1911 Grip Frame "Studs" Wont Stay On. What's Wrong?

[Wyatt Burp]

I have a Colt 1911 parts gun. It has a pre 1918 U.S. Army slide and an aftermarket frame of unknown make. When I tighten the grip screws the "studs" or whatever they're called pull right out ( where screws go into). They aren't threaded. How are the supposed to stay put in the grip frame?

 

[Jim Watson]

They are called grip screw bushings and on a real 1911, 1911A1 or good quality copy are indeed threaded into the frame where they can be staked or glued.

Sounds like you have a real cheap-oh frame where they tried to save a nickel with press fitted bushings. Brownells sells oversize taps and bushings to repair stripped threads. Maybe that would work for you, if the holes are not too big.

 

[TonyR]

Hey Wyatt, Those grip studs are threaded and should screw into the frame which are also threaded. You can use lock-tite or stake them in once they are fully screwed in. Note: when screwing on the grips always use one drop of oil on the grip screws so the threads don't rust. let me know the brand of the frame you have it's not unheard of that the frame holes were not threaded for the studs, poor quality control.

 

[dmar]

I'm not an expert on this, but the 'studs' should be threaded, and they are usually also 'flanged' on the underside to stake them in place... If they are pulling out, they may have been replaced at some point, or backed out in a way that removed the flange.

I would just get some replacement studs, and put a little blue locktite on the threads to keep them in place.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Hey Wyatt, Those grip studs are threaded and should screw into the frame which are also threaded. You can use lock-tite or stake them in once they are fully screwed in. Note: when screwing on the grips always use one drop of oil on the grip screws so the threads don't rust. let me know the brand of the frame you have it's not unheard of that the frame holes were not threaded for the studs, poor quality control.

There's no markings on the frame except serial #27777XX. There's a slight gradual inward slope under the frame in front of the trigger guard. It's hard to notice but a little bothersome once you notice it. And no threads on the grip bushings. Stupid! I bought it for $500 recently because I wanted a 1911 with army markings on the slide. It's a really cool slide with markings a little shollow in spots.

 

[bgrafsr]

Wyatt:
I have the oversize bushings and tap. If you would like to use 4 of the bushings and tap, give me your address and I will send them to you.

Bill

 

[shovelwrench]

Wyatt:
I have the oversize bushings and tap. If you would like to use 4 of the bushings and tap, give me your address and I will send them to you.

Bill

Thats the answer!!!!

No other fix except to weld and retap, and those taps ain't cheap...

 

[Big45]

A liitle, blue lock tight... will usually do the trick,,, give it some time , before putting the screws in.