Ruger grip shim and screws

[Col. Doug Mortimer]

Howdy. Does anyone know where a cowboy can get longer screws for the grips of a new vaquero? I have made some wood shims to make the grips wider to suit me better. The ones for a blackhawk are slightly longer,  midway etc dont seem to fit the bill.  Thanks-Colonel Douglas Mortimer #115066 

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

They are 6-40.  Just pick up some fillister head screws from ACE.  If they are too long cut them.  It does not matter if they are all threaded as everything is inside the grip and you won't see it.

Edited March 30 by Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

35 minutes ago, Col. Doug Mortimer said:

Howdy. Does anyone know where a cowboy can get longer screws for the grips of a new vaquero? I have made some wood shims to make the grips wider to suit me better. The ones for a blackhawk are slightly longer,  midway etc dont seem to fit the bill.  Thanks-Colonel Douglas Mortimer #115066 

Please post pictures of these grips!

[John Barleycorn, SASS #76982]

The original Vaquero grip screws are longer than the New Vaquero grip screws. You can order them from Ruger or MidwayUSA, or Brownells. 

[Sarge]

Brownells also sells grip screw sets.  The screws in the sets are made long so they can be cut to proper length.

[Col. Doug Mortimer]

12 hours ago, Sarge said:

Brownells also sells grip screw sets.  The screws in the sets are made long so they can be cut to proper length.

Thanks. I searched them and midway but I still cannot find it.  

[Eyesa Horg]

S'pose you could check with a grip company like Altimont. The last time I bought grips, they came with 3 different length screws. Figure how long ya need and maybe they can accommodate you.

[Sarge]

3 hours ago, Col. Doug Mortimer said:

Thanks. I searched them and midway but I still cannot find it.  

BROWNELLS ESCUTCHEON SCREWS

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

This is the specs for the Brownell's screw set.  Note the thread size.  Will not work with Ruger.  I already suggested where to find cheap 6-40 screws. 

 

 

Specifications:

• Material: 18-8 stainless steel screw; brass nut
• Thread Size: 5-40
• Screw Length: 1-3/8 inches (3.5 cm)
• Package Options: Available in packs of 6 or 12

 

Edited March 31 by Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933

[Rattlesnake Slim]

8 hours ago, Eyesa Horg said:

S'pose you could check with a grip company like Altimont. The last time I bought grips, they came with 3 different length screws. Figure how long ya need and maybe they can accommodate you.

 

I just checked a pair of Altamont grips that I got in the mail today. They do NOT have the same size screws as the original Vaquero plastic grips.

[Boggus Deal #64218]

15 minutes ago, Rattlesnake Slim said:

 

I just checked a pair of Altamont grips that I got in the mail today. They do NOT have the same size screws as the original Vaquero plastic grips.

Length or diameter?

[Rance - SASS # 54090]

Larsen Pettifogger gave ya the correct info in in his first answer..

Just sayin’

[Rattlesnake Slim]

Diameter, appears to be the 5-40 that Larsen is talking about from Brownell's, although I don't have a way to size it to be sure.

[Von Dutch, SASS # 7995]

5 hours ago, Sarge said:

BROWNELLS ESCUTCHEON SCREWS

Larsen E. Knows what he is talking about ACE has the best selection of screws every time I have gone to ACE looking for gun screws, I have always found what I needed! And a lot cheaper then Brownells Midway and the dealers and you don't have to wait for Shipping! V.D. 

[Eyesa Horg]

ACE stores around here don't seem to carry gun screws.😕

I've checked 4 so far and 1 to go!

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

With a smile on my face and love in my heart let me ask you a question.  Did you ask or did you do what I do which is look and if I can't find it I give up.  There are five ACE's within a few miles of my house.  They all have a section in their specialty fasteners section that have gun screws.  HOWEVER, this is a grip screw.  It does not have to be a "gun" screw.  It can be any screw except nylon/plastic or maybe aluminum.  Here is a photo of one of a 25 year old pair of Eagle Buffalo Horn grips.  (I screwed the screw out so it can be seen better.)  The screws are brass.

 

[Eyesa Horg]

I did actually ask😊. That 5th location is rumored by the last one I visited, that the owner runs a little FFL business there so may have the screws. Apparently it's up to the Hillman salesman what they carry, so I'm told by location 1 which is somewhat near me. 

[Sarge]

5 hours ago, Von Dutch, SASS # 7995 said:

Larsen E. Knows what he is talking about ACE has the best selection of screws every time I have gone to ACE looking for gun screws, I have always found what I needed! And a lot cheaper then Brownells Midway and the dealers and you don't have to wait for Shipping! V.D. 

No disagreement with Larsen.  The OP said he couldn't find them at Brownells.  I just supplied a link.  I've made some of my own grips and customized some on my bullseye guns.  Sometimes it is worthwhile to just start over.

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

A few things to consider.  How long of a screw are you looking for?  Anything over 6-40 x one inch will be harder and harder to find.  For example the Brownell's screw assortment stops at one inch.

 

 

There are non-filister head screws available in more lengths.  You may have to reform the screw head to fit your escuhtchen.   The Brownell's escutcheon kit has a screw 1 3/8" long.

 You may need to consider that screw and change the escutcheons in your grips.  If to large in diameter you may have to turn them down or make the holes in the grips larger.  If to small epoxy may be your friend.  If your screws are over one inch you may have to use a little ingenuity.

 

[I. M. Crossdraw, SASS# 8321]

It's really not complicated to just cut, grind or file a screw that is longer.  Better yet, if you have a longer screw and you have customized your grip to your liking, then why not customize the screw length also.  I have done it myself, it's not hard.  Just saying.