Who else thinks interchangeable back-straps are stupid?

[Sam1911]

I could type out pages and pages refuting every single thing you just said. But I won't. I'll just give ya the cliffs notes version

Right, I'm sure. But that's not the discussion, is it?

And, I'd ask you to grant that these two points really are inarguable:

A lot of that is entirely personal preference, or viewed from a standpoint that favors only one quality of the material.

And,

So if we were to do this study we'd have to carefully define what's a failure and what's a success. ... When 10 years after the introduction of a new technology, at least 20-30% of shooters own/use at least one gun that incorporates that aspect, it must reasonably be considered a success.

Which sort of brings me back around to this:

Because shooters tend to be a conservative (... let's be honest, a reactionary) lot.

 

[clutch]

The interchangeable backstrap is a cheap solution for the real problem. The trigger is in the wrong place for many of us. For me it is my M&P 40 Compact. Way too short a trigger. I'd rather have a trigger front strap.

Clutch

 

[leadcounsel]

My question is are they durable over the long term and do they feel like they are part of the gun and high quality rather than flimsy?

 

[Sam1911]

My question is are they durable over the long term and do they feel like they are part of the gun and high quality rather than flimsy?

The only example I have is the xDM, and in that case the backstraps are made of the same material as the gun's frame and so are as durable as it is. When attached, the backstraps are almost seamless and rock-solid. Considering the stresses that they are(n't) under, I can't imagine them failing before the frame itself is unservicable.

 

[Kiln]

I like the option of adjustable grips but I've never had to change the ones on my XDM or my P22 because I tend to adapt to whatever gun I'm holding rather than trying to make it adapt to me.

 

[Magnuumpwr]

Anyone that does not want any extra backstraps that come with any guns they buy, can PM me and I will take them off your hands for free or a little money. Heck if I don't own a gun to fit them it will be a good excuse to buy one.

 

[raz-0]

I have medium sized hands, and I have absolutely NO trouble shooting a ...

Well imagine that? A guy with average sized hands doesn't see the need for making the grip of guns, generally built to be tolerable to average sized men?

I'm totally astounded at this turn of events.

Talk to people with small hands, large hands, and workplaces that have to issue them firearms they can use well.

As for being a new thing, the 1911 can have flat, wedge, and arched backstraps. I know it's one of those newfangled designs that isn't yet proven, and I'm sure having your gun fit you well will just be a passing fad.

 

[Viper]

I have fairly small hands and the small backstrap works well on my M&P 45. I just got an HK 45C two weeks ago and the different backstrap doesn't do much there.

 

[SIGLBER]

Not to mention the 1911 can be had with small, medium or large grips or triggers. Makes for a pretty adjustable gun. I have a S&W Gunsite that came with some Herrat wide oval grips. Pretty but didn't work for me. I put some Gunsite slim grips on it and they were about perfect. Added a medium sized solid trigger and it was about as close as a 1911 gets to perfect for me. Choice is a good thing.

 

[ErikO]

I like the back straps. Then again my hands are wider and my fingers shorter than average. For example, I almost have to use two hands to eject almost any clip on even the smaller frame autos I've tried out. I have had fewer issues with 1911's but some of the custom grips make it too difficult for me to do a tactical reload.

 

[jetrecbn]

Interchangeable backstraps are stupid. Just like custom suits or options on a car. Who needs that? Why don't they just sell cars without options; colors only black and white please.

I like having choices. I am of small stature. I find many well designed firearms to be less than ideal due to the grip circumference. This is why I waited until the HK45 to come out as opposed to purchasing the USP 45.

 

[Fishslayer]

I can honestly say this is a subject to which I've given zero thought.

Why would they be anything but a plus? If it's perfect out of the box, go that way. If not, why not change it if possible?

Unless they're spontaneously disassembling themselves...

For at least the last 125 years identical handguns have been issued to thousands of people in the military and large police departments. All US servicemen and women have let their hands adapt to both the 1911 and now the Beretta.

I never liked the feel of the GI 1911. Too small. I loved everything about the M9 except the caliber.

Now that I have my own 1911 (not Uncle Sugar's) it has the Pearce finger grooves and thick panels. It will soon get an arched mainspring housing. I have big mitts.

 

[Black Butte]

I don't like the interchangeable back-straps either. It makes the gun look too Mickey Mouse. What's next, a built in Pez dispenser?