Removing Grip Bushings on a Norinco 1911

[Iron Glove]

Just received a nice used Norinco 1911 and I'm thinking of getting thinner grips and a flat mainspring housing to better fit my girly - man hands.
Tried to remove the grip screw bushings with a flat blade screwdriver with no luck. I didn't apply a ton of pressure to it as I'm not sure of the correct removal technique and didn't want to bugger anything up.
Any tips / suggestions ?
Thanks.

 

[schick]

Shouldn't be that hard. I have actually had one loosen when removing a screw. (my fault, I had previously over-tightened it)

 

[--Terry--]

The bushings are supposed to be staked on the underneath of the grip frame, so they won't come off easily. I'm not sure whether Norinco's factories do this.

There is a bushing removal/tightening tool that helps removing the bushing wihout damaging it. But I guess if you don't want it back on there any more, it doesn't matter.

I'd suggest that you let the original bushings stay, and change to a flat MSH. In combination with a short tigger, this grip should be managable with small hands.

 

[dan belisle]

You should also know that Norinco bushing threads aren't the same (in the frame) as Colt et al. You can tap them out for the correct size, I'm also told that Marstar has some, but I haven't personally checked that out (I should, I need a set for yet another project). - dan