1911 Grip Texture

[High Tower]

Hi guys,

I'm having a 1911 built and I was wondering what your thoughts are on a grip texture. My smith building it can do pretty much everything except this part.

I'm trying to avoid standard checkering. Nothing wrong with it, but I am looking for something unique but still functional. My original plan was to go with the Dragonskin pattern from Gemini Customs, but their lead time is over two years for that. I understand I'll have to wait some for quality, but i was looking for something a little sooner.

Thanks.

[tex45acp]

I can't give any advice on a 1911, but I textured two other guns of mine and I really like it. Anyone who had held & shot these two guns liked the texturing as well. It is not as aggresive as stippling or checkering, but still gives a great gripping surface.
Browning Hi Power
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/mike_seale/FrontGripStippling2.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/mike_seale/RearGripStippling.jpg

Stainless CZ75B
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/mike_seale/GP101_NEW.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/mike_seale/CZ_Stippling.jpg

Here are the custom specialty, hand tools I used to texture them both. A round & half round file bastard file. I also used a dead blow hammer.....basically striking the metal surface while pulling in a downward motion, creating a drag effect.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/mike_seale/Upgrade002.jpg

[theJanitor]

I'm trying to avoid standard checkering. Nothing wrong with it, but I am looking for something unique but still functional.

Ned's conamyds

http://www.m-guns.com/images/aa_riflesa_lrg.jpg

Stan Chen's diamond pattern checkering
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn119/Litespeed45/ssc002copy.jpg

CT brians checkering

http://www.louderthanwords.us/largefoto/picts/ulfls/10012009/12447735532.jpg

Chuck Rogers' golfballs

http://www.rogersprecision.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/yy8.jpg

[YVK]

Ned's conyamids

Stan Chen's diamond pattern checkering

CT brians checkering

Chuck Rogers' golfballs



Out of these 4 outstanding options, I know that one gets occasionally available on a limited basis. Chuck Rogers at times takes small orders like sight install or golfballing. You'll have to visit his website (google Rogers Precision) on a regular basis in order not to miss an opportunity. I have some experience with his "golfballs", and it is truly excellent texturing. I am also familiar with Ned's conamyds (excellent too), but, to the best of my knowledge, he doesn't take any work. Stan, I don't know if he ever took orders from general public :(. Don't know if CT does.

[theJanitor]

i prefer checkering. when it's done right, it's fantastic

[DocGKR]

At one point or another, I have tried numerous front strap treatments.

Without doubt, the Chuck Rogers style golf-ball dimples are the best I've used; the similar Heinie style scallps are nearly as nice. They work great with bare hands and gloves, yet don't tear up clothing or flesh and are more durable than checkering.

Old-school plain smooth front straps have a lot of merit, as they can easily have 3M deck tape or Pachmeyer wrap-around (GM-45C) rubber grips added--if I ever get another 1911, I'll probably keep it smooth and just add tape as needed.

Stippling is a good option, although it can wear a bit over time.

Checkering gives the best grip, but is susceptible to damage, as well as being rough on clothing and hands.

I don't like serrations; they don't offer as much traction as other options and don't allow application of grip tape--not good.

I have the least experience with snakeskin and other exotic patterns, but have not liked them as much as golf-balls.

[patriot_man]

golf ball.

[CaptainDooley]

I'd also vote for the golf ball treatment if not going with a smooth front strap.

However, I decided a few years ago to put some grip tape on my 1911 "until I could afford to send it off for checkering"... I liked it so much I just kept swapping out the tape and spent the money for checkering on something else.

[Beebo]

I'll give another vote for Chuck Roger's golfball style. The 1911 I have also has a high-cut front strap from him, which is another modification I would heavily consider. Hope this helps.

[VooDoo6Actual]

The Janitor listed the best of em.

[High Tower]

Thanks for the replies. I'll have to shoot Chuck Rogers an email and hope he's open for some work. I checked out the other ones listed and, while they look nice, don't seem to be open for new work at this time.

[d90king]

I believe you have already been provided with some great options and photos of said options, but I will add an old school option. Just plain ole serrations. I have never had a time when I wished I had "more" grip on my front strap... This was done by John Harrison

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18293363872.jpg

[theJanitor]

Chuck is a member here. :D hopefully he can take care of you

[SWATcop556]

I like the golf ball a lot. Overall though I prefer a smooth front strap so I can "customize" my applications and texture.

25 lpi checkering is a good balance between grippyness (if its even a word) and carrying blades on your hip.

[tonnete_r]

I have golfball serrations.

