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Posted: 1/7/2021 11:13:48 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted: Those of you who have a 1911 with the front strap serrated (like older Gold Cups, for example) - how would you compare it to checkering? Is it "grippy enough", or do you wish you had it straight up checkered instead? I'm trying to decide what I want done on a future project, and while checkering is fine, I'm thinking I may want something a little different..but not at the cost of getting it and finding out I should have gone straight to checkering in the first place, either. |
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Posted: 1/7/2021 11:15:07 PM EDT
[#2]
My Colt Gunsight has serrated and my Wiley Clapp has 25lpi. The Gunsite serrations are better than nothing and that’s the way it came. Looks okay. If I was sending a gun out for work, no way I’d pick it over checkering. Checkering provides much better grip.
I like the 25lpi the best between that, the 30 on my Operator and 20 on my Professional. All 4 of my 1911’s have a different pattern.  Attached File |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 1:21:39 AM EDT
[#3]
24 / 25 lpi checkering as long as you don't have baby hands. I have had both checkered and serrated 1911's. Serrated are ok, nothing spectacular. Checkering is the way to go. 30 lpi is too fine in my opinion, 24 lpi gives you good purchase but doesnt tear up your hands badly, 20 lpi is cheese grater territory.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 6:24:36 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Checkering reigns supreme. Every thing else is just cost cutting cheap shit stuff. I did both both of my operators.......was nervous at first but they turned out great. Not hard to do OP, just have to be patient. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 6:46:33 AM EDT
[#5]
Awesome, thanks for the info...checkering it is. I've got a couple with checkering currently and mainly wanted to make sure I wasn't missing a trick.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 6:59:56 AM EDT
[#6]
when I was shooting a 1911 in .45 I hand checkered a couple of Colts, had a machine checkered Caspian frame, but for competition I really preferred a stippled frame... diamond point punch with a dulled point... you work over the material until the texture forms with the tip just off the surface and tap with hammer... similar to the factory High Standard Trophy
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Posted: 1/8/2021 12:33:51 PM EDT
[#7]
I have no use for serrations and their presence on the Gold Cup is one of the reasons I don't like them.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 3:22:05 PM EDT
[#8]
SACS, when they actually did custom work, 25LPI with colt style undercut was perfect. Serrations don't seem like they do anything. I don't like the serrations on the front of the M9.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 3:41:07 PM EDT
[#9]
I legged out with the 1911 and shoot a lot of bullseye and service pistol. Checkering is fair and away my preference over serrations.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 4:07:49 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Checkering reigns supreme. Every thing else is just cost cutting cheap shit stuff. I absolutely agree with this. Also, it’s counter intuitive, but deep and sharp 20 LPI checkering is grippier and tears you up way less than shallow 30 or 40 LPI serrations. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 6:10:50 PM EDT
[#11]
I prefer checkering.
I have one with 20lpi and one with 30lpi. The 20lpi is hands down my favorite! |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:59:10 PM EDT
[#12]
Checkering all day every day.
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Posted: 1/9/2021 12:06:39 AM EDT
[#13]
I prefer 20 LPI and rough VZ grips
25 LPI is ok but 30 is slick to my rough hands. |
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Posted: 1/9/2021 3:06:00 AM EDT
[#14]
Serrations. I don't care for checkering, but I appreciate the work when it's well-done.
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Posted: 1/9/2021 8:23:22 AM EDT
[#15]
So who are the current go to shops for 25lpi front strap checkering?
