After speaking with p-f member David Barnes of VCD Grips, I asked if he had a thumb scoop model-he does indeed, which is available, but uncatalogued on his website; the name of them is The Practitioner. These were the grips that David provided in prototype form to Todd Green for his Heirloom pistol.
I like them quite a bit, at least in their index and in dryfire; I'll be using them on the GSR at an IDPA match later in the month.
Due to the configuration of the grips, the cratering is a bit shallower, as seen comparatively with one of his standard OD Tapered grips: (the one on the top is the standard, the one immediately below is the thumbscoop)
Operationally, that seems to be of no consequence; if anything, I seem to slighty prefer the slightly less aggressive cratering (but regardless, David ships a segment of sandpaper which each of his grips to shave down the cratering to make them less aggressive if desired).
Aesthetically, for those concerned, the Practitioners come in a slightly darker and greener Olive Drab than the standard Tapereds, which seem to be more of a brown-green Olive Drab.
Fit is excellent, as is the grip profile. While the Standard Tapered grips seemed to fit a bit tighter, snapping in place, the Practitioners have a good fit with no slop around the grip screw bushings. I use Challis rubber O-Rings (designed specifically for 1911 use, but actually amenable to use in other platforms) with each grip screw to prevent screw loosening and backing out due to firing vibration.https://challisgrips.americommerce.c...-Bushings.aspx
I like the access provided by the scoop to the magazine release, and I can detect no loss of grippability incurred by the scoop. I think that these will provide a subtle, but welcome incrimental imrovement to my overall package. We'll see how the results play out quantifiably, but I plan on running with these for some time.
David was also kind enough to send me a free set of the standard Tapereds which I asked for in Brown; thse may find a place, at least experimentally with my Colt Series 70 stainless Repro, which is currently wearing a set of Hogue G10 (which I'm very pleased with), or, perhaps heretically, on our WWII 1945 vintage Remington-Rand 1911A1....
For any interested, VCD has available stocks of the Practitioner Thumbscoop model, in a variety of colors-check with VCD Grips for further information and details. http://www.vcdgrips.com/
Best, Jon