Im debating whether to re-cut the front strap on one of my 1911s but wanted some input of people that has had this done. dont want to do it and not like the outcome. If you could include pics that would be great too
thanks
Patrick
Read a little in the handgun forum… The info you seek is there…
B
I myself hate the checkered front strap- I have sort of soft hands and hate that I have to adjust my grip due to the disconfort checkering provides. I find I can grip better with a plain fornt strap
You mention “re-cut”. What’s incorrect about the front checkering now? If it has NO front checkering then I’d think about one thing: How many lines per inch? Most are 30 lpi. I personally like 20 lpi (like the Springfield TRP has).
i’m in the 20-25 lpi group. i like big hard checkering. yeah it cuts up my hands during class, but it doesn’t really bother me
i guess i didnt explain correctly. im talking about re-cutting the area under the trigger guard on the front strap to allow for a higher grip on the frame. like John_Wayne 777 Les Bear
My Springfield Custom shop gun does not have a high cut front strap, but it is checkered. One of my other custom 1911’s does and I personally like it much better. It gives me the illusion that the grip is “thinner” which might not make sense to you, but that is how I perceive it.
I assume you are talking about having a smith or custom shop do this work for you? I only ask, as unless you are an expereinced machinist, I do not suggest trying it on your own.
I had it done on a Caspian 9MM that I had Tripp research build for me a couple of years ago. It feels slightly better in the hand than the Springfield loaded that I had customized by EGW without it. Is it worth the extra cost? In retrospect I wouldn’t pay extra to have it done. YMMV.
i wish i had the equipment to do it myself but yes am gonna send it somewhere to have it done
Undercutting the handguard is a popular option for a lot of 1911’s, but having the contour come out right takes a skilled machinist.
If you’re going to end up running a DG switch, or adding an arched MSH, odds are its’ a waste of ~100. If not, it’s your money, and a lot of shooter really prefer the lower bore axis permitted by that setup.
I would have that radius removed for a more comfortable high grip (especially combined with a high rise beaver tail).
You know us 1911 guys are cool dudes. Where else can one say “beaver” and “tail” in the same sentence and not get funny stares from the Mrs.? 
It allows for much higher grip, (even with an arched MSH). I consider it a must have on any 1911.
One of my 1911s has the undercut triggerguard, two don’t. Two of them have 25 lpi frontstrap checkering. I would prioritize the checkering over the undercut triggerguard.
For me, the checkering is virtually a “must have”; the undercut triggerguard is a “nice to have.”
Best, Jon
Thanks everyone for you input. I shot an Ed Brown that had it done and i really liked it now just finding a place that can do it.
Patrick
I had mine done on a Colt by Alex Hamilton at Ten Ring Precision in San Antonio. He also did stipling on the front strap instead of the checkering which I like a lot better than my Kimbers with checkering. Looks great and gives a high, comfortable and secure grip.
do you happen to have a pic?
Plk,
Not currently but I can get you one.
the best feeling undercut style for me is colt’s, even though i’m not a colt guy.
Well said, +1.
Sorry I took so long getting these but here are a few pics to give you an idea.