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May 2, 2009
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There has been a lot of maintenance discussion lately in reference to light primer strikes and hammer issues. Many times the stock answer is "check your grip screw"... Many times this is the problem, some times it is not...
Here's the bottom line-- When it comes to grip screws, length is critical--if it is too long, it WILL affect the hammer travel...sometimes to the point where it will not cock.
So here's the EASY answer for 99% of the time... From what I can tell, all DW's use roughly the same mainspring seat. It takes 10 full turns to get a grip screw completely through this seat.
If you start counting your turns as soon as the screw engages the threads, you'll have an easy way to tell if the grip screw is the problem. If it is less than 10 turns, the screw will have ZERO effect on the action.
If it is more than 10 full turns, you need to find a shorter screw or get out the grinder.
*** Here is a little gee whiz info -- when it comes to threaded fasteners (according to SHOOT)
Once again, this is the poor boy answer--if you are a genius, we can go online and use formulas. You only need about 1.5 x diameter of your screw for full strength engagement. So if your screw is 1/2" in diameter, you need to screw it in 3/4" for full strength hold (1/2 times 1.5 = 3/4)... This usually equates to only a few threads, so at 10 threads we are WAY beyond what we need to be.
This is especially true for a DW grip--there are no real forces acting on the screw, even under full recoil. You probably put more force on the screw pulling a gun out of the holster.
Keep it under 10 threads of engagement and you'll have no issues....
SHOOT
May 17, 2010
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Very good stuff. Thanks Shoot!
Soap Box, Ballot Box, Ammo Box
in that order.
4 Monson Model 15's
1 Palmer FB 15
1 Rossi 357 Model 92 (lever)
1 CZ 75B
November 14, 2009
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That is excellent information.
In engineering school, they use the "minor diameter" which is measure at the depth of the threads of the bolt (male part not the depth of the nut female part). So Shoots explanation is conservative for a stronger connection. In reality, the weakness of the joint is the minor diameter so if you get that much thread engagement you are good.
Follow Shoots explanation and you will have a strong enough connection.
Happyness is a Hot DW and a pile of used brass!!! Rich
January 22, 2008
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Great info SHOOT thanks for posting!
Dans Club
May 17, 2009
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Thanks Shoot. We can always count on you for some good practical solutions. 
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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I was experimenting a bit the other day when I had my 744 out. It has a Hogue rubber fingergroove grips, and I discovered that I can screw the grip screw in far enough that double action still functions, but single action will not. The soft rubber allows you to really crank that grip screw in there.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
September 7, 2011
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I had this problem as well. uhmm single / double both work now but the hogue grips are loose? washers ? the problem is i had to really push hard to get the threads to catch so grinding or shorter screw isnt really an option for me.
" Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch , Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote " - Ben Franklin
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Dans Club
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November 17, 2008
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I had this problem as well. uhmm single / double both work now but the hogue grips are loose? washers ? the problem is i had to really push hard to get the threads to catch so grinding or shorter screw isn't really an option for me.
Having worked on a grip or two, I suspect the issue you describe is due to a slight misalignment in the screw hole vs. the screw stud. The screw should screw in easily so you may try opening up the screw hole just a touch to relieve the misalignment. Just don't over do it. Then washers or a shorter screw should work fine. Then I could be wrong. Good luck and keep us informed. Keep the faith.
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
October 3, 2011
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I wonder if, while installing the grip screw you held the hammer all the way back then screwed the screw in until it just started to hit the spring guide and backed it off just a smidge. that should give enough room for function while maxing out your screw travel.
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Range Officer
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May 2, 2009
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chan67 said:
I wonder if, while installing the grip screw you held the hammer all the way back then screwed the screw in until it just started to hit the spring guide and backed it off just a smidge. that should give enough room for function while maxing out your screw travel.
Read my first post above... If you get to the spring guide, you are in a full 10 turns plus...overkill
Just go to the hardware and get a shorter screw--save yourself a lot of headache and frustration 
SHOOT
October 3, 2011
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what size is the screw? would they have it in the local ACE hardware store?
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Range Officer
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May 2, 2009
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chan67 said:
what size is the screw? would they have it in the local ACE hardware store?
yes, ace has them in stock in my area-- Take your screw with you and find a shorter one. I'm at work right now, but it is either 10-24 or 10-32.
SHOOT
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November 17, 2008
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Actually it is an 8/32 X 1 1/2 normally and 1 1/4 for the small service grip. I get mine at ACE.
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
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May 2, 2009
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lbruce said:
Actually it is an 8/32 X 1 1/2 normally and 1 1/4 for the small service grip. I get mine at ACE.
LB
Thanks LB--my brain is slipping... 
SHOOT
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