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Hello, I want to have some work done on a lightweight commander I have, I'd really like to have the front strap stippled, but I don't think I've ever seen this before. Of course, I may have just missed something.

Can an alloy frame be stippled instead of checkered? Are there any potential problems or pitfalls in doing so?

I'm not opposed to checkering, but would prefer to have it stippled. If stippling isn't an option, are there any other modifications short of skateboard tape that I should consider? I've only had checkering done in the past, but may want to try something a bit different.

Thanks in advance for any informatio and/or advice on this subject.

It can be done - my Novak LW Commander has a hand-matted front strap and under the trigger guard. I'll see if I can find a picture of it.

Actually I believe an alloy frame can be stippled but not checkered. Checkering on an alloy frame would be too fragile. I've got 2 Springfield LW Compacts that have the frontstraps stippled. One was done by Robar and the other by Carl Sokol. I think most if not all of the 1911 smiths on this forum will stipple an alloy frame.

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Ted

emmagee, Yep, you can stipple it, or do any of the other front strap treatments than can be done to a steel framed gun. Hope this helps,

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

Thanks, guys, I appreciate the responses!

I have a LW Commander that is stippled front and back. Using this gun convinced me that stippling is my grip treatment of choice.

I stand corrected on whether alloy frames can be checkered. Don, why is it that every alloy frame 1911 that I have seen has been stippled? Is checkering more difficult on an alloy frame?

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Ted

I have a Caspian Aluminum Officer frame that is checkered. If I were doing a treatment on Aluminum I would seriously look into scallops or conamyds. The scallops work surprisingly well in aiding grip but there are not "points" to be damaged. I haven't held Conamyds yet, but will someday, they look to offer good grip without a fragile point to be damaged.

I have stippled a couple of aluminum frames pistols including a S&W Scandium frame, a CZ and a Kimber. They all seemed to work out well. I have also checkered an aluminum frame. You can pretty much do what you would do to a steel gun. As advised here, I think I would prefer a golf ball type treatment or stippling if you don't want something that aggressive.

Jess

TED, No, they're not harder to checker, just different. While the aluminum is softer and hence, files more easily, it's also easier to get a line crossed. The alloy also tends to stick to the file. Best,

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

Thanks for the education- I learn something new here every week. That's why this is my favorite forum.

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Ted