Well, to follow up on my grip mod, it turns out that I messed this one up pretty good.

I did not pay attention to the centering of the grip on the back of the grip tang, resulting in a grip that was sucked flat on the left side, taking the 'bow' right out of my sideplate assembly. With the grips off, the sideplate assembly arches away from the frame when viewed from above, but is still firmly attached to the sear pin.

OK, that's a lesson learned (I hope). Still plan on drilling up to the initial 3/32" hole on the frame with a brass tube insert, but will take the time to fit a board below the grips that will keep them centered. And maybe a clamp over the mag well to keep things in place too.

On a positive note, it looks like I'll get to try my hand at replacing a sideplate assembly in the near future (and would like to thank Fastbolt for the outstanding information he's already posted on the subject).