Front strap serrations

[BEE]

Is there a benefit to serrations on the front strap?

Yea or nay?

Only real benefit is just "press checking" which is checking the chamber.

Personally, I prefer a1911 without the FCS because I'd rather do the slingshot method and it looks cleaner & classy.

[ruchik]

They sure do work in helping you grip the gun.

But depending on how sharp they are, they can get quite uncomfortable.

[Snoopy47]

They sure do work in helping you grip the gun.

But depending on how sharp they are, they can get quite uncomfortable.

Ergo, 30lpi verses the sharper 20lpi (TRP for example)

Those that argue against them tend to reference "looks"
Those that argue for them tend to reference "grip"

A 10 cent strip of skateboard tape will be just as effective as a $200 checkering job.

As for grips, I haven't found anything better or more balanced in terms of aggressiveness than "VZ Diamondbacks".

Quite literally, a stock GI RIA with smooth replica ivory grips and no front checkering can be turned into an entirely different shooting pistol with some skateboard tape and a set of VZ grips.

[cindynles]

I really like them for run-n-gun type shooting (USPSA, IDPA, 3-Gun), the give you a really positive grip (but I have a sweaty palms so I need the extra grip). If you are going to get them buy a gun that comes with them from the factory. While I love them, I would not spend $200 to have an existing gun checkered and then re-finished.

My favorite combo is 20 LPI and VZ Operator II grips. Its like the gun is super-glued to my hand.

[teflondog]

I like 30 LPI checkering on my front strap. It's not too abrasive but still provides enough grip when my hands are sweaty. The only downside is cleaning it when dirty gets between the fine checkering.

[9mmepiphany]

Are folks confusing serrations and checkering, or do they really not know the difference?

These are vertical serrations

[Lead Waster]

A friend of mine bought some grip-tape sticker (specially cut to fit the front strap of a 1911) and likes it and it was like $5 or something. Grip tape from Home Depot cut in a rectangle can serve the same purpose.

Not as nice as real checkering, but $5 and you can try it out.

[pklin1297]

I've tried serrations and checkering, at the end I prefer to just put grip tape on the front strap.

Serrations do not help ME grip the gun at all.

Checkering, depending on LPI, can either cut you because they are so coarse, or not help the grip at all because they're so fine. I currently have one 1911 that has 25 LPI which to ME is best of both worlds... The only thing is it pains me when I happen to hit the front strap and dull one or more of the tips... To remedy this, I just use grip tape now on my pistols. When they wear out, just remove and replace.