K frame Grip Screws?

[jamo002]

I have 3 minty S&W's that needed stock grips put back on them for collectors purposes, a M15 (misplaced them), a M27 (came to me with custom Combat grips) and a old 1966 M19(came with rubber grips).

It looks like a lot of folks are looking to put stock grips back on because it took 2 weeks of bidding on ebay just to find a pretty set of N frame grips for the M27 priced under $100.00! I found a pair of nice "Diamond" Magna- Grips for the Old M19 and thought I hit the jackpot at $45.00 without the grip screw. Too bad I had already posted good feedback before I noticed that the threaded brass insert had it's threads totally buggered.

Being the home machinist that I am I thought, "no big deal, I'll just clean the threads out with a tap". I guess I don't have any "Gun Taps" in my tool chest. These threads look to me like about 5-44 if there is such a thing. My thread gauge only goes down to 42/inch, thats why I said "about" 5-44.

So:
1. What is the thread on K frame grip screws?
2. would it be hard to just find another brass insert? That might be cheaper than a tap and certainly better.
3. I don't have a spare grip screw, where can I get one?

Yes, I realize I can buy some junk grips on ebay and rob the screw and insert but even those will cost $40.00 with freight included.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[mmitch]

Jam,

Start sifting through Brownells. I don't know the thread count, but product description should work, always check any offered "reviews" for real-world feedback.

Mike

[jamo002]

Good idea!

Say, have you tried the "Rusty's Rags" from Brownell's? They are sheepskin impregnated with silicone instead of a piece of flannel. Best thing I've ever used for blued and nickel plated handguns. I buy them 5 at a time. They really get into all the small spaces where a cloth won't reach.

[mmitch]

Jam,

No, but I was reading one of Grant Cunningham's older blogs recently and he was describing a non-impregated cloth used by jewelers. It's weave is what imparts a great luster, I believe it's named Sylvit (?) or similar. Jeweler's supply companies supposedly carry these.
Apparently, available in several sizes and just washed like any cotton cloth when dirty --no chemical treatment to wash-out.
This is intriquing to me, I have several pieces of flannel I've been using, obtained from Hobby Lobby.
He also recommends Lubriplate products for lubrication, as they are safe for food industry machinery, they provide lubrication, favorable "barrier" characteristics, wide operating temp ranges and no carcinogens.
I've yet to try either product but I respect Mr. Cunningham's advice.

Mike

[jamo002]

I assume he is suggesting lubriplate for inside the gun. I'm thinking it would make a smeary mess on glossy bluing. Even Rig grease, that has been sold for years and years on sheepskin pads is only good for long term storage or parkarized military rifles, in my personal opinion. It slimes up a glossy blue like you have on a nice S&W.

In my collection I have over 50 rifles, 50 handguns and several real rare guns of both types. I bought my first S&W (a Model 15) in 1967 and my first 1911 in 1970 a high polished commercial model made in 1941. Both look as good as the day they were made and yes, the 1911 was a good investment!

My point here is that since 1967 I have relied solely on wiping my guns down with a silicone cloth every time I handle them. Now I use these "Rusty's Rag'g" which is, I think, are an improvement on the silicone cloth. I have NEVER had a single gun rust anywhere with silicone on it.

I have been buying the sheepskin rag's from Brownell's who apparently has a private label agreement on them. They now carry extra silicone to re wet them etc. Also they come with a felt cloth now to wipe off the heavy coat of silicone that they have on them when they're fresh out of the bag.

Say, weren't we trying to fine me the thread size for a K frame grip???

Check these links:
http://www.m1arifles.com/reviews/rustys ... th-review/
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=544689
http://www.rustysrags.com/
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=4130 ... NING_CLOTH

[mmitch]

Jam,

The grease product from lubriplate is an internal application, but they apparently also have an "oil" thats should be good on exterior use. I'm adding "lubriplate" to my next search foray.
Sounds like your rust battle has been successful, I'll, fer sure, check out Rusty's Rags.

I also saw S&W grip screws at Midway, but hesitated to refer to them before because the reviewer claimed they were 1/32" too short(!).
I'm awaiting orders to arrive from both suppliers, and on my next Brownells effort, I'm gonna get a set of (K,L,N) blue and SS sideplate screws to have in inventory. I buy some pre-loved guns and hates-me-some buggered screws.

Have you tried S&W directly for the proper grip screws?

Mike

[Bob K]

Where's Drew.....when you need him?

[Injunbro]

Try www.midwayusa.com part# 163854. They call them 'stock screws'.

[danc46]

They say you can buy the 5-44 screws, taps, dies, etc from McMasters. I know many parts for the old S&Ws are getting hard to get, including the grip screws.

[Injunbro]

[quote="danc46"]They say you can buy the 5-44 screws, taps, dies, etc from McMasters.quote]

Taps are part# 395-544-001 from Brownells, 1800-741-0015; http://www.brownells.com. They also sell dies, etc.