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1911 Slim Grips

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Brad Johnson

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Dec 27, 2002
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Lubbock, TX
I have a Springfield Loaded Long Slide and I need some suggestions on a good set of slim grips. The slimmer the better, but I need something that will take a fair amount of abuse as I regularly carry this gun out in the boonies in a shoulder holster as my hog-huntin' backup gun.

Prices, sources, web links and such are greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Brad
 
Just curious, are the current fullsize Loaded pistols fitted with slim grips from factory, or do Springfield fit those to their compact models only?
Thanks,
RB
 
Thanks Lone, the specs was not clear to me on Springfield website.

Contributing to original question - just looking into Brownells catalog, there are several slim grips available, for example Navidrex Micarta, which should be durable, or AFS Tech "Dymondwood", or Ahrdens "Thin Stocks" also available from laminated wood.

RB
 
Listen to the Preacherman, get the alumagrips. I have some on my Colt's LWOACP as you can see below. The thin grips have very thin webs where the screw head holds it on. This can be damaged if the material is wood or plastic, but the Al is very strong. I cannot reccomend these grips enough.

LWOACP-600pix.jpg
 
I have been carrying a 1911 with Chip McCormick slim grips on duty for 8-10 months now. No complaints, seem to be holding up fine. I found them to be a dramatic improvement to standard grips for me. I'm not crazy about the torx head screws, but can't be helped.
 
I'm not crazy about the torx head screws, but can't be helped.
Click to expand...

If you cannot find short slotted screws, then you can just grind/file down standard length screws. I prefer the hex heads for asthetic reasons but do apreciate the benefit of being able to remove a slot headed screw with improvised tools. Even though the hex heads in my photo above where "short" they were not short enough and I had to shorten them some myself.... its no big deal.
 
While the thin AlumaGrips shown by tiberius are indeed narrow, the standard AlumaGrips "feel" thinner to most folks. Even though they are the same thickness as stock grip panels, their shape is a uniform radius, providing a unique, compact grip. They are very durable also.
 
My thin grips are from Chip McCormick. I like them a lot. They are very thin.
I have a pair of Aluma grips as well. They are not the thin grips but Aluma grips are nice quality stuff.
 
If you change to slim grips you also have to change the grip screw bushing, and this requires a special tool because they are staked into the frame.
Click to expand...

Not everyone has my Expert Gunsmithing skills:D (not) and I State LOUDLY that YMMV. My special Grip bushing tool is a pair of Vice Grips. I tape up the frame with masking tape to protect it from dings and apply brute force. You Prolly will ruin the Bushings for any further use so If you want to switch back you may wank to have a spare set.
 
techmike,

While the vice grip technique will work, I would not advise it if your 1911 has an aluminum frame. If you do, the screw holes in the frame will strip before the bushings do, and you will booger up your frame badly.
 
Lone_Gunman

Very Good Point. i don't care for aluminium framed 1911's but lot's of folks do. Point Well taken.
 
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