Front Strap Checkering Question

[monstertaco81]

I am in the Long Beach/NOC area and looking to get front strap checkering done on a 1911. Any CalGun'rs have a shop they can recommend for custom work.

Looking to get 25 lpi, as close to a Springfield TRP feel as possible. Any info would be appreciated.

[Hank15]

Will O'Hara in Corona. I think close to $400, PM for info.

[monstertaco81]

Thanks Hank15!

[MosinVirus]

TRP FSC is 20 lpi btw. And ask for a trigger guard undercut. It makes a huge difference if done right.

[monstertaco81]

Thanks Mosin, I will deff as for the trigger guard undercut

[Matt P]

TRP FSC is 20 lpi btw. And ask for a trigger guard undercut. It makes a huge difference if done right.

That seems like quite a statement.
Huge like changing sights or trigger?

I under cut both my frames. About as aggressively as you can without going into the mag catch area and would not suggest a huge difference.
Different hand sizes, digit size and techniques in just gripping will affect how one experiences one grip to another.

In both my classes I was the only guy out of like 30 other students even messing with it.
If it's expensive I suggest not doing it and spend that money on proven performance mods.

Just my opinion

[XDJYo]

TRP FSC is 20 lpi btw. And ask for a trigger guard undercut. It makes a huge difference if done right.

I agree! Aside from other very subtle differences in the grip between my SA Loaded 1911 and my Les Baer (undercut trigger + 40 LPI checkering), the 'feel' of the grip due to the undercut trigger guard made a huge difference between the two.

IMHO, if you're going to get the front strap checkered, you might as well get the trigger guard undercut. Since you'll need to get the gun refinished (unless stainless), you don't want to have to do that twice if you change your mind later on.

Just my 2 cents, adjusted to $0.00 adjusting for inflation and taxes by the 1% on my 99%...

[slixx1320]

Hint Hint*** Mosin is your guy for the front strap!

[MosinVirus]

That seems like quite a statement.
Huge like changing sights or trigger?

I under cut both my frames. About as aggressively as you can without going into the mag catch area and would not suggest a huge difference.
Different hand sizes, digit size and techniques in just gripping will affect how one experiences one grip to another.

In both my classes I was the only guy out of like 30 other students even messing with it.
If it's expensive I suggest not doing it and spend that money on proven performance mods.

Just my opinion

Sure, to each their own. And yes, some may feel little difference, but so far everyone that shot my pistols noticed the difference. They weren't sure at first what it was. Then when I pointed it out, they gripped one of mine, then theirs, and said that it was better.

The standard frame (Springfield for example) has a really sloping transition between the underside of the trigger guard and the front strap. Dan Wesson, for example has a much sharper transition.

When I do undercuts I also undercut the front strap slightly. To me it is more about being able to close the middle finger tighter around the grip than higher.

I think that makes a huge difference. But it also depends on what frame you start with. Some are more swoopy in that area, some more angular. The swoopier (larger radius) it is the more forward your middle finger will sit in relation to other fingers.

That is also why I said "if it is done right"

But, yes, different people will feel different about it. So far I haven't encountered anyone that didn't like it or thought it was a waste.

I include it with every checkering I do.

You got me interested in why you felt very little difference. What frames did you start with and how was the undercut done? Got pics?

[Fishslayer]

When I do undercuts I also undercut the front strap slightly.

Where ya located?

[MosinVirus]

Where ya located?

I am in Encino. But I don't have a shop. I would have to go to someone else's shop or PPT loan the gun (increasing the price by $50 and wait time by 20 calendar days) since loaning laws have recently changed.

[Fatcat]

Attached is pix of work that Will O'Hara did for me. High cut front strap, 25 LPI.

[SkyHawk]

Undercut is a $50 job = a no brainer, if you are having other work done. At least that is what I paid at APW.

[MosinVirus]

Attached is pix of work that Will O'Hara did for me. High cut front strap, 25 LPI.

I am actually not a fan of that shape.
Here is the shape I put on all of mine.




This is an 80% I sold a while ago after I fitted the beavertail and thumb safety, undercut the trigger guard and hand checkered the front strap to 25 lpi.

Here is one I did for a buddy (calgunner)
Also 25 lpi.




Here is one I did at LA Cerakote for a LAPD officer. He also wanted 25lpi.



Here is my build 8 commander "The Exfoliator" with 10 LPI hand filed.


Here is my Build 6 "RaMmeR" with 20lpi hand checkering.


Hopefully you can see the shape I like on the undercut. I feel it makes a difference.

You can also see that I like to dehorn mine, but that in my opinion has not as much benefit as the undercut. It feels great (more finished), but doesn't alter the grip.

[Matt P]

Most firearm owners simply do not understand the importance of gripping as high to the bore axis as they can.
My sample list is students on the range. The only guys who tend to grip properly are guys with some competition background or who have attended other classes. I rarely see this student.
I would expect if you point it out they notice. But I suggest few who have it done make use of it when they actually shoot.
It has just become the in thing to do.
I believe it does not make a huge difference and there are other areas which could use that attention in labor and money over removing a little metal.

I built off (2) Caspian and a PM Machine frames. I did this work over 4 years ago.