Front Strap Checkering... too rough?

[Write Winger]

I've been toying around with a few 1911s to see what suits my pallet, and I realized I don't think I like front strap checkering. I know it should provide better grip, but not if I'm holding a cheese grater... you know that side that's meant for parmesan and is just annoying when you're just trying to shred some cheddar? I'd like to have something more than just smooth, but it seems like its just holding a wire brush or nothing... am I missing something? I work with my hands and they're all calloused up, it just bugs me. Am I the only one?

[Brandon04GT]

Well you can use grip tape. Or get one of those rubber finger groove inserts. If you go with checkering, you don't have to go that rough like the 20lpi on the SA TRPs. You can get 25lpi which feels much nicer IMO or even 30lpi like on the Kimber TLEs.

[Cyc Wid It]

20 lpi? Try something with a higher lpi maybe, but there are so many options now - although I personally don't really like many of them other than checkering/serrated/maybe frag though I haven't been able to hold a fragged front strap. Anything but those rubber finger groove abominations.

[DVSmith]

I have a SA TRP that has that type of checkering. It is REALLY good for removing calluses. LOL

Actually, after you start running it you hardly notice it.

[cwin]

As long as it's over 20 lpi then I'm gtg. I prefer 30 lpi actually, I find that it's quite comfortable and provides enough traction.

[AeroEngi]

I have a SA TRP that has that type of checkering. It is REALLY good for removing calluses. LOL

Actually, after you start running it you hardly notice it.

I've noticed the same thing with my TRP. Initially the 20 LPI sucked but I got used to it pretty quickly and now I like it.

[NorCal Einstein]

Give 30lpi a try. 20lpi is the cheese grater feel. 25 might even feel aggressive to some.

I ordered my 1911 with 30 on the front strap but I'm second guessing myself and wanting 20lpi. Oh well it's too late, order is in and I don't want to be "that guy" that keeps messing with a order.

[NorCal Einstein]

Just another thought, you could always pick up a 1911 with no serrations, try that out, maybe add grip tape, and if you don't like it, send it off for checking however you want. It would be more expensive to go this route because checkering can range from $150 - 300 (from what I've scoped out). Just a thought...

[Twiggz]

As other have said, try 30lpi, or one of the newer styles like chain link? I have 25lpi on mine and it feels perfect to me, but is too agressive for a couple of my friends. I think 30lpi is more than enough and it looks much better then grip tape.

[jonzer77]

I prefer the finger groove abominations because they help when drawing from a holster

I do like the checkering on this gunsite model 1911

[Brandon04GT]

I think there is some company that makes a faux checkering sleeve so you can get a real good feel for what it's like before you commit.

[InGrAM]

Pachmayr signature combat grips

link:

http://www.amazon.com/Pachmayr-Grips-Colt-Combat-Style/dp/B000RZ0HRE

Or you could try more LPI when checkering.

I did 50LPI checkering on my RIA and it came out like grip tape or fine grit sandpaper. Very pleased with it.

Link:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=568148

[edidj13]

I Love my TRP's 20lpi checkering! I like the assuring bite it gives me, letting me know that I have a good grip on things...

-edi.

[INFAMOUS762X39]

I've been toying around with a few 1911s to see what suits my pallet, and I realized I don't think I like front strap checkering. I know it should provide better grip, but not if I'm holding a cheese grater... you know that side that's meant for parmesan and is just annoying when you're just trying to shred some cheddar? I'd like to have something more than just smooth, but it seems like its just holding a wire brush or nothing... am I missing something? I work with my hands and they're all calloused up, it just bugs me. Am I the only one?

I am with you 100%.

I am in the market for a 1911 that does not have front strap checkering, currently looking at a CA Legal Les Baer Concept II. I just wish their was a picture of the Main Spring Serrated Housing.

[skyscraper]

20 LPI is for man's hands FYI....not for computer typers. Act accordingly.