[fledge]

I've got a nighthawk on order with heinie checkering (as in Heinie tactical carry) on front and heinie chainlink on the MSH. Though serrations are more 'typical,' I feel confident with the pattern on the front strap in distress. I wouldn't carry a gun with 'exotic' patterns. That's just me.

[maximus83]

At one point or another, I have tried numerous front strap treatments.

[...]

Old-school plain smooth front straps have a lot of merit, as they can easily have 3M deck tape or Pachmeyer wrap-around (GM-45C) rubber grips added--if I ever get another 1911, I'll probably keep it smooth and just add tape as needed.


Good summary Doc!

I have enjoyed getting checkering on all my 1911's, but in some cases, I too am leaving certain pistols with a smooth front strap. I do this with my CZ-75 family pistols, including my 85-Combat and my SP01.

A great grip option that I've found for putting on smooth front straps on metal guns is the front strap tape made by the VzGrips, a maker of excellent 1911 grips. The stuff is affordable, comes in 3-packs, but it really stays on well and in some ways, I almost like it better than metal checkering. It handles sweat/moisture really well.

http://vzgrips.com/hardware.html

http://vzgrips.com/Images/grittapeblk.jpg

[Chuck]

I'm not accepting any work until I finish two the full-house builds that are on my bench now. I'm estimating that will be just after the Holidays.
But if anyone is interested, I will send a golfballed mainspring housing out for a 'pass-around'.
This will give you a chance to evaluate golfballing and make an informed decision whether or not it is 'right' for you.

[High Tower]

Thanks for posting Chuck. It seems that evryone doing 1911 work is really busy.

I did some googling around and came across SDM Fabricating and Wells Custom Guns. They both do the golfball and top and rear slide serrations. Does anyone have any experience with these companies.

Thanks for all the replies guys, you've been a great help.

[theJanitor]

Drake Oldham can do golfballing too, he offered that to me when he built one of my 1911's. i chose bordered checkering instead:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h30/grandprixboy/AAdrake1911029.jpg

[civilian]

Dave Erickson of Condition One Pistolsmithing built this gun for me using a pattern that I believe he now offers as an option. Nice aggressive bite to it and when coupled with the grips, absolutely locks the gun into my hand.

http://www.pbase.com/ashinoyu/image/111155662/large.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/ashinoyu/image/111155672/large.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/ashinoyu/image/111155654/large.jpg

[M4Fundi]

Checkering or golfballing.

I was really shocked at how much (golfballing) of a non-abrasive yet aggressively tactile grip it had. It looks good too, classically medieval looking:D

[Dos Cylindros]

Looks light I am a bit late to the party, and this is my first post. I have to suggestions for you. One is the Springfield custom shop, as they do quality work with a reasonable price and turn around time. They will work on virtually any quality 1911 not just Springfields. I have had a full custom build done by these guys, and it is first rate work.

The second would be to contact Steve Morrison of MARS guns. He does two styles of golf ball texturing and the price is reasonable. Steve is currently building a custom colt for me, and is a true professional and all around decent guy.

Both of the shops I mentioned do scallops, golf ball and all of the other popular textures, including checkering.

[theJanitor]

totally forgot about steve. my good buddy's got a colt there now. should be done in a couple months. i did not know the SA shop did golfballs

[Dos Cylindros]

totally forgot about steve. my good buddy's got a colt there now. should be done in a couple months. i did not know the SA shop did golfballs

Yes they do, it's not on their custom build sheet but if you call Deb at the custom shop, she will give you a quote. Most people are not aware of the things Springfield Custom is capable of (other than the pro model).

Can't wait for Steve to finish with my colt. I sent him a WW1 repro for his Axiom build, with the addition of golf ball texture front and rear.

[theJanitor]

we sent him a S70 for what is essentially a THUG build

[High Tower]

Does MARS work on non-Colt pistols? Looking through his website, he just mentions Colts. This build is with a Briley frame and Les Baer slide.

[David Thomas]

call Steve Morrison or send him an email. He is very friendly and will accept some work on non-colt 1911's. He just prefers colts as base guns.
Steve has atleast a couple versions of golfballs - different levels of aggressiveness.

I prefer a smooth front strap, but of all of the front straps i have tried the mini-scallop treatment is my favorite. I have 2 Colts that were customized by Matt Davis and I would give him a call also. One of the MD 1911's has the mini-scallops and they are very nice without being too rough on your hands.

Ned's conamyds are super cool as is his frag grenade type checkering, but I have no first hand experience with these.


I can say that I hate 20lpi checkering. 20lpi serrations are not much better.