Undercut 1911 trigger guard - worth it?

[Rittmeister]

I have an RIA compact 9mm 1911. It's a CCO-pattern (Commander-length slide on Officer frame). The frame is aluminum. It shoots great but I've started to wish I could get more of my biggish hand on the grip. After seeing pics of the newer Colt 1911s and the SDS guns that aren't the GI-style, I talked to a gunsmith about having him undercut the trigger guard. He said $125 to make the cut and blend and then refinish the frame (cerakote). However when I got to the shop he tried pretty hard to talk me out of it by saying that he didn't think I'd really feel a difference when shooting. I had him go ahead with some work on another pistol but brought the RIA home to sleep on it.

So - for those that've had both regular and undercut 1911s, can you advise me? I've had multiple full-size 1911s, none undercut, and never felt the need as with the regular grip length I'm good to go. It's only on this compact that I've wished for it. FWIW I'm not asking for a price check, I've never had anyone do any cutting on any gun of mine in the past (other than sight dovetails) and this price seems reasonable to me.

Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

 

[herrwalther]

125 is what most gun smiths would charge just for a Cerakote job. So the price is pretty reasonable for the work.

It won't be the same but look for another 1911 with an undercut trigger somewhere in a gun shop. Handle that one and see if you like the difference. That will give you an idea if you want to go through with the work on your RIA.

 

[fxvr5]

how about posting a picture, or link, to a side view of this gun to see exactly what the current profile is? Thanks.

 

[nettlle]

I think this is what he is talking about. Got this pic off the interweb. I have a Colt with an undercut trigger guard but it's not near as pronounced as the pic. Pics of my gun don't show it. The undercut guard on my gun is more comfortable for long shooting sessions and I do like it. It wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

 

[tarosean]

So - for those that've had both regular and undercut 1911s, can you advise me?

I prefer undercut, even on government models. 125 isn’t even a decent dinner out nowadays

 

[cfullgraf]

I think the side cuts in the frame at the trigger guard were part of the 1911A1 improvement but I could be wrong. I like the frame cuts as some other of the A1 Improvements.

I like the arched main spring housing versus the straight mainspring housing. A personnel, a preference.

The 1911 can be configured to the shooter's desirers with some limitations.

Yes I'm a 1911 junkie.

 

[earlthegoat2]

So that gives an 1/8 - 3/16 inch extra space for the same amount finger contact area.

I think you really need to try one out first. It make very little to zero difference or be very beneficial based purely on your own individual morphology.

 

[nofendertom]

Don't own a 1911 with the undercut but shot a few. I didn't notice any benefit with the undercut. When I had an Officer's model Colt, I put a short extension on the
mag (just enough to get my little finger on).

 

[doubleh]

The price is surprising reasonable. Not many powder coaters around here but they think they are something special I guess as prices reflect it. The cut is easy to do and not much work at all if you have some metal working experience. Having medium sized hands I have never seen the need and it will give only a slight amount of more space for your large digits. I always though of it as more a gimmick than something that would make a difference.

 

[Rittmeister]

Thanks for all input. I think I need to find a gun with the cut to put my hands on...

 

[tark]

Thanks for all input. I think I need to find a gun with the cut to put my hands on...

Or perhaps the problem would go away if you went to a larger frame, like a Commander size...

When I worked for Les, we could, literally, produce an undercut frame in a few minutes. A quick pass with an end mill in a milling machine, followed by a few minutes work with a sanding drum and a Dremel.

 

[Reinz]

Or perhaps …

When I worked for Les, we could, literally, produce an undercut frame in a few minutes. A quick pass with an end mill in a milling machine, followed by a few minutes work with a sanding drum and a Dremel.

Hey Tark, you said that Les’ shop didn’t use Dremels !

I’m just hacking on ya

 

[tark]

Hey Tark, you said that Les’ shop didn’t use Dremels !

I’m just hacking on ya

Never said that. We used them extensively for a number of purposes. Lol. Just hacking on ya!

 

[Rittmeister]

Or perhaps the problem would go away if you went to a larger frame, like a Commander size...

As mentioned, I don't feel the need for an undercut on full-size 1911s, which would include the Commander-size pistols. I really think the CCO is cool for what it is so I was considering the modification to make the shorter grip work for me. I'm still thinking. Hoping to get to my LGS soon and see if they have an undercut gun in the case for me to check out.

 

[Lo-Profile]

I have that same gun. Love it.
I don't think undercutting will give you the feel you want.
You could always shoot full size magazines with X-Grip adapters to fill the gap.

 

[trackskippy]

I have a Colt Combat Commander "Enhanced" model that has a factory undercut. It does make the grip a bit more comfortable compared to my other Commanders and GM's that don't have it.

It looks nothing like the undercut in Frogfurr's the pic above, which actually looks pretty scary to me. Looks like they went a bit overboard and took WAY too much meat off. Colt did a much nicer job, and in a slightly different place.

 

[Rittmeister]

I have a Colt Combat Commander "Enhanced" model that has a factory undercut. It does make the grip a bit more comfortable compared to my other Commanders and GM's that don't have it.

It looks nothing like the undercut in Frogfurr's the pic above, which actually looks pretty scary to me. Looks like they went a bit overboard and took WAY too much meat off. Colt did a much nicer job, and in a slightly different place.

Yes, I saw several pics in my searching that are pretty obviously an undercut taken too far, as is the pic you mention. I don't want anything like that. I was planning to use the current Colt and SDS/Tisas offerings as a guide.

Colt: https://www.colt.com/detail-page/co...1-5-match-barrel-stainless-g10-grips-o1070ccs

Tisas: https://tisasusa.com/tisas-1911-carry-b9/

 

[WC145]

I prefer an undercut front strap/trigger guard but an add on magwell might be an easier solution to your dilemma, it adds enough length to the grip that it is similar to a standard Gov't/Commander grip frame in the hand. Of course, it negates the concealment advantage the shorter officer length grip frame gives you. There are several different brands out there and they're easy to install. https://www.google.com/search?q=off...ICCBAAGBYYHhgKwgIIEAAYCBgeGA0&sclient=gws-wiz