Posted: 5/1/2010 4:47:42 AM EDT
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I'm starting to get more interested in 1911's after recently purchasing a SA Mil-Spec and a SA Loaded. Neither of these pistols have checkered front straps. I've ordered a 'slip on' checkered strap from brownells (that extends under the grips) but for $8 I'm not setting expectations too high. Having shot a friends TRP that had a checkered front strap to me this is a must have modification.
I know grip tape is cheap but I would like something that looks factory. I do plan on sending the Mil-Spec to Springfield's custom armory to have the slide cut for new sights and a beavertail added. Maybe I'll have them do the machine checkering for $140 or so. I seem to recall a few years ago looking at a Springfield Loaded stainless at a gunshow that had a checkered front strap but I can't find that model now. Is a checkered front strap a must have mod for you? |
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Quoted: Quoted: 25 LPI  Is the consensus that the 25LPI is the best? Anyone know what the TRP guns are checkered? 25 is kind of the middle of the road. Some people cant handle 20 saying its a cheese grater. Some say 30 doesnt grab and does nothing for grip. I cant understand either of these statements having owned all 3. 20 might tear up your clothes though. If Im having a choice like you, Im 25lpi all day long. With my Ed Brown @25 and Les Baer @30 I didnt have a choice but both do the job. And look good doing it. |
Well USPS delivered this Wilson front straps from Brownells today. 
Paying $8 left me feeling very skeptical about this product but I bought 2 to try out. After installing them on both my Mil-Spec and Loaded 1911's I can honestly say that my expectations have been exceeded. I haven't fired them yet but my grip is noticably better. These simply slide under the grips. Took about 1 min to install on each pistol. Sorry for the crappy pics. It's a cell phone and I"m dehydrated from working in the yard all day so I wasn't holding the camera to steady. Mil-Spec before: 
Mil-Spec with front strap installed: 
Loaded with front stap installed: 
Close up: 
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| Like it and have done three myself. Had to dull the sharp tips on the 20 lpi I did on my Colt Gold Cup That pistol has 20 lpi serations on the frontstrap to begin with so I was stuck with 20 lpi on it. I did 2 Springfield Armory 1911s with 30 lpi and kept them sharp with no problem. As expensive as it is to get done, I don't believe I would have paid to have it done and having done it, I can appreciate the cost. |
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Quoted: The "best" is subjective. I find 20 a bit too coarse. 30 works best for me. 25 is the hot new flava. Recently finished the Colt in my avatar with 30. http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff35/kemays/after-4.jpg 20x30 is another option, but I haven't seen too many guns with it. |