VZ 1911 Grips

[Outlander Systems]

Let's rap.

I've narrowed it down, and I've decided on some VZ grips. Right now I'm looking at the Aliens and the Operators II.

Does anyone have any of the VZ grips in "Army Green"?

I ask because I'm seeing conflicting colours on the site.

The first example of "Army Green" looks like OD.

http://www.vzgrips.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/Operators_II_Ran_4a8b0356cc04c.jpg

The second example, looks somewhere between OD and Foliage Green.

http://www.vzgrips.com/components/com_joomgallery/img_originals/1911_grips__6/aliens_1/aliens-_army_green_g10_20091106_1425624663.jpg

The third example, is Foliage Green.

http://www.vzgrips.com/components/com_joomgallery/img_originals/1911_grips__6/aliens_1/aliens-_battle_ship_gray_g10_20091009_1084683790.jpg

On the colours I'm splitting hairs, but I found this curious. I'd prefer to NOT go the FG route.

As far as the grips themselves, since there's no way in hell I can lay hands on some prior to buying, anyone with experience with both grips wanna chime in?

They both appear to be solid grips, the only deal maker or breaker, as far as I can see it is the recess near the mag release button.

[Mojo58]

I have two pairs of VZ grips. Both on 4" 1911s. The first pair is the black canvas Original Gatorbacks. The second is the Tiger Stripe Operators.

My buddy has a pair of the Aliens on his Kimber SIS Pro. I really didn't notice much difference from my Original Gatorbacks.

The Operators are more aggressive, IMO. They also feel "rounder". The Gatorbacks feel slimmer. I really like my VZ grips and wouldn't hesistate to recommend them. My hands get very sweaty when I shoot and I prefer the surface of the micarta and G10 over the stock rubber which have a tendency of "catching" clothing. This often results in my garment hanging up and taking on the outline of the grip.

Sorry, can't really help you with the color selection. My tiger stripe wasn't as "red" as the picture indicated but it's not really a concern to me because my sweaty palms cause it to darken anyways. Come to think of it, the black canvas Gatorbacks are lighter than I was hoping. Although the colors may not have been exactly what I was expecting, the grips themselves are stellar because they do exactly what I want them to do while lookin' dead sexy.

[Outlander Systems]

My hands get very sweaty when I shoot and I prefer the surface of the micarta and G10 over the stock rubber which have a tendency of "catching" clothing. .

Thanks for the info.

You've highlighted my main issue. The stock plastic grips on my smokewagon are slippery as hell. It doesn't help that, like you, I can get sweaty mitts even when it's hovering around freezing.

[Mojo58]

...the only deal maker or breaker, as far as I can see it is the recess near the mag release button.

Neither of mine have this recess. When I execute a reload, I "flick" (for lack of a better term because I don't flick it as in "flip" but quickly turn it with my support hand as I leave the gun and reach for my spare mag) the gun and this automatically puts the mag release button where my thumb is. My hands are medium size so instead of reaching with my thumb, I bring the gun to it if that makes sense. YMMV.

One thing I forgot, if you do order them, get the O-rings for the screws. They take up any slight movement if the screw hole is ever so slightly off and prevents the grip panel from moving around. It'll prevent you from over torquing your grip screws and messing up the female bushing in the frame. You can do the same thing with bicycle inner tube and a hole punch but the O-rings make for a simpler chore and cleaner look. I think #60 O-rings from Home Depot will also do the job (double check that number -- John had a DIY on his website).

[TOrrock]

I have a set of Gator Back micarta's on my Wilson CQB.

They're extremely comfortable and provide a good gripping surface without being too agressive.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/1911/P1020775.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/1911/P1020816.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/1911/P1020776.jpg

[Outlander Systems]

Thanks Templar. Now you've got me debating between G10 and Micarta.

[TOrrock]

Thanks Templar. Now you've got me debating between G10 and Micarta.

I have a set of the Strider/Simonitch G10 grips on my Springfield MC Operator and honestly, I like the VZ micartas more.

The G10 material can get a little slick, and it's sharp. I hit the G10 grips with some sandpaper and it made them much more useable.

Also, I've seen people's grip screws, including mine, tend to come loose with the G10 material, as they don't "bite" into the grips as much. When I switched from the stock screws that Springfield supplied and went with some Colt standard screws, that issue disappeared though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/Springfield%20Armory%20M1911A1%20MEUSOC/P1020797.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/Springfield%20Armory%20M1911A1%20MEUSOC/P1020802.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/Springfield%20Armory%20M1911A1%20MEUSOC/P1020799.jpg

[Outlander Systems]

Micarta might be getting the click.

I've got now complaints about any of the micarta-handled knives I have had in the past.

Now, I've got to pick which grip. There's definitely no shortage of options...I'm leaning back and forth. The Aliens look pretty grippy, but the Gator Backs look smoother, less obtrusive.

[NCPatrolAR]

i have a set of Operators and a set of Diamondbacks. I prefer the Diamondbacks, but can only shoot for about 7 hours with them without having to put on gloves. The Operators are ok, but I prefer the extreme nature of the Diamondbacks.

