grip sizes

[CZJedi]

For all those custom grip makers out there, are there different grip sizes for the 1911? My Dan Wesson PM7 came with grips that went relatively close the the edge of the grip frame. I replaced them with a set of custom grafted pistachio grips, and they were much more narrow. I didn't like how much of the frame was showing, so I replaced them with a set of alumagrips. They fit as good as the factory wood. I still prefer the look of wood over the alumagrips, so when I came across another set of standout wood grips (buckeye burl), I got them. Guess what? Same problem as with the pistachio grips.

So are there two standard sizes? Out of 4 sets, two (factory and alumagrips) are larger and the two custom wood sets are smaller.

[Cap]

page 42(?) on the M1911 blue prints
(in the technical section on this site)
shows what the military speced for grips

if you look at pics of guns from various makers, you'll see some differences in amount of frame reveal too.

It's my guess that factory, or "production" grips are made by machine, so there will be no variance in them.

custom grip makers don't always hold to the same 100% dimensions from one panel to another.

I have several sets of factory grips that came on my guns and an after market set i bought from this outfit
http://www.woodgrips.com./1911%2045%20grips.htm
(which I highly recommend based on the set I bought from them)
Top quality and flawless finish for very reasonable price

There's "some" variance in the thickness and amount of frame reveal on my factory grips


in answer to quetion, yes custom grip makers can and do vary with the amount of frame reveal from what I've seen.
I've made them both ways my self.
Not sure which i like the "looks" of better.
as long as the lines are parralell to the frame is what matters most to me

Post a pic of the grips on your gun, if you can

..L.T.A.

[CZJedi]

Well, the two custom wood sets were the same size. Thankfully, I am able to return the second set for a refund (the first set I had personalized, so no refund). When I contacted the maker, he said that he goes off of the the official Colt sizing chart and that alumagrips "run large".

When I get time, I'll try to take some pictures. Let me just say, though, that the "Colt" ones were far enough away from the front strap that it was noticable while holding the pistol. The "larger" ones felt like the grips were part of the frame.

[sarge43]

I'm surprised at the amount of variance in the size of the grip panels in relation to the frame lines. I've seen everywhere from right on the frame lines (my personal favorite) to almost an 1/8" off the lines. I've seen mag release cutouts right on the frame lines and then some that look like they were done with a chain saw. Pics and contact with the company or person making them seems to be the key to getting what YOU want in this type stuff.
I'd like to see pics too! :D
Good luck!
Sarge

[CZJedi]

Ok, I took some pictures of one of the grafted pistachio wood grips (I sent the buckeye back, but they were both the same size) and the Alumagrips (again, same size as the factory grips, which I no longer have).

http://home.comcast.net/~czjedi/grips1.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~czjedi/grips2.jpg

Here they are side by side:

http://home.comcast.net/~czjedi/grips3.jpg

Here they are back to back. The left-hand sides are flush with each other, so you can see the size difference at the right (what looks like some over-hang on the top is just a shadow). It works out to only be 2 millimeters, however, it is enough that while holding the more narrow grips you can feel the frame and then your fingers going up onto the grips. With the wider grips, it feels like one solid piece.

http://home.comcast.net/~czjedi/grips4.jpg

Here are the new grips I have on order from Esmeralda.. I hope they fit as nice as the Alumagrips

http://www.esmeralda.cc/snBW27540.jpg

[sarge43]

Wow! That's some serious space showing on those pistachio panels!
Hopefully the B&W Ebony grips will solve your problem. They're beautiful!
Here's a pic of my CDPII with Makore grips. You can see how tight they are to the frame lines, just like I like it. ;)
Those Ebony grips are gonna look great on your pistol!
Congrats,
Sarge
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh281/sarge43_pics/gripsmakorecdp040708.jpg

[CZJedi]

Again, the weird thing is that the buckeye grips were the exact same size as the pistachio grips, with the same space showing.. and those were from two different grip makers!

I hope the Esmeralda grips work too... I really lucked out. I saw them the other week, but when I tried to order them it said they were already sold. Then the other day the same set were back for sale! I guess the funds never went through.

[Hawkmoon]

Here's a pic of my CDPII with Makore grips. You can see how tight they are to the frame lines, just like I like it.
Different strokes for different folks. Personally, I don't like full-width stocks at all. I think the pistol looks a lot better with a bit of the frame showing along the edges of the stocks. More like the black Jedi Knight stocks in CZJedi's post.

I guess that's what keeps the custom stock makers busy ...

[sarge43]

Different strokes for different folks. Personally, I don't like full-width stocks at all. I think the pistol looks a lot better with a bit of the frame showing along the edges of the stocks. More like the black Jedi Knight stocks in CZJedi's post.

I guess that's what keeps the custom stock makers busy ...
Yup, that's why Baskin Robins needs 31 flavors. ;)

[Cap]

Here are the new grips I have on order from Esmeralda.. I hope they fit as nice as the Alumagrips

[/IMG]

judging by the mag release notch on the right grip panel (left in the pic) , it's looks like Esmeralda's grips will be somewhere between the two


..L.T.A.

[CZJedi]

Talk about quick turn-around; I ordered those Esmeralda grips on Friday evening, and they arrived on Tuesday afternoon! Anyway, besides looking awsome, they fit almost exactly like the Alumagrips. :D

I'll post some pictures when I get a chance.