Question for those who own a 1911 MC Operator

[Don Nguyen]

I want to change out the factory rubber grips, but without any checking on the front strap part of the grip, it feels empty or the grip just doesn't feel as good.

What have those who have changed out their grips on their MC Operators (or I suppose other 1911s with similar situations) done? How much does it cost roughly to have the checkering done, if it came down to it?

Feel free to post any pictures you guys have of MC Operators with aftermarket grips as well.

thanks.

-Don

[QXSOUP]

Try this, lots of people like 'em.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/721408/wilson-combat-frontstrap-1911-government-commander-checkered-blue

[Don Nguyen]

That's pretty interesting.

I wonder if they have one that'll match the color of the MC operator more. I've also seen people use grip tape too?

-Don

[SoulStealer]

I can't tell you how much checkering costs. I switched out the wrap a round grips with my LB Operator grips (10-8 G10) look and feel great!



Here is a pic of my LB Operator (No checkering). I put on some 10-8 grips as well.

[Loubot10]

Tried out plenty of VZ's on 1911's and had some with aggressive checkering (TRP and Operators) but I found myself putting the pachs back on the MC Operator and buying a couple more for other 1911's.

[Press Check]

How much does it cost roughly to have the checkering done, if it came down to it?

The Custom Shop charges $150 for machine checkering, and if I'm not mistaken, $180 for hand-checkering. That does not include return shipping, and from experience, the quoted turn-around time is generally in the realm of 10 weeks. Based on that same experience, Springfield under-promises, and over-delivers, so you can generally expect to get your firearm back before the quoted time.

[S0M1L9S]

Springfield's pricing is $150-$170 for machine checkering (depending on LPI): http://www.springfield-armory.com/do...ustom_1911.pdf
You will need a re-finish as well.

Also consider undercutting the trigger guard, becasue that will not be a option after checkering.

IMO (depends on your hands greatly), 20 LPI is pretty aggressive for longer range session with bare hands.
25 or 30 is good for me, but that is me.

[Press Check]

30LPI is the near equivalent of having no checkering at all.

[E92335i]

[BigfootHunter]

I used the 10-8 grip tape sticker on the front of my Springfield Full Rail Operator and it's pretty good, definitely the kind of thing that needs to be replaced every once in a while (or more frequently depending on the number and duration of your range sessions), but i think you get 5 in a pack so it's not an issue.

[Don Nguyen]

Thanks for the pictures and suggestions.

I think I am going to rule out getting it checkered, since the cost of checkering and refinishing is not really going to be worth the costs. The 10-8 grip tape stickers seems like something that can be done at home with some skate board grip tape.

-Don

[Cyc Wid It]

That's only going to satisfy you for so long. In the end you'll probably end up getting it checkered. You should just get more work done while you're at it and use a better finish.

[norcalAF]

I have some skateboard grip tape on the front strap of my P220 Carry, and its plenty grippy and looks fine with the black finish.

[Press Check]

That's only going to satisfy you for so long. In the end you'll probably end up getting it checkered. You should just get more work done while you're at it and use a better finish.

That's what I always recommend. Toss in an Undercut strap, NUB slide stop, fit and blended Magwell, etc.

[82lightfighter]

Checkering is good, but if you carry (like anyone gets that privilege here lol) it can eat up your shirts and "grab" on clothing. Springfield Custom shop will also do a pattern similar to Ed Brown's "Chainlink," which I prefer to stippling or checkering.
I like the checkering on my Pro and TRP, but after a few hundred rounds, my hands definitely appreciate the chainlink pattern or the 10-8 grip tape I have on my Gunsite commander.
I'd say try the grip tape out, and as you figure out your preferences, adjust accordingly. $200 in mods for a 1911 is not that much in the grand scheme of things (quality mags are $30/per)... I'm still waiting for my Colt 9mm 1911 to make it back from Cylinder and Slide almost 2yrs after I sent it for about $1500 worth of work!

Nice pistol and enjoy it, can't go wrong with work from SCS.