Installation of the grips

Before any disassembly of the gun, MAKE SURE IT IS UNLOADED.

Point the gun in a safe direction to unload it.

Pistols: Remove the magazine, clear the action and check barrel and chamber to ensure they are clear of any rounds.

Revolvers: Open the cylinder and remove any rounds. Double check to make sure no rounds remain in the weapon.

Remove Existing Grips as per the instructions of the manufacturer. Be careful not to damage the existing grips. Set aside and preserve the factory grips, as they might be a valuable part of the weapon and should you decide to sell the weapon they could increase the value.

Installing New Grips

Please refer to any instructions for each particular grip on the web page relating to that grip, or any instructions included in the package.  If you're not sure, ASK US!  We have installed these grips ourselves and are familiar with the process.  Don't wait until the problem is insurmountable, or damage is done to the gun or grips.

Some grips have one or more pins in the back- or frontstrap area.  The halves of these grips must be carefully worked apart by slow, easy movement - rotating around the pin on those grips with just one pin to prevent damage to the new grips.  Multiple-pin grips must be gently moved to work them apart - direct, outward force will cause cracking or breaking of the grip.

Clean the frame before installing new grips.

If new screws are supplied with the grips, use them; if not, use your original screws.  DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE GRIP SCREW(S), as the grips will be damaged when the gun is fired.  Grips should be just snugged up, typically no further than 45 degrees after the screw head contacts the grip; to further secure grip screw(s), use a removable thread sealant such as Loctite #243, following the instructions on the sealant package.  Do not use a permanent thread sealant as the screw(s) will require heat for removal.  Tightening the grip screw(s) until they will no longer turn is the surest way to damage your grips! Grips may be tightened to 10-12 inch-pounds (NOT FOOT POUNDS) the a proper torque wrench such as the Wheeler "FAT" (Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench, which works in inch-pounds. Applying Loctite #243 - a REMOVABLE sealant - means you can REMOVE the screws without heat, which is important on most guns as you don't want to have to heat the grips or the gun to remove the grips! The Wheeler FAT is available at Midway USA, Brownell's and other suppliers of gun parts and tools.

If the grips do not fit correctly, DO NOT FORCE THEM ON.  Be certain you have purchased the correct grips for your gun!  If they are correct, fit the grips to the gun before installing the grip screws(s); never use the screws to force or pull the grips to the gun, as doing so may damage the grips.  Some guns vary quite a bit in frame dimensions (Ortgies, Walthers, especially pre-S&W versions, are an example, due to the era they were made or the "panache" of a hand-made gun). Our grips are made to factory specs on CNC machining centers, so each set uses the same dimensions.

Certain grips appear to be a one piece grip, but are in effect 2 pieces pinned together. Carefully separate these grip panels to avoid breakage.  Avoid prying the two halves apart as you may nick the wood of the grips or damage the holes containing the pins.

Some guns vary quite a bit in frame dimensions from gun to gun, such as surplus guns or those from former Soviet-bloc countries (CZ-82/83 for example).  Fitting to the specific gun may be needed if the gun is worn, surplus or older, as the manufacturing process was not as precise, involved hand fitting, or were made with an eye toward production volume rather than precise tolerances.  Often surplus or service weapons are of this nature.  Metal may be thinner in the slide or frame, or require spacers or work for a tight fit, and relieved areas on guns that exist to accept inletting on grips may vary in size.  Many inletted areas are made to accommodate the largest reliefs found on a sampling of the guns.  Older guns are often out of spec, and while our grips are made accurately  and to specifications, guns that vary from specs will often result in grips that have a gap or seem to fit loosely; your older gun may be the problem, and fitting of the grip to your specific gun may be needed.

Many guns prior to the 1980s were largely made by hand, and fitted by a gunsmith during assembly.  This results in differences from gun to gun, something less common now as guns are made using CNC machining, as are our grips.

Be sure to operate your unloaded pistol with the new grips on it prior to firing it.  Ensure that the gun's parts operate correctly and there is no interference with the operation.  Check to be sure slides, hammers and other moving parts do not contact the grip, as damage could occur.  If contact points are found, adjust the position of the grips or fit them to the gun where needed.

NOTE: HK P7 grips usually require the pistol's slide to be removed for installation; there is a risk of damage to the grips if the slide is not removed.  Be sure you remove the slide to install your P7 grips; we do not cover grips damaged by improper installation.

Walther pistol grips may require minor fitting to the specific gun due to variations in the dimensions of the gun's grip frame.  This is especially true of older Walther pistols, including the PPK, PPK/S, PP and P38/P1 models and their derivatives (Interarms, Manurhin, etc).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Only install grips on the frame for which they were designed. Even then, grips may not always be a perfect fit right out of the package as grip frames may vary. Please, read the instructions and DO NOT attempt any alteration until you have done so. Also bear in mind the instruction by manufacturer of your weapon.

Grips that have been modified in any way ARE NOT RETURNABLE.  Grips damaged due to overtightened grip screws, improper installation or failure to follow manufacturer's or our instructions may not be covered by any warranty.  You are responsible for the proper installation of your grips.

After installing grips, CHECK YOUR GUN and make sure that all parts of the gun function correctly and without being obstructed or hindered by the grip.  Cycle the action on semi-auto pistols to ensure clearance between the grips and the slide; improper clearance may result in damage to the grips or gun when the gun is operated.

Improper manipulation of any other internal component may affect the safety and reliability of your firearm and may cause serious injury or death.

NEVER ALLOW ANY ALTERATION OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS IN YOUR FIREARM UNLESS PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED GUNSMITH USING AUTHORIZED PARTS.

SAFETY WARNING: Even new firearms may vary slightly, and the precise fit and position of parts on the gun may change due to wear and use of the gun.  It is important to carefully inspect and ensure the proper operation of your firearm so you are certain that changes made (grips or other parts) do not hinder or interfere with the correct operation of the gun, including by dry-firing the gun if applicable.  This includes safeties, hammers, slide release levers or other parts - BEFORE using live ammunition.  If you aren't sure about how to do this, you should contact someone knowledgeable about firearms, such as a qualified gunsmith for assistance.

DO NOT USE YOUR FIREARM UNTIL YOU HAVE VERIFIED THE SAFETY AND FUNCTIONALITY OF THE GUN AFTER INSTALLATION OF NEW GRIPS OR OTHER PARTS.

DISCLAIMER: Our liability for any damage caused by the use of our products does not extend beyond the cost of the product.

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