A cheap alternative for a slippery grip.
I have used these on several 1911's and for a cheap quick fix for not having front grip checkering on the pistol they are ok. They are a thin stamped sheet metal strap that is easily formed if you take your time, being careful not to over do it. The texture is a bit sharp for me, so I file the points down a little and paint it with flat black enamel. I also use double back tape under it to help hold it in place. It's not going to win any beauty awards but it looks ok and does the job it was meant for.
Star Super largo
I am a little strange. Star, Super largo. I had to trim this a bit, I undercut the front strap so this would fit more flush, and I used an epoxy!! BUT.. it worked and it looks GREAT! I love fixing up inexpensive weapons to perform with the high buck jobs and this sure helped!! They only way I could give 5 stars if someone from Brownells would have come out and done it for me.
worth the money
i purchased the ss front strap a while back and liked so well i got the blue front strap, they fit great if you work with it a little bit. no regrets i will probably get one for all my 1911 pistols
I would buy this item again
As said previously, no instructions included. After playing with this front strap for about 10 minutes, I found the easiest way to install it was to reinstall both grip panels very loosely and then place this insert between the loose grips and hold in place while I tightened the screws. I was very pleased with this front strap once in place and it looks and feels great on my SR1911.
A workable alternative to custom checker
This is a stamped stainless sheet that wraps around your front strap, providing a checkered surface. That's all it is. Do not expect exactly the same result as a custom checkering job. It's not magic. However, it's not a piece of trash either. The material is thick enough to be very durable, but thin enough to work with. Like any custom gun modification, it requires fitting to get a good result. When properly trimmed and bent to lock into the cutouts in the gun's frame, this WILL NOT MOVE and looks like a custom checker from more than a few feet away. The grip enhancement is identical to a real checker job. I installed it on my highly customized EMP as a test to decide if I want to checker it, and I think I'm just going to keep this instead! Is it out of place on a $1600 one-of-a-kind pistol? Maybe a bit, but I'm satisfied. I prefer it to permanently modifying the aluminum alloy frame.
Gets the job done
This is basically a piece of sheet metal that is textured like a cheese grater. I installed this on a S&W 1911PD as an alternative to spending $350 for checkering. Minor fitting (bending the sheet metal) was required but nothing the average person could not handle. The grip panels hold in place however it will shift slightly with the pistol's recoil. To counter this, I used a little adhesive to anchor it in place. This is not as clean or asthetically pleasing as a good checkering job but it does the job. Skate board tape will work just as well.
Easy fit to Officers frame
This was an easy fit onto an Officer's size frame... Only requires about a 1/4 removed from the bottom and a touch of cutting to modify where the panel grips the cut-outs in the frame. Added substantial grip for a low price. I put a layer of double sided tape on the frame to shield the frame and hold the panel in place. When ever I get around to refinishing the frame on my gun, this will be removed and a proper checkering done on the frame itself... But if you don't want to modify the frame this is a good option. Worth the price, won't win beauty contests or earn respect of the high dollar custom crowd... But it is very functional. I only wish Wilson made a "factory" piece for Officer's frames... I've seen quite a few folks who had to modify these to fit their frames. Me included now.
works if installed correctly
Needed to bend the tabs twice to get a proper fit on my springer, but once the grips are screwed down, it doesn't move a mm. I also put a piece of electrical tape on the back for added stability and finish protection.
Front strap
Ive had mine on my full size 1911 for years and i love it. It stays put and gives me a positive grip without expensive work to my gun. Get one.
Works OK
The product description accurately describes this frontstrap, and it works well at its price point. Let's keep this in perspective, and don't expect it to compete with a custom checkering job, as the price reflects that. I put this on a 3" Kimber Ultra Carry (officers model size 1911), and I had to trim about 5 rows from the top to get it to fit the curve going into the triggerguard. It cuts easily with a sharp pair of scissors.
