Metal Stippling vs Checkering

[Rudy Bazzano]

Can anyone tell me about Stippling. There’s a lot of subjects on “Checkering” but none on ‘Metal Stippling”. I’m particularly interested in the tools needed, then the method.

I searched “Brownells” and came up with “Stippling for Wood”. I don’t believe the tools are interchangeable. I think it’s easier, more time consumer the Checkering but less chance for mistake.

Again everything is relevant to the technician.

Well as always Thanks to everyone who participates in this forum.

[stans]

No, a person can screw up stippling too. Stippling is basically using a hardened steel punch to upset and dimple metal. It is also time consuming to do it correctly and I don't think it looks as neat and professional as a good checkering job.

[mitchjoe]

Rudy Bazzano:

I'd have to agree w/ Stans on the appearance. On a carry 1911 front-strap checkering may have some "tactical" benefit, but I actually prefer a smooth front-strap (Hey, I like triggers w/ a smooth face also... :D). Have you shot both types -smooth & w/ some type of texturing?

mitchjoe

[Joni Lynn]

I've seen the stippling offered both left and right hand.

[chuckshoun]

I got a couple of those perforated plates for the front of the hand guard that are held in place by the grips. I find them to function very well, once the fingers toughen up. (A couple cause I got two guns). Got them from Brownells, ten bucks apiece or so.

[Rudy Bazzano]

Will now I'm not so eager to jump into stippling. No I haven't fired both types. In allot of ways I'm still quite a novice.

I really thank all of you for coming out so fast and giving some sound (non-bias) advice.

Time to go into deep thought, Thanks again

Rudy

[Rudy Bazzano]

Chuckshoun Thank you,

I seem to remember Brownell sells some kind of look-alike that grips under the handle Real cheap in cost (Shipping is More). Since I'm only really interested in the looks of it, that may be perfect, especially if I don't like it when it's done.

Now I'm having bigger problems, something to do w/ "Lo Standing Lugs" they are connected to the barrel and receive the link. This part is wearing out. A 6 month old Colt Defender shouldn't have that problem until about 50,000 rounds. Well let's see how good their return policy is. Keep everyone informed, since I believe it's relevant to all Colt lovers

[Gammon]

Stippling is easy, all you need is a tool steel punch and a lot of patience. Checkering is hard, all you need is a checkering file (about $20) and a LOT of skill. My favorite is 20 LPI checkering on the front strap. It is visually pleasing and provides an excellent grip. It is tough today to find a gunsmith that does great checkering. I had a pistol done by the legendary Charlie Kelsey of Devel; his checkering was ART and has spoiled me. Fortunately there is an alternative, skateboard tape. It is ugly as sin, but offers just as good a grip as checkering and is cheap. A lifetime supply costs about $7.50. Just cut a piece to fit the front strap (long enough to extend under the grip panels), stick it on, and screw the grips back on. Effective (I use on all my guns that aren't checkered), cheap, and fast so it is easy to replace if necessary.

[emiddio]

strap checkering, adjustable trigger questions :

the pictures i've seen look like the checkered front straps are -- how do i say it ? --like the smooth front straps had all the metal that would be left after checkering removed.

in other words -- can a smooth front strap be checkered and still be the same "size" as a gun that was checkered at the factory ?

is all back strap checkering confined to the mainspring housing -- and do you just buy a different mainspring housing with the checkering you want ?

i'm new to 1911 guns with adjustable triggers -- what gets adjusted -- length or tension or something else ?

thanks

[stans]

Front strap checkering is basically cutting "V" shaped grooves into the front strap, these grooves are evenly spaced and intersect each other at 90 degree angles. This leaves little points that are at the same height as the original smooth front strap and valleys, the skin of the hand will now pretty much sink into the valleys and the points will keep the gun from twisting in the shooters hand. This is about the easiest way I can explain checkering. Now often the gunsmith will reduce the height of the metal surrounding the checkered area to make the checkering even more effective and pronounced.

A steel back strap can be checkered, but pre-checkered replacements are available as well.

The adjustable trigger has a set screw in the face of the trigger. This screw adjusts the amount of travel by the trigger after it has released the sear from the hammer. It does not adjust the weight of the pull, only the distance the trigger can travel to the rear of the pistol.