checkering on 1911 front strap

**GuyMontag** · December 5th, 2009, 09:35 AM

I've got a friend that wants checkering on the front strap of his 1911. Any thoughts on a good smith in the Pittsburgh area that can do this? If not, I guess he should just send it away? To whom?

Thanks

**JordonC2** · December 18th, 2009, 12:28 PM

I strongly recommend a strip of stair or skate tape.
I laughed when someone recommended this to me for my 1911.
Costs $1.00 and is MUCH better than checkering. It provides a better grip.
I have since purchased another 1911 with front strap checks and it is any better, maybe worse.

good luck.

**Lycanthrope** · December 18th, 2009, 05:25 PM

How about here:

http://egw-guns.com/store/index.php?...60ae68cabedbf9

Not quite in the Pitt area, but they do good work.

Lycanhastheslidecutsthrope

**Xringshooter** · December 18th, 2009, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by Lycanthrope

How about here:

http://egw-guns.com/store/index.php?...60ae68cabedbf9

Not quite in the Pitt area, but they do good work.

Lycanhastheslidecutsthrope

I believe EGW has suspended gunsmithing services unless the job is worth $300+, but it wouldn't hurt to give them a call.

If you friend want to do his own, Brownells (and probably MidwayUSA) sells all the stuff to do front strap checkering. Haven't looked at the prices lately for the fixture and the files though.

If your friend is looking for a better grip on the front strap, IIRC Brownells also carries a piece that wraps around the front strap and secures under the grips.

**Kaos** · December 18th, 2009, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by JordonC2

I strongly recommend a strip of stair or skate tape.
I laughed when someone recommended this to me for my 1911.
Costs $1.00 and is MUCH better than checkering. It provides a better grip.
I have since purchased another 1911 with front strap checks and it is any better, maybe worse.

good luck.

Definitely works, but doesn't compare to the skin-velcro on a springfield TRP. You could dip your hand in KY and still have a solid grip on the pistol.

**Wiley-X** · December 29th, 2009, 04:03 AM

Originally Posted by JordonC2

I strongly recommend a strip of stair or skate tape.

+1 for the skateboard tape. Not being a carpenter or mechanic, I don't have callused hands so checkering chews the heck out of my fingers. Skateboard tape gives me a good grip without drawing blood.

**XD45** · December 29th, 2009, 04:10 AM

Originally Posted by Xringshooter

I believe EGW has suspended gunsmithing services unless the job is worth $300+, but it wouldn't hurt to give them a call.

when i called a few months back they shut down the gunsmithing but it sounded like their top smith opened up his own shop.

Personally i'd send it off to SA, their prices are more than reasonable for the quality the put out.