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Posted: 1/9/2021 9:41:38 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Checkering reigns supreme. Every thing else is just cost cutting cheap shit stuff. Fpni |
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Posted: 1/9/2021 11:36:45 AM EDT
[#17]
Checkering reigns supreme. Every thing else is just cost cutting cheap shit stuff. I agree. I have skateboard tape on my RIA. Very cheap. Very effective, but not as good as actual checkering. Still better than serrations, however.  I have checkering on my Caspian framed .38 Super Gov't model clone, for being effective and looking good. |
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Posted: 1/9/2021 2:47:49 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Checkering reigns supreme. Every thing else is just cost cutting cheap shit stuff. No disagreement here. |
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Posted: 1/9/2021 8:54:33 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I agree. I have skateboard tape on my RIA. Very cheap. Very effective, but not as good as actual checkering. Still better than serrations, however. I have checkering on my Caspian framed .38 Super Gov't model clone, for being effective and looking good. Yup, I taped my RIA double stack too because the serrations were useless. Checkering is the best. I prefer 25 LPI |
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Posted: 1/9/2021 9:01:17 PM EDT
[#20]
Checkering by far
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Posted: 1/9/2021 10:38:09 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Checkering reigns supreme. Every thing else is just cost cutting cheap shit stuff. Sorry... today checkering in Any LPI is Not the end All grip solution. I’ve got a Gold Cup, I’ve got a Brian Bilby full house Delta Elite with fine checkering, I have Brian Bilby’s with beautiful Stipling. They all work perfectly. Shit I have a 9mm govt with skateboard tape on front strap.... That works perfectly too!! There is SO much innovative front strap treatment today that statement just holds little value Go look at Ned Christiansen’s michiguns Ltd web site and be prepared to be blown away on innovative texturing H |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 6:19:00 PM EDT
[#22]
Have both and smooth. Prefer checkered . |
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Posted: 1/11/2021 6:28:48 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: So who are the current go to shops for 25lpi front strap checkering? When I checked a year or two ago Clark custom guns was the cheapest I could find. https://clarkcustomguns.com/gunsmithing-service/machine-checkering/ |
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Posted: 1/11/2021 11:30:52 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: So who are the current go to shops for 25lpi front strap checkering? Last one I had done was a Springfield Lightweight 5” in .45acp. When I got the gun it had some surface scratches but looked unfixed inside. Saltzman Gun Works in Tipton IN is about 45 minutes from me. Great guy who does outstanding work ( I own a Nighthawk, Wilson and a couple Karl Sokol guns) He refurbished what needed work and added sights, trigger and a few things to my liking. The front strap was smooth so he added 25 LPI checkering. Reliable, accurate and easy to carry. It’s one of my favorites. 
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Posted: 1/12/2021 12:02:01 AM EDT
[#25]
Never understood the purpose of serrations. The few pistols I've shot or owned with them might as well not have had anything at all.
$.50 worth of grip tape is more functional than serrations. Checkering is awesome, in my opinion. |
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Posted: 1/12/2021 6:55:45 PM EDT
[#26]
I use skateboard tape, $10 for a large sheet of it will last me my lifetime. I really don't need any more grip than what it provides.
I do love the looks of a quality checkering job and it is functional, but if the gun didn't come with it it's a little too much $ after the fact. |
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Posted: 1/12/2021 7:08:33 PM EDT
[#27]
I did these with Brownells checkering files....     |
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Posted: 1/12/2021 7:55:13 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: So who are the current go to shops for 25lpi front strap checkering? Pete Single is THE MAN for front strap checkering. https://petesingle.com |
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Posted: 1/13/2021 10:31:12 AM EDT
[#29]
After years of shooting my TRP I thought I could never own a 1911 without front-strap checkering. I was nervous buying my RO Elite Operator for that reason, but with the VZ Operator grips I added I don't miss it one bit.
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Posted: 1/13/2021 9:53:18 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I did these with Brownells checkering files.... https://i.imgur.com/Smrmy9q.jpg https://i.imgur.com/EBbdNTk.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Aqoquau.jpg https://i.imgur.com/wTkXGe0.jpg Nice, You have skill. |
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Posted: 1/16/2021 9:49:11 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I did these with Brownells checkering files.... https://i.imgur.com/Smrmy9q.jpg https://i.imgur.com/EBbdNTk.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Aqoquau.jpg https://i.imgur.com/wTkXGe0.jpg That's really good work. How difficult was that to do? |
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Posted: 1/16/2021 9:49:50 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Pete Single is THE MAN for front strap checkering. https://petesingle.com Thanks! |
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Posted: 1/16/2021 10:53:41 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That's really good work. How difficult was that to do? @Yojimbo I made a jig out of angle iron to get the lines straight once the file begins to cut rows, those rows become the giude to cut more rows file file file file, then move over one notch....file file file file... it’s easy once you get going, but you will wear our elbow out before it’s finished afterwards, I have them industrial hard chromed . |
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Posted: 1/16/2021 11:51:18 AM EDT
[#34]
20 lpi by hand, finished off with a single point file.
