The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: Rob10ring on March 22, 2011, 03:21:40 AM
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I am looking at some 1911 ponies and see that they generally don't come with checkering of the frontstrap. Is this checkering really necessary, or even that useful. I could send one to the custom shop to get it done if it's really worth it, but would hate to ruin something that is fine left alone.
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Mine is smooth and never been any trouble and the M1911A1 I qualified with back in the 70's was the same.
Try some grip tape before you spend the money on checkering.
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Also try skate board tape.
Richard
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If you have good grips and a good gripping technique (high and tight into the beaver tail) front and back strap checkering is a luxury. However, if you are sloppy in your griping the checkering will help.
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Kiwi Sure-Step Pads are sold in some grocery stores in the shoe polish area. They are a pebbled rubber surface on an adhesive backing that is less abrasive than skate tape.
Loosen the grip panel and slide the pad under them. Mark on the pad where the grip panels cover it and outline the magwell.
Take a dremel and with the plastic 'wire' wheel buzz the rubber down that will be under the grip panel to just where the backing starts to peek through. It won't lever up the grip that way.
Cut the pad so it doesn't hang under the magwell, slide it under the grips and tighten. I didn't expose the adhesive to allow easy removal and they stay in place anyway.
Presto, you have a textured front strap that helps grab back. (even if your grip is high and tight) ;)
I liked the feel so much I added it to my SIG1911 and it already has a checkered front strap. This is less abrasive than the checkering and added just a slight hint of thickness which I like.
On the SIG, I made the cutout to follow the little contour of the front of the magwell but didn't bother on the Gold Cup 'cause I don't use flush fit mags anyway.
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If you have wrap around grips like I do it's a waste.
If not, well, it looks nice.
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I've had 1911's with both styles of front strap. Didn't make any difference in the handling that I could detect. I don't use either gun under adverse conditions (mud, water, snow etc.) but I do know that after an extended range session my fingers know the difference. Looks great though.
Pecos
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Personally, I prefer some level of front strap checkering/texturing on a carry weapon - it's not a big deal on a range gun. Nothing as aggressive as a TRP (okay, I haven't shot one, just fondled, er uh, held a few) which I found very uncomfortable. I kind of figured that if/when SHTF your grips might not be dry. They could be wet with rain, mud, or blood as well as the possibility of compromised grip strength/mechanics. My current EDC has 25 LPI front strap checkering and checkered G10 grips.
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I've used stair tread material (like skate tape) that I bought from Lowes. It comes in a sheet that is large enough to cover a standard stair step for around $5. I've had it on my Commander for around eight years and like the griping texture.
I do like the looks of those on KMitch's gun. I might look into those also.
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I tried one of these things as well.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=16409/Product/1911_AUTO_CHECKERED_FRONT_STRAP (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=16409/Product/1911_AUTO_CHECKERED_FRONT_STRAP)
I thought is was like grabbing a cheese grater.
What can I say? I'm just a delicate little flower with soft girlie hands. ::)
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I tried one of these things as well.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=16409/Product/1911_AUTO_CHECKERED_FRONT_STRAP (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=16409/Product/1911_AUTO_CHECKERED_FRONT_STRAP)
I thought is was like grabbing a cheese grater.
What can I say? I'm just a delicate little flower with soft girlie hands. ::)
A good friend of mine had the same consensus about his as well. He removed it after 100 or so rounds and went with the tape.
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You can go to the Springfield Armory website, they do checkering as well as many other custom additions for your 1911. http://www.springfield-armory.com/custom.php
As you will see, it is not cheap to get it done properly. If you strictly want a non-stick front strap then you have some great ideas from other posts. If you are concerned with appearance and the integrity of the model, then you probably need to pay some serious $ to get it done right.
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Not a 1911 guy, but I do own and love a Browning Hi-Power, same basic gun. Do you really need this stipled front strap? I shoot in swampy S. Fla. I don't find the non-checkered frontstrap to be an issue. Do you really want to tape your gun? If its a range thing, try a glove. For SD, can you empty a mag at 20 feet into a double pie plate without an issue? I think stipling is overrated. I really preffered my Gen 1 Glock to my Gen 3. That's just me. But again, as always, shoot the the hell out of it and then decide whether YOU have a problem. If so, fix it. Just don't let gun writers convince you that you need something more and then set out to fix a probleem that might not be an issue for you. Just my .02.
