converting Interarms P-08 to non-grip safety.

HisSoldier · 01-30-2009, 11:57 PM

Well, since the gun is my shooter and I'm sick of the abominable grip safety (actually should be called "hand pincher") I'm pretty determined to replace the grip safety. Can I simply swap out original safety lever and bar after plugging the forward half of the frame slot so the bar can't go forward? I understand that the "Gesichert" will be in the wrong position but expect to simply paint red enamel over it to signify "unsafe".
Ok, I would also like to preserve the return of the gun to original condition upon later sale, which is why I don't want to mill the Gesichert away, or alter the safety lever and (long pivoting) bar that came with the gun. The grip slots would be fitted with small removable walnut block fillers.

Can anyone tell me about this? I did a search and can't find the info.
Thanks so much.

Lugerdoc · 01-31-2009, 07:38 AM

HS, In addition to replacing the grip safety with the standard PO8 safety lever & bar (fitting required as no hole in frame for a pin to hold lever in) you will have to replace the trigger bar (sear) with one with the proper angle for the forward sloping safety bar. TH

Vlim · 01-31-2009, 10:34 AM

The easiest way is to modify the safety to a P08-style Mauser Parabellum configuration.
The P08-style Mauser Parabellum (commemoratives, etc...) had a modified grip safety with the exposed grip area removed and an altered safety catch that pushed the safety downwards.

HisSoldier · 01-31-2009, 07:05 PM

Vlim, This sounds very easy. But you are relying on the return spring to make it safe? Not a big problem, in fact the Gesichert would be in the right place as well if I see you idea correctly, no? Lever up allows the bar to move upwards and back?

HisSoldier · 01-31-2009, 08:44 PM

Well I'm tickled pink! I took it apart, sliced the grip part off the bar and then heated the bar red where the "safety ledge" stuck out, it's punched to stick out .045" or so. While red I hammered the ledge back flush. Then I carefully scribed where the pin should stick up, drilled it and tig welded a .094" diameter pin. Then I simply ground a cam shape on the lower area of the safety so it cams the pin down and forward. Works absolutely great!
The Gesichert is indeed backwards, but hey, I'm stoked!

Thanks Vlim, in 1975 I told my wife I wanted one of these, and figured I could get rid of that stupid grip safety even back them, she worked as a motel maid for a long time to buy one for me. In 1976 when we were ready to buy one we couldn't find one! Fast forward 33 years and another dream is complete! Now I just need to fill the slots in the grips.

Vlim · 02-01-2009, 06:27 AM

Nice work!

Mauser did consider reintroducing the original P08-style design, some reworked design drawings from that era survived. According to himself, Prof. Dr. Rolf Gminder, then technical manager of the handgun branch, came up with the idea to keep the basic grip safety pattern and modify it, much like you did, instead. Very cost effective, no complicated parts changes and (re)tooling required.

lfid · 02-01-2009, 01:56 PM

nice conversion !!!

thanks for the exc pictures

Bill

01-30-2009, 11:57 PM	#1
HisSoldier User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Oregon Coast Posts: 95 Thanks: 1 Thanked 14 Times in 10 Posts	converting Interarms P-08 to non-grip safety. Well, since the gun is my shooter and I'm sick of the abominable grip safety (actually should be called "hand pincher") I'm pretty determined to replace the grip safety. Can I simply swap out original safety lever and bar after plugging the forward half of the frame slot so the bar can't go forward? I understand that the "Gesichert" will be in the wrong position but expect to simply paint red enamel over it to signify "unsafe". Ok, I would also like to preserve the return of the gun to original condition upon later sale, which is why I don't want to mill the Gesichert away, or alter the safety lever and (long pivoting) bar that came with the gun. The grip slots would be fitted with small removable walnut block fillers. Can anyone tell me about this? I did a search and can't find the info. Thanks so much. __________________ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

01-31-2009, 07:38 AM	#2
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 737 Times in 484 Posts	HS, In addition to replacing the grip safety with the standard PO8 safety lever & bar (fitting required as no hole in frame for a pin to hold lever in) you will have to replace the trigger bar (sear) with one with the proper angle for the forward sloping safety bar. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

01-31-2009, 10:34 AM	#3
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,990 Times in 1,205 Posts	The easiest way is to modify the safety to a P08-style Mauser Parabellum configuration. The P08-style Mauser Parabellum (commemoratives, etc...) had a modified grip safety with the exposed grip area removed and an altered safety catch that pushed the safety downwards. Attached Images

01-31-2009, 07:05 PM	#4
HisSoldier User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Oregon Coast Posts: 95 Thanks: 1 Thanked 14 Times in 10 Posts	Vlim, This sounds very easy. But you are relying on the return spring to make it safe? Not a big problem, in fact the Gesichert would be in the right place as well if I see you idea correctly, no? Lever up allows the bar to move upwards and back? __________________ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

01-31-2009, 08:44 PM	#5
HisSoldier User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Oregon Coast Posts: 95 Thanks: 1 Thanked 14 Times in 10 Posts	Well I'm tickled pink! I took it apart, sliced the grip part off the bar and then heated the bar red where the "safety ledge" stuck out, it's punched to stick out .045" or so. While red I hammered the ledge back flush. Then I carefully scribed where the pin should stick up, drilled it and tig welded a .094" diameter pin. Then I simply ground a cam shape on the lower area of the safety so it cams the pin down and forward. Works absolutely great! The Gesichert is indeed backwards, but hey, I'm stoked! Thanks Vlim, in 1975 I told my wife I wanted one of these, and figured I could get rid of that stupid grip safety even back them, she worked as a motel maid for a long time to buy one for me. In 1976 when we were ready to buy one we couldn't find one! Fast forward 33 years and another dream is complete! Now I just need to fill the slots in the grips. __________________ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

02-01-2009, 06:27 AM	#6
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,990 Times in 1,205 Posts	Nice work! Mauser did consider reintroducing the original P08-style design, some reworked design drawings from that era survived. According to himself, Prof. Dr. Rolf Gminder, then technical manager of the handgun branch, came up with the idea to keep the basic grip safety pattern and modify it, much like you did, instead. Very cost effective, no complicated parts changes and (re)tooling required.

02-01-2009, 01:56 PM	#7
lfid Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Wichita, KS USA Posts: 453 Thanks: 573 Thanked 96 Times in 53 Posts	nice conversion !!! thanks for the exc pictures Bill

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