What’s the difference between hand and machine checkering?
The hand checkering is done by hand, the machine checkering is done by machine.
Just a wild guess…
You’re correct, but let me rephrase the question; what’s the difference in looks? Does it look the same?
the machine checkering will be more consistant,and prob. less expensive becouse hand would take more time,and you will be charged by the hour,also take a good look at their jobs before you let anyone touch it.to get a good hand checker job, it will need to be done by a master, any good handjob cost money!lol…
I think you should take a close look at both and then decide what you want.as far as looking the same i would say yes and no, you need to look at both,and decide which one you like best, sometimes more expensive isnt what you want,BUT normaly it cost more becouse of attention to detail, is this for the frame or grip, if its on the front grip you might look into skateboard grip tape, i put a piece on my front grip 15 years ago and its still there today as fresh as ever. and you can buy a huge sheet for like 5 bucks. if its some kind of wood, i like hand checkering becouse of the detail,but it cost.
I’m sending it to Springfield Custom Shop. I’ll probably not be able to differentiate the two, but I figured I’d ask.
With the advancement of fixtures and tooling, I think machine checkering is superior. Hand checkering is only worth the expense if you want to be able to say your gun was hand checkered. Both have the potential to look like shit if not done by someone who knows the ins and outs of each.
Many of the more “experienced” smiths have moved away from hand checkering due to the physical toll it takes on wrists, elbows and eyes. Guys like Pete Single and some others have taken machine checkering to a high art.
There are some pretty good videos on YouTube showing each being done.
When the machine job is done right, it’s very difficult to say that the hand checkered jobs are better
If it’s for anything other than a show piece, I’d opt for machine checkering. It’s cheaper, sometimes faster, and your gunsmith’s elbows might last another year.
It’s a $50 difference between machine and hand checkering. I initially thought machine checkering would be more precise/consistant.
I’m not affiliated with Mr. Harp, nor have I ever seen his work in person.
Just FYI…
Very interesting videos. Thank you.
Go with machine checkering
I sent a MC Operator in to Springfield’s Custom Shop for a variety of modifications, including checkering the front strap. I had them do the machine checkering and it turned out very well. The Springfield Custom Shop did an outstanding job on my pistol. I would give them a strong recommendation.
Any pics? I’m getting ready to send mine in.
So far I’m just at fitting a 10-8 safety, mag release, and slide stop. Then just a 20 LPI front strap checkering and 4lb tool steel trigger job. I can’t think of anything else functional to do, just cosmetics.
EGW HD extractor and oversized FPS. If your ejector isn’t pinned have them drill and pin it while it’s there, they should do it for free.
Here’s how mine turned out:
I had to look around to find the invoice so I could recall exactly what I had done. I had already installed an XS Big Dot front sight with a modified Novak rear (to accommodate specific visual difficulties following cataract surgery) and a Gunsite “low ride” safety. The Custom Shop work started with the “Defense Package” expanded to include installing a 10-8 flat trigger, slide stop, and mag release; trigger action job with tool steel match hammer and sear; 25 LPI machine checkering of front strap; “Colt style” high hand grip cut; S&A magazine well; tuned extractor w/ spare; and standard carry bevel. Cost at that time was about one grand.
I bought the pistol used for around $850 a few years back so I guess I’ve probably got $2000 in the damn thing by now. Some folks would probably see that as a little looney but, hey, it was my first 1911 and I really like the gun. 
I’d give you a range report but I’m embarrassed to admit I got the gun back and it went in the safe, as we had purchased some property out of town and I have been completely engulfed by that project. I hope to get my head above water this spring and get back to doing some shooting. And this will be one of the first to break in my new pistol range.
Very nice. I need to send mine off
All work was done SACS.
man, that machine checker turned out nice,i would just go with that. a really sweet job…i need to send mine back and get it re-blued,its old…lol
Albeit this was 4 years ago, but I was extremely happy with the machine checkering the SA shop did on one of my 1911s. Their 25lpi work is amazing, especially if you have them undercut the trigger guard while you’re at it. I remember turn-around was about 10 weeks which is extremely fast in the custom 1911 world. I would not hesitate to send them more work.