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M1911A1 Grips

Mojavegreen
HI, I have inherited my grandfathers M1911A1 a couple years ago. I purchased a new set of grips, from duragrips.com to replace the original grips. Sadly when I went to remove the old grips I discovered that the screws are permanently attached to the grips. Is there a way to safely remove them without damaging the plastic? I would take a picture of them, unfortunately my camera recently met a tragically sad end when it fell off a cliff and met the Earth at a high rate of speed.

The grips I am looking to put on are the punisher grips (gritty) for the full sized M1911A1. If you need pictures that site has them. No I am not advertising for them. I just need help changing the screws out. Thanks in advanced for your time and help.
Dave
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Comments

12 comments

Date Votes
  • perry shooter
    I suspect your grip Screws are frozen to the grip screw bushing on a 1911A1 the screws are NOT screwed directly into the pistols frame. There is a bushing that is screwed into the frame and then STAKED to the frame to try to prevent these bushing from turning . I would get some Kroil and put some on the screw heads some will work it's way down to the threads but you also need to get some kroil on the screws from inside the magazine well put kroil in a tea spoon and then dip a Q-tip in the kroil and then touch the screw and bushing from the inside of magazine well. let set 24 hours and then use a proper fitted screw drive to turn the screw head. Be aware the bushing may turn out of the frame if so [:(] all is not lost you an get new bushings and screws from Brownells
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  • Mojavegreen
    Hi Perry, I think the bushings have come out. When I removed the grips, they seem to be holding the screw in the grip plastic. What is Kroil and where can I order some? I think if I apply that it might loosen the bushing. If that don't work is there a sight where I can get replacement parts?
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  • perry shooter
    BROWNELLS just Google them you really should Stake the new bushing but an alternative is use LOCK-TITE on the threads of the bushing part that screws into the grip frame of the pistol let the lock-tite set up then put a dab of grease on the screws before installing.
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  • Mojavegreen
    Thanks Perry, I will look them up.
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  • Mojavegreen
    I am looking at these SLIM GRIP SCREWS & BUSHINGS. on that site you sent me to. Are these the correct ones for the M1911A1 (Remington Rand)? Thanks again for your help!
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  • perry shooter
    The thin grip screw bushings are made for Thinner then normal grips so the bushing will not project through the grips . Just get the standard bushings unless the grips you are going to install are THinner then normal If still have questions Brownells has a great TECH department that is free and they can also help you. on any parts questions.
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  • Mojavegreen
    Will do Perry, thanks again Sir! as near as I can tell the weapon appears exactly as it did when it was issued to my Grandfather.
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  • nmyers
    While Lock-tite will work fine, I caution you against staking the bushings. There is a special USGI staking tool that some gunsmiths have that will stake the bushing without damaging the frame.

    Neal

    EDIT: Look inside the mag well & you will see a circle of trapezoids surrounding each grip bushing. The factory (& military armorers) use a staking tool to crimp the frame against the bushings. The staking marks shown are bright metal, indicating original finish; a refinished gun will have parkerized staking marks.

    Colt_M1911A1_20.jpg
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  • Mojavegreen
    Hi NMyers, what is staking? I am not familiar with the term. I have discovered that the bushings did indeed come out of the weapon when I removed the grips.
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  • Justjump
    Kroil is great stuff. But I have used oil of wintergreen to get these stuck little buggers loose also. It works well, won't damage finish and adds a pleasing aroma to the shop LOL
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  • azpowerwagon
    Get a set of end nipping pliers or diagonal cutters and grind a radius in each cutting edge(opposite each other) slightly smaller than the bushing diameter. Doesn't have to be perfect. Now you should have small clamp to grab hold of the bushing up high at the grip panel. A snug grip is enough, then you can turn the screw out with your screwdriver. If all went well you should be able to re-install the bushing as the tool will not have damaged the fine threads except at the very top.
    I would suggest getting the bushing driver that Brownell's sells.
    Best of luck.
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  • Mojavegreen
    Thanks everyone for your help. I will definitely look in to that bushing driver. I was on that site earlier today. Thats a great site.
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