Trying something new...1911 frame

[Magnumite]

Here is grip texturing and frame contouring in the works on my last build. Foster framed 5" 9x19 caliber. Bordered stippling on the front strap and full stipple on the mainspring housing. High hold cut at the top of the front strap. Critiques welcomed.

 

[HordesOfKailas]

I don't know a lot about 1911 building, but I like the work. Looks like it'll be comfortable to grip but still be slip-proof. Will probably look really nice with the right grips.

 

[d33rhunt3r]

How'd you do this? It looks good!

 

[Minuteman]

How'd you do this? It looks good!

Yep.

Like the divot under trigger guard too.

 

[Jaybeez]

Looks really good. I'd like to see how you did it.
Can you show a full side shot that shows the undercut work?

 

[Nanook]

Pretty sexy.

 

[Magnumite]

I'll have to wait until tonight to get a profile pic of the frame. I'll put a Ruger next to it to compare.

No dremel used on this one. The flat on the front strap was filed to orient and set the second from end bones in my fingers so they were perpendicular to the bore. Even after rounding the front strap I like a less round profile there. I filed 90 degree cuts using two adjacent sides of a flat file stair step fashion along the front strap where I wanted the high hold "dimple". I used abrasive cloth to set the exact position and radius, slower being better. I posted a couple of in progress pics to illustrate it.

 

[Magnumite]

Here is a profile pic before I started this last round of work on the front strap and frame. This pic also shows the beavertail in a standard high hold profile. This beavertail profile falls somewhere on a mild higher hold and is not as profound as some of my other 1911's.

Some may think this kind of work doesn't make a difference but it does. This turns the gun from having a chunky top heavy feel to a svelt glove on the hand, reduced muzzle flip grace to it. Hand size will effect what profile works best for some one.

 

[Minuteman]

I'm a believer. But I'd be too chicken to even attempt this. Finished work looks very good. Congrats.

 

[Minuteman]

If you add more pics a side profile pic of the finished gun would be great. Thx

 

[Magnumite]

Here is a pic of the frame overlapping a Ruger Commander. I marked the side of the front and bottom of the trigger guard for some contrast. I tried to center the pic over the trigger guard and front strap intersection. The frame and Ruger were aligned at the bottom of the magwells, bottom of the frame dust covers and the mag catch button/bores.

Also is a pic of the Ruger and the frame profiles.

 

[Magnumite]

As far as the profile of the finished pistol goes, here it is momentarily assembled. Not a great cell phone pic. I'll post the finished pistol when I get it done...it will be awhile.

 

[JBinDC]

Looks great! I do similar undercutting on my Tupperware guns - G19, Sig P320 - but how'd you stipple the steel? --JB

 

[Minuteman]

Wow. Didn't knew was that was possible. Thx!

 

[Magnumite]

Looks great! I do similar undercutting on my Tupperware guns - G19, Sig P320 - but how'd you stipple the steel? --JB

I use a lathe bit and a 4 ounce hammer....lotsa times. I look at the front strap from different angles to get complete coverage. This is a pretty aggressive texture, I prefer it like that.

Thank you, Minuteman. The advantage of doing it for oneself is different things can be tried without emptying the bank account.

 

[Nanook]

If somebody is looking to see if this might work for them without spending hours and hours and hours beating on their frame, some of the non-slip tread traction sticker tape cut to fit gives a pretty good idea. Home Depot, Lowes, etcetera carries this stuff. A couple bucks and a little time with a razor knife makes for a pretty good look-see. Just don't expect that to be a long term solution, especially outside in August.

 

[Magnumite]

I've had a piece of skate board tape on one pistol for several years now...never came off...I guess it will now that I mentioned it.
I did try it on this pistol but wanted something permanent. I was debating checkering. Considering the amount of time spent...
that would be a thought for a future project.

 

[jimbobborg]

My 1911 smith is always leery of checkering the front of the grips on 1911s. A lot of manufacturers have quality control issues with how they hog out the magazine well and the metal there can vary in thickness, to where the checkering will go through the metal. I just stick with skateboard tape, I can take it off if I sell the gun.