1911 Front strap enhancement

[sceva]

I am giving a lot of thought to adding something to the front strap of my Springfield Ronin 1911 9mm (full size). While I like checkering that is not an option for me due to the cost(s) involved. I was leaning toward the Wilson metal strip but see there are mixed reviews and when I found they were aluminum and not stainless I am thinking it's not for me. That leaves Grip tape. What are your preferences in regard to the tape? I only have the one 1911 and don't need a large roll. Are the pre cut ones OK? Brand? Can the tape be removed easily and leave no permanent stain, gum, rust etc. I know rust should not be a problem with a stainless frame. Do they make some that matches the frame color?

 

[erikpolcrack]

Pachmayr used to offer rubber grips that were connected by a rough-surfaced rubber section that covered the front strap.

 

[Yendor357]

When I got my brand new Series 80 Stainless Colt 1911 Govt Model, I put skate board tape on the front strap. I put the ends of the tape under the grip panels. It’s been on that gun for nearly 40 years.

Get a pair of LOK Bogies. That gun won’t budge.

 

[retired2006]

Check your local hardware store, there is black grip type tape that is usually sold by the foot. It is intended to be used for grip on steps. You can cut it with scissors, but it will dull them.

 

[BigMuddy]

I too was skeptical of the Wilson strip. I shot a friend’s gun with one, and that prompted me to give it a try. It’s been on my Kimber for a few years now with no complaints.

I acquired another Kimber that had skateboard tape on the front strap. It worked but I didn’t like the look. It came off easy enough and with a bit of cleaning there’s no residue left behind.

Dan

 

[sceva]

Pachmayr used to offer rubber grips that were connected by a rough-surfaced rubber section that covered the front strap.

I had these on my Series 70 Colt a few decades ago. They are good functional grips but for my Springfield I went with a set of John Culina's grips.

 

[gp52555]

Skateboard grip tape.

 

[Baxter6551]

Skateboard grip tape works well and comes off easy but the Wilson metal strip really does feel good and provide grip. It is made of steel and has a bend to it for tension I think. It is held on by grip panels so they need to be a hard material. The the only issue I ever had with Wilson was when it slipped down due to loose grip screws during an intensive 2 day class shooting hundreds of rounds. I discovered it when mag was difficult to reseat the strip was jamming into mag well. I then put small o rings under the grip screws to prevent a reoccurrence. I have the Wilson strip on several 1911s and they blend right in appearance wise. Im another one that doesn’t like the look of the skateboard tape. And I second the LOK grips.

 

[RGPM1A]

On 1911s that I have that don't have checkered front straps I put Hogue rubber finger groove grips on them. Really helps grip the gun under recoil and also helps with making sure your grip is the same every time you draw the firearm from a holster.

 

[ericherte]

A Wilson front strap has been on my 1911 for the last 27 years with no problem. I did put a little rubber cement on the back first.

 

[Lucnic]

Talon Grips makes one. Have one on my Norinco. Have them on all my other semi automatics and the back straps of my carry revolvers. I buy the sheets to custom cut for the back straps.

 

[sceva]

Thanks for all the suggestions; Someone on another forum is sending me a pre-cut piece to try.

 

[80sgyrene]

OP-
Have you thought about checkering it yourself.
Buy one checkering file and you are set.
Some patience and time invested, and all your 1911s can have checkering.
I’ve done three, saving myself a ton of money.

 

[sceva]

Thought about it but decided not to go that route for multiple reasons.

 

[AJ]

Non-Skid tape will work just fine. Home Depot, Lowe's or a good hardware store should have it.

 

[stansdds]

The tread tape found at your local big box home improvement store is going to be the least expensive and easiest route. Beyond that, Pachmayr wrap-around stocks work well. I have used the Wilson metal strap and found it works remarkably well and usually stays put. My only concerns with the Wilson strap would be with it scuffing the finish on the front strap and the possibility of moisture/sweat corroding the front strap.

 

[C Islander]

You can get precut front strap tape at Amazon. It is rubber like Talon grips and comes in a silver/gray color.

 

[DWalt]

I have heard of cutting a strip of medium sandpaper and gluing it in place with rubber cement. But I imagine grip tape might be better.

 

[AJ]

I have heard of cutting a strip of medium sandpaper and gluing it in place with rubber cement. But I imagine grip tape might be better.

Have seen this done also.

 

[Norton 750]

A lot of 1911's are a little thin to checker on the front strap; Bob Chow (and others) solved this problem by stippling back in the 60's. Offers a great gripping service at a much lower cost than checkering. Here is a poor camera shot from my steam powered cell phone.