1911 grip difference??

[ThatFishGuy]

Hey everyone,
Im looking to get some textured g-10 grips for my 1911 and I like the Simonich gunner grips. From what i've read as long as you put on some clp the color looks fairly deep black. Now Nighthawk also makes what appears to be the same grip but costs an extra 30 bucks. is there anything different about them or are you paying a premium because they're "custom"?
thanks,
Sam

[trickyvic]

I've never tried any of the ones you mentioned, but I like VZ grips.

[damndave]

personally for me, grips are grips. whatever feels good on your hand. majority of people buy grips for looks.

[SNEAKS]

personally for me, grips are grips. whatever feels good on your hand. majority of people buy grips for looks.

I agree. Unless it is a safe queen or show piece just get whatever grips feel good in your hands. The looks should be a secondary concern.

[ThatFishGuy]

that is exactly the reason i am even looking a these grips. I've seen plenty that look flashier or "cooler" but i've held a gun with this style of grip and i loved it. i was just curious as to whether there was anything physically different between the two that would govern the price difference. I totally agree that one should use the grips that feel best not necessarily the ones that look nice. actually im getting rid my my nice factory wood grips because while they look beautiful, they are hard to hold onto sometimes with my sweaty hands during competitions.

[Centurion_D]

I have the nighthawk g10's on my 1911 and I couldn't be happier. I wanted grips with extra bite and these are perfect.

[Black Majik]

Both the VZ and Gunner grips are going to be grippy. If you're looking for VZ grips, look into their Diamondbacks. They're 5 LPI checkering on the grip panels, it had so much traction I had to sand them down some to break the edges.

Either way, you can't go wrong.

Nighthawks you're paying premium cuz well, they're Nighthawk. $30 premium is to grace your 1911 with their logo.

[slick_711]

The whole point of the Gunner grips, or the VZ version, is that they're grippy as hell. I've got pairs on two of mine and love them. The black ones are not deep black, they look more of a grayish, but they look good on the stainless pistol I have them on. The other pair is "OD green" and is on a SA Lightweight champion (OD & black). The grip's "OD" is not a match, but I think it makes for a good looking contrast on the pistol.

That said, if you're worried about the way they look, go with something else. They are not "deep black" and if you put CLP on them to make them so, you'll be contradicting the whole point of the grips in the first place.

Nobody will make fun of you for caring how your 1911 looks, that's fine and dandy. However, I will make fun of you relentlessly if you buy a pair of grips that's made specifically to be rough and stick in your hand and then you oil them.

[ThatFishGuy]

haha ya when i read about someone putting clp on the grips....i was confused to say the least. Alright well in that case the nighthawks are off the list. i figured it was just the case that they're "custom". I was looking at my brownells catalog to check out the VZ options. Definitely like the "gatorbacks" but i guess they're made out of micarta. the description makes them sound slightly more smooth or slick. anyone with personal experience?
thanks for the responses so far,
-Sam

[CCWUSA]

Get a Grip!

I have the VZ Gatorbacks on several 1911's, including my primary carry gun. It may not be on their website, but I had them make me a set of Gatorbacks out of G-10. No problem, great customer service, no extra charge! Give them a call! I also have the Micarta Gatorback Grips on my Wilson CQB, I opted for the Canvas version, and have no complaints what so ever. Excellent quality product, more comfortable than my S/A TRP G10 Grips, or the Ergos on my other 1911. I'll eventually change them all out to the VZ's when I have the time and funding.

My 2 cents...

[kamagong]

No need to pay the premium. Get the Simonich Gunner Grips, they're the originals after all.

[ThatFishGuy]

Alright so I finally decided to get the best of both. G10 and gatorback! As advised I emailed John at VZ grips asking about color/ material details and he said he could mill me up some custom Gatorbacks out of jet black G10. Perfect! got the ambi-cut, square (magwell) bottom. Said it might take a few extra days since they dont have them stocked. big deal... All this with priority shipping for only $72. I will hold off on the final review until i get the grips but so far I like the way they do business! Will post pics whenever I get them on my gun.