Happiness is a new gun 2

[BirdsThaWord]

The grips look good on there. Simple and clean! The sear to hammer “shelves” are the only parts I’ve never messed with on ANY gun I’ve tinkered on. Maybe one day (I’d get a jig). Have not had the need to do so. I’m no competitive shooter, don’t carry a 1911 and have never met one with a trigger I did not like. Have fun with the tear down and fix up with your son. Sounds like great father/son times to me!

[dao]

Thanks Bird. He could use a distraction after going through a breakup with a long time GF recently.
I ordered a set of double diamond real bison bone checkered grips today. I don't know if they age like other grips but I'd like a bit more grip on a carry gun. And if all goes well that is what this will be.
No way I see myself ever becoming good enough to mess with sear geometry. I'm hoping I'll find this one to be in good shape with a nice crisp and clean mating to the hammer shelf. Otherwise, short of getting it to a good gunsmith first I won't carry it.

[Bawanna]

I've found that a little skateboard tape, the kind of rubbery stuff on the front strap makes a huge difference when running smooth grips. Night and day. With checkered or textured grips, the front strap doesn't matter that much. Having both makes a real grippy gun.
Another option is stippling the front strap. I've never built up the nerve to try it myself yet but I see it coming one of these days.

[BirdsThaWord]

I ordered a set of double diamond real bison bone checkered grips today. I don't know if they age like other grips but I'd like a bit more grip on a carry gun

I’ve seen some of those that are really nice. I’m sure the Colonel would know about the aging question. I would think that they would age unless sealed.

[BirdsThaWord]

Another option is stippling the front strap. I've never built up the nerve to try it myself yet but I see it coming one of these days.

I’ve been curious as of late as to what the process is to stipple the front strap on a metal frame. I’ve seen both 1911’s and some Kahr K’s where that was done and love the look. Seems like a laborious process to get all the little pebble textures just so. I would think someone would be using some of the same tools an engraver would use. Speaking of front straps, and 1911’s, the attached pic is my unicorn, most desired 1911 I’ve seen in the last few years. I think it’s front strap is a thing of beauty. If you zoom in, you’ll see it’s kind of a blending of various dpi’s. That one and a while back one that I saw where an engraver did a framed basket weave at a 45 degree angle on a front strap. Drool! Drool! Drool! If I ever hit the lottery!
BB1FED6F-F5FB-4A53-BF6A-49D20FD9F0B2.jpg

[dao]

I saw something like that recently Bird. I think they're calling it skip lining. Pretty cool.

I did that very thing to my Tisas Colonel. I used a marine step tape that I bought a roll of years ago to make grip panels for my Kahrs. It helps a bunch, and feels great too. On this Colt I'm applying gun oil to the finish every few days to get it to soak in and revive it. It's coming along nicely. After I disassemble it and put it back together I'm planning on doing it to the Colt too.

[Bawanna]

Stippling I've heard is really easy, totally random. Many just use a sharpened punch or a broken 3 sided file. Exactly the same process I did stippling my Kahr tupperware only driving into the metal. Bigger deeper divots equal more aggressive grip. If it gets too aggressive put some smaller not as deep divots in between.

That is a beautiful front strap on that 1911. Somebody really knew what the heck they were doing on that one.

[BirdsThaWord]

I saw something like that recently Bird. I think they're calling it skip lining. Pretty cool.

The name makes it make sense. I see how the smith would just move his guides and file over a set amount a few times, skipping over where he would started the next line or two. Now I know! : )

[BirdsThaWord]

I hope you try it. I hope it turns out well and I can copy you on one. I’m looking to get a budget 1911 before too long. Multiple things I will try out on it. That will be one, as well as possibly doing a case hardening.

[dao]

The thread were I saw this is here. Actually called skip line checkering, not skip lining as I said.

If I ever hit the MegaMillions PowerBall lottery Bird for $100m or more you can hold me to this. I'll buy you that gun. Or one like it.