[Paul45]

I have a set of Aliens on one of my Les Baers. I love them. The only issue is that they are rough on the skin when carried IWB. This gun is used mostly for IDPA CDP. NO SLIPPAGE ISSUES! Thinking about getting a different style for my Commander.

[Outlander Systems]

I religiously shoot with gloves, but I'd probably not want something too over-aggressive.

Right now I'm torn between the Aliens and Gator Backs in Canvas Micarta.

Not to get too "wine tasty", but the Gator Backs don't look as extreme in the ridges, so I'm thinking they have more gripping/surface area for my mittens.

[Joe R.]

While I can't help with the colors as my VZs are black, I can add my name to the list of users who endorse the Gator Backs. Enough "grip" to ensure a secure hold w/o chewing up your hands.

[Outlander Systems]

Joe, I think I'm leaning towards the Gator Backs. Too much positive feedback on those.

Mr. VZ takes paypal, does he not?

Did you guys end up using his screws and O-rings?

[TOrrock]

Joe, I think I'm leaning towards the Gator Backs. Too much positive feedback on those.

Mr. VZ takes paypal, does he not?

Did you guys end up using his screws and O-rings?



I got mine from Brownells.

I use the standard screws on the Wilson. I'm not a fan of anything other than standard slotted screws, since I always have some kind of tool with me that could tighten standard screws if needed.

[Outlander Systems]

I've got hex screws on the roscoe now.

For the reasons you've mentioned, I'd prefer the slotted.

[Mojo58]

For the minimal cost of the o-rings, you're better off ordering them and trying them out but my bet is that you'll appreciate them once you've got them on. My stock screws (hex) were fine with the grips.

[Outlander Systems]

John's no slouch...Just got an e-mail from VZ.

Apparently, one of my concerns was the Operators II not mating up with a magwell, but they ARE cut flat.

If I knew he was going to be that quick to respond, I would have asked about the colour of "Army Green".

And around we go...

[David Thomas]

I have tried the gatorbacks, the double diamond, and the diamond backs.

The double diamond are my favorite. They are less interesting to look at, but feel great offering the perfect size and aggresiveness. The gators are perfectly fine and look different. The diamond backs are too agressive for my taste and seem to be very round as compared to the others. The operator II's look like a good grip.


Hard to beat the VZ grips for a non-wood/non-laser option. I prefer them to Gunners as well.

Also, the O-ring suggestion is a great one. I use o-rings on every 1911 with non-wood grips as it seems to help the fit AND more importantly they keep the srews from backing out, which always happened to me prior to my use of the o-rings with both VZ's and Gunners.



My Gatorbacks were OD green canvas and the lighting has a lot to do with color in pictures. Oil, dirt, and sweat also impact the color. However, to me the impact of oil, dirt, and sweat on the color adds character, and I always liked the ever changing color of the canvas.

[Outlander Systems]

However, to me the impact of oil, dirt, and sweat on the color adds character, and I always liked the ever changing color of the canvas.

I've noticed this on Micarta-handled knives I've owned. There's a certain "meanness" that develops with the Micarta.

[WGG]

The VZ Alien G10's came standard on my T3. They allow for a very firm grip and are comfortable even after long range sessions.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o267/SATRP/IMG_0089.jpg

[eng208]

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/100_3751.jpg

I have the VZ Green Gatorbacks in green/black linen. I love them. They will show oil grit and grime, but clean up with a simple degreaser. I just don't worry about but every year or so.

[Outlander Systems]

USPS dropped off my self-Santa present:

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/484/1911.jpg

Thanks to all the recommendations. I wanted to try out the Aliens, but there was too much positive feedback on the Gator Backs.

The customer service from VZ Grips is awesome. Very helpful folks, answered my obnoxious questions, and the shipping speed was blazing fast.

[chenzzo]

John VanZyck, the owner of VZ grips is a super nice guy to boot. They're located right here in town and I had the opportunity to meet him. He's very into what he does and seem to really enjoy being able to bring this product to us users. He told me he's got some new stuff in the works too that's not on his website yet!

[Pesty0311]

I love my VZ Grips and recomend them to ppl all the time.

These are OD that have gotten darker after use and lube.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v407/badassliz/Gear/IMG_016434.jpg

[TOrrock]

Looking real good.

[mattjmcd]

Sweet! It's hard to imagine a 1911 in my safe without VZ grips.

[decodeddiesel]

On topic, I really loved my VZ Aliens on my 1911. I tried MilTac G10s, Gunner Grips, and finally the VZs. All of my 1911s will wear VZ grips.

VZ customer service is second to none, and their grips are the best on the market IMHO. I am sure you will love your grips, and if you ever have any problems I have found VZ will stand behind their product 100%.

Off Topic, this pic is very interesting. The T3 is touted as being the "ultimate CCW piece" by Nighthawk. I'll admit when I saw one in person I was blown away with it's build quality and compact size. However seeing it compared to a P30 really shows how huge the relative size of 1911s can be.


http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o267/SATRP/IMG_0089.jpg