Mark Avery

Any tips on doing this? It is one of the hardest things I've tried and I've got all of the right tools from Brownell's. Ruined one frame so far ....HELP!!!



Mark Avery

lefty o

practice on some scrap metal first. and remember when checkering a curved surface your eyes tend to lie to you. i think there have been other threads on checkering on this forum before so you might try a search.

Before you deface the grip frame forever, try attaching some skateboard material to determine if you really want a solid, unchanging grip at this critical point. Try making a draw with your hand in a slightly wrong position and see if you can alter your grip to the proper one during the draw.
Many who carry their pistol every day want either a smooth front strap or one with vertical grooves that allow a solid grip when cinched down on but allow slippage to the proper grip position when the tightness of the grip is slightly loosened.
Before you alter an expensive grip frame forever, experiment and try to determine what is best for you. No two shooters have the same perspective and/or needs. It is mostly Bullseye and action shooters who want a solid attachment to the front strap; those who carry every day usually favor a smoother front strap for the stated reason.
You might also consider one of the metal add ons with impressed checkering. These are a very good alternative, since many times a future sale of the pistol will balance on whether you can return it to original condition.
Don't permanently ruin a serviceable grip frame just because somebody thinks it looks "purty" to checker it. Trends change, usually on 20 year cycles, and the time may come when you need to sell your pistol.

Graham Cracker

There are a couple good tutorials I have used.

http://blindhogg.com/gunsmith/checkering.html

http://www.roderuscustom.tzo.com/Det...September%2030

Also you can read about my checkering adventures here.
http://grahamcracka.dns2go.com/1911frame/1911frame2.htm

If these don't answer your questions, I will be glad to attempt to offer further assistance.

Regards,

Ken