Best 1911 Grips

[m4fun]

Looking for a recommendation on the best 1911 grips for a Colt 80 Series Gold Cup - Pretty much a stock Gold Cup(Can I say that?)

Ideally not oversized(dont have biggest hands) and provide good feel with and without gloves.

TIA,

Brian

[Don Robison]

I like the VZ 320 grips. I put a set on a Combat Commander I had built last winter. The Gators IMO are just too aggressive and not too comfortable.

http://www.vzgrips.com/grips.html

[Lumpy196]

Need a little more info.

Define best for me. Open carry duty weapon? A concealed carry piece? Something to maintain the looks of an unmodified gun like walnut with Colt medallions?

My answer might be different for each.

[m4fun]

Definate "Open Carry" - I really dont care if the grips have a dancing poney or not - functionality over looks - unless there is a perfect match...;)

[2-BPM]

my favorite grips are gunner grips. strider is making them now, and they stick to your hand like glue! they are a bit abrasive for concealed carry unless you sand them down just a tad. there is nothing wrong with classic pachmayr grips, hard rubber seems to be the standard. I've been told that if you use smooth grips, you should have a checkered frontstrap, and if you use checkered/textured grips, you should use a smooth frontstrap. i personally dont follow this rule, i like a checkered front strap and the gunner grips.

[Lumpy196]

Definate "Open Carry" - I really dont care if the grips have a dancing poney or not - functionality over looks - unless there is a perfect match...;)

In that case my vote is for Gunner grips also.

[rob_s]

Grips are a very personal thing. You really need to try out a few before you buy, or get comfortable with the fact that you'll have a drawer full of grips that didn't work out.

I really like the grips that Yost-Bonitz are using now, and I have a set on my 1* Enhanced. I keep meaning to call and order more for my other 1911s but I keep forgetting. Classic looks, functional grip, don't tear up my cover garments...
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/1911%20Comparison/PortYost.jpg

Wilson Combat (http://www.wilsoncombat.com/g10_grips.asp) also has a newer line of grips which, while I haven't gotten to shoot with them yet, I got to handle at SHOT and was impressed.

Of course, both offerings (the YB and WC) are really just VZ grips (http://vzgrips.com/grips.html) and you could just buy direct from them.

[Lumpy196]

Those look like the Navidrex micarta grips. If they are, they are very nice. I got a set from Brownells.

[carshooter]

I think I own or have tried every 1911 grip ever made.

Extremely aggressive grips like the Gunners or Grit Grips are nice for an extreme duty gun.

However, for day in day out usage, it's really hard to beat classic double diamond grips like are pictured on Rob's gun.

The best way I can think of to describe it is that they're checkered where you need it for gripping surface, and smooth where you don't. More aggressively checkered grips are harder on clothing, and on the inside of the joint of my thumbs. Double Diamond grips do not abrade the inside of my thumb on longer shooting sessions.

[markm]

However, for day in day out usage, it's really hard to beat classic double diamond grips like are pictured on Rob's gun.

I agree. I'm pretty much happy with the plain old Double Diamonds.

[smithjd]

I currently use a set of old style Simnioch Gunner Grips and love them...no reason for me to go with anything else. Even with a smooth front strap, the weapon stays put. I carry concealed as a matter of course, and some "knappy" clothes do stick a little bit, but no big deal. Only thing I don't like about them is where they are relieved for the ambi safety...very irregular due to "dimples".

Just ordered a set of new Strider Gunner Grips and they appear to be a little less aggressive. These obtained from Brownells are flat bottomed to fit flush with mag wells.

[Don Robison]

Grips are a very personal thing. You really need to try out a few before you buy, or get comfortable with the fact that you'll have a drawer full of grips that didn't work out.

I really like the grips that Yost-Bonitz are using now, and I have a set on my 1* Enhanced. I keep meaning to call and order more for my other 1911s but I keep forgetting. Classic looks, functional grip, don't tear up my cover garments...
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/1911%20Comparison/PortYost.jpg

Wilson Combat (http://www.wilsoncombat.com/g10_grips.asp) also has a newer line of grips which, while I haven't gotten to shoot with them yet, I got to handle at SHOT and was impressed.

Of course, both offerings (the YB and WC) are really just VZ grips (http://vzgrips.com/grips.html) and you could just buy direct from them.



Those are VZ Double Diamond grips. He's been supplying them with grips for about a year I believe.


Edit: Sorry Rob, I didn't see you posted the VZ info at the bottom.

[SperlingPE]

I have gunners on my Kimber. Sand down the edges and they are fine for a everyday shooting gun.

However, I like the classic look of double diamond wood or the gold medallion on wood for a colt.

[Paulinski]

I personally like the VZ's that Nighthawk sells.

http://nighthawkcustom.com/images/nh-gbg_1_xl.jpg

Paul

[GIFFMANN]

I like the VZs like above, however, mine do not have the Nighthawk logo. Brownells carries them, IIRC.
Tried Gunners first, but the VZs I like better.

[rob_s]

I personally like the VZ's that Nighthawk sells.

http://nighthawkcustom.com/images/nh-gbg_1_xl.jpg

Paul

I have the same thing, but without the logo, on my Ed Brown. I got them through Brownells because I could get a discount. I don't like the ribbed pattern like that because my fingertips sit on them funny.

[Paulinski]

Guys

Does Brownells carry all of the above colors. I'm looking to purchase 3 sets (Dark Earth, Grey and Red)

Thanks

Paul

[rob_s]

When I ordered they only had black.

