Front Strap Checking on 1911s: Yay or Nay

TunnelRat · May 1, 2021, 03:19 PM

As the title suggests, do you like, dislike, or not care either way when it comes to front strap checking on 1911s? I notice that on more expensive 1911s front strap checking is often included. I get that this is another production step and would add to the cost. I'm wondering if it's added just because people expect it at those prices or because people really like it.

For reference, the Wilson I own has 25 lpi checking and I like it. The TRP I've handled with 20 lpi checking was too aggressive for my liking.

-TR

Forte S+W · May 1, 2021, 03:39 PM

It doesn't really make a difference to me. I own a few guns with checkering on the front of the grip, but it neither bothers me nor strikes me as substantially beneficial, so I could take it or leave it.
That said, most of the time checked front straps on grips cost extra on all-metal guns like the 1911, and I personally wouldn't pay extra for it.

RickB · May 1, 2021, 04:23 PM

I like front strap traction, but don't care if it's checkering or tape.
A custom gun should have checkering, but I wouldn't base a purchase decision on presence or absence.

**44 AMP** · May 1, 2021, 04:33 PM

Checkered front grip frame? no, thanks.

Checkered rubber grips that wrap around the front grip frame? YES!!

Checkering the front of the grip frame is permanent, and depending on who does it, can be too sharp and uncomfortable, or even to coarse to be useful. Really a matter of personal preference.

Rubber grips that wrap around the front of the frame work well for me. "locking" the gun into my grip. Plus, they aren't a permanent alteration to the gun, so if you change your mind, easily removed. Also, the same applies to selling the gun. Some folks won't want it if it has had the frame checkered.

dgludwig · May 1, 2021, 05:08 PM

I like having checkering on the front straps of most pistols, especially 1911s. I think 25 lpi is a good compromise between being too rough, causing abrasion, and being too smooth, sacrificing traction. Too, I think a good checkering job adds to the looks of a pistol, at least to my eyes.

TunnelRat · May 1, 2021, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44 AMP

Rubber grips that wrap around the front of the frame work well for me. "locking" the gun into my grip. Plus, they aren't a permanent alteration to the gun, so if you change your mind, easily removed. Also, the same applies to selling the gun. Some folks won't want it if it has had the frame checkered.

I’m primarily thinking about checkering from the perspective of it coming that way from the manufacturer, not a permanent alteration after the fact. You’re right that there will be those that like it or not, but in my experience permanent alterations that are part of the factory configuration hurt resale less than ones done by an owner.

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Sharkbite · May 1, 2021, 07:03 PM

I went with stippling on the front strap of my serious use 1911. Not as abrasive as checkering. Gives plenty of traction without tearing up hands or clothes. On a hard use gun those matter, IMHO

Nathan · May 1, 2021, 09:26 PM

Checkering is a must for me. I just replaced a 1911 for that reason....to get checkering.

Love the new one!

lechiffre · May 1, 2021, 10:06 PM

I would rather have it than not.

mpolk · May 2, 2021, 06:10 AM

Either way. I put skateboard tape there if not checkered.

JustJake · May 2, 2021, 08:07 AM

On a fighting 1911? ... If Sgt. York didn't need it, neither do you.

On a range toy or a barbecue "show-n-tell" piece, it doesn't matter.

TunnelRat · May 2, 2021, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJake

On a fighting 1911? ... If Sgt. York didn't need it, neither do you.

On a range toy or a barbecue "show-n-tell" piece, it doesn't matter.

Lots of things didn’t exist during WWI. That doesn’t mean I don’t like them now or that Sgt York wouldn’t have appreciated having them then.

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Sevens · May 2, 2021, 10:55 AM

I really want front strap checkering on my Coonan Classic. Furthermore, I honestly feel like I really need it also. I've used the 3M tape. It works for shooting, it looks terrible but the real problem I have is that the gritty part separates from the adhesive part, leaving the adhesive behind. It's not at all the solution I desire.

I would love to have someone deft with a file and some experience checker the front strap (and them maybe the MSH too?) for me.

