Military Camp

Fit a set of standard 1911 grips to my Ruger MKIV 22/45. It can be done!

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  • RedArmy

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    Nov 26, 2017
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    Watauga
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    Just picked up a new Ruger 22/45 Tactical. Nice pistol and an improvement over the old variant, especially with the easy take down. I found the trigger a bit stiff so I replaced it with a Volquartsen kit. The kit made a huge improvement, the trigger is now smooth and light.

    After installing the trigger kit I decided to try and fit a set of full size 1911 wood grips I had laying around. I figured a nice set of grips would dress up the pistol a bit. The first obstacle I encountered is that the holes for the grip bushings are slightly larger than a standard 1911. I measured the diameter of the holes on the stock grips and then traced out the opening using a pencil on the back of the new grips. I used a Dremel grinding bit to open up the holes. You only want to open up the area behind the little step that sits on top of the grip bushing, don't enlarge the entire screw hole. The next problem is that the grip on the left side will need to be routed to clear the circular slide release and safety. The slide release needs the most grinding. I again measured out the hole and the small channel from the stock grip and traced it onto the back of the wood grip panel. I ground it out using Dremel grinding bit and this time a sanding drum. I found that I needed to completely remove the tip of the grip in front of the slide release. I also removed a bit of the grip in front of the safety.

    The left side was the hardest part, with some patience you can get it done though. On the right side I only had to open up the grip bushing holes like I did on the right and then just grind a small relief for the safety lever which is thinner on the right side. Once I was done I sanded down the grip panels and stained them with some Chestnut Ridge military stock stain and clear coated them. I finished it off with a set of Wilson Combat stainless 1911 grip screws which I polished up.

    So, you can fit a set of standard 1911 grips to your 22/45 Tactical or Lite pistol just as long as you're very patient and plan carefully.

    I think it looks not too bad. The diamond pattern certainly has more grip.
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    You can see the relief cuts I had to make in this shot.
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    Can't wait to try it out!
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    Military Camp
     

    RedArmy

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    2   0   0
    Nov 26, 2017
    1,103
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    Watauga
    Thanks guys. At least it's not all plastic now. I'll probably add some grip tape to the front strap.
     
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