Posted: 12/7/2005 11:52:37 PM EDT
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I just got some new grips that replaced some finger groove grips that I've had on my Combat Commander for about 17 years. I'm thinking about checkering the frontstrap, any opinions on whether I should go 30 lpi 20 lpi etc.? |
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Run with 25lpi or 30lpi... Depending on how much you shoot, I would ask the smith to beadblast the fs after or not make the checkering so sharp. Sharp, artistic checkering is a beautiful thing... However, it sucks if you shoot the pistol a lot. I have pistols with checkering that is wonderful and will make your hand hurt after about 100rds. |
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I had 20lpi done on my old Springfield. I find that the 30lpi is just way too fine and isn't any better than skateboard tape. I haven't held anything with 25lpi so can't comment on that. As far as the 20lpi, mine are pretty sharp and I haven't had much problem with it huring my hands. I don't have any callouses either. You can always have them dulled down to your liking. For sharp 20 lpi checkering, check out the Springfield TRP. For comparison, check out a Smith and Alexander MSH. They have 20lpi but the checkering is dulled. I find that the dulled checkering is still better than 30lpi. I like the sharp but it's all personal preference. My advice would be to seriously look around before you get it done to make sure you get exactly what you want. Also, you should look into getting your grip "high cut" while its getting checkered. |
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I have 2 pistols with 20lpi checking, 2 with 30 lpi, and 1 on the way with Heinie-performed stippling, as well as some bare frontstrap guns. I've also used skateboard tape. 20 lpi is really, really hard on your hands. Don't recommend it for a gun you will be doing much practice with. Good if you wear gloves. 30 lpi is a good compromise. Stippling is also a good compromise if you can get used to the look. Skateboard tape works great, but if applied on top of a blued or park'd gun, you're can have corrosion problems. The pre-cut tape is nice to use. Very affordable. Bare frontstrap works suprisingly well. Suggest you try skateboard tape first, and if you like it, perhaps get checkering done by a competent gunsmith. There have been many bocthed checkering jobs. Also know that if you sweat much, you have to be diligent about cleaning the checkering or you're get corrosion. I like Birchwood-Casey "Sheath" to protect my blued guns. SF |
+1, especially the part in red. The checkering on my TRP is awsome. |
| I think I'm the only guy on the planet that doesn't like frontstrap checkering. I find it irritating and I don't see a need for it unless you shoot with gloves on. If I were to get one done, it would be as small as possible or I would have the tips dulled. I prefer them either slick or serrated at most. |
| I no longer use a checkered front strap. Problem is that checkering cuts into the available metal and thereby weakens the front of the grip/magwell. Ever seen a pistol either dropped or banged on something and due to checkering, had the front collapse to the point a magazine couldn't be inserted? I have. No deep cuts for me! |
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Checkering on the front strap is a great custom touch to a single stack 1911. It's very classy and functional. As for 20 or 30 lpi, it comes down to your personal preference. Hopefully you have a good 'smith in mind to do the work, and if they're local may have samples of their work for you to give a go. I have my first 1911, which is now highly customized, but it's first life was as a stock SA Mil-Spec 1911. I had a great local gunsmith do some basic work to it and it's won me a lot of matches over the years (IPSC and IDPA). As I've upgraded to higher end, faster running and more bullets, this 1911 has become a carry gun. I removed the Hogue finger groove grips (which I never liked) and replaced them with some great wood grips. Chromed the lower (the slide is highly polished and blued) and had the folks at Evolution Gun Works do some work. George is a legendary gunsmith and builds some of the best firearms on the planet. He is great to talk to, and never ceases to amaze me how he will respond to all e-mails and phone calls as if you're the only customer he has. I have gunsmiths that build me competition guns for free, and have no hesitation referring folks to George, and I will be spending money with him again! Again, great choice! SPC Richard A. White, Senior Medic 249th MP Detachment (EACF) Camp Humphreys, ROK |