Source for stainless SA grip screws?

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:32 pm

I've picked up a couple of sets of Lett Bearcat grips that say to use the OEM screw. My OEM screws don't quite connect. Single-Six grip screws work, but are a bit too long and have only one turn left installed. I could file them for length, but I'd like a few more threads left.

Anyone know a source for stainless SA revolver grip screws, both in 4-40 (Ruger) and 5-40 (other grips), where I don't have to buy a hundred of them?

blue68f100 · Post by **blue68f100** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 6:41 pm

Have you looked at Brownells. I was going to get a set with all of the common ones and they were out a few weeks ago.

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:35 pm

Brownell's has a good selection of blued screws in small quantities. Stainless, all they have is screws with the brass escutcheons, 6 sets for $19, and I think 5-40 is the only size. Rugers are 4-40, and I think Hogue's SA grips are 3-40 (?), pretty small.

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:06 am

I think my CRS kicked in yesterday. Ruger grip screws are 6-40 thread. The head is smaller than a standard fillister, so I'd have to file a regular screw down. Hogues are the 4-40 thread.

Ruger is sending me some Single-Six grip screws, no charge. I may just see if someone can add some thread on them.

blue68f100 · Post by **blue68f100** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 3:47 pm

You might try MacMaster Carr or Fastenal.

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 1:19 pm

McMaster-Carr didn't have any long enough. Fastenal has stainless fillister heads, 5-40 X 1 for 76 cents each, 6-40 X 1 1/8 for $3.78 each !!!

It's neat that they will sell one screw, but four bucks apiece? And I would still have to shorten the 6-40s, and turn down the heads. Only way I have is to chuck one in a drill, and hold a file against the rotating head.

I've emailed Ruger to see if any models use a 7/8 length screw. If not, I may decide the Single-Six screws are close enough! I could cut more thread on them, but don't know how I'd safely hold the screw to work the die, if I had a die!

Why can't gun screws be standard thread ????????????

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Sat Dec 17, 2011 3:09 pm

I did some close investigation with a magnifier and bright light. The escutcheons weren't completely set, and I picked a splinter from under one. A few raps with a brass punch did the trick. Bearcat screws now work, as advertised.

Ever have a problem that's not a problem, once you think it over? And feel like a real dummy?