Smith and Wesson M & P 15X rifle grip screw size for replacing/aftermarket?

[His lordship.]

I recently bought a new Smith and Wesson AR-15 model M & P 15 X rifle, noticed the military pistol grip is a little small for my hands and there are lots of aftermarket ones that I might see about putting on the rifle.

Instead of a blade screwdriver head inside the hollow of the pistol grip, it is an Allen head, found a regular Allen tool that will fit, but it is too short to actually rotate and un-thread the fastener.  I will need to have an Allen head on a long shaft that can be attached to a ratchet for removal.  Sent an E-mail to Smith and Wesson around a week ago and never heard back to get the size of the Allen head.

I recently traded off a Smith and Wesson J-frame revolver that I found to be on the tinker toy side, am wondering if they are a problem company, even though I hear online that they have great customer service.

Anyone know what tool to use to remove the Allen fastener?

Thanks.

[Keith L]

I guess I am not real surprised you didn't like your smith.  I haven't seen a positive post about a gun from you yet.

I have a couple of Smiths, and my son has one also.  Built like tanks, and just keep on shooting.  Smooth actions.  Mine are older, his is one that has that invention of the devil, the lock, built in.  I have a buddy that has several Performance Center smiths, and none of our guns is a "tinker toy." 

[His lordship.]

Keith L.... you misunderstood my post.  It is a question on how to remove a strange fastener that holds the grip to the gun.  I asked Smith and Wesson to tell me what it is, they ignored me.   I was hoping to find out if there is a gunsmith who has done this work.  I have no problem with the rifle, even though it has only been to the range once, I put 70 rounds through it without a problem, and it will take around a year to find out how it really shoots.

I am a full grown man, and the grip on it is GI, it was intended for use by the smaller statured recruits, yes, women are now in the military and I am sure it fits many of them.  But at 6' 1" I need an aftermarket unit for a man sized hand.

My next option is to write Smith and Wesson and ask again, if there is not an answer here.  Right now I am sure glad I mostly buy foreign made guns other than the good ol' Rugers that have served me well.

[gunnut69]

Allen wrenches are made in several lengths..as well as bits that fit replaceable bit screwdrivers.. I suggest finding a properly fitting wrech at the local hardware store or at a place such as Brownells to change out your grip..

[JustaShooter]

... found a regular Allen tool that will fit, but it is too short to actually rotate and un-thread the fastener.  I will need to have an Allen head on a long shaft that can be attached to a ratchet for removal.  ...

Anyone know what tool to use to remove the Allen fastener?

If you have one that fits, you know the size - if not stamped into the tool, it can be measured, or taken to the hardware store to use as a guide to get one long enough to do the job.  I doubt you'll find one that ratchets, but I suppose it is possible.  Another option if the hole to access the fastener is large enough, they make ratcheting screwdriver handles that take standard size bits, get one and a set of bits with an Allen bit the correct size.

Just a Shooter

[His lordship.]

Thank you gunnut69 and JustaShooter,  :)I did get one of my SAE allen wrenches to fit inside, so it is off to the hardware store with it and get something that will be deep enough to get in there.  I think I will shoot better with another grip and there are lots to choose from for installation.

I E-mailed Smith and Wesson a second time using the E-mail source from my owner's manual 2 days ago, still no answer.  I have contacted Ruger and CZ in the past on questions and they were super fast in response, perhaps Smith and Wesson is swamped, I don't no.

[jhm]

   Or they are closed for year end inventories and everyone is involved in that.  HTH   Jim

[JustaShooter]

   Or they are closed for year end inventories and everyone is involved in that. 

No excuse not to reply to a customer promptly.  It shows that you don't value them.

Just a Shooter

[gunnut69]

S&W today is not the company I knew years ago. The last contact I had with them was for a very early M60 SS J-frame 38 Spec. The hammer stud crystallized and broke. Trigger pull got very eratic. Called S&W service and was told they would cover it. Sent it to them.. Job? Press in the new stud and buff to hide the scruffs.. Bill was over $200 with more than $100  for re-finishing....a SS gun!?!?!?! This model was the first S&W made from SS and they had a lot of problems with the SS not holding up well. For a while the internals were made of carbon steel and nickled.. They said this was normal wear and tear yet this was nearly a new revolver.. Not the old S&W and way less than Ruger and several other companies.. No new Smiths for me...

[His lordship.]

I usually try to remedy a gun problem before contacting the maker, hence my posting here.  I chose the Smith and Wesson made AR over some others due to the "Lifetime warranty", I hope I don't need to contact them regarding any problems, so far the rifle is a good one.

And yes, I canceled looking into the purchase of their AR-15-22 .22 rimfire version of the AR rifle, as I am leery right now.  I also read of several extractor breakages on this .22 rifle on one of the SIG discussions, so I am glad I put buying it off.