Best 1911 Grips Out There That I've Tried

[Joshua M. Smith]

Hello,

I've tried several 1911 grips on mine. None feel right except the thin plastic ones, and that leaves the back, and especially the front, somewhat slick. I have used skateboard tape in the past, and while it works, it's a bit tough to find around here and leaves a stick film on the place where it was applied if it's removed.

I came across an old bicycle innertube yesterday while working on my truck. Tonight I grabbed it and began experimenting with it.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/WabashShootist/Guns/1911/intertubegrips.jpg
This is what I ended up with.

It's very simple: I removed the grip panels and stretched a portion of the cleaned and dried innertube over the handle. After punching screw holes in the tube, I put the grip panels back on and cut it how I wanted it in with my pocket knife. If I had planned this, I would have used a modeling knife.

To me, this feels better than any wrap around grips I've tried. It covers the front and back, except for where the grip safety is.

Even better, it was free. I have plenty more material, and I figure the thing's disposable: If I get the gun wet, I can just strip it off, detail strip the piece, and install an new piece of innertube.

Josh <><

[pa_guns]

Hi

Interesting idea.

Bob

[wichaka]

It's attached with the lower grip screw? How is the top part attached? By the pressure of the grip on it?

Can you post some pics with the grip(s) off?

[lanceriley]

doesn't moisture get under the rubber?

[Joshua M. Smith]

Can you post some pics with the grip(s) off?

I'll see about doing so, although I do believe that's a one shot deal - the top is indeed held on by grip pressure alone once the part going around the grip safety has been cut, and a new one therefore has to be made if a grip panel is removed.

doesn't moisture get under the rubber?

That's a question I have too. It's on tightly enough that it seems to keep moisture out - the first one I built I pulled after handling it with wet hands. It had no moisture underneath, so I figure it's at least partially weather proof.

Josh <><

[pa_guns]

Hi

How thick an inner tube did you use?

Some racing tires have *very* thin tubes in them...

Bob

[Joshua M. Smith]

How thick an inner tube did you use?

The innertube is off of a mountain bike. It's fairly thick - thick enough to feel some "cushion" anyway.

Josh <><

[Joshua M. Smith]

It's attached with the lower grip screw? How is the top part attached? By the pressure of the grip on it?

Can you post some pics with the grip(s) off?

Here's the pic that I think matters.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/WabashShootist/Guns/1911/rubbergrips.jpg

I hope this clarifies things!

Josh <><

[pa_guns]

Hi

Ok, that makes things a whole lot more clear.

Thanks!

Bob

[d90king]

There are not many time in life that I am speechless but this just might be one of them. Very creative........

[pa_guns]

Hi

I think I would put *something* under the rubber to keep it from trapping water against the metal. I'm not quite sure what I would use. The other thing to watch out for would be the rubber reacting with pistol cleaning solvents.

Bob

[Joshua M. Smith]

It seems to do OK with G96.

I might soak a scrap piece in Hoppe's if I remember, but as I said, it's made to be changed out often.

Josh <><

[pa_guns]

Hi

If the rubber softens a little from the solvent and then "glues" to the frame it'll be a bit of a mess, but I doubt it will damage anything. If it glues to the grips getting the gunk off may be a bit more difficult.

Bob