Aluma grips

[OSSI]

I'm thinking to put some smooth black grips on my new Springfield loaded.
What do you think about the Aluma grips. Anyone has experience??
Thanks

[Short Cut]

Yes, I've three pairs and have been really pleased with all of them. They are very precisely made and therfore fit perfectly. The first two pairs were the standard, original checkering in OD. The last pair are the mid level checkering which is just a bit more aggressive, but not uncomfortable. I'll probably get the aggressive checkering next time. Here's my most recent pair.

http://home.comcast.net/~1911brass/UMC_HC_Alumagrips_left_AE.jpg

[Short Cut]

These are my second pair. It's a bit hard to tell with the lighting, but they are OD.

http://home.comcast.net/~1911brass/Professional_SOG_sm.jpg

[Short Cut]

Also check out this thread on 1911 forum for lots more photos.

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=88503

[OSSI]

Originally posted by Short Cut
Yes, I've three pairs and have been really pleased with all of them. They are very precisely made and therfore fit perfectly. The first two pairs were the standard, original checkering in OD. The last pair are the mid level checkering which is just a bit more aggressive, but not uncomfortable. I'll probably get the aggressive checkering next time. Here's my most recent pair.

http://home.comcast.net/~1911brass/UMC_HC_Alumagrips_left_AE.jpg

That looks great on stainless:cool:
How does it feel compared to wood??

[Short Cut]

The originals aren't as agressively checkered as most of my wood grips. The medium agressive ones on the Baer feel more like the wood in that department. The aluminum has a really solid feel that's a kind of hard to desribe. They also feel a little different because they take on the ambient temperature unlike wood.

[OUSooner]

I would rather have a nice set of VZ grips over Alumnagrips. I prefer the benefits of micarta over aluminum.

[Navy87Guy]

If you go with Alumagrips, check out www.gungrips.net -- they can do custom engraving on them. I'm planning to get at least one set made for my RIA.

They also do laminate grips and engraving, too.

Jim

[OSSI]

Originally posted by OUSooner
I would rather have a nice set of VZ grips over Alumnagrips. I prefer the benefits of micarta over aluminum.


What's micarta??

[Short Cut]

Originally posted by OSSI
What's micarta??

This probably isn't the correct technical description, but it's layers of fabric with a resin bonding agent. Here's examples:

clic pix

http://davidsonknives.com/grips/images/thl_1.jpg (http://davidsonknives.com/grips/grips.htm)

http://www.vzgrips.com/Images/tan.jpg (http://www.vzgrips.com/grips.html)


The top photo shows different colors because they have stacked fabrics of different colors and then cut through a couple of layers from the surface.

[OSSI]

Thanks for your help guys, but now it starts to get tough for a decissions;g

[OUSooner]

Why Micarta?

1. Durability: Micarta® has a higher tensile strength than steel. It is used in storm shelters to provide state of the art protection rooms to ward off the threats from tornadoes. It is also being tested to armor aircraft cockpit doors.
2. Impervious to changes in temperature: This material will not swell, warp, or crack with changes in temperature. It is an excellent insulator against heat. Unlike other high-end grips, these stay cool and comfortable.
3. Texture: When milled, Micarta® gives a highly slip resistant surface.

[Short Cut]

Lots of choices to be sure. OSSI at the top of this forum there is a sticky which contains a bushel full of links for 1911s. Among them are these:

GRIPS

http://www.1911pistolgrips.com/grips.php
http://www.alumagrips.com/
http://www.carboncreations.com/
http://www.chipmccormickcorp.com
http://www.czgrips.us/1911.htm
http://davidsonknives.com/grips/grips.htm
http://www.ergogrips.net/gm.html#XT
http://www.esmeralda.cc/
http://fineturnage.com/
http://www.simonichknives.com/gunner.htm
http://www.vzgrips.com/grips.html
http://www.wickedgrips.com/
http://www.woodgrips.com/

[brownie]

I find the alumagrips too heavy for my tastes, changing the balance and "feel" of the guns.

The added weight is disconcerting at best.

Robin Brown

[RussP]

OSSI, I have Alumagrips on one of my pistols. Mine are custom etched and are great. There is just enough checkering to make a positive grip.

I also have VZ Micarta grips for my Kimber TLE/RL. I like them also.

My VZs have the canvas surface which is much different compared to the smooth paper surface.

:cool:

[RussP]

Originally posted by brownie
I find the alumagrips too heavy for my tastes, changing the balance and "feel" of the guns.

The added weight is disconcerting at best.

Robin Brown Robin, have you tried the thin grips?

http://alumagrips.com/main.taf?p=2,1,1

:cool:

[brownie]

Russ,

I haven't, but I'd be willing to try em as I like the grips, but the ones I bought for a good friend last year for X-mas changed the weight too much for me to get a set of my own. I think an AzQKr logo would be perfect for my sightless 45 don't you?;f

I'll keep my eyes open for a pair on someones or at a show and see whats up. I may get a pair, are they that much less weight?

Thanks for the heads up Russ.

Robin Brown

[Short Cut]

Alumagrips also offers a lighter weight option. On these they hollow out part of the back side. If you go to their side and build a grip you see the WEIGHT category, click on it to see a photo of the hollowed out light weight version.

[brownie]

Thanks Shorty;f

Can you tell me how much more the lighgtweight aluma's are over normal wood grips? Double, 1/3, any rough idea?

I've carried 1911's for so long in gov models that I don't like any changes to the "feel" of the gun at all.

Robin Brown

[Short Cut]

Originally posted by brownie
Can you tell me how much more the lighgtweight aluma's are over normal wood grips?

Don't know. My Alumagrips aren't the light weight version.

[brownie]

It was worth a shot to ask, a pointshot that is.;f

Thanks for the reply.

Brownie

[Dirknar]

VZ Operator's are Sweet.. I just put some one my S&W Sc commander

[OSSI]

Originally posted by Short Cut
This probably isn't the correct technical description, but it's layers of fabric with a resin bonding agent. Here's examples:

clic pix

http://davidsonknives.com/grips/images/thl_1.jpg (http://davidsonknives.com/grips/grips.htm)

http://www.vzgrips.com/Images/tan.jpg (http://www.vzgrips.com/grips.html)


The top photo shows different colors because they have stacked fabrics of different colors and then cut through a couple of layers from the surface.


Ok, checked the two different Sites.

Davidsons are glass Micarta
VZ grips are Paper or Cotton Micarta

What now??
Vz looks like to be more confortable, Davidsons harder, but people say that the screws get loose easy and you have to use lock-tite

I think I have to stop buying guns, they only create problems
;g

;f ;f ;f

[ShipWreck]

I wanna get a set of the red carbon creations w/ the checkering soon, myself. Too bad they cost a small fortune.

[Navy87Guy]

Originally posted by RussP
My VZs have the canvas surface which is much different compared to the smooth paper surface.

How much of a texture does the canvas have, say compared to a standard checkered grip? I really like the look of the Desert Blonde for my new RIA but I'd like something with a bit of "bite" but not anything as aggressive as the Diamond Back.

Thanks!

Jim

[brownie]

Usually linen micarta.

The material has been used for years as knife handles. My Brown Bowie that I designed and had made in the early 90's has a black linen micarta handle.

Robin