Where to find source for 1911 front strap checkering

[dallasm]

I've done a fair number for myself and others but man, the wear and tear on your elbows from cutting checkering is brutal. I'm pretty much not doing it on any guns I don't personally own and want to keep forever now.

Although I did get a small milling machine recently, so I may go back to doing it once I get that set up.

Precisely my policy on hand checkering as it is an arduous job. It is worth the effort on a special gun as you say.

 

[Trinimon]

These wrap around the front strap and the edges are bent into to the frame cutouts under the grips and are held down by the grips. They are very thin aluminum but work very well.

I've seen those on Brownells site but wasn't sure how well they held up. Good to know. I might pickup one to give it a try. Thanks for the info.

 

[enefgee]

If you checker Aluminum, you will need to re-anodize the frame, if you don't the frame will begin to wear (on the checkered area) and you'll end up doing the job over and over. There's no reason that those Wilson panels can't be bonded into place with a tiny amount of automotive panel bonding adhesive. Once cured the glue is actually stronger than the steel it's bonding, and would easily make those panels permanent. Most folks don't realize that adhesives have replaced a large amount of the welding that used to be done in auto body work.

 

[rgv]

There's no reason that those Wilson panels can't be bonded into place with a tiny amount of automotive panel bonding adhesive. Once cured the glue is actually stronger than the steel it's bonding, and would easily make those panels permanent. Most folks don't realize that adhesives have replaced a large amount of the welding that used to be done in auto body work.

Like this



Or this

 

[plinker 777]

Ok, so how does it attach? I was under the impression you glue these on, but please tell us how it really works.

As has been said, there is no glue. The strap is easily removable with no damage or alteration to your original gun. The strap is bent in such a way that it "locks" in under the grip panels (I don't recall if it locks to the frame or panel or both) and once its in properly it doesn't move.

If the texture gets dull after a few years (mine hasn't) you can just replace the strap...try that with a cut strap!?
I see that Wilson has a blued version which is a little bit noticeable as an add on IMHO, however my stainless one on the stainless SR1911 is barely noticeable...you really have to look to notice it as something that doesn't belong.

 

[RickR1100]

Wow... thanks for the info, that's even easier than I thought it would be!

I do find it a bit strange how many 1911's don't have checkering on the front, especially when so many Polymer guys will get a soldering gun and poke the life out of a Glock or M&P frame!! But... apples Vs oranges I guess.

What a fast easy cheap way of getting checkering on a budget 1911... surprised this isnt more common!

Enefgee is right though: modern high end industrial bonding agents are a key strength of many critical load bearing parts of airliner, helicopter and even manned rocket construction these days. This should not be overlooked in firearms tech, for certain uses.