Thanks for the replies, it does look like a poor material choice for a stressed part, I'll get with Earl's and see what the replacement part is like. I've had the gun for about 8 years, I didn't buy the gun for self defense, which is probably obvious since it sits in the safe never fired but now I'd wonder if it ever did NEED to use it if it would fall apart in my hand.
Good morning, Saab. Sorry to hear about your problems with the P5. It's a wonderful gun and well worth the effort it takes to get it back to good working order.
You'll read and hear much about Earl's on this site; he has many admirers and an equal number of detractors, it seems. But everyone agrees about at least one thing: His prices are high. Case in point.
I recently picked up a very nice PP Super and decided to seek out a new pair of grips (the originals, doubtless police-carried, were unsightly, though certainly functional). I checked the usual sites and suspects and eventually sent an email to Earl's. His reply: He could supple a new set for $200. I had the same reaction that you doubtless will have when reading this and sent after a day or two a second email, asking if perhaps he had a used set of grips for a PP Super lying around that might be in better condition than the ones my gun was currently dressed in. He then replied that he had a set that were ... well, let me get it in his own words:
"I have a new pair that both panels got cracked (UPS crushed them) but could be super glued for $95 or a pair that 1 panel is scuffed at the top for $150. Both of these are black. Please advise. Sincerely, Earl"
I provide this cautionary tale here not to badmouth Earl (I like and respect him and have purchased from him in the past and doubtless will again) but to indicate that you have other options.
With Uncut's help, I've got a line on a new set of wood checkered grips for the PP Super from a custom supplier in Hungary. His price: $65 and shipping.
I replaced the originals on my police-issued P5 this summer with a set of Hogue rubber grips that are both handsome and quite functional, providing a perfect fit for my hands. The cost was under $50 shipped.
Good luck in whatever you decide.