Thread: 1911 without grips?

Anyone know of a possible issue running your 1911 without the grips on?
I had my grips off and noticed how good the gun felt without the grips on it.
I know it will give dirt a little more room to get in but is there a hazzard to doing it?

Yes there can be one serious draw back, if the unsupported part of the case ruptures it can cause serious damage to your hand. Several grip manufacturers have put thin metal plates inside their grips to protect the hand from this problem. I would at least install a thin metal cover where the grips where. Keeps it clean and protects your hand.

Jim

Originally Posted by Hardwood floor guy

Anyone know of a possible issue running your 1911 without the grips on?
I had my grips off and noticed how good the gun felt without the grips on it.
I know it will give dirt a little more room to get in but is there a hazzard to doing it?

You mean, aside from looking like a complete tool at the range?

that would not be good,the extra protection of the grip would be good to have at that point.
it just fits so good without the grips.shooter preference i guess but i do prefer keeping my hands
i like the idea of some kind of plate in the recessed areas though.

Originally Posted by Nutty4Guns

You mean aside from looking like a complete tool at the range?

well i have learned not to worry about how i look to others over the years but i like the feel of the gun that way.

Maybe you should try a set of thin grips before you give up on ol' slabsides.

I keed, I keed. I joka wit you.

Interesting question.

They make thin and ultra thin grips.

I advice you to discontinue operating your firearm w/o the grips. The plunger is usually one of the weakest points in a 1911. Some 1911 rely on the grips for support. Should the plunger come loose, will need to re-stake. Some models have grips that do not support the plunger, and plunger never comes loose. It is up to you if you want to risk it.