Springfield 1911-A1 Brown Nylon Grips

[Garandimal]

Springfield 1911-A1 Brown Nylon Grips:

So this new Springfield parkerized 1911-A1 "Mil-spec" came with absolutely beautiful cocobolo grips.

Decided that as nice as they are, it would be tragic if/when they got mauled in service.

Figured a set of $10 Trigger Happy Brand US Government Issue brown nylon grips would be just the thing.

(Note: internet image to show grips)
​

Was not very happy with the AO look (no offense).

So, dismounted the grips and:
- Wiped them down with Mineral spirits on a paper towel.
- Let dry.
- One coated with Rustoleum Flat Black BBQ spray paint.
- Immediately wiped down repeatedly with more Mineral spirits on a paper towel until the paper towel came up clean.
- Let dry.
- buffed with an old tee shirt to remove the last bit of excess paint.
- Let cure.

(Actual Grips)
​

Pretty happy now.




GR

 

[troy fairweather]

Springfield 1911-A1 Brown Nylon Grips:

So this new Springfield parkerized 1911-A1 "Mil-spec" came with absolutely beautiful cocobolo grips.

Decided that as nice as they are, it would be tragic if/when they got mauled in service.

Figured a set of $10 Trigger Happy Brand US Government Issue brown nylon grips would be just the thing.

(Note: internet image to show grips)
View attachment 798754​

Was not very happy with the AO look (no offense).

So, dismounted the grips and:
- Wiped them down with Mineral spirits on a paper towel.
- Let dry.
- One coated with Rustoleum Flat Black BBQ spray paint.
- Immediately wiped down repeatedly with more Mineral spirits on a paper towel until the paper towel came up clean.
- Let dry.
- buffed with an old tee shirt to remove the last bit of excess paint.
- Let cure.

(Actual Grips)
View attachment 798755​

Pretty happy now.




GR

looks good. best 1911 make for the money in my eyes

 

[tranders]

I really like the looks of a GI 1911. Unfortunately,the GI grip safety eats the web of my hand up.

The grips turned out good.

 

[bannockburn]

Garandimal

Your grips look great! Nice job of getting them that way.

These are the original grips that came with my SA M1911A1 many years ago. Thought about changing them out but felt they had that essential "G.I." look about them that I left them on.

 

[gotboostvr]

I keep telling myself I want an A1.

Then I stop and go, shooting even a nice A1 would feel like a step back compared to the 1911's I currently have.

But still, it's an A1. Everyone should have an A1.

I think I might build an retro inspired one. Minimal roll marks, smallest bump pad beaver tail I can find/make, commander hammer. Rear, vertical serrations only. Slightly enlarged, left side only thumb safety. Staked front sight (serrated black), rear safety, serrated black with a wide notch. Normal slide stop and mag release. Long aluminum trigger, painted to match the frame. Undercut trigger guard and flattop and minimally serrate the slide. Whole thing coated to best match that old greenish grey parkerized look. And of course a GI guide rod and plug.

At first glance, "Oh it's an ol' 45, no wait a second..."

I've got more ideas for builds than money or time Haha.

 

[mdrisc85]

That's a pretty cool little trick, I have the same model Springfield GI, birthday present from my dad when i turned 18 years ago. Spent the next years moving towards Commander sized models and then .38 Supers, but I've really been hankering lately to dig out that old A1 and get reacquainted. I think i might pick up the same nylons and try it out. Thanks for the tip!

 

[bannockburn]

gotboostvr

As much as I like the "original" look of my SA M1911A1 I still have difficulty getting even a decent sight picture with those tiny sights. So when I went looking for a new, basic, no-frills 1911 to keep the M1911A1 company (mostly for the range), I came across the Colt Government. It has that "everything you want, nothing that you don't need" look about it. It has high visibility sights (but nothing fancy, like a set of Novak sights), a flat mainspring housing , a long solid trigger, a very business-like blued finish, and those great looking Double Diamond checkered wood grips. I like to think of it as my product improved version of the M1911 and the M1911A1, without appearing with all the other bells and whistles, as some other "fancier" versions of the 1911 have, like my Colt Lightweight Government.

 

[Garandimal]

As a note:

This is the Springfield "Mil-spec," the next step up from the G.I..
- Stainless Match-grade Bbl and bushing.
- Lowered/flared ejection port.
- High profile three-dot sights.

​

GR

 

[Fiv3r]

I bought the same grips on a whim (for a gun I don't even have since I traded off my 1911s). My thought is that I might pick up an RIA A1 and slap the more weather resistant grips on it and use it as a woods pistol. I do agree, they are a bit fake looking, but I don't mind.

That said, your fix looks like a fine work around and dresses the gun up nicely.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Nice work!
I really like the WW1 features on my '67 Colt commemorative (could do without the engraving, ugh) but man, these grips have to go.
I'm looking for some nice WW1 correct walnut diamonds, any suggestions on a brand?

 

[bannockburn]

NIGHTLORD40K

I have a set of skip checkered 1911 grips from Kim Ahrends that are first rate and I believe he makes them in a double diamond pattern as well. Might want to contact them to see what they could do for you with your Colt WWI Commemorative.

 

[bannockburn]

NIGHTLORD40K

Also check out Herrett's Stocks and their HB-1 Double Diamond 1911 stocks.