I bought my first 1911 a few weeks ago. I have to reset my grip after each shot with my 1911 to maintain any kind of decent accuracy. I have watched many videos, and my grip is as recommended on the majority of the videos. Hand strength is not an issue, as I performed manual labor/hand tool work for decades. The felt recoil is not much different than my other lighter guns in smaller calibers. The factory rubber grips seem slick. I can't imagine that checkered wood would be much different. There seems to be many aftermarket options. What have all of our in house 1911 people used? I don't want a collection of 1911 grips to go with my collection of holsters that I bought for my other guns.
1911 grips
- Thread starter jlr1962
- Start date
- Status
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,309
jlr1962
I have small hands so when I use the Pachmayr Signature grips I always cut the connecting middle piece away so I have two grip panels. Helps cut down on the grip feeling too bulky. Other than that I have Colt factory checkered walnut grips, factory double diamond grips, and Ahrends skip checkered grips. All of them are quite comfortable to use and I never have a problem with having to change my grip while shooting. You might also want to check out companies like Altamont and VZ Grips who offer grips made of different materials like Micarta and G10.
I have small hands so when I use the Pachmayr Signature grips I always cut the connecting middle piece away so I have two grip panels. Helps cut down on the grip feeling too bulky. Other than that I have Colt factory checkered walnut grips, factory double diamond grips, and Ahrends skip checkered grips. All of them are quite comfortable to use and I never have a problem with having to change my grip while shooting. You might also want to check out companies like Altamont and VZ Grips who offer grips made of different materials like Micarta and G10.
JTQ
Member
I have simple double diamond wood grips from Hogue in ebony. https://www.hogueinc.com/store/products/govt-model-ebony-checkered/935
G10 is a pretty popular option with a lot of 1911 users, but it can be expensive. VZ has some very grippy options. And a Labor Day sale. https://vzgrips.com
Some less expensive options that may be an improvement over what you're using now…
Ergo Grips (available at a lot of retailers, Brownell's, etc.) http://ergogrips.net/products/handgun-grips.html
VCD Grips http://www.vcdgrips.com
G10 is a pretty popular option with a lot of 1911 users, but it can be expensive. VZ has some very grippy options. And a Labor Day sale. https://vzgrips.com
Some less expensive options that may be an improvement over what you're using now…
Ergo Grips (available at a lot of retailers, Brownell's, etc.) http://ergogrips.net/products/handgun-grips.html
VCD Grips http://www.vcdgrips.com
Are you riding the thumb safety? Here's Doug Koenig with NSSF, if you haven't seen this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDzC6djUQxM
moxie
Member
Try the new Magpul grips. I haven't personally tried them but they get good reports and they are cheap! Magpul stuff is usually top notch.
http://www.amazon.com/Magpul-Indust...=1441563623&sr=1-1&keywords=magpul+1911+grips
http://www.amazon.com/Magpul-Indust...=1441563623&sr=1-1&keywords=magpul+1911+grips
BigJakeJ1s
Member
I have large hands, and I like Hogue textured rubber grips with palm swells, but they aren't the prettiest grips around. I haven't tried their hardwood grips with palm swells, available either checkered or smooth, but they are better looking than the textured rubber ones.
Andy
Andy
If you have to reset your grip, your current grip panels may be too thick for you. Thicker grips may actually allow the pistol to twist in your hand. It may not necessarily be slickness of your grips.
I prefer thin grips on all my 1911's.
But try it find someone with a set mounted and give them a try.
I prefer thin grips on all my 1911's.
But try it find someone with a set mounted and give them a try.
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,309
jlr1962
If you do go with thinner grips maybe take a look at Esmeralda Grips as she makes a Slender Series line of grips for the 1911. You will also need slightly lower grips screws and bushings to install the thinner grips on your gun.
If you do go with thinner grips maybe take a look at Esmeralda Grips as she makes a Slender Series line of grips for the 1911. You will also need slightly lower grips screws and bushings to install the thinner grips on your gun.
Last edited:
Thanks for the input everybody. I noticed that nobody mentioned an aftermarket grip with finger grooves. All of my other pistols have finger grooves. Hogue has a replacement grip with the finger grooves. I might try that before spending money on machine work.
Could be cleaning solution residue. I use mpro7, that stuff is like ArmorAll on my Glock. It takes as long to clean off the cleaner as it does to clean the Glock. I try to be careful, and not get any on the grips of my 1911.
Thanks again.
Could be cleaning solution residue. I use mpro7, that stuff is like ArmorAll on my Glock. It takes as long to clean off the cleaner as it does to clean the Glock. I try to be careful, and not get any on the grips of my 1911.
Thanks again.
