Put about 200 rounds of .357 SIG through my P229 yesterday after installing new slotted Hogue screws.

After shooting, I discovered 2 of 4 screws were loose, and 1 was gone.

I've noticed Sig puts a red 'permanent' thread locker on their screws--since the Hogues didn't have anything, I had put some VC-3 on them in an effort to mimic what Sig did, but this obviously didn't work.

I'm thinking I'll go with some blue 243 Loctite next? But I'm wondering if anyone has any insights/opinions...?

Also, has anyone seen a longer screw for the P-series pistols? I'm using some older wood grips (that I love) on this weapon, but they're just a hair thicker than the factory grips where the screw fits, which I'm sure is part of the problem here. I've easily found different length screws for some of my other guns when swapping grips (e.g., Hi-Powers, PPKs, CZs), but I haven't seen this for the Sigs.

That red stuff that Sig puts on the grip screws looks like red loctite, but it's not. Don't put red loctite on your grip screws...that stuff will make them next to impossible to get off and you risk damaging your gun the next time you need to get the grips off. A drop of BLUE loctite has always worked just fine for me...keeps them on the gun when I want them to stay on, yet still removable when I want them off.

People often use VC3 incorrectly, apply it and wait 15-30min before assembly. Vibratite needs time to dry before assembly.

Big no on Locktite Red. Use the blue or a small drop of nail polish.

I've quit using thread locker on grip screws. I started using O rings. Lets me tighten the screws down without them binding up later.

The Hogue screws tend to be a few threads longer than the original screws. Avoid the hex head Hogue screws. The hex is too small and its easy to over tighten the screw. You'll go to remove it, it will bind, and the edges of that fine hex socket will round off and you'll find yourself needing a screw extractor. I wish I could find the Torx bit screws that Sig puts on our duty weapons, but they don't seem to be available anywhere.

Umm.. Yeah, red Loctite never entered the picture for me.

In this case, the VC-3 sat on the screws for 24+ hours before install. Been using this stuff for a long time and never had an issue before. I have it on grip screws for many 9mm pistols. And no issues with bigger calibers like my 10mm P220. So I'm just left wondering if there just isn't enough thread contact-- I can get about a full turn for each screw.

I’m shocked that the Vibratite didn’t hold up. I’ve been using it for years in place of blue loctite without any issues. Thanks for the report.

Put some grease on them.

 
I use purple loctite on my grip screws. It is one strength below blue, and I've never had any of them shoot loose. The purple is considered low strength. It makes it easy to remove the screw and clean off the residue (inside and outside threads) for reuse.

put a harbor freight rubber o ring on them. Then tighten them to snug.

quote:

Originally posted by Nismo:
Put some grease on them.

This works for me. I use thick grease.

I use blue Loctite, and have never had a problem with them loosening. Still easy to remove when needed, reapply when assembling.

As for the missing screw ... they're available in either black, or silver on Amazon. Easy Peasey!

And I'll just echo what everyone said about the Blue Locktite.