1911 - Replacing Thin Grips with Standard Thickness - Questions

[Captains1911]

I'd like to replace the G10 thin grips that came on my Springfield Armory Range Officer Elite, with similar ones, only of standard thickness.

My first question is, do I need new bushings and/or grip screws as well, or will the ones that came with my pistol work with standard thickness grips?

I understand that these grips are made by VZ Grips, but I can't seem to find the exact style and color on their website. I really like the look of them, and would like to buy the same ones just thicker. Does anybody know where I might find them?

Lastly, I am going to be installing and Smith and Alexander magwell, and noticed that one of the VZ Grip profile options is "Magwell." Will this work better than the "Standard with Beveled Bottom" like what I have now?

Thanks for the help.

 

[peacemaker45]

I can't speak to your exact pistol, but in my experience, going from thick to thin, you about always need either shorter screws, or to shorten the existing. Bushings can go either way. I've generally changed them, too, though. You might be able to get the existing ones to work, but it might wind up hanging on by a couple of threads. I guess I'd swap them out, too, just to be on safe side.

As to the magwell grips, they do make for a cleaner look, but not much difference, functionally. If you're fairly sure you're going to leave the well on, and you're buying grips anyway, go for the magwell models, I'd say.

 

[tarosean]

they will work but it you over torque the screws you might crack the grips as there will be a void between the grip and top of slim bushing. VZ has rubber o-rings that can help fill the space.

SA magwell with VZ magwell cut for reference.

 

[FL-NC]

Remember that all grips have a slope going in each direction. What matters is the thickness along the centerline, specifically where the screw holes are. Just be careful and see what happens- if you need different screws/bushings,, order some through brownells.