Are all grips created equal?

[bowenx]

I have searched and didn't find what i was looking for...

I've got a Kimber SS TLE II and it came with the rubber type grips...I've replaced them with some basic wood ones that i picked up at my 'local' gun store.

When removing / adding the grips I felt that the rubber ones that came with the gun were probably stronger and more robust than the wood ones I just put one...they feel as if they have a stronger support piece inside of the grip itself.

which leads me to this question...are they both equally as strong? would there be a scenario where I'd need to have extra strength/safety built into the grip?

Is there such thing as a safer/stronger grip?

many thanks folks.

Peter

[Rio Vista Slim]

I have searched and didn't find what i was looking for...


Is there such thing as a safer/stronger grip?

many thanks folks.

Peter
Peter,
While I can't think of many situations where a "stronger" stock on a 1911 would be better than the many varieties of wooden ones available, there are many strong materials that stocks are made of. In my opinion, the "strongest" would be the Alumagrips offered by both the Alumagrips site and the GunGrips.net site at the top of this page. Check them out.
In addition, several of the space-age materials are featured by other forum sponsors, as well as a variety listed at Brownells website.

[Joni Lynn]

The strongest grip panel would be the Alumigrips, wood would be probably the least strong but I don't see where it would make much difference in most circumstances.

[NYCMedic]

They way I look at it (which may not be correct) is that the grip panels are there to feel/look nice so that you are not holding a bar of metal. They seem to be well supported by the frame and should not be overly stressed. Granted that ivory or some other exotics may crack, but they do that just from weather changes and alike. I don't see why you would need a grip panel made out of something stronger than wood.

[sprice1973]

The Alumagrips are very nice,great grip panel.

[j4570]

I like the Navidrex Countoured grips, and since I like double diamonds, I get those. These grips are slimmed in the middle like the thin grip panels but are thick at each end, they fit me just about perfect (small hands). I like the Micarta ones and have ordered some more and am thinking about putting them on all my 1911's. I have one pair of Micarta and two of Rosewood (I think, they might be red mahagony) right now and love them.

I have some old wood mil surplus which are nice (have a nice feel as the diamonds are a little dull). I just can't do rubber for 1911's.

Dane Burns recommended the Micarta (but not the thinned ones like mine) as the contain a blown cartridge according to his webpage:

http://www.burnscustom.com/

However, I bought my grips way before I saw that, as I just liked them and doubt they would contain that much blowout.

But no, some of the new cheap grips aren't that nice in my opinion. But they also have to fit your hand. I have friends that prefer the Hogue rubber with finger grooves as they have large hands. It has to work for you.

[bowenx]

Thanks all for the feedback..

I guess where my question was stemming from is the blown cartridge possibility.

I'm very new to the pistol scene and haven't put as many rounds through my Kimber as I'd have liked to by this point...
But prior to getting my pistol the instructor for my permit class indicated that he liked his grips (unsure of which kind) as they were strong enough to contain a blow out.

I seriously doubt the wood ones I've got on there now would do much for that scenario.

Does this happen enough that I should be concerned? For now I only plan to use off the shelf ammo.

Thanks for all the feedback/help...I must admit, i do like the look of those CF ones on the above site.