1911 Grip panels, to scoop or not to scoop?

[Rick R]

I’ve carried 1911 style pistols since @ 1978 most often with checkered wooden grips. I recently ( 2 years is “recent” to a guy my age) put G10 grips on my 10mm SR1911 and it was good. I then put a set of VZ “Frag” grips on a 9mm Kimber I shoot in IDPA matches and it was good.

Most recently I purchased a 9mm Commander size SR1911 and tried a set of Magpul’s grips with the rougher “TSP” texture and the big scoop removed to allow easier access to the magazine release.

I had really just purchased the Magpuls to have a spare set of grips until I decided what VZ type to buy next. But I’m digging the scoop and wonder what the gang here prefers. Plain, divot, or scoop?

[Jim Watson]

My match single stacks have Pachmayr rubber wraparounds like I have been using since before G10 was kewl.

[SW CQB 45]

I am a scooper. If the grips I possess dont have them..... I will make my own.

https://i.imgur.com/btkVnzel.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/z10KjuOl.jpg

[JTQ]

No scoop for me.

I'd have to rotate the gun in my hand to hit the mag release with or without the scoop, so there is no advantage to me.

[HCM]

I like the scoop. It saves me from having to rotate the gun during reloads.

The first shot after “handling” such as reloads, draws etc is usually the most difficult. On a low capacity gun which may need to be reloaded more frequently it is a worthwhile advantage.

[Drifting Fate]

I find it doesn't matter to me from a functional standpoint and I really don't care for the looks of a scoop.

[Hambo]

I have big mitts, so no scoops or extended mag releases. That and those scooped grips look bloody awful.

[SAWBONES]

I find it doesn't matter to me from a functional standpoint and I really don't care for the looks of a scoop.

I agree.

[RevolverRob]

I have big palms (XL) and relatively short (M) fingers. The scoop doesn’t help me, I still have to rotate the gun. But I my big support hand palm notices the scooped area missing.

No scoop for me.

If I had it my way, I’d put a blasphemous lever-style ambi mag release on my 1911s and use my index finger to drop the mag. I find levers way more positive than buttons. But there is, pretty much no way to make a lever release without doing a whole bunch of other things to the gun.

[gato naranja]

I inadvertently got a scooped set of VZ olive/black micarta grips and have found that the scoop does sort of "guide" my thumb when I'm a bit sloppy with the reload.

g n

[OlongJohnson]

I have big hands with long fingers, but my thumb knuckle is fairly prominent. I like just enough scoop/divot to allow me to apply sufficient force to drop a mag without having to bend my thumb in weird directions. I added a divot to the Hogue G10s on a Buck Mark and it was a massive improvement.

[Rick R]

If I had it my way, I’d put a blasphemous lever-style ambi mag release on my 1911s and use my index finger to drop the mag. I find levers way more positive than buttons. But there is, pretty much no way to make a lever release without doing a whole bunch of other things to the gun.

I have a VP9, my wife has a P99c and Magnum Research/Walther 9mm all with ambi levers. I pinch the levers between thumb and finger when using them. Very fast and very positive. Other than needing to redesign the frame AND magazines you may be on to something.

Thanks guys, I have to rotate the gun slightly with unscooped grips, but I also worry about accidentally dropping the mag with the scooped. I’ll have to ponder this for a while before deciding to buy the wrong grips and then buying the ones that work for me. Just like my big box of “perfect holsters” that weren’t...

[Robinson]

I have short thumbs and my right one was broken pretty badly years ago -- I have to rotate the gun a little anyway so I don't typically use grip panels with a scoop. I can tolerate a shallow one though.

I like simple fully checkered wood stocks or black rubber grip panels.

[Bucky]

Tried a scoop once and it felt weird. 27 years without, so I’ll vote no scoop.

“No scoop for you! Come back, 1 year!” :)

[mmc45414]

When I am shooting the thumb is up on the safety, so the only time it matters is when I want the access to the safety anyways. Aesthetically would be the only concern and I actually think it looks kinda cool.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

[SW CQB 45]

when I am feeling Pachy.

https://i.imgur.com/o1PM6rOl.jpg

[Bigghoss]

1 big scoop, please.

43417

[Gun Mutt]

I have big mitts, so no scoops or extended mag releases. That and those scooped grips look bloody awful.

This!

And I'd prefer the mainspring pin be covered, too.

[Rex G]

I would like a scoop on the right grip panel, for my left thumb to use as a rest, when shooting one-handed lefty. ;)

[Crash41984]

Aesthetically, I've always hated super scoop and thumb notch cut grips. However, I picked up a DW Specialist that came with VZ Operator II's early this year and now I really wish all of my 1911 grips had a thumb notch. I'd probably like the super scoop VZ's even better if I tried them, but I won't because $.

[FrankB]

All of my 1911’s have Wilson Combat extended mag releases. WC says they’re 1/16” longer than standard, but it feels like more than that. Never had a mag drop while carrying, and don’t need a scoop.

[JonInWA]

On my Colt Series 70, I have a Hogue G10 double diamond grips, no scoop; on my SIG GSR XO, I'm running it with a set of Magpul polymer grips with a scoop. Both work just fine operationally; I'm not sure if the scoop makes a huge difference, but I do like it.

Aesthetically, both work on the specific 1911s they're respectively on-at least to my taste/eye.

Best, Jon

[Amp]

No scoop on mine. I'm not a fan of how they look or feel.

[StraitR]

I can't depress the mag release without shifting the gun with or without a scoop, so I stick with no scoops.