Does 1911 Grip Checkering Affect Performance
The 1911 pistol is beloved by shooters of all skill levels for its great recoil control and crisp trigger. It’s also easy to tailor for different purposes.
Grip upgrades can change the way your pistol feels in your hand. Many options are available, including the ability to stipple and checker your grips.
Checkering
The 1911 platform is beloved by shooters of all backgrounds and skill levels for its excellent recoil control, crisp trigger, and natural grip angle. However, it can be difficult to find a comfortable grip when shooting under high stress. One of the best ways to improve your pistol’s comfort is by having its grips checkered or textured to fit your unique hand.
Typically, 1911 grips are made from wood and can be carved or checkered to offer the shooter traction in any situation. Although these grips are attractive and provide a solid grip, they can become damaged by cleaning solutions and moisture over time.
A more permanent solution to this problem is having the front strap of the grip checkedered. This process leaves a pattern of pyramidal projections in the surface, offering the shooter rock-solid traction. This type of checkering is called ProTrac. When done by a professional, the process ensures that the grooves are consistent across the entire grip, and that each groove is cut to the same depth.
Wood
When it comes to 1911 grips, the options are nearly endless. You can choose from wood, plastic, and metal, all of which are available in a wide range of colors and finishes.
While wooden grips are attractive, they can also be difficult to maintain in high-stress situations. They can easily absorb moisture and cleaning solvents, making them susceptible to damage.
Thankfully, a number of companies now offer 1911 grips made from a premium material called G10. This is a fiberglass laminate designed specifically to be shaped, carved, and checkered for grips. The unique texturing called ProTrac offers a degree of traction that’s proportional to the amount of pressure you apply when holding the pistol. This ensures that you have rock-solid traction during rapid fire, and that the pistol will slip smoothly in your hand if you need to let up on the grip for a moment during a reload or draw. Aside from a great look, G10 is also impervious to cleaning solvents and oils, making it a durable option for your 1911.
Plastic
The 1911 pistol is a remarkable piece of firearm engineering, and shooters of all skill levels appreciate its crisp trigger, recoil control, and looks. However, it can be difficult to grip the gun if it isn’t the right size or fit for you. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can improve your 1911’s grip to make it more comfortable and easier to use.
Plastic grips can be molded and checkered into virtually any pattern you can imagine, giving you a lot of options for personalization. They also resist the corrosive effects of cleaning solvents and oils, making them a durable and affordable option for many shooters.
Many people are opting to swap out their wood grips for G10 examples, as they offer a better level of traction and can be produced in a wide variety of colors. They also feature a special texturing called Progressive Traction Checkering, which offers a consistent amount of grip purchase proportional to the force applied.
Metal
The 1911 is an excellent firearm that can be used for self-defense, target practice, and even competition. It is easy to use and can be tailored to your specific shooting style with grips made from a variety of materials.
Wood grips are eye-catching and functional, offering a firm purchase that can be further enhanced with checkering or carvings. However, wood can be prone to damage from cleaning solvents and moisture over time.
Plastic grips can be shaped, molded, and checkered in any pattern you want and are durable enough to resist the corrosive effects of gun oil and cleaning solvents. They also come in a wide range of colorways for a truly custom look.
G10 grips are a popular choice for 1911 owners because of their durability, traction, and style. The front strap of a G10 grip has been patterned with an innovative texturing called ProTrac, which offers a degree of traction proportional to the amount of pressure applied. This allows the shooter to maintain rock solid control during high-speed shooting, while being able to loosen their grip for mag changes or reloads.
