Keeping 1911 grip bushings in the gun when changing grips

[AEA]

This is for those that like to change grips on 1911's and also for those that may have a grip screw come loose while shooting.

If you have several 1911's and like to change the appearance of them, then you no doubt have taken grips off only to find the Grip Screw Bushing still on the screw on the backside of the grip.

You also know that by the time you get some pliers and try to hold the bushing while turning the screw, you most always end up ruining the bushing threads at the least or completely deforming the bushing at the worst.

I have found that the best fix for this is to install NEW Bushings and use only a very small amount of RED Loctite on the Bushings. This will stop them from being brought out with the screw. I have also found that to eliminate any loose screws that you put a small bit of BLUE Loctite on the screws.

The BLUE Locktite on the screws will release when you want to change the grips but will stay strong enough to eliminate the screws backing out from shooting. The RED Loctite on the Grip Screw Bushings will keep them in the gun until you are ready to remove them purposely.

Happy Shooting!

Edited to correct colors of text.

[Mike1951]

Yep.

After having bushings come out that had already been reinstalled with blue, a small dose of red has kept them in place.

[matrxx]

I just try to learn here.
I've been shooting a lot on 1911.I happened to me once while I disassembly one of my Colt. I think the grip screw bushing is a little bit off size.I use poly-teflon tape to recover the "gap",no mess.

Red and Blue Loctite work ,too.

[MoJo]

GREEN Loctite can be applied after the threads are made up. It penetrates the threads and holds very well. Whatever you do DO NOT use BLACK Loctite unless you don't ever want the parts to come apart.

[texasag93]

Allen,

You have more than one 1911?