1911 grip screws

[schadenfreude]

My sringfield loaded came with torx grip screws. The aftermarket is full of hex head screws. I was told that the original GI grip screws were not only slotted but they were concave in the slot so you could use a 45 cartridge to take out the screws. I want to be able to strip it without any tools.

I can't find anywhere to get srews like this. I noticed at Brownells that wilson sells orignal grip screws as part of their "Factory Plus" parts. Part # 965-011-280. I have no way of telling if these are concave or not?

Doesn anyone know if there are waht I'm looking for?

Thanks

 

[Old Fuff]

Yup, your thinking is correct concerning the slotted grip screws. See if Brownells doesn't have the correct screws under "Colt." If not try www.e-gunparts.com and if necessary send them an e-mail explaining exactly what you want.

 

[Jim K]

I don't know where that story got started, but it is not true and never was. The original screws are NOT concave and the slots are too narrow for insertion of a cartridge rim. (The screw slots are spec'd at .034"; the spec for .45 ACP rim thickness is .049".) The Brownell's screws are not concave, and I don't know of any that are.

If you want, you could widen the screw slots to use a case or file down a magazine front lip to fit the regular slots. The military issued a tool with a screwdriver and a pin punch but did not consider grip removal to be a part of routine cleaning.

Actually, Torx screws are better than slot screws, but that does not go for Allen head screws, which are worse.

Jim

 

[schadenfreude]

I read it on this site http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/tech/toolbox.htm
and have seen it on a few other sites as well.

I wonder how that got started then.

 

[Old Fuff]

I'm going to do something I seldom do and disagree with Jim Keenan. He is correct that the original Colt specifications for the screw slot was .034, but I've run into slots that were wider, and somewhere in my stuff that's packed away I have some.

However in checking Jerry Kuhnhausen's "The Colt .45 Automatic - A Shop Manual" I find the following quote: Grip screw slots can run as wide as .050" to .060". Use the correct screwdrivers. Adjust blade thickness and width to fit, and then dress the edges as required."

It has been my experience that narrow-width screwdriver blades that fit some Colt screws don't fit others, and using these on wide-slotted screws usually leaves unsightly burrs.

Again I suggest that an e-mail inquire to Brownells or Numrich/The Gunparts Corp. may turn up some wider slotted screws.

 

[schadenfreude]

I sent an email to brownells and numrich.

Thanks