Good and Bad at the range today

[Rainman48314]

I went to shoot this afternoon. Took out my Sig 1911 RCS, Sig P238 (concealed carried it today), HK P7, Kimber .17 Mach2 and my GSG 1911-22.

The good news was that everything shot well and I was very, very accurate today.

The bad news is that my 1911 RCS had a grip split (photo attached). This gun is normally my Carry. Its baby brother / BUG is the P238. When I went to clean that this evening, I was missing a grip screw.

I used this opportunity to explain to my live-in GF that it should now be obvious why I didn't stop buying at two guns. Enter the HK P7, it'll be my primary carry until those Sigs are back to work.

The picture shows the .45 ammo I was shooting. It seemed a little hot despite being basic target std pressure stuff from Wally World, $18.99/50
The split actually happened after 30 rds of the FMJ shown, followed by 10 Gold Dot 230 gr std pressure rounds.

[Bawanna]

I know a fella that could maybe help with that split grip. Split wood is a heartbreaker.

[Rainman48314]

I know a fella that could maybe help with that split grip. Split wood is a heartbreaker.According to the Sig website, the RCS has "thin" grips. I'm pretty sure that they'll mail me a replacement, however, if there are some cool thin options, I'll all ears.

I know I did not remove these since the service visit this gun made three weeks ago. I can't remember if I snugged them up or if I should blame the armorer at Sig for overtightening them. I assume that's what causes thin plastic to crack at the screw holes.

[jtsteiert]

Nill makes some nice thin wooden grips, and Hogue makes some thin aluminum grips called G10 I believe.
Over on the Sig Forum all the members that have either of these grips comment that they are thin and much better then the stock ones. They are a little pricey but appear to be worth the extra bucks. I know you wont have any issues with the aluminum ones cracking and all reports I read on them is that they are thinner than stock for most models.
I love the P7, one day I would like to have one, how do you like yours?

[WMD]

Wow! You just got it back from service and the grip broke? Thin grips? happens to everybody? Clearly a design flaw. What kind of quality does Sig have? I would get rid of that gun! :D :D

(just pulling your choke!) LOL

[Bawanna]

Those don't look like plastic to me. They split just like wood with the grain.

Can't really blame anyone, no control over wood. I've made dozens of grips, get them almost complete, checkered and everything only to see a hair line crack. Give it a little tweak and snap, back to the drawing board.

I'm sure Sig will send you a replacement without question. Over tightening the grip screws will crack em too. One downfall of thin.

Plastic, Aluminum, or stabilized wood thats done right are the only options.

Add me to the list of people that want a P7 too. Someday.

[OldLincoln]

A little duct tape will gettr done! :) I know, not on mine either!!

[Rainman48314]

Nill makes some nice thin wooden grips, and Hogue makes some thin aluminum grips called G10 I believe.
Over on the Sig Forum all the members that have either of these grips comment that they are thin and much better then the stock ones. They are a little pricey but appear to be worth the extra bucks. I know you wont have any issues with the aluminum ones cracking and all reports I read on them is that they are thinner than stock for most models.
I love the P7, one day I would like to have one, how do you like yours?
I like my P7 quite a lot. The target is the P7 @ 21 ft unsupported and standing.

The P7 is naturally ambidextrous. Quick to fire, quick on mag reload, smoothly shaped (thin) with my euro style mag release, very accurate and safer to carry than most. This gun is completely uncocked in your holster, also if you drop it, or if you hand it off to someone. Capacity is 7+1.

The negatives are that the trigger guard nearest the barell will heat up after about 50-60 rounds fired in a short time span. This makes most training classes a problem. It is also necessary to clean after each range trip. Finally, as an all metal gun, its heavy, about 28 oz. if I recall. That becomes moot if a holster is used. This is no pocket gun.

[Rainman48314]

Wow! You just got it back from service and the grip broke? Thin grips? happens to everybody? Clearly a design flaw. What kind of quality does Sig have? I would get rid of that gun! :D :D

(just pulling your choke!) LOL

I sent Ray Carter at SIG CS an email with a picture attached Sunday night, by 11:30 AM Monday, I received an Invoice / Shipping confirmation that a grip SET and a package of screws were being sent FREE. The gun neeeding the grip is not under warranty as I'm the second owner.

Pretty got service...and I have received similar service from Kahr when my recoil assembly lost the retaining nut. First Class mail, no questions, no cost.

[Rainman48314]

Those don't look like plastic to me. They split just like wood with the grain.

Can't really blame anyone, no control over wood. I've made dozens of grips, get them almost complete, checkered and everything only to see a hair line crack. Give it a little tweak and snap, back to the drawing board.

I'm sure Sig will send you a replacement without question. Over tightening the grip screws will crack em too. One downfall of thin.

Plastic, Aluminum, or stabilized wood thats done right are the only options.

Add me to the list of people that want a P7 too. Someday.I took a better look. Definitely wood as you said.

I need some advice, PLEASE, on how to tell when its tight enough and whether Loctite is recommended on grip screws. THANK YOU

[Bawanna]

Just the way it should be. Good for Sig for taking care of you quickly.

[ltxi]

I took a better look. Definitely wood as you said.

I need some advice, PLEASE, on how to tell when its tight enough and whether Loctite is recommended on grip screws. THANK YOU

Huh, good questions....both sorta going through my mind as I was installing a new set of blackwood grip panels my wife gave me as an anniversary present this past weekend.

Not sure I can be of much real help with the first other than don't over tighten...for me it's just by feel after all these years. As to part two, I never aftermarket loctite my grip screws and I haven't had one come loose without obvious prior notice ever.

[Bawanna]

I don't use loctite. If you get a cronic screw coming loose, a little dab of finger nail polish ( I use my wifes since its kind of embarassing for me when I go to buy my own and I want to make it last) will usually hold them. Shade doesn't matter although I'm partial to the bluish shade, no doubt a LE connection.
Better yet is a thin rubber o ring of the right diameter.

Snug is the key word. I just use finger tips on the screwdriver (proper fitting of course) to snug it. Most grips, all the screws do is keep them from falling off. The fit on the bushings and your grip do the rest.

Beretta uses a star washer which is effective with some grips. Rubber aftermarket grips usually are no issue and will stay tight (snug) without issue.

[Rainman48314]

Thanks bawanna