P228 lost a grip screw - safe to shoot?

[Paincakesx]

So I took my P228 to the firing range for the first time earlier today and put about 300 rounds down range. It was my first time firing it and it seemed to perform quite well. Unfortunately, when I got home, I noticed that one of the grip screws on my laser grip was missing. It must have come off as I was shooting it, but I didn't even notice it until I started cleaning the gun.

Tomorrow I'm going shooting with my grandfather and am wondering if it is okay to shoot with only 3 grip screws rather than 4. The grip seems stable enough and doesn't really move at all unless I take the mag out and pull on the bottom of it.

In addition, where can I buy additional screws? Is a local gun store likely to carry them or do I have to special order them?

Thanks for any advice?

PS: I currently have the CTC laser grips on it.

 

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

Well if it's the laser side missing the screw, I'd take one off of the opposite side and substitute it in the laser side. If it's the non laser side of the grip... don't worry about it until you can get a replacement screw. I'd go with hex heads too btw.

 

[BADUNAME37]

The hex or torx screws you may need to order from someplace like Midway - order five or six so you have extras.

Be careful when you first tigthen them down that they don't hit the magazine. Look up in the magazine well with a flashlight to make sure they are not protruding into the well. I found out the hard way when I tightened my four screws on a new Hogue grip then the magazine seemed to jam. After scratching the magazine, I realized I needed to grind a bit off each screw length. I then put a bit of bluing on the fresh metal where I ground the ends.

 

[Paincakesx]

Thanks for the responses. Will it be safe to shoot until I can get the replacement screws?

 

[1KPerDay]

Probably fine IMO. if it were me I'd wrap some painter's tape around the grip a couple of times... or wait until I had a replacement screw.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

One grip panel (the right side one, IIRC) guides and retains the trigger bar spring. But three screws will still hold it together for the time being as long as at least one on that side is tight (preferably the top one). You will want a replacement screw ASAP, of course.

 

[fatcat4620]

I would bet my 228 that you would be just fine with no screws!

 

[Hurricane]

I always check this place out for parts. Sometimes they are out of stock, but I have had a lot of success.


http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/ProductsMain.aspx?show=brand

 

[Lonestar49]

You'll be ok with 3 "tight/snug" screws until -

...

Thanks for the responses. Will it be safe to shoot until I can get the replacement screws?

Just make sure the other 3 are snug tight before ya head out again and you'll be fine. Have the same gun and lost one screw, just like you, and kept shooting it for 3 more weeks until I finally got an order in with Sig Customer Service/parts. Got what I needed/ordered in 5 days.

Also, when ordering new screws, note whether what you have are slotted ---- or hex * and order a set of replacements.

Luck,


Ls