I only own two 1911's, a Girsan MC .45 and a Dan Wesson Valkyrie 9mm. Both from different ends of the spectrum (not including $2000+ custom guns) and feature front strap checkering. I'm new to 1911's, and I'm sure at one point cost was a factor, but I don't see that being the case now. So why not include it? The extra grippiness is super helpful, I don't understand why you wouldn't do it.
Why don't all contemporary 1911's have front strap checkering?
Aphelion
41 - 60 of 63 Posts
Joined
·
7,488 Posts
Some folks prefer smooth grips and a smooth frontstrap.
I suspect many of them only shoot at an indoor range at a paper target at 7-10yds.......
and take their time.
I suspect many of them only shoot at an indoor range at a paper target at 7-10yds.......
and take their time.
Joined
·
2,979 Posts
I desire 25 LPI but skateboard tape makes me more consistent than smooth. To me, most appear as incomplete 1911's without a treatment.
Joined
·
553 Posts
In my current collection, I have a Colt with a checkered front and rear (25 lpi), one with hand matting/texturing front and rear, and one smooth front (all by Novak's).
I will point out and agree with something that an earlier poster mentioned - you can tear your hand up on checkering. I don't notice it normally at the range, but if you take a week-long pistol class, you will notice it. Many/most of us don't have work-toughened hands; nor do most of us were "operator" gloves on a regular basis. And the pattern or lines-per-inch makes a difference. 15 or 20 lpi is just too coarse for me. I used to like 30 lpi, but 25 lpi is a great compromise. And 40 lpi is noting more than checkering fuzz, IMHO. Novak's hand matte is a personal favorite, as it gives enough texture.
YMMV.
I will point out and agree with something that an earlier poster mentioned - you can tear your hand up on checkering. I don't notice it normally at the range, but if you take a week-long pistol class, you will notice it. Many/most of us don't have work-toughened hands; nor do most of us were "operator" gloves on a regular basis. And the pattern or lines-per-inch makes a difference. 15 or 20 lpi is just too coarse for me. I used to like 30 lpi, but 25 lpi is a great compromise. And 40 lpi is noting more than checkering fuzz, IMHO. Novak's hand matte is a personal favorite, as it gives enough texture.
YMMV.
Joined
·
721 Posts
There are some folks with really soft tender hands. Then theres guys like me who have saddle leather for skin. Front strap checkering is not for everyone. I love it, and with my hands the grippier and more aggressive the better (I even love the rough M&P texture that some need to sand down). Thats one of the great things about 1911's and how many manufacturers and options we have. Theres bound to be that "Just right" 1911 out there for anyone.
But cost is really not that big of an issue for front strap checkering. I am certain its less expensive than almost any other upgrade a production 1911 receives. Its simply a little bit of machine time these days. Of course im not talking about the custom 1911's that get spectacular hand checkering. But I don't believe that's what the OP had in mind when he started this thread.
But cost is really not that big of an issue for front strap checkering. I am certain its less expensive than almost any other upgrade a production 1911 receives. Its simply a little bit of machine time these days. Of course im not talking about the custom 1911's that get spectacular hand checkering. But I don't believe that's what the OP had in mind when he started this thread.
Very true, but it was a sidearm and the pre a1 version would draw blood. Having said that I prefer the original but want the frame scallops and no bite grip safety.
The problem with checkering is cost,, wimpy hands and can it be done without compromise. It costs money to do it, some checkering is too rough for someone that doesn't just punch paper, and the original 20lpi cut the frontstrap too thin if you didn't measure what you had to work with. 1911s now are off spec so 20lpi is very rare, that's why 25 is the norm and 30 is rare on top of old stippling or the ed brown offerings. 30 lpi works fine for me. When I can find about 6 to 8 hrs I'm doing 30line on my carry enhanced commander but I need to melt out that f'd up colt undercut first.
Joined
·
374 Posts
Joined
·
5,914 Posts
And before that, indians won some battles with arrows. What real man needs a gun?
Joined
·
45,701 Posts
Yea they weren't going for the kind of accuracy people have pushed for dating back into the 70s. This does not include Bullseye shooting.
