The last two times I’ve shot my CRG, I’ve noticed that the grip screws and/or bushings have come loose. This is after less than 200 rounds each time. I never noticed the problem before I switched to some VZ grips (also used their screws and bushings IIRC). After some searching I’ve seen some people suggesting Loctite and others saying that they should be staked so I’m just wondering how many people have done what. If you choose Loctite, please list which Loctite too. I had a bad experience once and have not used it since.
I have two springfields and I have done nothing to them other then screw them in. My loaded I have a few thousand rounds through and my TRP right around 700. I have not had any issues with the screws coming loose. Cleaning under the grips I do about every 500 rounds or after a shift in the rain and they screws are always tight in both guns.
Red locktite on bushings, 10-8 Perforance straight slot screws, snugged in good on 3 different 1911 platforms, none of which have any looseness after 1000’s of rounds.
I had the same issue with the screws loosening several years ago. Someone (maybe VZ) recommended rubber O-rings and I’ve never had another issue with them. I got them from VZ in “accessories”.
https://vzgrips.com/accessories/hardware/bushings
Good luck,
Eric
Bingo.
Never had a problem with screws backing out with wood grips. With G10 and micarta, and ivory, “O” rings are the way to go. Never had a problem using o rings. Always have a problem if I do not install o rings.
Red loctite on the bushings. They are semi-permanent and I don’t want them to come out until I intentionally remove them. Putting a little heat on them is no big deal. I use a propane torch but hold the side of the flame to the bushings, not the tip. That way you can touch the top of the bushing to the edge of the flame without the flame touching the frame.
No problems with my 2 wood gripped 1911s. However, I use purple thread locker on my Kahr MK9 grip screws with the stock plastic grips. So , if you are going to use thread locker on the screws, use purple which is low strength.
Wood thin grips - blue Loctite on bushings, nothing on grip screws.
My grip screws loosen through a range session but I never crank them tight either. Doesn’t bug me much except when I can’t find the 3/32" allen.
Just screws and bushings to the frame for all of mine.
I haven’t had any issues with wood or my CF grips.
I have the bushings installed with blue loc-tite on both my 1911s and for the one with wood grips that seems to work loose after a little bit of shooting, #60 0-Rings found at any hardware store cured that problem.
None of my current 1911s are contemporary, so they appear to have staked bushings from the factory or from whoever did it years ago. I do loctite the grip screws with blue loctite.
I like to use the weaker loctite on the bushings so they don’t come out when I remove the grips. My grip screws have never come loose during firing so I leave them alone.
O rings also. They come from Home Depot or Lowes for about $1.50 a dozen.
Thanks for all of the replies. I got some o-rings at ACE so we’ll see if that works. I may put some Loctite on the bushings still but not sure yet.
Saved me the trouble. Concur on all counts. I seem to recall that #60s from the plumbing section of your local home improvement store are the ticket here.
AC
Yup, #60 is what I picked up and they fit well.
I had one gun that i constantly struggled with. Several others, no issue and no special treatment needed.
I bought some 10-8 flatheads, they fit more snug and never had an issue.
I’ve never used loctite on any of my 1911 grip screws and have never had a problem while shooting ~300 rounds per week.
Seems like it may just be a G10 grip thing. Either way, I ran about 150-200 rounds through it without problems so it seems like they worked. Thanks guys.
neither, i just put em on tight 