Posted: 7/7/2013 6:47:34 PM EDT
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I want to checker the front strap of my Combat Commander XSE with 20 lpi checkering.
I was thinking maybe Cylinder and Slide. They want $232 plus there is the cost of shipping. I do not want to wait forever on a turnaround. I'm thinking 30 days is reasonable, not three months. Any of you 1911 guys have someone you recommend? I'm okay with paying more for a professional job. I do not want bubba/bozo messing with my Com Comm. Thanks for any suggestions. 
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Check out Springfield Armory Custom Shop. I think 20lpi is about $160 (machine) and $220 (hand). I have several examples of SA's machine checkering and it's very nice. Would abaolutely not pay a premium for the hand veesion.
Checkering |
| Before you checker try shooting 300 rounds in a single session with a 1911 with such treatment and it may change your mind. I hate checkered straps like grabbing a hold of a rat tail file. Some friends have gone to high round count classes with checkered 1911's and end up with multiple band aids. No checkering for me thanks. |
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What about doing it yourself ?
Brownells sells checkering files I made a home-brew jig from a piece of angle-iron It's really not that hard, once you get your first vertical and/or horizontal lines cut, the rest are easy. the lines you cut become the guide for the lines you are cutting. The two tone Springfield was my first attempt in the early 1990's I figured if I totally screwed it up, I could cover in skateboard tape or buy a $200 frame. It came out OK, so I did some more over the years. I like 20lpi, and I've shot 2000 rounds in a 2 day Matt Burkett Class, and my paws were fine. the compact is 25lpi 
25lpi 
All 3 were industrial hard chromed afterward ( by METALIFE or TRIPP )...this makes the guns last a long time and easier to clean. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/files/metal-checkering-files-prod488.aspx |
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I like 20lpi, and I've shot 2000 rounds in a 2 day Matt Burkett Class, and my paws were fine.
I used to listen to Burkett on his podcast with Taran Butler as a guest, those guys are funny as hell! I think a lot of pro smiths shop their checkering work to EGW, might give them a call. |
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Quoted:
What about doing it yourself ? Brownells sells checkering files I made a home-brew jig from a piece of angle-iron It's really not that hard, once you get your first vertical and/or horizontal lines cut, the rest are easy. the lines you cut become the guide for the lines you are cutting. The two tone Springfield was my first attempt in the early 1990's I figured if I totally screwed it up, I could cover in skateboard tape or buy a $200 frame. It came out OK, so I did some more over the years. I like 20lpi, and I've shot 2000 rounds in a 2 day Matt Burkett Class, and my paws were fine. the compact is 25lpi <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/1911/checker.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/1911/checker.jpg</a> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/1911/1911SpringfieldArmoryIPSC.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/1911/1911SpringfieldArmoryIPSC.jpg</a> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/1911/IMGP4264.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/1911/IMGP4264.jpg</a> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/1911/1911pistols090.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/1911/1911pistols090.jpg</a> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/1911/checker1911.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/1911/checker1911.jpg</a> 25lpi <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/1911/1911pistols040.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/1911/1911pistols040.jpg</a> All 3 were industrial hard chromed afterward ( by METALIFE or TRIPP )...this makes the guns last a long time and easier to clean. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/files/metal-checkering-files-prod488.aspx some very nice work for DIY |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
What about doing it yourself ? Brownells sells checkering files I made a home-brew jig from a piece of angle-iron It's really not that hard, once you get your first vertical and/or horizontal lines cut, the rest are easy. the lines you cut become the guide for the lines you are cutting. The two tone Springfield was my first attempt in the early 1990's I figured if I totally screwed it up, I could cover in skateboard tape or buy a $200 frame. It came out OK, so I did some more over the years. I like 20lpi, and I've shot 2000 rounds in a 2 day Matt Burkett Class, and my paws were fine. the compact is 25lpi <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/1911/checker.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/1911/checker.jpg</a> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/1911/1911SpringfieldArmoryIPSC.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/1911/1911SpringfieldArmoryIPSC.jpg</a> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/1911/IMGP4264.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/1911/IMGP4264.jpg</a> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/1911/1911pistols090.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/1911/1911pistols090.jpg</a> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/1911/checker1911.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/1911/checker1911.jpg</a> 25lpi <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/1911/1911pistols040.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/1911/1911pistols040.jpg</a> All 3 were industrial hard chromed afterward ( by METALIFE or TRIPP )...this makes the guns last a long time and easier to clean. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/files/metal-checkering-files-prod488.aspx some very nice work for DIY I agree. Looks nice. |
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Just a thought, since you're going to have it done. I had 20LPI on my Springfield TRP, and I found it a bit too aggressive; even with my rough hands. Derek said that 20LPI didn't bother him. Everyone is going to be a little different; try and get a feel for 20, 25, and 30LPI before you have it done. Personally, I think 25LPI is perfect. Oh, and Derek, you have far more guts than I do to try that work for yourself! Maybe if I had a dead frame I'd give it a shot.
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I don't think EGW does any gunsmithing work any more as there gunsmith relocated to western PA. The last I knew if you wanted them to do anything they logged it in and then out to their old gunsmith who then logged it in and did the work to log it back out to them.
I think they have just gone to telling people to send it to him direct. He's here and does nice work. |