Issues with Tanfoglio Mossad Compact - Resolved, with pictures

[Ardenn]

So, I ordered this really beautiful Tanfoglio Mossad Compact, which is identical to the BTA-90, and it came with an ambidextrous safety that is broken. I didn't realize this when I picked it up at my FFL, so I can't send it back. It has an ambidextrous frame safety, likely aftermarket, where the retainer on the right hand side is broken off. Initially it stayed in - though it could be pulled out - because the plate-style safety detent was not properly set, so the safety was mushy and would travel up and down easily. After I fixed the detent, now it will fall out just from turning the gun sideways.

I've been trying to find a replacement part for weeks, searching through every variation from excam, springfield p9, mossad, bta-90, ta-90, even the turk clones. I can't find an appropriate safety lever anywhere. I'm about to just order an omega safety and hope I can get that fitted. Or perhaps a Jericho safety? Any ideas?
I also need a new hammer for it because my hands are just fat enough to get nipped at by the current one.

Edit: Can't find a Jericho safety either. Fml.

[painter]

This would be better in the clone forum, and will likely end up there.

[jwc007]

A pic of the Pistol might help matters, but assuming that you have a Series 88 Tanfoglio Pistol, the Small Frame Witness Frame Safety should work.  I would install an Ambi-Safety kit.
The Omega Safety WILL NOT work. 

Could also be that the Spring retainer leg is just not in place on your current Safety. http://www.savvysurvivor.com/tanfoglio_witness_gunsmithing.htm

As for the Hammer, if this is a spur type hammer, I would just trim a 1/4 inch off the spike.  If this is a Ring style hammer, no hope for you there.

[Ardenn]

This pistol has the flat plate style safety, so a small frame witness safety is out, as it has a plunger. The spring leg that retains the safety is fine, the right side of the ambi safety literally has a piece broken off so it is not actively retained.

[Ardenn]

Alright, I finally resigned myself into attempting a repair. I didn't document the process, but I did take detailed 'after' photos.
What I did was chop the right side (left handed) lever off with a dremel, solder the two halves together, and carefully trim everything down to fit - had to cut a new notch as well. The seams are obvious, but it's surprisingly solid. The biggest mistake I made was mismeasuring the cut needed to get the rod flush on the right side, but it still makes good contact. I wish the notch was a little cleaner as well, but I used the finest cutting wheel I had and it functions properly.

It's not ideal, but it gets the gun back on the range. I'll still be looking for a cleaner solution. I have other guns that I carry for self-defense. It has a sweet trigger, and if I can find a hammer that doesn't nip at my hand (or just lose 50lbs), it will be a really nice range gun.

[Ardenn]

Additional question, the recoil spring seems very weak. Anyone know what replacement spring, exactly, to use?

[AZ_CZ]

Congradulations! Nice job. Please complete and hang proudly at your bench.

[jwc007]

Additional question, the recoil spring seems very weak. Anyone know what replacement spring, exactly, to use?

The Factory Standard Spring for the Witness Compacts is 17 lbs, which I recommend using.
You can get them from Wolff Gunsprings: https://www.gunsprings.com/EAA/cID1/mID19/dID100

IF you have not replaced the Magazine Springs, I recommend doing that, as well.

[Ardenn]

My new recoil spring came in today, and while I was installing it I realized that the reason the old one was so short and weak was because a previous owner cut some of the coils off. I'm surprised it cycled at the range.