Anyone else hates grip checkering?

IM_Lugger

IM_Lugger

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
216   0   0
Location
Hamilton
When I handle a new toy for the first time; I found that I can tell if it's going to fit me well (without firing) if the gun is still comfortable after I grip/scweeze it as hard as I can for several seconds. For me after shooting 100+rounds (esp. rapid fire strings) I got to have a good grip on the gun so gripping harder than I normally would simulates that 'after recoil' feel for me...

I just got a P220 with front grip checkering (vs. lines only), that I really don't care for (read - hate them:() -checkering not the gun;), hopefully I can get use to it... Than I realized I've never handled a gun with with aggressive checkering that fit me well; both Glock (esp. 21 &20 model) and USP are two least ergonomic pistols for me. Even STI with the front grip "STIplings" or what ever they call it; look harmless but really dig in the skin when you grip it hard. Definitely prefer 1911 with smooth front grips...:)
 
Last edited:
Some Mfgrs are a bit ridiculous in their grip designs. I have handled some that are more like Palm Graters than grips. Aggressive sharp edges do not make for a pleasant shooting experience. The Hogue boys definately hit the jackpot with both their soft rubber and smooth exotic wood aftermarket grips. My older S&W revolvers with Goncalo grips were quite rough but looked very nice. Nicest, most comfortable grip right out of the box was on my Raging Bull and it is very functional as well in absorbing the punch of the 454. With the others on the market, you'd think the makers would twig on to whats comfortable for the average guy, not the testers wearing shooting gloves all day..
Cheers:)
dB
 
Personally I like having front checkering, stippling, etc. In fact, saw some 1911s which were really nice but smooth front would have meant I would have to invest to get it done.

On guns that already have it...wear thin gloves?..
 
I have very aggressive grip on my STI. I love aggressive grip on any gun. The sharper, the better. Because, well, it helps you grip the gun better! I've yet to have my hands chewed up, but then I work with my hands and they are all tough and man-like. Not girlishly soft and tender........;):p
 
On guns that already have it...wear thin gloves?..
Click to expand...
I don't like wearing gloves when shooting, only do it when it's really cold outside...

I don't think I've ever shot a gun and though it would've handled better if it had rougher checkering...
 
I never cared for checkering, especially of the rough variety at all. I found that the did not aid in my holding the gun at all, but only annoyed the hell out of me as they tore away at my hands.

All of my pistols are smooth except for the vertical 'grooves' on the backs of the curved mainspring housings on my two .45s.

That being said, a nice pair of rubber grips helps to widen out a gun and/or allow for a better grip, I find.

Ultimately, it's totally a matter of personal preference - but one wonders why so many pistol makers put them on preemptively without leaving the buyer a choice. I myself would actually not buy a gun if only due to the overly aggressive checkering etc.
 
IM_Lugger said:
When I handle a new toy for the first time; I found that I can tell if it's going to fit me well (without firing) if the gun is still comfortable after I grip/scweeze it as hard as I can for several seconds. For me after shooting 100+rounds (esp. rapid fire strings) I got to have a good grip on the gun so gripping harder than I normally would simulates that 'after recoil' feel for me...
Click to expand...
When I first got my USP, I found the front serrations somewhat irritating as well. However, you skins get used to them pretty fast. Aggressive checkering helps A LOT when your hands are wet/sweaty/oily/etc. Remember, these guns are made with military users in mind, not soft-skinned armchair commandos :D
 
I used to have the soft, girlie hands of a university student. Now that I'm back working with my hands on the farm, I definitely appreciate good checkering, as my hands are so hard, callused and lacking oil that sometimes its hard to get a good grip on smooth metal. 30lpi checkering on the front grip of a 1911 looks very nice and is practical too, but I mostly opt for Pachmayr wraparound grips.
 
When I first got my USP, I found the front serrations somewhat irritating as well. However, you skins get used to them pretty fast. Aggressive checkering helps A LOT when your hands are wet/sweaty/oily/etc. Remember, these guns are made with military users in mind, not soft-skinned armchair commandos :D
Click to expand...
Or when your hands are strong enough you can get away with smooth grips ;)
 
Three cheers for the Mighty, Mighty IM Lugger!!!!!

I never cared for checkering etc. either (see above post).

(My hands are so strong that I have to drink my beer out of cans now because I would inadvertently crush the bottles from time to time - ended up with the serrations on my hands instead of the gun) :)
 
daBear said:
Some Mfgrs are a bit ridiculous in their grip designs. I have handled some that are more like Palm Graters than grips. Aggressive sharp edges do not make for a pleasant shooting experience.
Click to expand...

True but it depends what the gun was designed to do. In a country close by they use handguns mainly as defensive tools. :eek: If you don't shoot a lot and your primary interest is in practical applications then the aggressive may be just what many need.
 
I have the stock rough finish plastic grips still on my SIG, I'd like to change them out for rubber just because I like the feel of it. However, it is personal choice and overall I don't think it makes a huge difference unless you're competition shooting. LR
 
I used to hand checker all of my steel framed guns and then sharpen the points. I have rough hands though, and I don't like the gun twisting in recoil. My Tanfo's all have factory checkered front and back straps and grip taped side panels. If the steel on these things wasn't so hard I would point them up as well.

All about the preference.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom