Ruger GP100 Grip Frame Lug Removal

[OregonJohnny]

I have an early 90's-era Ruger GP100, with the stock rubber grips with wood inlays. I just purchased the Hogue Tamer grip to put on the gun. However, installation requires the removal of the big metal lug/post that runs through the grip frame. The instructions that came with the grip say to just push it out from the side. Well, that's not so easy. Mine seems to REALLY be in there. I tried light tapping from both sides with a hammer, getting progressively more and more aggressive. It won't budge one way or the other.

I was going to try to disassemble the gun as much as possible (at least get the cylinder out so the gun can lay flat), then try heat. But I was wondering if anyone had any better methods/ideas. Is there a specific direction it needs to go? Thanks.

 

[bikerdoc]

Soak it in oil and let it sit a while then tap it again.

 

[Drail]

I have removed those lugs and they can be pressed in VERY tightly. You need to get the frame on top of a solid block (hardwood, brass, nylon, steel) with a hole for the pin to drop into when it starts to move and use at least a 16 to 20 oz. hammer on it and a large flat punch. This needs to be on a solid work surface that will not move when you strike it. A kitchen table will not work. It will come out. Penetrating oil may help.

 

[OregonJohnny]

OK, thank you. I will try oil and fashioning some kind of block. Does it have to come out from one side or the other?

 

[Drail]

I cannot see any taper on the pin or the hole. It should come out either way. The main trick is to have the frame on something solid so when you strike the pin the frame cannot move with it. If you have a large heavy vise bolted to an immovable bench, that will work also. Be careful, it may release very suddenly.

 

[OregonJohnny]

Oh man, I have been struggling with this now for hours. IT WILL NOT BUDGE. I tried soaking it for a while in WD40, then drilled a hole in a small block of wood for the pin to drop through. I went at it with a hammer and punch, down on a cement floor. It won't move. I then tried heat. I got the pin and the frame scalding hot and tried again. It won't move.

So then I got out my small bench vise. I found a socket just big enough to fit over the pin, but deep enough for the pin to be able to push out. I used heat again, and had the vise as tight as it would possibly go. IT STILL WON'T MOVE!

I got out my digital calipers, and both sides of the pin are the exact same diameter, so I know it's not tapered.

Anyone got any other ideas?

UPDATE: IT MOVED! I used the block of wood in the vise and cranked on it even more. It popped. FINALLY!

 

[Drail]

Like I said, some of them are VERY tight. If you ever want to put it back in the frame turn it down in a drill press with sandpaper.

 

[DBR]

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