About 1911 Grips
February 7, 2009 by Bill
Filed under 1911 Articles, Featured Grips
1911 Pistol Grips
1911 Pistol grips serve much more purpose than most people give them credit for serving. 1911 grips are an integral part of the handgun and a lot of thought should be given to which grips are going to adorn your gun. Different people will change their 1911 grips for different reasons but the most obvious reason is the aesthetic appeal. A great looking 1911 with a sexy pair of custom 1911 grips is definitely an attractive package, no question. It might be vain but quite honestly, most handgun owners want them to be attractive as well as functional.
1911 Grip Function
So we've established that visual appeal is certainly a reason to replace the 1911 grips on your handgun but function also plays a pretty large part of it. Different 1911 grips have different qualities that you should consider. You can get grips that are perfectly smooth and soft touch or you can buy 1911 grips that have a pattern engraved into them. A diamond texture is the most common and these can be quite rough to the touch if you are not used them. It is thought by some that this kind of pattern will allow a better grip and not let the gun slip in your hand easily.
You can also get 1911 grips that provide what is known as a "tactical" version which offers a mixed combination of knurling and a smooth texture. Kind of a half and half version of a smooth and textured version of the 1911 grips. Rubber 1911 grips are an option, aluminum 1911 grips in smooth and textured patterns are availalbe. You can even get Carbon Fiber 1911 grips if you so choose....the options are almost endless. Heck you can even get Ivory 1911 grips for your handgun....all it takes is a bit of time and money to find the perfect pair of grips for your handgun.
1911 Grip Function
In addition to an improved grip in your hand, the right 1911 grip can also do a lot more for you in regards to proper function. 1911 grips come in different thicknesses and you can semi-custom fit your 1911 to your own hand with either a thinner set of 1911 grips or a thicker pair of 1911 grips.
A thicker set of 1911 grips will make the handgun feel better to someone who has a big hand, while the thinner 1911 grips will help the shooter that has smaller hands for that size handgun. Proper fit in your palm is definitely critical to the function of the gun. If it's too big or too small in your hand then it won't be comfortable to shoot.
1911 Pistol Grip Conclusion
We have talked about form, fit and function for your 1911 grips. The right choice depends on you and what you are looking for by changing your 1911 grips. If you are a visual guy then you will be happy to know that you can get Ivory 1911 grips, Hardwood 1911 grips, Rosewood 1911 grips, cocobola 1911 grips, carbon fiber 1911 grips and just about any kind of 1911 grip that you can think of, you can buy. Heck you can even get Punisher 1911 grips or Pirate 1911 grips.
If none of these variations are what you have in mind then you can always go full on and get full custom 1911 grips. You are only limited by time, money and your imagination. So have a look around....we are building our image gallery so you can see what the various grips would look like on your handgun but for now we hope you like what you see.

Dave Rhodes on Thu, 10th Sep 2009 8:02 pm
Are the grips on a 1911 compact 3.5″ bbl the same dimensions as the full size 1911 with the 5″ bbl?