FQ13
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I had the Wilson checkered front strap. It worked well. The wife wouldn't shoot it with it on, said it hurt her hands. When i removed it to Duracote my gun and seen the damage it had done it went into the cardboard box of other useless gun crap I have bought over the years. I may try the skaters tape but I find the smooth front not to be a problem.
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If you have good grips and a good gripping technique (high and tight into the beaver tail) front and back strap checkering is a luxury. However, if you are sloppy in your griping the checkering will help.
Heh, heh, heh, heh......
that's funny.....heh, heh, heh....
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Heh, heh, heh, heh......
that's funny.....heh, heh, heh....
You have a dirty mind.
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You have a dirty mind.
Thank you!
;D
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I use the stair tread tape like Peg, except I bought a 50' roll of it that's 2" wide. That makes it wide enough to tuck under the grips even on a double wide Para. It helps me get a grip on the sub-compact but I quit using it on the full-sized pistol.
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Heh, heh, heh, heh......
that's funny.....heh, heh, heh....
If you only knew how close I came to striking out the tail ;D
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If you only knew how close I came to striking out the tail ;D
Decorum Michael, decorum!
;D ;D
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Jeez Tim, do you ALWAYS sound like Tatu when you get excited ?
Decorner, Bass Decorner ! ;D
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Wow! Thanks for all of the replies …and with pictures even. It's good to know that there are so many options before actually sending it off to the custom shop. I'm going to wait a few months to buy it, as I'll be abandoning ship on Kalifornia. I'll be able to get what I want, as opposed to what this state will allow me to have. I can't wait to join you guys in the real U.S.A.!
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Wow! Thanks for all of the replies …and with pictures even. It's good to know that there are so many options before actually sending it off to the custom shop. I'm going to wait a few months to buy it, as I'll be abandoning ship on Kalifornia. I'll be able to get what I want, as opposed to what this state will allow me to have. I can't wait to join you guys in the real U.S.A.!
Fuzdaddy's new favorite song !
;D
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When I was a kid, my dad used to play that in the car on the way to visit AZ. Ahhh, America!
Kalifornistan. I don't so much mind 10-round magazines, because I'm confident that that would generally be enough, but you never know when the one time you'll need more will be, and I don't want the State to tell me that I don't need more, when even the police (god watch over them) aren't held to the same rule. I can finally put my Mini 14's factory collapsible stock back on and the fact that I won't be able to bring my registered pre-ban banned guns back will keep me from ever looking back to turn into a pillar of salt. If I could just get my brother's to follow. I'll have to really assert that I am their keeper.
Fuzdaddy's new favorite song !
;D
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I have three different 1911's. The Springfield has no serrations or checkering, the S&W has vertical serrations, and the Les Baer has full checkering. I think it definitely makes a difference. It's certainly not a deal breaker on which 1911 to buy but if you feel like getting checkering done, go for it. I really like the sure, "tacky" feel of the Les Baer's 30 LPI checkering.
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When I was a kid, my dad used to play that in the car on the way to visit AZ. Ahhh, America!
Kalifornistan. I don't so much mind 10-round magazines, because I'm confident that that would generally be enough, but you never know when the one time you'll need more will be, and I don't want the State to tell me that I don't need more, when even the police (god watch over them) aren't held to the same rule. I can finally put my Mini 14's factory collapsible stock back on and the fact that I won't be able to bring my registered pre-ban banned guns back will keep me from ever looking back to turn into a pillar of salt. If I could just get my brother's to follow. I'll have to really assert that I am their keeper.
Congrats on the freedom Fuzzdaddy. But as for your new favorite song? Try this one. Its a whole lot better celebration of America. The Boss, In American Land. If that doesn't fire you up, you're three months dead. ;D
FQ13