1911 Grips

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mballai

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Found a real nice customized Colt for very little money. I'm trying to pick a pair of grips that will work well: what's your take on VZ Grips, Mil-Tac, or Carbon Fiber. I'm much more interested in texture grip and durability than just mere good looks--I am going to shoot this baby. Carbon Fiber seems to win in the looks department, but I have no idea as to its grip surface.
 
Sand the checkering off of regular wood grips, and stick on skate board grip tape, cut out screw holes and your done. If your pistol moves around after that, it's your fault.
 
I've got one 1911 with ladder/stair tape on the front strap. Since this is a custom gun, I'm willing to splurge a bit for something nice but I might very well use the tape on the front strap anyway.
 
+1 for skate board tape. Note that the sand does wear off, and after about 6 months you will need to change the tape. Make a stencil.
 
The Monkey grips are nice. And the skateboard grips look pretty decent. I'm really surprised someone hasn't yet duplicated skateboard texture in a polymer/G10 surface. Or maybe they have, but I haven't seen it.

I suppose I could always buy a smooth polymer grip set and attack it with my soldering iron like I've done with my Glocks. But this is a 1911 and I need to be a bit more respectful.:eek:
 
When you replace the grip tape after wear and tear, what is a good solvent to use to clean of the sticky residue?
 
I know you're looking more for function, but when you want to dress 'er up and take 'er out, here's a plug for a guy I know who makes REALLY cool 1911 grips. He did a set for my Hi Power and they're great. When I get my 1911 built, it'll get a set as well.

Wicked Grips
 
I've got a Gemini SP-101 with Wicked Grips and they are both cool and practical. :D
 
mballai said:
Anyone use carbon fiber?
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I've used the Carbon Creations grips during a match, worked ok. The frontstrap checkering was more useful. The double diamond portion was slippery to the touch and didn't give enough traction I wanted.

I've used Hogue's wood grips, which provided more grip than the CC. Decent checkering, but still kinda shallow.

Best wood grips I've found were the Ahrend's grips. They seemed to cut the checkering deeper so it provided more traction. With the frontstrap checkering and deeper checkering, the gun didn't shift at all.

Ahrend's double diamond
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P.S. I've also noticed the Les Baer full checkering and Springfield PROFESSIONAL grips also provide excellent grip since they're full checkering and deep too.

P.P.S. VZ Grips are awesome for traction. I shot a SA PRO with VZ grips, with the 20 lpi checkering that thing was like peanut butter on jelly.
 
I am a big fan of Monkey Grips, especially the WYRM model. They look and fit good and they give a really good grip without tearing up your hands.


http://www.davidsonknives.com/grips/grips.htm
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+1

I have used the VZ grips and I think they are OK, but the Davidson grips are much better. They really grip your hand better than the VZ's. Everyone that has shot my guns with Davidsons has said that they really like them. I highly recommend them.
 
Most of your traction is against the front and back straps where checkering or tape comes into play. I don't feel much difference in the stocks themselves as long as they fill my palm - I don't like the slim grip fad.
 
Black Majik said:
DSC_0012.jpg
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Not to derail the discussion...but may I just say that I absolutely ADORE the look of this pistol! There's nothing I love more than a 1911 with a patina of use :)
 
Jim Watson said:
I don't like the slim grip fad.
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With full-thickness grips, I find the 1911 tends to "roll" in my hand. Thin grips give you a longer, more rectangular profile. That helps me keep the pistol lined up properly with my forearm.
 
I've got the hogue wrap-around rubber grips. Cost me like $30 and I can shoot all day without discomfort.... well, ok maybe a little in the wrists...but none in my fingers!
 
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