Any tricks to removing 1911 grips?

[Bluedragon]

Wanted to ask if anyone knew of easy ways to removing plastic usgi 1911a1 grips from the frame without risk to damage or cracking? They are fit on pretty snug on the left side.

The first set of ww2 keyes grips i had were without the rings around the screw holes and the left panel cracked in half when removed from the frame after becoming stuck. I would like to prevent that with second set i have that does have the reinforcement rings around the screw holes. Thanks

 

[Lpherr]

Is the grip stuck on the bushings? Can you unscrew he bushings to lift the grip off?

 

[Bluedragon]

Im not sure. The first set without the rings were tighter fit than the second set with the reinforcment rings that only feel slightly snug. Non usgi grips made of wood came off fine with no effort as does any grip panel from the right side of the frame.

As for removing the bushings....I dont really wanna try it as the gun is an original Remington Rand.

 

[Ruger_Ronin]

Pics please. Likely the original wood has swollen.

 

[Creedmoor]

Stick a finger in the mag hole and push the grip out.

 

[Bluedragon]

The wood grips have already been removed long ago. Are you speaking of the bushings or the wood grips swelling? Thanks

 

[Bluedragon]

Stick a finger in the mag hole and push the grip out.
View attachment 281201

The last $75 set broke in half doing that

 

[Lpherr]

You mention reinforcement rings, and bushings. Are you speaking of o-rings?
If it has o-rings, use a razor blade tip and split the o-ring and pull it out.

 

[Creedmoor]

The last $75 set broke in half doing that

When sticking finger in blind hole, Confucius says. Dont push to hard.

How about setting the frame on the water heater for the night and dry the wood a bit?

 

[Bluedragon]

You mention reinforcement rings, and bushings. Are you speaking of o-rings?
If it has o-rings, use a razor blade tip and split the o-ring and pull it out.

The reinforcement rings are around the screw holes of the grips themselves. Here is a pic of a set with the rings. Note the screw holes. Early grips have no rings around the holes and are reported to be more fragile which I believe after mine snapped.

 

[Ruger_Ronin]

The wood grips have already been removed long ago. Are you speaking of the bushings or the wood grips swelling? Thanks

Um, the wood. If they are old they have likely absorbed moisture over time and swollen, constricting the bushing. Crud and sweat create a nice bonding agent around the grips' edges as well.

Is everything OEM? My other thought was oversized bushings.

 

[Bluedragon]

Um, the wood. If they are old they have likely absorbed moisture over time and swollen, constricting the bushing. Crud and sweat create a nice bonding agent around the grips' edges as well.

Is everything OEM? My other thought was oversized bushings.

Yes the pistol is oem from ww2. The wood grips were the only aftermarket piece that I swapped out for original keyes grips.

There is crud on the frame from where the wood grips were that I have had a hard time removing.

 

[Ruger_Ronin]

Yes the pistol is oem from ww2. The wood grips were the only aftermarket piece that I swapped out for original keyes grips.

There is crud on the frame from where the wood grips were that I have had a hard time removing.

May be a layer of filth. Try a good cleansing and see where that gets you. Hard to say without the bird in the hand. Grips can be finicky. Especially if old or hand fit. A rat file may be your option if you are so attached to a certain pair.

Good luck!

 

[Lpherr]

The reinforcement rings are around the screw holes of the grips themselves. Here is a pic of a set with the rings. Note the screw holes. Early grips have no rings around the holes and are reported to be more fragile which I believe after mine snapped. View attachment 281203

Gotcha.

 

[Bluedragon]

May be a layer of filth. Try a good cleansing and see where that gets you. Hard to say without the bird in the hand. Grips can be finicky. Especially if old or hand fit. A rat file may be your option if you are so attached to a certain pair.

Good luck!

Yeah I'm not gonna take a file to it. Lol Worth to much $. The only reason I take the grips off is for cleaning the magwell and frame area while checking for rust or corrosion.

 

[Ruger_Ronin]

Yeah I'm not gonna take a file to it. Lol Worth to much $. The only reason I take the grips off is for cleaning the magwell and frame area while checking for rust or corrosion.

I certainly meant a file to the grips, not the frame. Bore out the hole a bit. Grips are just grips.

 

[Bluedragon]

I certainly meant a file to the grips, not the frame. Bore out the hole a bit. Grips are just grips.

True but the grips have me feeling sentimental due to the cost. I especially like them for being original ww2 like the pistol and both panels match with the same number on the inside with a five pointed star. I dunno it's neat.

 

[Lpherr]

I always hope the grips I make fit perfect, but tell people that they might need some finessing.
Bushings, frames, and grips have slight variances.

 

[Lpherr]

True but the grips have me feeling sentimental due to the cost. I especially like them for being original ww2 like the pistol and both matched with the same number on the inside with a five pointed star. I dunno it's neat.

Maybe try a drop or two of 3 in 1 around the bushing. Maybe it'll free it up.

 

[radar8756]

Will a thin blade Putty knife fit under the edge ?
Or a X-acto hobby knife ?