Help me decide which grips for my Colt Defender???

[kayakersteve]

I am still trying to settle on one of four grip options for my Defender:
1 - Stock Hogue rubber grip.
http://www.kayakforfun.com/images/600_guns10-09_55_.JPG
2 - Black slim Alumagrips.
http://www.kayakforfun.com/images/600_A_4_.JPG
3 - RAASCO Dymondwood grips.
http://www.kayakforfun.com/images/600_IMGP0581.JPG
4 - Sarge's Red Mallee Burl slim grips.
http://www.kayakforfun.com/images/600_IMGP0425.JPG

[45Gunner]

My vote is for the wood diamond cut. While the rubber and the Alumigrip may be practical, the wood looks better and more distinctive. The Burl is attractive but I think they show wear faster (scratches) and could be slippery when the palms get sweaty. And....if the adrenaline is pumping, the palms are going to be sweaty.

[ttheel]

that burl wood sure is sweet but I guess a good compromise and more practical option would be the Dymondwood grips

[kayakersteve]

And the Burl is smooth and beautiful. I keep going back to the Burl because it is so nice. I am siding with looks over practicaility so far, but want to see what others think...

[nolaOE800]

I didn't vote because I don't know anything about any of the grips besides Hogue.

but all I will say is that IMHO I think that even on ugly guns, Hogue grips make guns WAY uglier. I think the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen regarding grips has to be a Glock RTF model with rubber Hogue grips on it.

[kayakersteve]

I agree with what others said that Sarge's appear the best, but the lack of checkering may present a retention issue. I just got these ones in and think they meet the bill...Tactical checkering and beautiful cocobolo slim grips. They are very grippy, yet very thin and conceal excellently. I am very satisfied. These are by esmeralda.
http://www.kayakforfun.com/images/600_IMGP0600.JPG

[senior]

I gotta agree with Kayakersteve, I also have those Esmeralda grips on my defender and not only beautiful, but fill the bill for gripping!

[kayakersteve]

Please post a picture of yours.....

[Playboypenguin]

...and get the grips from Sarge43.

I have had grips from every maker you can think of and then some. All the way from mass market ones up to custom panels. None have come close to the precision fit of Sarge's grips.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r89/PlayboyPenguin/Misc/CustomgripsClose.jpg

[dreamweaver]

the 1/2 checkered cocobolo grips are beautiful!! I might have to order a set.;)

mine has black waterbuffalo horn grips

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3528/dscf0322.jpg

[kayakersteve]

Weaver - What wood is that on the bob?

Playboy - I agree Sarge's fit and look the best - For show, he can't be beat. If only he could do some checkering for utility purposes. With the tactical checkering, you can still appreciate the beautiful grain.

[Playboypenguin]

I personally have never seen much practical use for checkering. When gripping a gun the texture on the forward side of the gripframe and rear side of the gripframe are what it important. Almost no useful pressure from your hand is actually being exerted against the flats of the grips. I am not against textured grips, I just do not find them important and sometimes they are abusive to my palm when shooting if the texture is too aggressive. :)

[kayakersteve]

I agree that the half checkering is limiting in usefullness, but I can definately feel some extra security when handling the gun. There is no question that the checkering diminishes the beauty of the wood, however. I consider it the middle of the road for security, especially if shooting with damp or sweaty hands.

[LanceOregon]

Hogue has some nice options that you can get on their grips. You could get one with finger grooves in Cocobolo, for example, like this one:

http://www.getgrip.com/images/fancy/automatics/45%20finger%20grooves.jpg


I have checkered Hogue Cocobolo grips on my SIG P245:

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s272/lanceJOregon/guns/245_new_online.jpg

[kayakersteve]

I definately like the wood version of Hogue's grip better than the rubber, but still don't prefer the finger grooves. Look good, though.

[michael t]

My defender and Agent wear http://www.esmeralda.cc/

She has a fine selection :D

[Officer's Match]

Alumagrips rock for carry.

[DasFriek]

I voted #4

When i bought grips for my 1911 i was under the impression i "MUST" have checkering for traction and keeping a good grip.Well i was wrong big time and now prefer smooth grips.
As i bought mine in Bocote.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v447/deathstar13/BZjf7wB2kKGrHqUH-DEpk1eu122BKmYk3CZ.jpg

On the gun,sorry no closer pics on hand.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v447/deathstar13/EDC001.jpg
I don't like finger grooves for CCW as they make the gun feel thicker.
There is nothing wrong with checkering,im just saying it isn't required unless your in special forces in the mud and water,