1911 Front Strap Checkering

[Carl in GA]

I've read that the idea behind the snakeskin pattern on the EB Kobra pistols is that the texture is one-way. Your hand slides smoothly up the texture as you're getting your grip, but sticks once you have your grip. It might be bunk. I've never tried it and can't comment directly but it sounds like a great idea.

Anyway, I prefer a textured frontstrap and haven't noticed it hindering my draw. Of the patterns I've tried I like 30 LPI the best. I'd like to try that EB treatment to see how it feels, though.

[Riverpigusmc]

When I do any shooting with 1911's, all pressure is fore and aft, not side to side. Push forward with the strong hand, pull back with the supporting hand, with my right index finger wrapped around the front of the triggerguard. I like checkering

[milkmanjoe]

Originally Posted by Carl in GA

I've read that the idea behind the snakeskin pattern on the EB Kobra pistols is that the texture is one-way. Your hand slides smoothly up the texture as you're getting your grip, but sticks once you have your grip. It might be bunk. I've never tried it and can't comment directly but it sounds like a great idea.

Anyway, I prefer a textured frontstrap and haven't noticed it hindering my draw. Of the patterns I've tried I like 30 LPI the best. I'd like to try that EB treatment to see how it feels, though.

I'm going to a dealer on Friday who is a friend of the Ed Brown family, I'm gonna ask him to call them and get us a clear answer. Never heard of this, am wondering if it is accurate.

Originally Posted by Riverpigusmc

When I do any shooting with 1911's, all pressure is fore and aft, not side to side. Push forward with the strong hand, pull back with the supporting hand, with my right index finger wrapped around the front of the triggerguard. I like checkering

The old "push/pull" eh??? No wonder you work on a college campus! Nah, this is about the drawstroke grip w speed. Getting to the push/pull fast with your own grips in the right place.

[DrHenley]

Originally Posted by milkmanjoe

I see complaints from all over, and discussions about how course to make the front strap.

I'm guessing 25 LPI and finer is going to be much more comfortable than course checkering or other aggressive patters. It does a good job of keeping the front strap from sliding in your hand, but doesn't dig into your skin the way courser checkering might.

[Carl in GA]

Originally Posted by milkmanjoe

I'm going to a dealer on Friday who is a friend of the Ed Brown family, I'm gonna ask him to call them and get us a clear answer. Never heard of this, am wondering if it is accurate.

I was trying to remember where I read about that, and then it hit me. From the Ed Brown website:

"It is a directional pattern, meaning it is smooth to slide your hand up, but bites in for a snug grip the other way where you need it."

http://www.edbrown.com/kobra.htm

I guess I believe it now. And I kinda want one.

[1911KY]

You should try to get your hands on a ball milled front strap or the the wave treatment that Dane Burns originated. It allows the smooth flow of your fingers over the the front strap but when you apply pressure the channels grip your skin and give you firm hold. I for one love the feel of it, kind of the best of both worlds if you ask me.

[milkmanjoe]

Originally Posted by 1911KY

You should try to get your hands on a ball milled front strap or the the wave treatment that Dane Burns originated. It allows the smooth flow of your fingers over the the front strap but when you apply pressure the channels grip your skin and give you firm hold. I for one love the feel of it, kind of the best of both worlds if you ask me.

I like that......there are many patterns that can be applied......they look great and function. For me speed on the draw is key, and a grip that is hindered cause it is struggling to get across an excessively rough texture costs time, and time could be taking the first round instead of delivering it.

[zukinut]

I went back and for with this too Joe, but never could decide which was better. I ended up with the houge grips on mine because the single stack was a bit thin for me and I would draw consistently. I liked the hogue grips because of the finger grooves and because I knew my hand was right where it was supposed to be.

Just like I prefer the Gen 4 Glocks because of the finger grooves. No question when I remove it from the holster whether fast draw or slow.