10-96 · May 2, 2021, 12:26 PM

I voted NO, however, as with most of my thinkinology there's a caveat to that. I think if I had a nicer stainless 1911- a little mild checkering, lines, or something up there wouldn't bother me.

TunnelRat · May 2, 2021, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

I really want front strap checkering on my Coonan Classic. Furthermore, I honestly feel like I really need it also. I've used the 3M tape. It works for shooting, it looks terrible but the real problem I have is that the gritty part separates from the adhesive part, leaving the adhesive behind. It's not at all the solution I desire.

I would love to have someone deft with a file and some experience checker the front strap (and them maybe the MSH too?) for me.

Yeah I’ve had issue with the adhesive separating as well.

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Sgt127 · May 2, 2021, 02:22 PM

My buddy is an original IPSC champion. Absolutely hates checkering. He likes the ability to make last nano second adjustments to his grip.

I’ve carried a 1911 for about 20 years as a duty gun. Any serious fighting 1911 needs checkering as far as I’m concerned. When it’s 105 degrees. You are drenched in sweat and grappling around with somebody, and it’s time for a gun, that smooth sexy range gun feels like a bar of wet soap.

My Wilson (I’m seriously dating myself, Master Grade 130) has sharp checkered micarta and 25 LPI checkering and, a checkered flat MS housing.

jr24 · May 3, 2021, 11:57 AM

Absolutely yes if its a shooter, IMO, so much of the grip is made easier with very good purchase on the front and rear straps.

My 1911s that didn't come factory checkered all have skateboard tape on the front strap.

Brownstone322 · May 3, 2021, 01:28 PM

Of my three 1911s (two Colts and a Ruger), only my Colt Lightweight Commander has some form of texture on the front of the grip. (In this case it's serrations, but I will assume that counts.)

I much prefer the serrations to smooth.

Hawg · May 3, 2021, 01:43 PM

I had one checkered once and I liked it but I wouldn't pay to have another one checkered. I had wraparound grips on another one but they made it feel too fat so I cut the front strap off. I'll just leave mine smooth.

dahermit · May 3, 2021, 05:37 PM

Checkering is not needed if one uses grips that wrap around like these. Also note the rubber covered main spring housing. Very comfortable, very secure grip when firing. Does not permanently alter the gun.

dgludwig · May 3, 2021, 06:44 PM

44 AMP referenced this type of grip earlier in the thread but some shooters find that they make the grip frame too "fat". Need to try 'em on first for fit.

ss1/G8RFAN · May 3, 2021, 11:22 PM

Wilson makes an almost foil thin front strap that is held in place by the grips. I put one on my commander and it feels pretty good. The trick is to install it tightly wrapped. One side comes pre-folded to fit in the grip cutout and to wrap it around the front strap and crease the other end so that it grabs the cutout edge. I used a thin double-sided adhesive film on the front strap to hold it in place while doing this. Years later and it hasn’t slipped or moved at all.

Crunchy Frog · May 4, 2021, 10:01 AM

I also ended up installing the Wilson “panel” on my Series 70 Gold Cup. I like checkering and asked a local gunsmith about converting the stock vertically grooved front strap to checkering but he didn’t want to take a chance that too much metal would be removed.

I use my 1911 in Wild Bunch Action Shooting; the rules applicable to the “Modern” category allow checkering or other texturing of the frame but prohibit wrap around grips or skateboard tape. Happily the Wilson checkered panel is legal.

Sevens · May 4, 2021, 01:43 PM

I looked at that Wilson accessory years ago but never tried it and until now, never heard a review. I think I’m gonna grab one of these and give it a shot.

Side note... I understand that gun game rules are often odd, frustrating and sometimes hard to figure but it seems nonsensical that tape is not allowed, a wrap around purpose-made grip is not allowed but some oddball one-off product (that nobody else has EVER made and marketed, in my recollection) is somehow within the boundaries of the seemingly strict rules?!

Wut?

**44 AMP** · May 4, 2021, 03:01 PM

Like the checkering or not, its your personal choice. I would, however, caution against any kind of sharp or "aggressive" checkering on the front strap of anything that recoils significantly more than a 9/10/.45acp 1911.

