Hand checkering 1911 front strap. Anyone done it?

And if so, which fixture/jig, and files did you use?
I’ve seen Brownells offerings, and it looks like I could send the gun off to a smith to have it done for what their checkering fixture would cost, plus file/s.

I’d like to try it myself, having had some success fitting beavertails, and other metal parts.

 

Did just find this.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007126669

 

I did the same just recently and decided it’s above my skill level. For me it looks like a great way to eff up a $1000 dollar gun tryna save $20.

 

For me it’s more about doing it, than the money saved, but I AM leery of making a mess. I ground down the frame tangs an 1/8” on a Colt last year and fit an upswept beavertail, and it turned out well both functionally and cosmetically. I was making an antique clock reproduction in shop class when I was 15 when everyone else was making bookends, so I’m pretty sure I can do it. I just want to start out with the right tools. The guys on a 1911 forum use a fixture of some sort to start and some of them freehand it after the first few lines. *egad*

 

@pfccorder

 

Same here - I’d love to have the skills to do this. I even considered buying the tools and practicing on a piece of stock.

 

I did a set of grips for one of my gun and it didn't turn out to bad. At least I didn't think so. It is labor intensive and you cannot rush. Lighting is critical. Watch a couple of videos about how it is done. You would think bright light is the key but shaded works better. It creates a shadow on the line which helps you to see it better. If you can get some scrap metal in the correct shape practice on it. I had the luxury of cutting the lines and not liking them and just sanding them down twice because I started the grips way thicker than I needed. You won't have that option.

You will never know if you don't try so go for it.

 

I saw your thread earlier. Impressive work.

 

I would love to try it,but I ama chicken shit!

 

Thank you sir.

 

Let me check , heh heh, my tool box tomorrow and make sure my stuff is still where I think it is. If so, I have a jig and some checkering files that you can borrow if you are serious about doing it. I've done two of them. One for a buddy and one on my old beat up Springfield Loaded.

CHRIS

 

Try it on a piece of 3/4" or 1" black pipe and see how it goes.

 

Here’s one I hand checkered

 

Very nice work.
Did you use a jig or fixture?

 

i did not just a file

 

@fieldgrade I have my Brownells jig and some files located. Message me your address and I’ll loan them to you for about a month.


CHRIS

 

Thanks! PM inbound.