Aluminum Compact CZ's--How Common are Stripped Grip Screws

[walnutty]

Hello CZ Experts,

Just requesting what your observations have been about this phenomenon. 

I bought a P-01 few yrs ago.  When removing the grip screw for the first time, I noticed that the grip screw (1 side only) was partially stripped and cross-threaded in the frame.  My mistake was in trying to reinsert the screw (after using the proper thread forming die) and this made the frame threads worse. 

Fortunately a trip to CZ fixed this by retapping the frame but the few damaged threads on the beginning of the frame hole really bothered me. I have since purchased the proper tap in my tool box.
 Unfortunately that pistol was sold quickly after that incident. 

I have other steel framed CZ pistols that don't exhibit this phenomenon.  I think the soft screw threads don't really damage the harder steel frame threads.  But the aluminum frame is a different story. 

The main culprit I've observed are the tight screw hole in the rubber grips, the steel insert, and the lack of proper alignment between the grip screw hole and the frame hole.

Recently, I've been getting an itch to get another P-01, but I am concerned I may be unlucky again. 

For those of you that have the PCR or P-01, how often have you encountered this? 

I'd appreciate your input.  Thanks in advance!

[Tok36]

It is not real common from what I have seen here on the forums. If possible I would suggest inspecting the pistol before you buy it. This way you can completely avoid the possibility.

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

I have owned my PCR for over 10 years now with ZERO problems with the frame threads. Over 15,000 rounds fired and grips removed and replaced more times than I can count. There is no phenomenon here in any way shape or form and If anyone is stripping the grip screw holes then it is simply because they are not taking the time to be sure the screws get started properly.
There is NOTHING wrong with these frames.
The phenomenon is people who damage things through improper technique and blame the item for their incompetence. Sorry if this sounds harsh but these are the facts.

[Earl Keese]

I've heard a few stories of cross threaded grip screws coming from the factory. From what I've observed, it's not prevalent.

[jurek]

Yeah.. I've got the same in with my P-01 Omega. One screw hole doesn't perfectly match any grips, even the original rubber one. It doesn't bother me a lot, probably till the moment a will have to do another full disassembly. I've got spare set of screws (from LOK) - in my case the screws are "one time use only". 

[SEAKPhotog]

My OD green P01 had the issue you describe.

[bonj]

my 75 compact steel frame had the same issue.

[SEAKPhotog]

It was the first thing I did to my P01 OD Green when I got it. 

[AMM]

I have had 4 alloy framed CZ 75 varients over time-changed grips on all and have not experienced this issue.

[CzMatte]

They’re easy to strip. Finger tip snug, not a full on hand crank, and some blue loc-tite is all they need

[Minfred]

I've heard of the issue but have not experienced it on my 75B, PCR or SP01.
I always toss the old grip screws and use new screws.

[Sectionchief]

Putting a rubber o-ring washer instead of the star-tooth washer has prevented me from likely stripping a few grip threads.

[M1A4ME]

Stands to reason that an aluminum frame is easier to ruin the threads with the steel grip screws than a steel frame.  Hard vs. soft metals.

I've not stripped one of my P01's yet.

I use only the soft rubber grips from the factory.

I've still had alignment issues on the P01s and the steel framed CZ75 Compacts and CZ75B pistols.

The grips don't always have holes that line up with the pistols.  Is the fault in the pistol frame or the grip?  I don't know.  I do know that on the pistols with alignment issues it's usually only one side that shows the problem.  Easy to identify when you take your time trying to get the screw aligned and started.  If one side is easy and the other side isn't remove the screw grip on the easy side and do the stubborn side first.  That lets you get your fingers through the grip frame to push/pull the stubborn grip with your thumb of the gripping/holding hand while finger starting the stubborn side screw.  Once you've got it threading in by finger tips you can finish with the screwdriver while pushing on the grip to help keep it aligned till the screw threads get a good bite in the hole in the frame.

Then put the easy side screw on and you're done.

I will, not every time I clean one, but sometimes - put a drop of oil on the screw head and let is soak in good.  The oil will migrate into/around the screw head to the threads/frame and help keep corrosion away.  I wipe off the excess around the screw head with the same oil rag I wipe parts down with.

The factory rubber grips are easier to "adjust" than a hard plastic/wood grip panel.  Had the hard plastic grip panels on a couple CZ's early on and quickly replaced them with the soft rubber grips for better "grip" on the frame.