links or tips? Especially those who have done this already, PLEASE add your experience!
IF you are replacing safety because you are having problems, and IF you have changed grips to make sure that the right side grip isn't binding the leg that rests in an area designed for use with ambi-safeties of the "Swenson" type. Remove the right side grip... if the safety is still operable, check the range of movement required under the grip... replace the right grip... even many of the grips that are sold as having the ambi cutaway... they are not adequate in terms of their angle of clearance. If the safety hasn't suffered metal fatigue from the torque required to move the safety with the right side binding, then you may have solved your problem and installing the right hand is truly an aesthetic interest.
Regardless of the reason, here is the process if you really want to fit all left hand safeties which is the traditional Browning design.
A number of readers have either (1) replaced their own, (2) paid a gun smith since these universally require hand fitting, or (3) are looking for information to explore doing this themselves.
CAVEAT: DO NOT try this is you are not comfortable with small hand jobs, lack the small files necessary or are generally totally uncoordinated. Too much filing can turn a $30 thumb safety into (1) a dangerous addition to your gun, or (2) an interesting curio!
If you are sure you are interested in tackling this job... here are some required reading that might go toward making this a success!
Here is a good clear explanation of the parts of the thumb safety and what parts need to be filed to fit...

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?p=361760#post361760
This is drawn from a M1911.org forum... the bulk of which is insignificant and long. I apologize for not getting all of the citations correct and I hope this is adequate to give credit to the author.
wichaka29th October 2004, 20:28
Take off the old one, and remove the grip safety. This allows you to see the sear, which is what you're fitting the safety to. Keep all the other parts in place.........i.e., hammer, sear, disconnect, MS housing..etc.
Take the plunger out, to make things easier........we'll fit that later.
Insert the safety into the frame, with just a bit of pressure, now you can see how the lug on the safety fits, or will fit onto the lug of the sear........just above the legs. It most likely won't go all the way in at first, as they leave the lug over sized for proper fitting to your sear.
Flip it on and off a few times to take notice how the parts should fit together. When you flip it on & off a few times, this will leave a small mark on the safety lug, and will give you a guide where you need to start. (blue marker helps here)
You'll need to take a bit off that lug,with a fine cut file, use a #4 or better..........VERY SLOWLY HERE, A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY. Then re-fit. Don't get impatient here, as it will take several fittings to get it right. Be sure you get the lug even across it, so it mates up with the sear lug. When you've got that fitted, so it goes on and off, make sure there's absolutely NO MOVEMENT from the sear when you pull the trigger with the safety engaged
One you have that fully fitted, take the safety back out and insert the plunger, and put the safety back in. Now flip the safety on & off a few times to get the feel of the 'snap'. Adjust as needed for proper tension, and fitting into the notch of the slide.
Happy 'smithing........
Here is a very good explanation of how the thumb safety interfaces with the other parts of the firing system and how to evaluate what is working and what isn't

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=245926
I have ordered something cheaper than the Wilson Combat (although it looks like it) for $20 from Ebay. This sounds like an interesting diversion on a cold winter evening. I will let you know what I learn about "knowing where" to file and learning "how much" to file.
In the mean time, please feel free to share any other links or tips? Especially those who have done this already, PLEASE add your experience!