Custom front strap checkering on 1911

[Press Check]

Anybody got any recommendations for golfball or scaling? Besides Rogers, Gemini Customs, etc? It'd be nice if it was local, but doesn't have to be.

Why are you opposed to using Chuck Rogers?

[jayfarley3]

Does anybody know if there a good gunsmith in the bay area or Sacramento that does this?

[redcliff]

Don't forget that you'll need to refinish your frame unless its stainless, in which case you may want it bead-blasted again after checkerring. The ability to refinish in-house is another advantage of the larger shops likes Springfield Armory Custom Shop, which I think provides a great combination of quality, speed of completion and cost.

Additionally you need to decide on what lines per inch you want; 30, 25, or 20. I generally go with 25 l.p.i. but I like 20 l.p.i. if the pistol gets a coating type finish and the tips are slightly knocked down. I think 30 l.p.i. is the nicest looking but I like a bit more aggressiveness. Most large shops machine-checker, can do all 3 common l.p.i., and frankly I think its superior to hand-checkerring for uniformity. Even Pete Single uses machine-checkerring.

And as others have mentioned if you want the trigger guard undercut for a higher hold now is the time to do it.

[bombadillo]

While you're at it, you should have the trigger guard undercut. Its really nice to be able to have it checkered and undercut. I have a Dan Wesson that I want to get exactly that done to.

[naimad]

Why are you opposed to using Chuck Rogers?

I would love to have Chuck Rogers do some work on my Colt XSE,but he is backlogged been trying for a couple years with no succcess

[Press Check]

I would love to have Chuck Rogers do some work on my Colt XSE,but he is backlogged been trying for a couple years with no succcess

Spoke to him last week about some small-scale work and he was available. Alan Tanaka and Jim Hoag are always viable options too.

[Paradiddle]

Will O'Hara does great machine checking as does Dave at Dave's Metal Works. Both local So Cal and both highly regarded smiths.

[DArBad]

I was told by a gunsmith that he couldn't checker my front strap on my Colt XSE because the frame was uneven in thickness and it might be too thin. He showed me the thin spots and I was amazed.

Something to keep in mind.

And that is not the only thin spot. If you will see the other thin spot..........you'll be blown away.

[bug_eyedmonster]

There's a couple of gunsmiths in the bay area that can checker your front strap, one I'd recommend is Bill Martin in Castro Valley. He does nice work, and I've seen his checkering. His prices are fair, and he will be able to look over the gun before anything. I've had to send stuff out because of it's uniqueness, such as a 1911 with a magwell cast into the frame. Anyway, Bill's number is 510-407-4602.

Jerry

[Trapper]

Check out Terry Tussy in Carson City, he did most of the work on my 1911 and produces fantastic results!

http://www.tusseycustom.com/

[Twystd1]

Check out Terry Tussy in Carson City, he did most of the work on my 1911 and produces fantastic results!
http://www.tusseycustom.com/

Terry passed away a while back. I will miss him.

[enzo357]

Another vote for Will ohara. Guy is an artist. Prices are really good.

[huntndog]

Wilson Combat for < $10.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/531042/wilson-combat-frontstrap-1911-government-commander-checkered-stainless-steel

[CWUSCG]

Fresh from Kimber! 4 week turn around time.