Posted: 6/5/2012 8:41:22 AM EDT
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I carry my 1911, right now running slim VZ's on it, the ETC style checkering. I really like them allot, and they offer great "grippy-ness" without being too aggressive. I also don't have any issues with them snagging on my clothing while carrying.
The problem, however, is that I always loved the look of wood grips on 1911's. I have really fallen in love with the Esmeralda grips, the "1/2 checkered" in the cocobolo wood, slim thickness with the mag-well cut. For some reason, they just look so sexy to me. Below are 2 pics, one pic is of the gun as it is now, and as I carry it (with the VZ's) and the other pic is the wood grips I am really lusting over 
So now comes the question. What one (wood or G10) would be better for carry? From what I've read, the cocobolo is resistant to moisture, so sweat would not be a huge issue. Plus I wear an under-shirt between me and my 1911 whenever I carry, so it's not like the thing will be pressed against my sweaty body all day. Does it really come down to what I like more? Thanks! |
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... Besides, those VZs look like a plank off a picnic table.  I guess I am in the minority. I like the black cherry VZs According to the poll so far, you're in the majority. I'm just getting a case of Adult Onset VZ Fatigue. I should contact my primary care provider. |
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I voted black cherry G10. I have the 10-8 version of the black cherry grips on my Range Officer and I really like them. I never cared for slim grips since I have large hands, but get what feels good to you. I also have several sets of Esmeralda grips on some other 1911s and a J frame Smith. Her grips are very nice, but the checkering is not very sharp so don't expect them to have a lot of texture.
Did your pistol start life as a Range Officer? What mods have you done to it? It looks very nice the way it is. |
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I voted black cherry G10. I have the 10-8 version of the black cherry grips on my Range Officer and I really like them. I never cared for slim grips since I have large hands, but get what feels good to you. I also have several sets of Esmeralda grips on some other 1911s and a J frame Smith. Her grips are very nice, but the checkering is not very sharp so don't expect them to have a lot of texture. Did your pistol start life as a Range Officer? What mods have you done to it? It looks very nice the way it is. I prefer the slim grips, as I have smaller hands and the gun is also for carry. Yes, was a Range Officer. Mods include: - Dawson Precision tritium front sight - Harrison Design rear sight (single tritium lamp) - Front strap checkered, 20 LPI to match M.S.H. - Trigger Guard undercut - S&A Mag-well installed & blended - All internals replaced with tool-steel components - Trigger tuned to 4 1/2 pound pull - STI Polymer trigger installed - New hammer installed - VZ slim grips & slim-line bushings installed - Frame & components (thumb safety, grip safety, plunger tube, slide stop) all bead blasted & re-blued. Thank you for the insight on her grips. I like the sharp, crisp checkering on the VZ's allot. If her grips are not as sharp as the VZ's, that definitely changes the tune. I like my 1911 to "grip" into my hand, so less aggressive grips are not something I want. I will be the first to say her grips are gorgeous, and look much nicer than the VZ's, but I think the functionality of the G10 overcome that, especially on my carry / fighting gun. |
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I love VZ grips but I have some old plain un finished dark wood grips on mine. I work around water and sweat more than anyone I have ever met and it has not affected the integrity of the grips at all.
Go with what you like, if you are not getting into a fierce gun battle or a handgun course everyday I wouldn't worry about having a super rough texture. Even with the slick stock grips that came on my Springfield I could shoot it just fine. If you are like me, you will end up changing them up about once a year or more anyway. |
You see, this is why you need another 1911!!  One pair for the ex-Range Officer and one for your new weapon. I think the VZs look just fine. If they feel good in your hand and you're comfortable with them while carrying, then I say stick with 'em. Buy the Esmeralda grips and compare both while shooting. 
The checkering on wood is a concern. I had a beautiful pair of RAASCO grips in purple/black. One day I picked up my weapon to inspect before shooting and noticed that one side of the checkering (a good portion) was flat!! I didn't even realize how I did it. That's why I'll probably go with VZ from now on. |
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Quoted:
You see, this is why you need another 1911!! One pair for the ex-Range Officer and one for your new weapon. I think the VZs look just fine. If they feel good in your hand and you're comfortable with them while carrying, then I say stick with 'em. Buy the Esmeralda grips and compare both while shooting.
The checkering on wood is a concern. I had a beautiful pair of RAASCO grips in purple/black. One day I picked up my weapon to inspect before shooting and noticed that one side of the checkering (a good portion) was flat!! I didn't even realize how I did it. That's why I'll probably go with VZ from now on. Yes, yes I do now LOL My next 1911 I'd like to buy is possibly a slightly moded Dan Wesson Razorback in 10mm (full sized, stainless finish) or something along those lines. That gun would be the "range toy" and would wear the wood grips, as I love the wood & stainless combo. As far as my Ex-Range Officer, I will be leaving the VZ's on it for carry. |
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Take a look at these for an option: http://raascogrips.com/1911slimgrips.html The laminated wood will hold up better than regular wood. Checkering is very sharp, and I believe it will last longer due to the lamination process. For reference: 
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