Happiness is a new gun 2

[Zippo Guy]

Sorry, I was referring to the OP about his micarta grips. Didn’t realize this thread was this long and long past the original comment.

[BirdsThaWord]

Micarta?



I've noticed Byrd. Been wondering what you were up to!

Hey dao! Just been busy with life and have not even gone to do any shooting in a while. It's about time to do so though! Congrats on yer super pretty lil Kimber!!!

[dao]

Thanks Byrd. Since you probably can't spend much time in your skeeter-plagued garage this time of your, c'mon back and hang out here.

No worries Zippo. I was the original poster. Yes the micarta grips do take on color, as in darkening, from oil or moisture from the hands. But they then lighten back to their original color in a matter of days.

[JohnR]

For the 30 SC fans, there’s now a carbine chambered in it.

https://youtu.be/Jm4fcDGbbRI

[BirdsThaWord]

Thanks Byrd. Since you probably can't spend much time in your skeeter-plagued garage this time of your, c'mon back and hang out here.

I probably should as it's a respite from the real world.
On those micarta's, I always spray them with furniture polish (wax), let them sit, then wipe them down well. Brings out the colors, removes the "dry" look they have outta the packaging and somewhat seals them. Not saying everyone/anyone should do so, but just sharing my take on them. 😉

[dao]

Just saw your reply Byrd. Is the spray a one-time application or does it dry out after a time?

So I sent my Ultra back to Kimber last Friday after getting an RMA and shipping label from them. One of the grip screws was installed wrong, being either cross-threaded or the hole was not exactly perpendicular to the frame. While there they fixed the frame and installed an oversized bushing in the new hole. The repair sheet says that they also reamed the muzzle and refinished the barrel, and then put three mags through it. I can't help but wonder if they put some rounds downrange and discovered that the muzzle needed some work. When I got it, it appeared to me to have some burrs on the ends of the rifling, and now it does not. I'm thinking that they refinished the barrel to make it look new again after shooting 30 rounds through it. They shipped it back, again on their dime, and I got it back today, one week later. I reinstalled the magwell I had put on it, and some Wilson grips.

I like the CT Laser grips that came on it (Post #1384), but I'm on this magwell kick right now and like the looks better than I do with the lasergrips.

While I wish I hadn't had to send it in, I have no complaints about their process. And if their attention to detail while there caused them to address the muzzle it may have saved me having to send it in for a second time.

[BirdsThaWord]

Hey dao! The furniture wax is not a one time thing. I noticed over time that the "dry" look does return.
Glad that the Kimber got sorted. One of the 1911's I had (forget which) had a bushing that was stuck into the frame. I ended up drilling it out, then tapping out the remainder of the bushing, kinda folding it inwards into the frame until it all popped out the other side. (Not sure if that description makes sense, but hope it does). This had me buying my first tap & die set. I reamed out the frames threads using oil and (after a good cleaning) the same sized bushing went back in. At first, I thought it was like yours, cross threaded. And maybe it was, or it had oxidation locking it up, but kinda re-threading it with the die worked out that time. Nice touch that they took care of your muzzle/crown. Yours may end up being a tad bit more accurate than others who have not had that "custom" touch. All in all, it really sounds like you came out on top after what must have been some frustration initially. I'l also with you on those magwells. I definitely think magwell cut grips, which hide the msh pins, are a cleaner and overall nicer look!

[JohnR]

My last purchase, a Tisas Stingray, is going back to the warranty folks for a terrible feed ramp. It fed fine at first, but has worsened. The feed ramp looks like it was cut at 4:59 on a Friday just as the whistle started blowing.

I really like the Micarta or whatever it is grips, but the screws back out every single time I shoot it. I’d hate to Loctite them, but I’ll have to I guess.

[BirdsThaWord]

really like the Micarta or whatever it is grips, but the screws back out every single time I shoot it. I’d hate to Loctite them, but I’ll have to I guess.

Sorry to hear it John. Hope you get it sorted under warranty. Do your grip screws have o rings behind them?

[dao]

You beat me to it Byrd. I was gonna suggest the orings too.

When I saw that crooked bushing, and how close to the frame cutout it was I didn't want to chance it. I figured Kimber would do a better job on it than I would, and that would be a much safer proposition to me. If I had mucked it up I would have been without a frame. From what I see they did it right.
I use oil on my gray micarta grips just to be sure that they're uniform in color but it dries out too eventually. I also use it on the G10 grips for the same reason, but they don't need as much or as often.

Good luck on your Tisas John, let us know how they treat you!