I wonder if Colt might have just thrown a few parts at these gun, or if the grips were added later? Could it be mere coincidence that both of these 1927 pistols have the DD walnut grips and both sets bear the 'RA' roll marks on the back?Īlso, my 1927 slide has 19 serrations on the back, the same as my 1917 Colt. They do have some engraving on the backs of them, a circle with the letters 'RA' in the center, (Republic Argentina proof) that appears on most all the other parts in the gun, including the hammer, trigger, grip safety, main spring housing, frame and slide. They certainly looked vintage and in the absence of this information, I just assumed they were the originals. Those were the grips that were on the gun when I got it. Sharp eyes can see some dents and dings in the diamonds. The grips were soaked in linseed oil for a week. I restored them by sanding them until most of the dents and deep gouges were gone, then recheckering them with stock files. The wood grips in this photo are the originals, circa 1927. I also didn't want to deal with a loose screw in a offensive/defensive pistol. I leave the adjustment screw out, since the trigger doesn't move any farther rearward than it needs too. I now have a C&S Long Aluminum Match Trigger with smooth face.
A very delicate process without damaging the super-fine threads.RobertĪnd here it is during trial assembly with a long, steel trigger. The staked grip screw bushings, that were totally stripped, were removed by machining them down in a vertical mill and then driving a Torx bit into the I.D and screwing them into the frame as opposed to removing them. Here is a photo of my 1927 Colt, stripped down for restoration.