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Posted: 1/16/2021 10:37:06 PM EDT
[#35]
I have chain link on my STI. It looks great and provides very good grip. More than you need actually. That said, if you want the grippiest pattern possible, it's checkering. I've grown to prefer the chain link.
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Posted: 1/16/2021 11:55:43 PM EDT
[#36]
I just put talon rubber grip on my ccw best $2.50 I ever spent on gun accessories, paired with magpul tsp grips. I really like the feel, the factory finnish on the kimber is slick.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 1/16/2021 11:59:21 PM EDT
[#37]
Checkered or stippled is my preference. That said many years ago Ed Novak did BHPs with an amazing wave pattern of stippling on the that was just awesome to look at worked well.
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Posted: 1/17/2021 1:17:17 AM EDT
[#38]
I've done stippling from time to time. Most people think it feels better than it looks. This was the last one I did about 8 years ago.
 Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 1/17/2021 1:50:10 AM EDT
[#39]
Skateboard grip tape. Prefect.
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Posted: 1/17/2021 6:17:34 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Never understood the purpose of serrations. The few pistols I've shot or owned with them might as well not have had anything at all. $.50 worth of grip tape is more functional than serrations. Checkering is awesome, in my opinion. I like non skid tape, work great and very cheap. Does not alter factory configuration. 
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Posted: 1/18/2021 2:10:34 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I like non skid tape, work great and very cheap. Does not alter factory configuration. A Springfield GI and an MC Operator that I tossed the crummy Pachmayer's and replaced with Magpul/grip tape. Like that combo almost as much as my Miller Custom checkered 1911. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 2:40:50 AM EDT
[#42]
I must be the only one but the only checkered 1911 I fired I found to become tiring after a long range session I surmise it was to aggressively done. Certainly not bad for a couple mags and gloves would have taken care of it. It definitely wasn’t going anywhere and accomplished the goal. It also looks the best of the 3 IMO especially with grip that are checkered similarly.
I ran a stippled Clark of a friends at one point that had good bite but not overboard. I believe this was the punch method pointed out above. The one I tried for lack of better explanation were largely spaced and few in number not overly aggressive but grippy. For me of the three I’d pick serration for non-gloved use. I’ve got two gold cups with them and it’s tolerable. That said I far prefer a smooth front strap and proper grip texture to keep it where you want it, for that matter my favorite 1911 has a smooth front strap and mainspring housing both. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 3:32:44 AM EDT
[#43]
I have both. Serrations are not so good because they allow up and down movement, which is where you want hold most. Grip tape is better than serrations unfortunately.
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Posted: 1/18/2021 3:46:34 AM EDT
[#44]
Golf ball
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Posted: 1/18/2021 3:46:35 AM EDT
[#45]
Checkered for the OP. But golfball is my fave.
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Posted: 1/18/2021 9:01:38 AM EDT
[#46]
Stippling is my favorite followed closely by checkering. Here is a BHP I did a couple of years ago.
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Posted: 1/18/2021 9:32:09 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I've done stippling from time to time. Most people think it feels better than it looks. This was the last one I did about 8 years ago. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/9714/kimber4_jpg-1783108.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/9714/stippling_jpg-1783109.JPG Stippling usually looks like shit, that however, doesn't. Nice job. |
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Posted: 1/23/2021 7:52:49 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I agree. I have skateboard tape on my RIA. Very cheap. Very effective, but not as good as actual checkering. Still better than serrations, however. I have checkering on my Caspian framed .38 Super Gov't model clone, for being effective and looking good. I've also seen a sharkstooth stipple as well, on some older guns that was very positive in grip. |
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Posted: 1/23/2021 12:40:43 PM EDT
[#49]
Checkering. If serrations are horizontal they can be alright.
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Posted: 1/24/2021 2:46:46 AM EDT
[#50]
Goofball/chain link > stippling > serrations > checkering
For me that's how I view it. I'm not a huge fan of checkering. I put more weight/emphasis on grips than the frame treatment TBH. |
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