Commander grip screw bushing problem

[Paul S]

Hello, I just purchased a new colt commander and there is a slight problem. I was changing the stocks from the black plastic ones to some wood ones and the bushings came out! I looked at them and they are too small for the holes drilled and tapped in the frame. Is this a common problem? How am I supposed to fix this one? I was thinking of putting them in with liquid nails. If you turn them like you are scewing them in it just keeps going...and going. I tried some other bushings that I have and they just fell into the hole and did not even touch the threading. Thanks

[OD*]

I think if I were you, I'd contact Colt. As far as I know, Colt has only ever used one size stock screw bushing.

[blk91a1]

Sounds like they are stripped out. Did you turn them to the right while trying to take them out?

[Paul S]

No, they are not stripped out...the threads look just fine. I really would like not to deal with colt anymore. I had another problem with a colt and it took me forever (3 months) to get it fixed (replating a nickled SCG only to have it flake off again after another 50 rounds at the range.) Since liquid nails is removable I was thinking that it would be an acceptable solution...

[John]

The hole is too large for the bushing? And the threads are fine in the hole? That's strange, as OD said Colt does not use more than one bushing size (as far as I know) so it can't be an undersized bushing. If someone drilled a larger hole, then they wouldn't be able to tap it. Unless someone had drilled and tapped it for an oversized bushing, but forgot to install it. It just doesn't make sense.

Call Colt in the morning and send it in.

[Hawkmoon]

No, they are not stripped out...the threads look just fine.
This is impossible. If you can keep turning the bushing after the shoulder contacts the frame surface, the threads on either the bushing or the frame are stripped. If it is a new pistol, you should send it to Colt and they will repair it under warranty. Any fix you attempt on your own could render Colt's warranty on that part of the pistol void in the future.

If you are absolutely set on repairing it yourself. Loctite on the threads holding the bushing into the frame is probably the answer. My suggestion would be Loctite blue. Some folks on here recommend red, but red requires heat to remove and I think it's more than what's called for. Either way (blue or red), be certain that you clean the threads of both bushing and screw with brake cleaner to remove ALL traces of oil and grease, or the Loctite won't stick.

If that doesn't work, Brownells sells oversized bushings and a tap for threading the oversized hole.

[larry starling]

I think I can safely say that I have never seen a Ne Colt that had stripped bushings. I have bought some older Colts and have the bushings unscrew when removing the grip screws. Can you post some pictures??? :(

[dakota1911]

I haven't seen that on any new 1911 from any manufacturer. I think I would definitely send it back and have them fix it if I did.

[Sarge45]

Liquid nails ? Maybe for carpentry but not for handguns. Like said, call Colt.