Witness Elite Match .45 - Making it Better

[schmeky]

I am very pleased with my recently acquired Elite Match. I felt the grip could be a little better, so I ordered a new set of machined aluminum contoured grip panels from Hennings in Colorado.

These are machined from blanks of aluminum and although I was skeptical of aluminum grips (I'm a traditionalist), Hennings said I could send them back if I didn't like them. They were $80.00 plus shipping.

They have transformed a great gun into an excellent gun. I measured the width of the grips and much to my surprise, they are precisely the same width as my Kimber 1911 Classic Custom, i.e. 1.25" from outside to outside.

The standard Witness grips were very good, an measured 1.375" (inch and 3/8's) outside to outside and had a strange raised panel that never felt just right for me (I have medium sized hands).

This 10+1 .45acp is actually now slimmer than my CZ-SP-01 with factory Cocobolo grip panels, and as mentioned, is precisely the same width as my Kimber. The aluminun grips have a totally different feel and actually seem to grip my hands better now.

I'll post some pics tomorrow. If you are thinking of different grips for your Elite Match, I highly recommend these. They are very high quality and fit well.

 

[Lucky Strike]

I just got a match .45 as well(well i'm picking it up today) and was looking at those Henning grips. I didn't see any pictures of them installed on the gun (maybe i just didn't look hard enough) though so I look forward to seeing your pics.

Did you get the black or silver? I wish they had pics up on their website of what both look like installed because if I do decide to get some I wanna see both color schemes before buying.

 

[Walkalong]

Anybody make slim wood grips for the Elite Match guns?

 

[kirkcdl]

I think the Henning website had wood grips also,I don't think it stated if they were "slim" or not...

 

[schmeky]

Lucky Strike,

Had a long weekend and had to work later than planned today. I'll take some pics Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest and post here.

See how you like the stock grips first. I liked them, but the Hennings aluminum panels are much much better for me. I also installed the fiber optic front sight. With these mods, this Elite Match is slowly working its way up my .45 favorites list.

If you get the aluminum grips, get Henning to cut you a deal. I got mine for $80.00 plus shipping.

 

[Reeek]

I have a Match .45 too that I love! Are you saying those aluminum grips narrow the overall dimensions of the grip?

That's about all I would like to see changed. I have large hands and handle the rubber grips fine but if the grip dimensions are reduced I am so there . . .

 

[Lucky Strike]

Well the .45 match didn't show up yesterday......shipping estimates I get from gunshops are about as reliable as a weather report
I was told "hmmmm...well it should have shown up today"

Hopefully it shows up today.......my hands are smaller so I'll give the stock grips a try but something tells me these slim aluminum grips are a mod that I'll be interested.

How much did the fiber optic front sight cost you?

 

[schmeky]

Reek,

Yes, the aluminum grips narrow the "perch" noticeably and have a totally different feel to them. The stock rubber grips have a strange raised pad that although were comfy, never had that just right feel for me.

 

[Markbo]

All this and no photos???

 

[kirkcdl]

The fiber optic front sights cost $25 from EAA...

 

[schmeky]

Lucky Strike,

Sorry for the delay. A neighbor's wife passed away last week and my niecce got married the other day. Here are the Henning's aluminum grips next to my Colt 1911.


Here they are on my Elite Match. They are unbelieveably comfy.

 

[Lucky Strike]

nice....I went and shot my Match for the first time this past weekend and yeah the stock grips were ok but definitely a bit thick overall for my preference.

 

[schmeky]

That's how I felt about the stock grips, good, but could be better. I was going to order grips from Omega, but their delivery is 5-6 weeks, however, I have heard nothing but good about their grips.

 

[Lucky Strike]

It's not just when shooting too....the mag release is just barely out of reach by my right thumb...with thinner grips though I can hit it without significantly shifting the gun in my hand

 

[GeneH]

schmeky,

Yes, old thread, but it seems Henning is still the only option for slim grips for the Witness Elite Match. Any place else I can see these pics? They are gone from photobucket. I would like to see Henning's grips on your Elite Match.

Thank you,
Gene