Grooves, ok, checkering, no thanks.

View Poll Results: Do you like front strap checking on 1911s?
Yes	42	63.64%
No	14	21.21%
Don't care either way	10	15.15%
Voters: 66. You may not vote on this poll

May 1, 2021, 03:19 PM	#1
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,212	Front Strap Checking on 1911s: Yay or Nay As the title suggests, do you like, dislike, or not care either way when it comes to front strap checking on 1911s? I notice that on more expensive 1911s front strap checking is often included. I get that this is another production step and would add to the cost. I'm wondering if it's added just because people expect it at those prices or because people really like it. For reference, the Wilson I own has 25 lpi checking and I like it. The TRP I've handled with 20 lpi checking was too aggressive for my liking. -TR Last edited by TunnelRat; May 1, 2021 at 05:28 PM.

May 1, 2021, 03:39 PM	#2
Forte S+W Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2019 Posts: 819	It doesn't really make a difference to me. I own a few guns with checkering on the front of the grip, but it neither bothers me nor strikes me as substantially beneficial, so I could take it or leave it. That said, most of the time checked front straps on grips cost extra on all-metal guns like the 1911, and I personally wouldn't pay extra for it. __________________ Conspiracy theorists are the greatest political spin-doctors of all time. Only they can make the absolute worst political blunders sound like spectacular feats of ingenuity.

May 1, 2021, 04:23 PM	#3
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	I like front strap traction, but don't care if it's checkering or tape. A custom gun should have checkering, but I wouldn't base a purchase decision on presence or absence. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

May 1, 2021, 04:33 PM	#4
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,835	Checkered front grip frame? no, thanks. Checkered rubber grips that wrap around the front grip frame? YES!! Checkering the front of the grip frame is permanent, and depending on who does it, can be too sharp and uncomfortable, or even to coarse to be useful. Really a matter of personal preference. Rubber grips that wrap around the front of the frame work well for me. "locking" the gun into my grip. Plus, they aren't a permanent alteration to the gun, so if you change your mind, easily removed. Also, the same applies to selling the gun. Some folks won't want it if it has had the frame checkered. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

May 1, 2021, 05:08 PM	#5
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	I like having checkering on the front straps of most pistols, especially 1911s. I think 25 lpi is a good compromise between being too rough, causing abrasion, and being too smooth, sacrificing traction. Too, I think a good checkering job adds to the looks of a pistol, at least to my eyes. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

May 1, 2021, 07:03 PM	#7
Sharkbite Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2013 Location: Western slope of Colorado Posts: 3,679	I went with stippling on the front strap of my serious use 1911. Not as abrasive as checkering. Gives plenty of traction without tearing up hands or clothes. On a hard use gun those matter, IMHO

May 1, 2021, 09:26 PM	#8
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	Checkering is a must for me. I just replaced a 1911 for that reason....to get checkering. Love the new one!

May 1, 2021, 10:06 PM	#9
lechiffre Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2008 Location: phoenix,az Posts: 513	I would rather have it than not. __________________ if God hadn't meant us to shoot he wouldn't have given us trigger fingers do the interns get glocks ?

May 2, 2021, 06:10 AM	#10
mpolk Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2009 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 111	Either way. I put skateboard tape there if not checkered.

May 2, 2021, 08:07 AM	#11
JustJake Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2020 Posts: 497	On a fighting 1911? ... If Sgt. York didn't need it, neither do you. On a range toy or a barbecue "show-n-tell" piece, it doesn't matter. __________________ I use the Jake Brake every chance I get. Don't care if it annoys you. Hear me now?!

