Cost to Checker 1911 Front Strap

**flabbydan** · May 7th, 2010, 12:39 PM

What should I expect to be charged to have the front strap on a 1911 frame checkered? I know each shop is different. I'm just looking for a ballpark figure. Thanks.

**justashooter** · May 9th, 2010, 01:32 PM

stippling is a preferred method to improve grip on front strap. use a sharp center punch and a light hammer to repeatedly tap a pattern of divots. work rapidly while moving the punch around in your area to be treated. no need to re-blue necessary.

practice on a piece of mild steel to get the feel of it, adn go to town.

**thetruepyromaniak** · May 9th, 2010, 01:47 PM

i placed some skateboard deck tape on the front of mine. the grip is awsome. you can get the tape at any hardware store. its self adheasive, just remove grips, stick tape on, then trim with a razor, then replace the grips.

**hzox221** · May 9th, 2010, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by flabbydan

What should I expect to be charged to have the front strap on a 1911 frame checkered? I know each shop is different. I'm just looking for a ballpark figure. Thanks.

$200-350. Mosts smiths hate doing it and charge accordingly.

**CHEMICAL** · May 9th, 2010, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by flabbydan

What should I expect to be charged to have the front strap on a 1911 frame checkered? I know each shop is different. I'm just looking for a ballpark figure. Thanks.

there is an after market 1911 checkered front strap that you can buy. It clips around the front strap and goes under the grips. Its only about 10 bux.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=3...30312d33343730

**ForwardAssist** · May 9th, 2010, 02:39 PM

If it's a Colt, Colt will do it. Call 1-800-962-COLT.

20 LPI = $160
25 or 30 LPI = $150
30 LPI raised panel style = $190

Serrated front strap, 20 LPI Verticaly (as per old gold cup) $65

Personaly I like a Pearce Grip Enhancement on my 1911's.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=5...ement?review=1

**flabbydan** · May 9th, 2010, 10:37 PM

Thanks for the responses!
After handling another (much more expensive!) 1911 with checkered front strap, I thought for sure it was something I just had to have. But I think I'll shoot the pistol "as-is" for a while. I won't be competing with it. If I feel the need later on, I'll try the skateboard tape or grip enhancement. It's a fairly low-end gun anyway.