[sturgeon]

HI all,

I just picked up a new colt defender, and also purchased some ne slim carry chip mccormick rosewood grips for it.
Is there some sort of trick or tool to take the original grip screw bushings out? looks like they should just screw out of the frame, but can't get them to.
Please help
thanks

[JoeHatley]

Actually, they do just unscrew, but they can be a bear. Properly installed, most grip screws are "flared" on inside the frame end. Some may be Loc-Tited, some both.

A little spot heat may help to get them started. I like to place the end of a soldering iron right on the grip srew for about a minute. Don't forget gloves!!

Worst case, if they have been flared way too much, you'll have to get inside with a Dremel and grind the inside of the screw thin enough that it can be forced to unscrew. One of the small steel ball shaped cutters works pretty well.

A proper screw driver can help a bunch. www.brownells.com sells a special screw drive with a coller, to help prevent slipping and scratching your frame.

Good Luck...

Joe

[Traveler]

One thing you might want to do is make sure the frame is secure in a vise so it does not move. I also take and put a couple layers of masking tape on the frame around the bushing to keep the screwdriver from marring the finish if is should slip.

I have a tool that fits directly over the bushing and prevents most problems. You can make one using a bit of plastic or rubber tubeing on the end of your screwdriver. When that fits down over the bushing it works to keep the blade from moving.

[sturgeon]

Thank you for your replies, I got them off today, and put the new ones on.
Thanks again