Found Some Nice Grips!

[boykinlp]

I picked up a new pair of grips made for that “other” brand’s guns. I think they look fantastic! They have a serial number written on the inside of the left panel. The serial number is 20987SA, and after some quick research, I found that number belongs to a 1958 Second Generation Colt SAA. Unfortunately, it didn’t come with a screw, and since the grips are odd shaped, how do I go about getting a correct sized screw? What do you folks think?
Larry

 

[boykinlp]

Is there a standard screw size that I should be looking for?
Larry

 

[mk70ss]

I would post this over on the Colt forum. More likely to get the info you need.

 

[chief38]

No one here can tell you for sure what size screw to get because Sambar Stag Grips are (were) all made by different makers and they all used different screws. I would suggest gently trying out different size screws and the same size but with different thread pitch. More than likely the screw is a Fillister Head type screw. You can trim to length and polish if the screw is too long.

HINT: more than likely the screw you are looking for is a fine thread so when trying screws, do NOT force them in to fit! If they do not go in smoothly, they are either the wrong size or incorrect thread pitch.

 

[Crookedcreek]

Is there a standard screw size that I should be looking for?
Larry

Since they are serial numbered to the SAA, they were 'probably' fitted to the gun at the Colt factory...the SN kept it tracking to the gun during the finishing stages. If they were in fact 'original equipment', the proper screw would be whatever Colt used at the factory, not an aftermarket 'whatever'. As suggested, go over to the Colt forum and ask the question, very good and helpful, and knowledgeable folks there. A phone call to Colt Customer Service might yield some results too.

 

[boykinlp]

I would post this over on the Colt forum. More likely to get the info you need.

I actually did that at the same time I posted it here. I thought that I would get a quick precise answer, but apparently there isn’t one, which probably makes sense.

No one here can tell you for sure what size screw to get because Sambar Stag Grips are (were) all made by different makers and they all used different screws. I would suggest gently trying out different size screws and the same size but with different thread pitch. More than likely the screw is a Fillister Head type screw. You can trim to length and polish if the screw is too long.

HINT: more than likely the screw you are looking for is a fine thread so when trying screws, do NOT force them in to fit! If they do not go in smoothly, they are either the wrong size or incorrect thread pitch.

Thanks for your answer, and I thought that a Fillister head type screw would be correct. I suppose a button head would work okay too.
Larry

 

[boykinlp]

Since they are serial numbered to the SAA, they were 'probably' fitted to the gun at the Colt factory...the SN kept it tracking to the gun during the finishing stages. If they were in fact 'original equipment', the proper screw would be whatever Colt used at the factory, not an aftermarket 'whatever'. As suggested, go over to the Colt forum and ask the question, very good and helpful, and knowledgeable folks there. A phone call to Colt Customer Service might yield some results too.

Crookedcreek, when I got them, I thought the same way you did, that they may be factory original equipment. I questioned a few folks on the Colt forum, and got mixed feelings.
Larry

 

[chief38]

I actually did that at the same time I posted it here. I thought that I would get a quick precise answer, but apparently there isn’t one, which probably makes sense.



Thanks for your answer, and I thought that a Fillister head type screw would be correct. I suppose a button head would work okay too.
Larry

99% of the time the Fillister type is what they use on grips.

 

[Vtgw938]

OP:

I may have one. You need to find the thread size and rough length. You can try any screws you know the size of or we would know such as Farrants (4-40), Hurst (8-32)or Guy Hogue (6-32). If not or you don't have those you can go to the Hardware store and carefully try to find a fit. Some Ace stores have gun screws which likely would give you the thread size but wouldn't be the screw you want.

A Brownells thread size tool along with some sample known screws comes in very handy.

 

[walter o]

those are VERY nice

 

[handejector]

NICE grips! You don't see stag like that anymore.

Crookedcreek, when I got them, I thought the same way you did, that they may be factory original equipment. I questioned a few folks on the Colt forum, and got mixed feelings.
Larry

They are not Factory.

 

[Crookedcreek]

NICE grips! You don't see stag like that anymore.



They are not Factory.

Lee, To help educate those of us (speaking for myself) that do not have the experience (yet!), what is the 'tell' (or are they numerous?) that the stags are not factory? Did Colt mark the back with some sort of proprietary marking, code, brand, or? that is the determinant?

 

[Vtgw938]

Larry:

I read your thread on the Colt Forum. If you don't have a hardware store that sells individual screws maybe you could take a cast of the nut.maybe a hot glue gun would allow you to plug the nut and unscrew it when cool. You could send it to me or just send me your grips and I will fix you up with a proper screw.Screws can always be made. PM if interested.

 

[boykinlp]

Larry:

I read your thread on the Colt Forum. If you don't have a hardware store that sells individual screws maybe you could take a cast of the nut.maybe a hot glue gun would allow you to plug the nut and unscrew it when cool. You could send it to me or just send me your grips and I will fix you up with a proper screw.Screws can always be made. PM if interested.

Thanks very much for the offer! I’ve been too busy to perform a full check around here. Since I don’t have anything to put them on right now, I’m not in any hurry. If I can’t find the proper one, I’ll get back with you.
Larry

 

[boykinlp]

I thought these advertisements might be of interest to y’all. They were in the May/June 1978 edition of American Handgunner Magazine. Check out the prices for the Sambar Stag grips in the first one, and I didn’t realize Melvin Tyler made grips! I thought he just made his T-grips and trigger shoes.
Larry

 

[bananaman]

I have taken grips/ stocks to the hardware store and found proper thread screws that fit. BUT had to adjust length (cut) and in some cases put the screw in a drill press or similar and reduce the head size. A bother, but it works. Bob