May 2, 2021, 10:55 AM	#13
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I really want front strap checkering on my Coonan Classic. Furthermore, I honestly feel like I really need it also. I've used the 3M tape. It works for shooting, it looks terrible but the real problem I have is that the gritty part separates from the adhesive part, leaving the adhesive behind. It's not at all the solution I desire. I would love to have someone deft with a file and some experience checker the front strap (and them maybe the MSH too?) for me. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

May 2, 2021, 12:26 PM	#14
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	I voted NO, however, as with most of my thinkinology there's a caveat to that. I think if I had a nicer stainless 1911- a little mild checkering, lines, or something up there wouldn't bother me. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

May 2, 2021, 02:22 PM	#16
Sgt127 Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2002 Posts: 1,053	My buddy is an original IPSC champion. Absolutely hates checkering. He likes the ability to make last nano second adjustments to his grip. I’ve carried a 1911 for about 20 years as a duty gun. Any serious fighting 1911 needs checkering as far as I’m concerned. When it’s 105 degrees. You are drenched in sweat and grappling around with somebody, and it’s time for a gun, that smooth sexy range gun feels like a bar of wet soap. My Wilson (I’m seriously dating myself, Master Grade 130) has sharp checkered micarta and 25 LPI checkering and, a checkered flat MS housing.

May 3, 2021, 11:57 AM	#17
jr24 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2011 Posts: 870	Absolutely yes if its a shooter, IMO, so much of the grip is made easier with very good purchase on the front and rear straps. My 1911s that didn't come factory checkered all have skateboard tape on the front strap.

May 3, 2021, 01:28 PM	#18
Brownstone322 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2017 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 277	Of my three 1911s (two Colts and a Ruger), only my Colt Lightweight Commander has some form of texture on the front of the grip. (In this case it's serrations, but I will assume that counts.) I much prefer the serrations to smooth. __________________ "To me it doesn't matter if your hopes are dreams are shattered." -- Noel Gallagher

May 3, 2021, 01:43 PM	#19
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,189	I had one checkered once and I liked it but I wouldn't pay to have another one checkered. I had wraparound grips on another one but they made it feel too fat so I cut the front strap off. I'll just leave mine smooth.

May 3, 2021, 05:37 PM	#20
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	Checkering is not needed if one uses grips that wrap around like these. Also note the rubber covered main spring housing. Very comfortable, very secure grip when firing. Does not permanently alter the gun.

May 3, 2021, 06:44 PM	#21
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	44 AMP referenced this type of grip earlier in the thread but some shooters find that they make the grip frame too "fat". Need to try 'em on first for fit. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

May 3, 2021, 11:22 PM	#22
ss1/G8RFAN Member Join Date: March 19, 2021 Location: South FL Posts: 26	Wilson makes an almost foil thin front strap that is held in place by the grips. I put one on my commander and it feels pretty good. The trick is to install it tightly wrapped. One side comes pre-folded to fit in the grip cutout and to wrap it around the front strap and crease the other end so that it grabs the cutout edge. I used a thin double-sided adhesive film on the front strap to hold it in place while doing this. Years later and it hasn’t slipped or moved at all. Last edited by ss1/G8RFAN; May 3, 2021 at 11:39 PM.

May 4, 2021, 10:01 AM	#23
Crunchy Frog Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2008 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 591	I also ended up installing the Wilson “panel” on my Series 70 Gold Cup. I like checkering and asked a local gunsmith about converting the stock vertically grooved front strap to checkering but he didn’t want to take a chance that too much metal would be removed. I use my 1911 in Wild Bunch Action Shooting; the rules applicable to the “Modern” category allow checkering or other texturing of the frame but prohibit wrap around grips or skateboard tape. Happily the Wilson checkered panel is legal.

May 4, 2021, 01:43 PM	#24
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I looked at that Wilson accessory years ago but never tried it and until now, never heard a review. I think I’m gonna grab one of these and give it a shot. Side note... I understand that gun game rules are often odd, frustrating and sometimes hard to figure but it seems nonsensical that tape is not allowed, a wrap around purpose-made grip is not allowed but some oddball one-off product (that nobody else has EVER made and marketed, in my recollection) is somehow within the boundaries of the seemingly strict rules?! Wut? __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

May 4, 2021, 03:01 PM	#25
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,835	Like the checkering or not, its your personal choice. I would, however, caution against any kind of sharp or "aggressive" checkering on the front strap of anything that recoils significantly more than a 9/10/.45acp 1911. Grooves, ok, checkering, no thanks. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.