How to fill in these grips?

QuadBomb · #1 03-11-11, 22:27

Howdy all.

For a wedding present one of my college buddies gave me a set of 1911 grips made from Elk antlers. Here's what one looks like attached to my TRP:

There's a slight problem though. The flat side which touches the frame isn't completely flat. It's a bit recessed so it leaves a gap while it's attached between the frame and the grip itself. Here's a couple pictures, with the antler grip on the left and the Cocobolo grip which came with the gun on the right for comparison:

You can clearly see the space, and on the bottom pic you can see the wood floor between the new grip and the frame. The right side grip isn't quite as dramatic, and I still need to dremel out a notch for the ambi-safety on the right side grip before I can attach it.

But the question is about filling in the space between the inboard side of the grips and the frame. Anyone got an idea how to approach this? Ideally, I think whatever medium I use should stick to the grips and not to the frame. I'm not sure where to begin. I'm sure there are solutions that would fill in the space and keep dirt out. What would the experienced minds of M4C do?

Chuck · #2 03-11-11, 22:31

Sand it flat.
You may need to alter the grip screw bushings and grip screws afterwards.

Or you may be able to 'bend' the grips using moist heat and a weight.

QuadBomb · #3 03-12-11, 08:31

Thanks Chuck.

Hound_va · #4 03-12-11, 08:48

I can't quite see in the pics. Is the top of the grip being held off the frame due to the fit with the plunger tube? I'd check the flatness of the back using a straight edge prior to jumping into sanding, bending, or tweaking.

amd5007 · #5 03-12-11, 12:25

The grips look rather thin so you might have to install some slim grip screws and bushings. check out the Ed Brown page http://www.edbrown.com/gripscrews.htm

Removing the bushings is extremely easy and can be done in a few minutes. Use red locktite to reattach them. If you are able to stake them, even better.

wetidlerjr · #6 03-12-11, 19:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hound_va

I can't quite see in the pics. Is the top of the grip being held off the frame due to the fit with the plunger tube? I'd check the flatness of the back using a straight edge prior to jumping into sanding, bending, or tweaking.

Good idea !

QuadBomb · #7 03-13-11, 14:06

I did check the flatness of it - in fact I took a few pictures with the grip flat on the counter top but I didn't post them since it wasn't a clear enough illustration.

Chuck, if I were to try to bend it with moist heat, how would I go about doing that? My first thought would be to soak it with hot water and compress it with a weight. As it is right now, I can squeeze it flat with my fingers but it won't stay that way when I let go.

Chuck · #8 03-13-11, 15:19

Good question!
Hmmmmmmmm........
I'd rig something up in a frying pan. 1/4" of water, a block at each end
and a weight in the middle. Put a cover on it, get the water simmering
and check it each 1/2 hour.
If you overbend it, no biggie. It will pull in flat when the screws are tightened.