[Paulinski]

Thanks for the info. I checked Brownells and they don't have the colors I want. Nighthawk will get my money after all, although it would be nice to get Brownells discount.

Paul

[Line Rider]

I think that I'd go with a pair of Pachmayr Combat Grips GM-45CS.

[STS]

I personally like the VZ's that Nighthawk sells.

http://nighthawkcustom.com/images/nh-gbg_1_xl.jpg

Paul


I have these same grips without the logo. They have been in use for over 2 years and still look new. They have been soaked in sweat, and had all sorts of oils and solevents spilled on them, yet they are holding up fine. VZ Grips are hard to beat.

[GaryG]

Larry Davidson's grips are my favorite.

http://www.davidsonknives.com/grips/grips.htm

These are his 4x4 over Warthog pattern in Black & Gray G10:
(I just picked up the EB SF Commander today)

http://i21.tinypic.com/28brzwg.jpg

[Gunfighter13]

Looking for a recommendation on the best 1911 grips for a Colt 80 Series Gold Cup - Pretty much a stock Gold Cup(Can I say that?)

Ideally not oversized(dont have biggest hands) and provide good feel with and without gloves.

TIA,

Brian

I like the Ultra-Slims

http://www.vzgrips.com/Images/group.jpg
http://www.vzgrips.com/Images/scale.jpg
http://www.vzgrips.com/grips.html

[John_Wayne777]

One of the things I like about the Baer pistols is that they come with a full grip profile. I actually find them to be more comfortable than the grips with the corner cutouts in them.

[bullitt5172]

Definate "Open Carry" - I really dont care if the grips have a dancing poney or not - functionality over looks - unless there is a perfect match...;)

For functionality the Simonich Gunnar grips are the best IMO. The newer Strider version isn't nearly as well made.

[SGB]

VZ grips......... look at the ALIENS.

[m4fun]

I just want to say thanks to all! This has been a great thread with lots of good information - been digesting posts as they have been coming in and they have been great.

[Legion6]

"Burner grips" hands down for my hands.

[jmoore]

I think that I'd go with a pair of Pachmayr Combat Grips GM-45CS.

Living in a no-carry state, I've always wanted grips that simply offered good purchase, but not so aggressive that I couldn't spend a day at the range sans gloves. I tried the Pachmayrs, but I have rather petite hands (for someone who is 6' 5" and nearly 300# :), and the wraparound frontstrap made the grip too large for me. While I though of cutting off the frontstrap portion, I also never liked the actual palm-swell style of the grip panels either. OTOH - I know plenty of pistoleros who use them and like them, so YMMV.

At a recent gunshow I picked up a set of Kimber rubber grips - for $15. For me - they are the end-all of what I was looking for. They are simply a rubber version of the stock wood panel type grips. There is a steel insert (or some substantial metal) that keeps them rigid, and prevents the grip screws from pulling through. I had to whittle away a bit on the left panel to gain clearance for my Ed Brown safety - but that was a 5 minute job to grind & refit it a few times.

At three times the price I would be happy. Again - probably not a good idea for CC work, as the neoprene (or whatever?) is a little too grabby. FWIW - I do not have a checked frontstrap. And for those who ever may have thought about trying the $7.95 Wilson frontstrap (the one that is held in place by your grip panels) - I'll just say that mine lasted about an hour at the range before going tits up. (And that was with stock wood grip panels.) Like they say - you gets what you pay for:)

[smithjd]

bullitt5172 is correct.

I have a set of the Simnioch Gunner Grips and love them.

Based on that, I ordered a set of the Strider Gunner Grips for my 1911 I just built at LAV's class. They will be replaced. WAAYYY too fat. Couldn't even move the ambi part of the safety to the ON position. I ground them down to make them work, but now they are fugly. Don't bother, you'll be disappointed.

[mike01ta]

My Springer came stock with Pearce Grip Model PG1911-2. They are rubber double diamonds but what is very appealing, at least to me is the center of the grip is recessed and that makes them quite comfortable. YMMV

[Scattergun]

my Gold Cup wears a simple set of Hogues

http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/6/2/47487/DSCF00032.jpg

[VA_Dinger]

I also like the Larry Davidson "WARTHOG" grips. Seem seem to give just enough grip without over doing it.

[Trim2L]

These are grips from Linville Knife and Tool. I carry the pistol frequently and it has been dragged through two hunting seasons. The grips are fairly aggressive but not so much that they rub my side raw.

http://i27.tinypic.com/wswpkz.jpg

[neodecker]

I like my Alumagrips! They have an aggressive texture that works well with gloves, but not so bad that you cant shoot with out. Ive had them for a little over 2years and they seem to be holding up well on my duty gun.
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3335/l9897800106695061401c76re6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[DocGKR]

I like Simonich Gunner Grips on pistols with golf balls or scallops, the VZ Diamond Backs in G10 for checkered guns, and the Kimber rubber or Pachmayer GM45C rubber grips for smooth or stippled pistols.

[Paulinski]

Tan Simonich / Strider Grips

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/Dragnaath/Resize2-1.jpg

[Shrike9]

Love my Kim Ahrends cocobolo dymondwood grips :D :D

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e184/Rampy556/IMG_2116.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e184/Rampy556/IMG_2115.jpg

[TraderJack]

Esmeralda makes some very nice 'fancy' grips. I run a pair of her black gaboon ebonys on my Single Stack gun and a pair of fancy cocobola grips on my BBQ gun.
:D

[fattmallard]

+1 for the Davidson Monkey Grips....
http://davidsonknives.com/grips/grips.htm