1911 Front Strap Checkering

[milkmanjoe]

Originally Posted by GD2A

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 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!

[DrHenley]

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.

[milkmanjoe]

[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.

[skosh69]

Different strokes for different folks.

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

[Sheepdog]

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.

[aloreman]

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.

[BadOscar]

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

[milkmanjoe]

Originally Posted by Sheepdog

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.

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.

[Caleb]

Originally Posted by milkmanjoe

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'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.

[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.