Thin grips on Gov't 1911 .45?????

[cbmax]

All,

I just ordered my first set of thin grips for my Kimber .45. While doing some online surfing, I came upon a post stating that thin grips can cause problems as they do not properly support the plunger tube. This was the first time I had heard such a statement. I am now hesitant to install them.

To any one with thin grips, please advise your opinions and experience.

Thank you.

CB

 

[AirForceShooter]

I've never heard this.
I have thin grips on my Springer and all is well.

AFS

 

[geronimo509]

it shouldnt harm anything. i have a custom set of thin grips put on my colt and it works just fine. im pretty sure you could shoot your kimber without any type of grip. you would be able to see the bullets and as long as your hand doesnt disrupt them you should be fine. anytime to add or take something away from your gun you should go to the range and test it out before you ever rely on it.
View the pic up close but it has CURSE word so if your sensitive then dont make it bigger and you shouldnt be able to see it.
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=88889&stc=1&d=1228740400

 

[krs]

Some thin grips don't extend a little upward over the plunger tube and people worry, or people lecture.

If the tube is properly installed it don't need no support to stay put.

The little part of a normal grip that extends up and over the tube is there, in theory, to keep the tube on the gun if the tube should come loose from it's staked pins. I doubt it would help very much. If the tube comes loose it'll fly whether it has 'grip protection' or not.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

 

[cbmax]

Thank you.

The thin grips are form VZ Grips and they should arrive this week.

I will report back once received.

CB

 

[2nd 41]

My SA Loaded has "thinnies" on it. The feel is excellent. I'm gonna buy a set for my S&W DK. Definitely a positive difference for my hand.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The grips have nothing to do with retention or support of the plunger tube. Perhaps they might offer a little extra protection against damage should the pistol be dropped, thrown or skidded along the ground, but this function is incidental.

You may need thinner grip screw bushings. Most likely these will already be supplied with the grips.

 

[robctwo]

Just to pile on, I have and love thin grips. You will need thin grip bushings and screws. Regular screws with thin bushings will extend into the magazine well and disrupt things. I like the thin grips on the 9mm 1911 better than the .45 in that the regular grips soak up recoil for me, or dissipate it over a bigger area.

 

[SRT1]

Thin grips in the "just over 1/8" category will not have the thickness to allow side support of the plunger tube, but if properly done, will support it from underneath. I believe this used to be a much bigger deal before they started properly attaching the plunger tubes in most brands a few years ago. Modern name brand .45's shouldn't have a problem at all.
Love to see pics when you get them!
SRT

 

[cbmax]

My thin grips from VZ grips just came in the mail today. They are made of Micarta. They look really nice. I am guessing I should get a bushing tool to properly install the shorter bushings and screws. I'll post photos when complete.

CB

 

[Jolly Rogers]

Yep, the bushing tools are a real asset. (Get both,regular to remove the standard bushings and the thin tool to install the thin grip bushings)It CAN be done with regular screwdrivers or regular bits but it is REAL easy to mung up the slot and then the fun starts.
Joe

 

[PakWaan]

I have some custom thin grips from Esmeralda on my S&W 1911PD and love them. The thin grips help reduce printing when carried concealed.

 

[MT GUNNY]

Could some one Negate the "Plunger" statement This sounds like complete nonsense?

 

[CWL]

Full sized grips help to "protect" the plunger tube from getting whacked during the course of ownership or hard use. They do not by themselves, help to hold the tube in place. Good ones merely wrap around and keep the tube from getting knocked-about.

The plunger tube is a critical item for operating your M1911s. Protecting it should be a concern.

Having said that, I run both regular and slim grips on my M1911s depending on application.