Grips fitting question

1190 Views 8 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Boge, Feb 4, 2014

bbates123

Discussion Starter · Feb 2, 2014

So I recently had single piece ivory grips fitted on my 1st gen SAA. It wasn't cheap, but the gun looks awesome with them and overall I'm very pleased. The only issue is that after a day or so the grips start to loosen up a bit (they slightly wiggle against the frame).

The first time this happened I sent them back to have them re-fitted. When the gun came back again I checked as soon as I got it out of the box and they were good and tight. Then after a day, they loosened. Not a lot, but enough to be noticeable. So the only thing I can think is that it's because of the moisture difference between where I live and where the grips came from. The guy doing the fitting lives in Washington State where it's always rainy and I live in Dallas Texas where it has been extremely dry lately. FWIW I got a Cimmaron Evil Roy with single piece walnut grips at the same time and those grips have stayed rock solid tight.

Perhaps when the humidity and moisture level comes back they will tighten up again. I guess I could just live with it because it's not too bad and I'm not planning on shooting the gun, but given the money I payed for the gun and the grips I want it right. What do you think about taking the grips off and applying some rubber silicone or epoxy to the gap areas? Any other suggestions?

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elliotf

· #2 · Feb 2, 2014

Here is a link to thread on this subject, I hope this helps.

http://www.coltforum.com/forums/colt-smithing/73367-movement-1-piece-saa-ivory-grips.html

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bbates123

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 2, 2014

Thanks for the link...apparently I'm not the only one.

Still would like to know if silicone or epoxy would be a more permanent solution than tape or paper without damaging the frame in any way.

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1988RRC

· #4 · Feb 2, 2014 (Edited)

bbates123 said:
Still would like to know if silicone or epoxy would be a more permanent solution than tape or paper without damaging the frame in any way.

Silicone or epoxy would be "more permanent" but some day you or someone else will want to remove those stocks and since the paper shim stops the movement why use the permanent option?

PS .... I don't think I would want silicone or epoxy on my expensive ivories.

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jrprich

· #5 · Feb 2, 2014

Happens a lot as screws will loosen.
What I do on all my handguns is to use a small O ring on the stock/grip screw. They you just snug down the screw without excessive tightening and they stay there as the O ring provides just enough tension. I found my tiny O rings at a True Value Hardware in the plumbing section. I just took one of each of my different sized screws and made sure the OD of the O ring was not larger than the screw head and that the ID fit snug around the screw shaft.
Or you could try blue Loctite on the threads.

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CraigC

· #6 · Feb 3, 2014

The paper shim sounds like a good, cheap, easy and non-permanent solution.

1988RRC said:
PS .... I don't think I would want silicone or epoxy on my expensive ivories.

Your "one piece" ivories have already been glued together with something.

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bbates123

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 4, 2014

OK, i appreciate the tips everyone. I'll probably just stick with the paper shims per the suggestions. Though it kills me to spend so much on fitted ivory grips and have to shim them up.

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chaosrob

· #8 · Feb 4, 2014

Silicone can destroy the finish as well. Stick to the tried and true reversible option

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Boge

· #9 · Feb 4, 2014

bbates123 said:
...Though it kills me to spend so much on fitted ivory grips and have to shim them up.

Remember, ivory & wood are ORGANIC materials. Hence, they are not "static", i.e., they change density due to moisture, weather & age. Just like our bodies.

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