The “I need a .45 but do I need a 1911?” thread

[RJ]

I think if there was a thin grip, in G10, in black, with the same texture pattern, I'd order it on the spot.

Found it, that didn't take long:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...NTD03Y8TK&th=1

[RJ]

Rich,

If you haven't placed an order with Wilson Combat yet, this is a pretty slick kit that they've put together:

https://shopwilsoncombat.com/CLEANIN...oductinfo/730/

As to fooling around with grips, I've got a few different sets that you can try out.

Thanks Chuck. I guess 1911 grips are like the box o'holsters...you kind of keep accumulating them.

Thanks for the cleaning kit link; I have collected most of that stuff, more or less.

I didn't have a barrel wrench, so I put one on my next order from Midwest Gun Works. I can manage the bushing on mine by hand, but it is still pretty tight. A simple polymer bushing wrench should help me a lot. The last couple field strips and reassembles went a lot smoother than the first one, that's for sure. As long as I remember which end of the non-captive mag spring to put onto the guide rod. Heck I'm so new to this I had to go look that one up to be sure.

I wanted some .45 snap caps but was aghast at how much a set of 5 Tipton (what I usually use) caps were these days, almost $20, geez. Since this is for Dry Practice, I ordered a Barrel Blok instead. I like using these for my G34. The tube sticks out the barrel as a visual reminder you are clear, and the chamber end cushions the firing pin, like a snap cap.

https://bloksafety.com/

[CSW]

Wanna try a pair of thin grey/black G10s?

Pm me.
They are the ones that came with the RO elite.
I'm a wood guy.

Snap caps?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/27477208168...mis&media=COPY

[RJ]

Wanna try a pair of thin grey/black G10s?

Pm me.
They are the ones that came with the RO elite.
I'm a wood guy.

Snap caps?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/27477208168...mis&media=COPY

No worries, got that set I linked on order to try. Black/grey. I see you have excellent taste as well.

Copy the link on the snap caps, thanks!

[Elwin]

This is probably unhelpful, but just to add to the dizzying array of options: If you like standard grips, you could use them and install a short trigger to solve your trigger reach issue. The 1911 nominally set up for my wife to use has Herretts wood grips on it but a Wilson short trigger. Doing it over again I'd use a Harris trigger, but that setup works for her small hands.

[RJ]

This is probably unhelpful, but just to add to the dizzying array of options: If you like standard grips, you could use them and install a short trigger to solve your trigger reach issue. The 1911 nominally set up for my wife to use has Herretts wood grips on it but a Wilson short trigger. Doing it over again I'd use a Harris trigger, but that setup works for her small hands.

Very useful info, actually. I had no idea there was even such a thing as a short trigger. I'll do some research into that.

"For the moment", I think I'll put on the thin G10 pair when they arrive. Having shot a Rental RIA Basic basic model (thick grips) up in Michigan, and comparing it to my SA, I have enough rounds to conclude I "probably" prefer the thin grips, with the standard (or whatever it is I have) trigger in the SA Garrison.

At any rate, $20 shipped to try out a set of thin G10s, with free returns, seems like a no brainer. I should know next week sometime. Much obliged for the comment.

[Robinson]

Very useful info, actually. I had no idea there was even such a thing as a short trigger. I'll do some research into that.

Installing a trigger isn't really difficult, but there may be some fitting involved depending on the gun and the trigger. I've done a few that fit perfectly with no fitting. In any case, swapping the trigger will gain you more familiarity with how the parts in a 1911 all fit and work together. Do keep track of any and all pins so you don't lose them.

[awp_101]

@RJ, I'd suggest checking out the grips from @vcdgrips. I really like mine...(bottom 1911)

[Ichiban]

I guess 1911 grips are like the box o'holsters...you kind of keep accumulating them.

Very true. At least they take up a lot less storage space.

[revchuck38]

Very useful info, actually. I had no idea there was even such a thing as a short trigger. I'll do some research into that.

The short trigger was standard on the 1911A1 and on commercial Colts through at least the 80s. If you can find a gunsmith who's been in business for a while, he'll probably have a bunch of them and be glad to get rid of one. If you get a military contract one, it probably won't need fitting.