SR 1911 front strap checkering

[Maverick]

Hey all,
I was thinking about acquiring another Lightweight Commander and noticed that some of them..newer ones I believe, do not have the vertical front strap line cuts that mine has. Does anyone know WHEN Ruger stopped doing this? I really like the LOOK and feel and would prefer to buy one used in order to make sure I get one that has this feature.

 

[loaded round]

Can't answer your question, but can offer you a possible solution that I have used on two of my SR1911's. Brownell's sells a slip on cut checkering adapter that scan be form fitted to/under your wooden grips and does look like REAL cut checkering. Comes in both blued and SS styles and it's made by Wilson Combat if you want to go directly to them. Price was around 10.00 ea plus shipping. I am pleased with the two that I bought, and a hell of a lot cheaper than having a 'smith do it..

 

[BearBiologist]

I went a little different route and got finger grooved inserts form Pearce Grips. Have them on my RIA Match:

 

[Cholo]

My 2018 LW CMD .45 doesn't have them.

 

[OLE_X_ME]

Hey all,
I was thinking about acquiring another Lightweight Commander and noticed that some of them..newer ones I believe, do not have the vertical front strap line cuts that mine has. Does anyone know WHEN Ruger stopped doing this? I really like the LOOK and feel and would prefer to buy one used in order to make sure I get one that has this feature.

i went to www.talongrips.com

and got a few from there.

easy to install, remove current grips, warm up the front strap a bit, then apply

was about $5.00 each.

 

[Maverick]

Sorry, but before the thread goes any further…I was asking purely for aesthetic purpose. My SR 1911 Lt Wt Commander has them and I wanted another with the same.

 

[Maverick]

Looks like this.

 

[wws]

I have one of the first SR1911's in stainless and mine doesn't have any vertical lines cut in. I wish it did.

 

[Fox Mike]

If "function" is all that is wanted then a piece of 80 grit sandpaper cut to fit will work.

Another option: https://clarkcustomguns.com/gunsmithing-services-2/1911-handgun/

 

[Maverick]

Thanks for the potential alternatives, but not what I want. Fox Mike that sandpaper look oh my..that's about as redneck as it gets my friend and I'm from WV.
I actually found a post on another forum where someone ordered a LT WT Commander and was surprised to receive the smooth face front strap so they sent Ruger an email only to be informed that it was a change made early in production…..bummer. As IMHO it not only looks better but adds 'just enough' no slip to the front strap.

 

[eveled]

First time I've heard of someone being upset to find out they had a rare variant of a firearm. Lol. But I understand you wanted them to match. There is always a little difference.

I bought to consecutive serial numbered SR1911's and they aren't even identical.

 

[Fox Mike]

Thanks for the potential alternatives, but not what I want. Fox Mike that sandpaper look oh my..that's about as redneck as it gets my friend and I'm from WV.

Improvise, adapt, overcome. If it works it ain't stupid ... it ain't pretty but it is functional. The difference between it and the black one is color. I didn't say that I actually used it that way. I was just showing an alternate method of achieving the same results, less expensively.

 

[Xrayist]

Not an answer to the OP's question, but one solution to those of you who want a bit more grip on the front strap, is to use "skateboard" tape. Sticks like crazy, is not affected by sweat as much as other adhesive tapes. Just passing this along.

 

[buckshot]

My early production SR1911 does not have them. I have never seen one in the wild with them. I don't think they made too many with the grooves on the front strap. I agree with you I find then more ascetically pleasing than the smooth front stap.

 

[Maverick]

I just bought one from guns.com. Clearly showed the "serrated" front strap in the picture and mentioned it in the description. Should have it in my hand early next week.
I appreciate the advise on the skateboard tape but I'm a bit particular, want what I want. I was just trying to find out when Ruger stopped making these serrated cuts in the front strap, evidently it was very early in production, I just happened to get lucky and find one.
First thing I'll do is remove the rear 3dot and add an elevation adjustable without the dots, just like I did on the one I have.

 

[Maverick]

And then there were 2.

 

[Terry Baird]

Not an answer to the OP's question, but one solution to those of you who want a bit more grip on the front strap, is to use "skateboard" tape. Sticks like crazy, is not affected by sweat as much as other adhesive tapes. Just passing this along.

My two main shooters, a 1911 and a CZ 75 both wear skateboard tape. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it works better than any checkering or stippling for my purposes. Would I put skateboard tape on my Bisley Vaqueros? No, but they are my play pretties, not my serious shooters. I know, this is not in accord with the OP's original question, just a comment on something that works.

 

[daveag.]

I added Pachmayr American Legend grips to my SR 1911. I layered Gorilla duct tape on frame to give support to rubber in front. Feels and shoots great.

 

[wproct]

Looks play a role when choosing a 1911 pistol, and I definitely like the looks of a checkered front strap, but there is a cost factor involved. My Stainless Target II Kimber in 9mm does not have any grooves or checkering, just plain, and honestly as long as I have a set of G10 grips with decent checkering or abrasive finish I don't feel like I really "need" the checkered front strap other than for looks.

 

[MS86]

I agree and like the aesthetic as well as the permanent functionality as opposed to an add on. Congrats on your acquisition.