Slimmest profile and grip 1911 in 45acp?

[el Godfather]

Dear THR:
Which 1911 in .45 has the slimmest profile and grip out there? Please know that I am asking about full size pistols only.

If you have specific data or pictures please share.

Thank you

 

[Swami]

I am not nearly as informed as many of the members here; but, if I am not mistaken, any 1911 with slim grips on it is going to be within a few microns of each other. Slim grips vs. Regular (thicker) grips would be the only discernable difference. Please correct me if I'm wrong?

 

[DeepSouth]

Nighthawks Ladyhawk probably would win, can't say for sure it's a full size, don't remember. It would also be rather "pricey."

 

[JTQ]

It is possible I'm not understanding your question, but I agree with Swami

Swami wrote,
any 1911 with slim grips on it is going to be within a few microns of each other. Slim grips vs. Regular (thicker) grips would be the only discernable difference. Please correct me if I'm wrong?

 

[Jim PHL]

The frames of the guns from one manufacturer to the next should all be the same other than extremely small variations in their manufacturing processes. (The "specs" are all the same. With grip panels removed you should not be able to tell the difference without a micrometer.) A couple of notable differences are the Nighthawk "Ladyhawk" as mentioned and the Springfield "EMP" which was designed and built around the 9mm/40S&W cartridges rather than .45ACP.

You can slim the grip on your gun by using "slim grip" panels which requires changing the grip screw bushings. (A quick and easy modification.) I was recently choosing between a new "standard" Colt 1991 and a "TALO CCG" model. The CCG comes with the slim bushings and slim grips and the difference is significant in feel.

 

[tarosean]

Dear THR:
Which 1911 in .45 has the slimmest profile and grip out there? Please know that I am asking about full size pistols only.

They are all the same size.. ( supposed to be anyhow)
Approximate values are.
.9 for the slide
.75 frame
Grip panels range from .15 - .3 depending on your choice.

 

[bigfatdave]

The frame is standardized - and officer-length frames are the same width anyway

Slim grips will do what you want, I like slim alumagrips myself and have them on a bunch of guns. Changing bushings is fairly simple, I don't have the special tool and I never have problems, I just use a really wide screwdriver and a steady hand. (I really should get the special tool, but I keep forgetting to order one when I'm making an order)

 

[bigfatdave]

Also, a 1911 in a chambering other than .45acp will be the same width anyway - most 1911-based guns in 9mm, 10mm, fo-tay, .38sup, .22tcm, .22lr, or whatever just have a spacer built into the magazine in one way or another, the external magazine dimensions and grip size are the same.

 

[rgwalt]

I like the slim grips by Raascogrips. They make a nice product in my opinion. I wish someone would make thin colt medallion grips.

 

[jfrey]

If you are talking bare frame size, they are NOT all the same. My Springfield and Les Baer are bigger than my Brileys. I haven't actually measured them but you can definately feel the difference, even with grips installed. I did measure the slide widths once and there is a difference there too. All guns are .45 and govt models.

 

[bigfatdave]

"I can feel it" is not a quantitative difference.

Can you provide measurements?

 

[bluetopper]

What makes you think they are not all the same width?

Where have you heard different?

 

[smalls]

I think I remember a thread from a while ago asking the same question. A few members measured their frames and they found very slight differences in width, but I can't recall the manufacturers involved.

 

[jerryd]

slim 45 would have to be SA XDs nice little 45 and has the grip safety.

 

[smalls]

slim 45 would have to be SA XDs nice little 45 and has the grip safety.

He's specifically asking about 1911's.

 

[Jim Watson]

There are several models of Nighthawk with "slim" and "thin" grips. It is a matter of about .1" which feels like a lot in the hand.


Once upon a time the Gunsmithy at Gunsite would do a slim grip conversion on a 1911.

My Colts have perceptably thinner and more radiused frontstraps than Springfield and Caspian. It isn't much on a yardstick but it gives a different feel in the hand.

 

[Bovice]

The slimmest 1911 is going to be the one with no grips. No measurements needed to prove that!

But, going too slim can be problematic if you don't have infant hands. You may have too much finger coming around.

 

[WVsig]

Thin profile grips are what will make the difference. The frames should all be the same spec etc for SA who is know to not adhere to JMBs grip spec.