Checkering does help on 45s especially on hot sweaty days, especially when you don't have a lot of time to place your shots while you re-adjust the pistol in your hand.
Joined
·
1,040 Posts
The only do not buy features I have are a rail and 9mm.
Joined
·
990 Posts
I am OLD. Remembering the 60s and 70s where so many were struggling to modify the 1911 to be better. Now that is quite often bested by those that roll off the assembly lines of multiple manufacturers. At good deals. Back then avid (sometimes pronounced rabid) Colt 1911 fans would say - it's not what it IS, it's what it can be. My Gunsmith and Mentor was the age of my Dad. He said, THESE ARE THE GOOD OLD DAYS. Much was made about curved or straight backstrap back when. Found for me NO difference. Look back at this small sampling of shooters in this thread and see that those wanting checkered front straps can't agree on size/type/style (most think it should be free) BUT, i spent my career in mfg. And that ain't reality. The amazing number of companies producing the 1911 make this a hotly competetive field. Great for us! Checkered front straps is only ONE feature. Where are MY adjustable sights? Her front cocking serations. His rail, undercut trigger guard, beavertail, better grips, full length guide rod, ramped barrel, etc? I carefully select my purchases, watch for deals loccally and get a good % lightly used. I take good care of what i got and shoot them a LOT! No complaints from me with quality manufacturers. Every one of them have stood behind their products and treated me right. Have to agree with my old Gunsmith Friend. Best to y'all. Please stay safe and have a blast.
Joined
·
228 Posts
I agree, FSC should be standard , but it ain’t. Picked up a Colt 9mm, 1911 Commander recently and have to send it out to have the FS checkered and then the frame refinished. Had to do the same thing years ago for Gunsite Colt service pistol. My mistake, sending it back to Colt….seventeen months! Never again..
Joined
·
990 Posts
YES! Agree also. We should all pay extra for the checkering someon else wants. Then it would cost far more to remove/modify (if possible) then re-finish. What could possibly go wrong there? Happy New Year to all.
I’ve really never seen that situation. I have seen many .357 shooters buy those giant Hogue grips that look like a tractor tire though.
I find checkering to be great. It plants my sweaty hands wear I want them. There are tons of guns that don’t have it for the people who don’t like it.
Joined
·
2,330 Posts
After 40 plus years of shooting the 1911, I have come prefer a front strap treatment over being smooth. That said, I prefer the frag pattern, conamyds, snakeskin, chainlink, and golf balls over traditional checkering. I generally look for base guns with nothing on them so that I can have whatever front strap treatment I want.
Joined
·
45,701 Posts
Yep been decades since I had 20 lPI on a 1911 frame, stopped into my LGS to pickup my new Woodsman and saw a TRP sitting there. put it in my hand and it was a giant NOPE!!.
Another vote for either smooth or high LPI front straps. A buddy has a TRP (with a coarse checkered front strap), while I have a Springfield Loaded (with smooth, matte-finished front strap). I have no problem with the gripping my Loaded, but his TRP makes my hand sore after just a couple magazines.
Joined
·
45,701 Posts
Not a question of hurting my hands, back in my competition days my hands were so calloused I loved 20LPI, However at my age skin is thinner and 20 LPI would shred my hands.
WHen I started back in the 70s, Mike Harries started me dry firing at least 10-15 minutes a day. Even 30 LPI got me bloody after so long, but my hands hardened. Got even harder after years of competition..
SO I'm glad I bought a Leatham Springfield, it's 30 LPI and that'll do it for me with 45 acp. 9mm, 25LPI is fine. I shoot my Ronin smooth, but I'd never do that in a serious situation with a 45, they do move around in your hand, especially on a hot and sweaty day. I do not want to be fiddling around with a pistol when I need to place shots.
Joined
·
183 Posts
Like most here, I have checkering on most of my 1911s, but I do really like stippling as well. I have customized several of my pistols with old-fashioned hand stippling. I also have it (done by Robar) on my Delta Elite, and I like the retro look while benefitting from a pretty aggressive texture.
41 - 60 of 63 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