Nice guns. The grips on the top one look interesting. I mentioned getting grips with finger grooves. I would like to avoid that if possible. We will see.jlr1962
I have small hands so when I use the Pachmayr Signature grips I always cut the connecting middle piece away so I have two grip panels. Helps cut down on the grip feeling too bulky. Other than that I have Colt factory checkered walnut grips, factory double diamond grips, and Ahrends skip checkered grips. All of them are quite comfortable to use and I never have a problem with having to change my grip while shooting. You might also want to check out companies like Altamont and VZ Grips who offer grips made of different materials like Micarta and G10.
JTQ
Member
In my opinion, nothing ruins the sleek feel of a 1911 faster than a set of finger groove grips. I know there are a lot of guys using them, but I suspect they're like you and really are Glock guys and that's what they're used to.
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,309
jlr1962
One of the problems with finger grooves on grips (or molded in to grip frames like on a newer Glock), is that it may not be a good fit with someone with a different size hand than what the groove dimensions are designed for. For instance if you have an overly large or small hand those one-size-fits-all finger grooves may not be spaced far enough apart for you to get a proper grip on the gun.
The grips I have on my Colt Combat Commander are a pair of Pachmayr Signature grips that I cut the connecting center portion out of to make the grips less bulky in my small sized hand.
One of the problems with finger grooves on grips (or molded in to grip frames like on a newer Glock), is that it may not be a good fit with someone with a different size hand than what the groove dimensions are designed for. For instance if you have an overly large or small hand those one-size-fits-all finger grooves may not be spaced far enough apart for you to get a proper grip on the gun.
The grips I have on my Colt Combat Commander are a pair of Pachmayr Signature grips that I cut the connecting center portion out of to make the grips less bulky in my small sized hand.
Furncliff
Member
I like the finger groove rubber/wood grips that Pachmyer sells. My hands are large but I'm 71 and I notice my hand strength diminishing. I have these grips on all three of my 1911's . All of my pistols are range oriented so I don't worry about holsters, or fashion statements..
What's a "glock"?
I've used all kinds of different grips on my 1911s over the years made from different materials, with different surface textures. VZs grips are all seem to work well. I've also had very good luck with Duragrips "Gritty Grips".
However, for me, the biggest difference is made by checkering or texture on the front strap and MSH. If I have something I can hang on to front and rear, the grip material or texture really doesn't matter. I prefer checkering but grip tape works well, too, and is easily applied (and removed) and is much more economical.
Slim VZs and grip tape (front and rear) on my Springfield Ultra Compact-
Black Gritty Grips and grip tape on my MC Operator (my house gun)-
However, for me, the biggest difference is made by checkering or texture on the front strap and MSH. If I have something I can hang on to front and rear, the grip material or texture really doesn't matter. I prefer checkering but grip tape works well, too, and is easily applied (and removed) and is much more economical.
Slim VZs and grip tape (front and rear) on my Springfield Ultra Compact-
Black Gritty Grips and grip tape on my MC Operator (my house gun)-
moxie
Member
Whatever works for you is best.
I like the grooves on Hogue Monogrips for revolvers, but can't stand grooves on automatics.
I like the grooves on Hogue Monogrips for revolvers, but can't stand grooves on automatics.
Well, I went and bought some Hogue grips with the finger grooves. $20.00 at Cabela's. Cabela's was as busy as I have ever seen it.
Four screws off and on, good to go. I really like the feel. Hopefully I will get to shoot tomorrow or Thursday. They will come off as easy as they went on if I don't like them.
Thanks again for the input.
Four screws off and on, good to go. I really like the feel. Hopefully I will get to shoot tomorrow or Thursday. They will come off as easy as they went on if I don't like them.
Thanks again for the input.
MICHAEL T
Member
Grip tape front and rear That's really where your gripping Not the side so much I have smooth grips on most my 1911 and grip tape
PJSprog
Member
No Glocks for me, but I do like the Pachmayrs on my RIA.
It's probably not a good grip option for a CCW, but I like it for a range gun.
It's probably not a good grip option for a CCW, but I like it for a range gun.
Zaydok Allen
Member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2011
- Messages
- 13,274
I like Adam Brown's work. The finish is slightly tacky so it doesn't slip in your hand. Of course, the front strap checkering probably helps a lot too.
I put Colt Medallion grips on my Colt Commander and the front strap is checkered along with the front of the trigger guard, I purchased a Wilson main spring housing that is checkered the same and now that baby doesn't move. Similar to my Springfield XDs grip, pretty aggressive!
I did have Hogue wrap around grips and liked them very much, but like a previous post, it doesn't look good on a 1911, the Pachmayrs are the exception though, they look great!
I did have Hogue wrap around grips and liked them very much, but like a previous post, it doesn't look good on a 1911, the Pachmayrs are the exception though, they look great!
Before putting money into grips, I have a similar problem with my Taurus pt1911, having to reset my grip. I don't have that problem with my Kimber eclipse pro ii 1911 because of the stainless bull barrel. I would highly recommend a heavier barrel and you will stay on target forever with very little muzzle rise
JTQ
Member
If money is an issue, what is more expensive, a new barrel/gun, or a set of grips?
- Status
