1911 Front Strap Checkering

[GD2A]

The FS checkering on my Kimber is like grabbing coral! It's not a gun I carry so I don't mind it much. If I were ever to add texture to another gun I'd consider something more mild like the "golf ball" treatments I've seen. However, I don't feel strongly enough about it to bother at this time.

[edgehill]

I'm not fond of aggressive checkering at all. It distracts me, so I stay away from guns that have it or the add ons.

[milkmanjoe]

Originally Posted by edgehill

I'm not fond of aggressive checkering at all. It distracts me, so I stay away from guns that have it or the add ons.

Some people complain it roughs up their hands. I get that, we don't all have rough hands. But people do practice with shooting gloves on, which will never be on when in a SD situation.

I depend on the grip panels on my 1911's.

[Caleb]

I can see your point Joe and I agree. But, I can tell you that when I shoot a pistol with checkering, my grip from shot to shot does not change. Very different with a smooth strap pistol. My grip has to be re-adjusted when shooting multiple shots. Maybe its me, maybe the lack of grip up front. A highly agressive check job is a no go for me but, something "light" (see the CCO's strap) checkered, scalloped, ect would be my choice.

Other arguements say with a smooth strap, if there is sweat or blood involved, is too slippery. (hence the full grip stippling you see on poly guns).

It comes down to training, again. yourself to get the proper grip BEFORE the pistol comes out of the holster/concealment. Draw and dry fire exercises practiced routinely will have you unconciously grabbing the pistol correctly every time.

I'm no pro so, take this for a grain of salt.

PS: Looks like to me that when you(Joe) draw your gun, you "slide" your fingers/hand down the frame till you reach you preferred grip. I can see this being an issue with checkering. For instance: My fingers/front of hand does not make contact till after the web between my thumb and point finger has encountered the beavertail. Then the rest of the hand/fingers fall suit. Make sense? Not sure if I can explain it any better. Sometimes my thoughts and typing do not work well together. Lol....

[milkmanjoe]

Originally Posted by GD2A

The FS checkering on my Kimber is like grabbing coral! It's not a gun I carry so I don't mind it much. If I were ever to add texture to another gun I'd consider something more mild like the "golf ball" treatments I've seen. However, I don't feel strongly enough about it to bother at this time.

I think, without damaging that gun, you could alleviate some "coral effect" by rubbing the front strap with denim.
That's a Kimber forum find out for sure before you try it tactic!

[DrHenley]

My DW and Colt have smooth front straps, and my Sigs have 25 LPI checkering. I can't really say that I can even notice the difference.

The Sig Ultra Carry probably needs it, and it may explain why it is so much more controllable than I expected. But I am not really aware of it when I'm shooting. It certainly doesn't bother my hands at all.

[milkmanjoe]

[QUOTE=DrHenley;74548]My DW and Colt have smooth front straps, and my Sigs have 25 LPI checkering. I can't really say that I can even notice the difference.

The Sig Ultra Carry probably needs it, and it may explain why it is so much more controllable than I expected. But I am not really aware of it when I'm shooting. It certainly doesn't bother my hands at all.[/QUOTE]


I read alot.....from what I see most people who checkering bother are ones in a weekend class where alot of rounds fired are involved. But I see complaints from all over, and discussions about how course to make the front strap.

[skosh69]

Different strokes for different folks.

I ordered my Baer with 20 LPI FSC, it's gonna be aggressive as all get out!

[Sheepdog]

It doesn't make much difference to me. I use pretty aggressive VZ grips on my carry guns. The most of mine have checkered or chain link FS and MSH. I would think that with callused hands you would want more aggressive, to give more feel. Seems it would help secure the grip better on the slicker callused hands.

[aloreman]

I use vz operator 2 grips on most of my 1911s and i skateboard tape all my front straps. I got midget fingers and i like to get a grip on my guns.