Quote:
Originally Posted by DonVoigt
Great catch and a nice pistol.
No, you can get the grip chip repaired without sending the frame. When you get it back the round cut for the safety lever may need a little touch up with a round needle file to gain proper clearance- so it won't crack again.
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I totally agree. But make sure that there's a whisker of clearance between the side of the round cut and the aft portion if the lever's shaft. Here's why:
Although the common advice to avoid the million dollar chip is to take great care while removing or installing the panel, I also advise a bit of space there to avoid any contact in that area whatsoever. My hypothesis is that as the grip panels, with use and age, become ever so slightly loose as the ribs on the back sides of the panels which index and stabilize its position are pounded and compressed during shooting, and can also shrink a bit when extra-dry. If they are loose enough in this way, eventually the area of the chip will come into contact and share the brunt of the shock.
Another data point concerning this occurred just the other day when I shot about 2 mags' worth of ammo through my 1900 Commercial. I had removed its original matching grips and installed a pair I got from a guy in Argentina, which appeared to fit solidly, and like a glove. When I came back inside, the chip was gone. In this case, removal of the grip wasn't involved at all. Although the grip mounted solidly, I think that there was a touching or near-touching situation around the area in question, and perhaps a bit of looseness that wasn't detectable--but enough to do the deed.
If an installed grip panel makes a "click" when rapped with a knuckle, instead of a solid "thunk" sound, it is loose somewhere and needs attention. Solid-sounding or not, I think a bit of relief in the area, just to make sure, is still in order.