1911 ultra-thin grips??

[omcf]

I have a Colt Defender, and was wondering if any 1911 gurus could help me out. I like the Hogue grips it came with, but I am leaning towards thin profile grips in a checkered pattern. Unfortunately, I cannot find any in soft rubber, the Pierce grips came closest, just not thin enough.

So then I started thinking, why not go ultra thin? Meaning nothing over the frame but PacSkin or skateboard tape (Black Magic) at all? Can such a thing be done? I am not overly concerned with recoil, nor asthetics, but I want as light and slim as possible for concealed carry purposes.

I am trying to work around the cutout in the frame handle, maybe cut a piece of kydex to fill it so the sticky part of the tape would not get pushed into the mag well.

Has anyone ever tried this, or is it just a stupid idea? Your thoughts are welcome.

Cheers

 

[gathert]

I would think you need something to keep unfriendly things out of the inside of the pistol, so some sort of grip would be ideal.

 

[WC145]

I've never tried anything like that but I have a set of Alumagrips thin grips on my Detonics CombatMaster and they narrow the gun substantially, the slide is actually slightly wider than the grip frame now. Plus, they fit perfect and look great, top quality product.

 

[Skylerbone]

You could always make a set with fiberglass cloth and resin then use some rubber cement of some sort to "glue" them semi-permanently. I think Bondo sells a patch kit for this purpose. You'll have a clear set when done or you could add skate tape for better purchase.

You'll need to cut them out with a Dremel or sand them to shape.

Best I can think of right now.

 

[Skylerbone]

OK, how about plexiglass from Home Depot? Much easier and different thicknesses available.

 

[Zerodefect]

Get a sheet of thin Carbon fibre.

Cut it, shape it, drill, countersink, paint use a couple bevel head allen screws to mount.

It's going to feel terrible. You could try a thicker piece of carbon so that your grips have some shape to them.

You could also try that Micarta laminant stuff that some shooters have made themself.

Alumagrip thin grips are the thinnest I would go. VZ makes some thin grips that are a little thicker and grippier.

 

[omcf]

Thanks for the great ideas! please keep them coming!

I cut out some Black Magic in the shape of grips cut out around the screw bushings. It shot surprisingly well.I am constantly amazed at the low percieved recoil- even with paper for grips!

Has anyone else ever done this?

 

[Zerodefect]

Ultrathin 3/23" balsa wood coated in epoxy and laminated together in a vice.

Sand to the shape you want.

Balsa gets super strong when soaked in epoxy but is still fairly easy to work with.

 

[Jeff H]

Get a sheet of thin Carbon fibre.

Cut it, shape it, drill, countersink, paint use a couple bevel head allen screws to mount.

I wouldn't. Carbon fiber after being cut and sanded will leave a nasty jagged finish with more than a few exposed carbon splinters that hurt like heck and are tough to get out of your skin.

If your doing a composite, G-10 would be a better option than CF. It is basically a fiberglass version of CF and its differences won't matter for grips.

 

[Zerodefect]

I wouldn't. Carbon fiber after being cut and sanded will leave a nasty jagged finish with more than a few exposed carbon splinters that hurt like heck and are tough to get out of your skin.

If your doing a composite, G-10 would be a better option than CF. It is basically a fiberglass version of CF and its differences won't matter for grips.

That must be some really bad carbon fibre. I've got a dozen pieces that have thier edges rounded down baby smooth. Then you can seal the sanded edges if you want by brushing on some medium CA glue.

Old carbon would spinter. But todays good stuff is far better. I can get some pics if you want.

 

[Skylerbone]

Are you looking to remove the bushings? It's gonna be uncomfortable as is but leaving them poking out will be even worse. Removed, you could add Velcro and change out panels.

 

[omcf]

Velcro...hmmm.....naw, i think it would not give the right feel. Good thinking outside the box though. And it certainly would give an interesting ability to swap out.

Bushings would definitely have to come out, I noticed that right off the bat.

 

[omcf]

I just found grips for double stack para ordanance here: http://www.pearcegrip.com/Products/Para/PG-P12
...does anyone think they might fit a Colt Defender? I will probably have to cut out the front strap piece, but will the screw holes line up?

 

[Skylerbone]

If you want crazy ugly many computer mod businesses sell colored plexi. I hear lime green and orange make a wicked looking combo. FrozenCPU.com. You could always get some handlebar tape and wrap it.