Anybody have experience with Wilson Combat Front Strap?

[tacticalcity]

Anybody have experience with the Wilson Combat Front Strap that can be added to 1911s with a smooth surface?

How well do they work?

How does it feel?

Do you get blistering from the multiple raised surface areas like on a lot the AR trigger guards and grips that have you constantly rubbing against edged surfaces? The area I am concerned about is the area right under the trigger guard where there it first starts. Look like it could cause blisters. Bear in mind I plan on lots of 8 hour training days.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=16409/Product/1911_AUTO_CHECKERED_FRONT_STRAP

I am not a fan of sand paper skateboard tape, but I do like rubber grip tape. So if this won't work I will probably do that.

[JanG]

i had it on one of my 1911s and i felt it was too rough for me. something like 20 lpi, hurt my girly hands after a few shooting sessions. also, i had to check the strap every now and then, it tends to ride down after a while even though i made sure my grips are tight.

[1911Luvr]

Are you looking for a low cost alternative to checkering or is your front just strap too thin to cut checkering into?

[tacticalcity]

Looking for an inexpensive quick fix. I am thinking some rubberized grip tape will do. I know skateboard tape is cheaper, but I too have girly hands and am not a fan of loosing all that skin.

Of course, I haven't even picked up my Kimber Custom II much less shot it yet. So it might be a non-issue. Just jonesing during the DROS.

[JanG]

i like how pachmayrs feel, i actually have that on my 38 super right now.

[tacticalcity]

You mean the Grip Enhancer? I was worried it would add too much thickness since that thin layer of plastic goes under your normal grips. I want to try to conceal this 5" beast. Of course I say that now. A month from now, who knows what I'll be adding to it. There is no shortage of cool accessories for the 1911.

[redcliff]

I've used the Wilson front strap checkerring insert before on a couple 1911's. Most important thing is to position it fairly high on the frame and securely bend the locking tabs into the cutouts under the grip so it doesnt slide around. If the fit is loose the insert can slide down and block magazine insertion.

It actually works quite well when properly installed and from a distance most people can't even tell the difference between it and real front strap checkerring if the color choices match your frames.

[JanG]

no, pachmayr wrap around grips. gm-45c model

[PutTogether]

I've used it, it worked great. It is a no brainer if you like a checkered front grip, but are stuck with a gun that doesn't have it. I shot thousands of rounds with it on, and it never marred the finish underneath at all.

Edited to add: It isn't sharp enough to cut or hurt hands. That is however, a subjective opinion. If you think it is too rough, you can hit it with some sand paper and it smooths out quite a bit. I tried it just to try, cause hey, the thing only costs a few bucks.

[Heiko]

I recently tried it too. I liked the feel of it and it was not as cheap as I thought it might be. It's a thin sheet of perforated metal. The LPI seems almost perfect. I had some trouble fitting it on my SA Champion and it moved under fire causing some damage to the finish on the front strap. I got the blued version and it's nice although it might not match all blued finishes. The stainless version seems to match better from photos I've seen.

I no longer use it and at least it was cheap and it confirmed that I would like proper front strap checkering. I don't want to lay out the money right now so in the meantime, I bought a set of Radical Concepts grips that wrap around the front strap. These are the same exact grips that come on Colt Delta Elites and Gold Cups. You might like them if you're looking for extra grip on the front strap and don't want finger grooves a la Pachmayer.

My post about these grips

[tacticalcity]

This waiting for the gun to clear the DROS waiting period sucks. I am jonesing big time! My first 1911.

Look Ma, I'm a man now!

[spike spiegel]

I have one on a springfield, its a little rough. I might try and hit it with a file or something to smooth it just a little.