1911 Front Strap Checkering
 

I am not a big believer in front strap checkering on my 1911's. I have played with grip tape, and have shot a friend's 1911 with the Wilson Combat checkered overlay, as well as shot 1911's with permanent checkering in various agressive textures. Don't like any of them. I have rough hands, calloused, the texture doesn't bother me physically. I feel that when I grab my 1911 from my holster in a draw stroke the front strap being checkered actually stops me from completing my finalized shooting grip, whereas a non checkered front strap allows my fingers to "continue the slide" around the gun. Don't get me wrong, if target shooting I am fine with checkering. But if I am going for speed and only need a few rounds in a SD situation, for me, non-checkered does not hinder my grip process, even when I scoop the gun. Opinions?

I have small hands so, I prefer that front and back extra grip texture. Would I "really" need it in a SD situation? Most likely won't notice the difference, plenty of other things to worry about. At the range? Yes, I can tell the difference and do prefer it over a smooth front/rear strap.

on a different note: I like the "look" of it on a front strap as far as astetics(sp?).

That is what I am mostly getting at.....In a SD situation the grip process is lightning speed, or in my case, turtle speed. Just the same, those four fingers are paramount in getting around the gun grip. This is even one reason some glock shooters remove the finger humps. If you are panicked, go to draw and your fingers don't "slide" around the gun, can you shoot straight? It will not be the same wrap around you get at the range.

The FS checkering on my Kimber is like grabbing coral! It's not a gun I carry so I don't mind it much. If I were ever to add texture to another gun I'd consider something more mild like the "golf ball" treatments I've seen. However, I don't feel strongly enough about it to bother at this time.

I'm not fond of aggressive checkering at all. It distracts me, so I stay away from guns that have it or the add ons.

Some people complain it roughs up their hands. I get that, we don't all have rough hands. But people do practice with shooting gloves on, which will never be on when in a SD situation.

I depend on the grip panels on my 1911's.

I can see your point Joe and I agree. But, I can tell you that when I shoot a pistol with checkering, my grip from shot to shot does not change. Very different with a smooth strap pistol. My grip has to be re-adjusted when shooting multiple shots. Maybe its me, maybe the lack of grip up front. A highly agressive check job is a no go for me but, something "light" (see the CCO's strap) checkered, scalloped, ect would be my choice.

Other arguements say with a smooth strap, if there is sweat or blood involved, is too slippery. (hence the full grip stippling you see on poly guns).

It comes down to training, again. Train yourself to get the proper grip BEFORE the pistol comes out of the holster/concealment. Draw and dry fire exercises practiced routinely will have you unconciously grabbing the pistol correctly every time.

I'm no pro so, take this for a grain of salt.

PS: Looks like to me that when you(Joe) draw your gun, you "slide" your fingers/hand down the frame till you reach you preferred grip. I can see this being an issue with checkering. For instance: My fingers/front of hand does not make contact till after the web between my thumb and point finger has encountered the beavertail. Then the rest of the hand/fingers fall suit. Make sense? Not sure if I can explain it any better. Sometimes my thoughts and typing do not work well together. Lol....

I think, without damaging that gun, you could alleviate some "coral effect" by rubbing the front strap with denim.
That's a Kimber forum find out for sure before you try it tactic!

My DW and Colt have smooth front straps, and my Sigs have 25 LPI checkering. I can't really say that I can even notice the difference.

The Sig Ultra Carry probably needs it, and it may explain why it is so much more controllable than I expected. But I am not really aware of it when I'm shooting. It certainly doesn't bother my hands at all.

[QUOTE=DrHenley;74548]My DW and Colt have smooth front straps, and my Sigs have 25 LPI checkering. I can't really say that I can even notice the difference.

The Sig Ultra Carry probably needs it, and it may explain why it is so much more controllable than I expected. But I am not really aware of it when I'm shooting. It certainly doesn't bother my hands at all.[/QUOTE]


I read alot.....from what I see most people who checkering bother are ones in a weekend class where alot of rounds fired are involved. But I see complaints from all over, and discussions about how course to make the front strap.

Different strokes for different folks.

I ordered my Baer with 20 LPI FSC, it's gonna be aggressive as all get out!

It doesn't make much difference to me. I use pretty aggressive VZ grips on my carry guns. The most of mine have checkered or chain link FS and MSH. I would think that with callused hands you would want more aggressive, to give more feel. Seems it would help secure the grip better on the slicker callused hands.

I use vz operator 2 grips on most of my 1911s and i skateboard tape all my front straps. I got midget fingers and i like to get a grip on my guns.

I also have skateboard tape on several of mine and I actually think I prefer the feel over my guns with checkered front straps.

Nah, makes no difference on the feel. Actually, I am more in tune with my thumb riding the thumb safety, and I can be a pisspot about thumb safeties. Been known to file for hours with files that are nearly smooth, to feel the safety just right. In my last vid I stop shooting after 5 or 6 rounds, adjust my thumb, and finish. That safety has been adjusted since the vid was made. My concern is, while drawing from holster, getting a grip too early, fingers not around the grip. I practice Quick Kill shooting, Half Hip.....alot, normally to forty feet...Self Defense shooting. I have never practiced with a gun that has an aggressive front strap texture, gonna give it a whirl next trip to SC.

I have some skateboard tape...well, my kids do....gonna play with that this weekend.

I'm sure you will do a vid, ahem. I'm interested to find out what the results are of your tests. Please let know what you find out.

Of course I will do a vid!!! I am thinking about this treatment for my latest 1911.

[IMG]http://www.cotep.org/forum/picture.p...&pictureid=741[/IMG]

Thats cool..... Do you have a guy that does that kind of work?

Don't have anyone......there is a guy out near Vegas who uses CNC machines to do engraving, I need to dig his name outta mothballs. I have seen floral patterns, names, favorite dogs.....nothing overdone, very tasteful, yet helps with gripping the front strap. I have no concern with my hand coming off the gun, that is not gonna happen. I am concerned with my hand getting to my shooting grip smoothly.

I put skateboard tape on the 1911 from jeffpac, gonna practice drawing with it when the rain stops. Damn rain is holding up vids I want to post, I need to finish them outside.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...psxeatxo4r.jpg

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.

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.