[anapex]

Ok so I just received some McCormick Slim Carry grips that I had ordered for my 1911 yesterday. So I go to take out the longer normal grip bushings and only two unscrew easily. The other two I hate to say I really really mangled getting them out. They took kind of a twist and pull with pliers to get get them out. Thankfully the frame wasn't damaged and I was able to put in the shorter bushings. So does Springfield stake some of their bushings in? Or flare the inside somehow as an extra way to keep them in?

[1911Tuner]

Howdy anapex...Yep. They're supposed to be staked in, and likely
locktited too, since they can't seem to get a handle on the correct way
to stake'em any more.

A simpler way to make the slim grips work is to just file the busings down
a little...for the next time.;)

Cheers!

Tuner

[anapex]

What kind of problems might I run in to if I don't stake the new bushings in?

[1911Tuner]

anapex asked:

What kind of problems might I run in to if I don't stake the new bushings in?

The bushing backing out with the screw when you remove the grip panels.
Not a major issue...just a nuisance. Never could figure out why they
don't just use left-hand threads on the bushings...:confused:

You can "stake" the bushings in place with a little JB Weld. Just follow the
directions, and don't get carried away with the stuff. A little dab'll do ya.
Be especially careful not to let it get on the inside threads or you'll weld the
screws to the bushings but good. When ya install the grips, don't overtighten the screws. Just a little snug past finger tight... and use just a dab of grease on the screw threads to stop rust from undoin' all that the JB Weld has done.


Luck!

Tuner

[Harold Mayo]

I put Navidrex thin black micarta grips on all of my 1911's. ALL of the Springfields that I have replaced grips on have done exactly like what you've described. I have tried everything to stop it but I usually end up just trashing the old grip screw bushings intentionally since it always happens, anyway. They ARE of a softer metal than any aftermarket bushings that I've used.

[anapex]

Thanks for all the help Tuner! Now I gotta dig up some loctite.

[Andrew Wyatt]

Never could figure out why they don't just use left-hand threads on the bushings.

probably so they don't back out when you tighten them.

[Tecolote]

At least you guys have bushings. If you want to have real fun try removing a broken screw from a Browning HP's frame.

[dsk]

Never could figure out why they don't just use left-hand threads on the bushings.

Because John Moses Browning, in his infinite wisdom, was far-sighted enough to see what kinds of "armorers" we'd have in the military decades later. We've already seen guys use a hammer and punch to remove the slide stop, imagine the fun they'd have not knowing the bushings had LH threads.

[1911Tuner]

Andrew said:

probably so they don't back out when you tighten them.

Well...if they're staked...and ya don't put 30 or 40 foot-pounds of torque on'em...they won't back out when ya tighten'em. But...if the screws are
as little rusty...or overtightened a little, and ya have to put some force on'em to bring the screws OUT, the bushings with left-hand threads will be
tightened! See? :D

Dana probably nailed it anyway. When Chrysler first started using left-hand threaded lugs on the right sides of their cars, tire shops were
wringin' the studs off with impact wrenches about one car in five.
Ask me how I happen to know about that...:rolleyes: :D

[Richard.Howe]

Is it possible to use slimline grip bushings with full-thickness grips? What do you give up, if anything, by doing this? If nothing, why don't all 1911s come with slimline bushings?

[Bill Z]

A regular bushing should fit in the grip to the top of the hole so when you install your grip screws they snug down without fear of them cracking, especially when you are shooting. The thin screws would leave a gap on a egular size standard grip.

Locktight should be enough to hold the bushing in. Use acetone to clean the frame threads and grip screw bushing threads up and use red-loctite and fimly screw them down. Let them sit ans 'viola, your good to go. Staking may be better, but loctite works out well.

An added note, Brownell's markets a bit to aid in the removal and installation of the bits. It supports the bit while you are installing and removing it. It's not foolproof, but help greatly. The bushings are soft on purpose in order to protect the frame