Slim Carry Smooth Grips dramatically improve carry comfort for me

[inboost]

I found that the stock checked grips on my Kimber Ultra CDP II were abrading my side when the gun was positioned most advantageously for carry, especially when sitting in the sport seats in my car. At the suggestion of another member, hygyliac, I started looking into a set of smooth grips in 'slim' trim.

The smooth part is self explanatory, but the 'slim' part should be expanded on a little. I've taken all my measurements just south of the lower grip screw as both the grip sets taper down as they head towards the top of the gun a very small amount.

The slim grips at 0.172" are a lot thinner than the standard grip at 0.278" (38% thinner!). This reduces total thickness of the gun at the grip end by nearly a quarter inch (0.212") across the lower grip screw area (Went from 1.313" down to 1.101"). Considering the stock grip screw bushing is just as tall as these new grips you would be guessing correctly if you thought they won't work. Fortunately most of these grip sets come with a screw and bushing set (or can provide a set for a nominal fee).

There are great places all over the web from which you can get such grips. You can have them in Micarta, aluminum, and any exotic wood you can think of. I just wanted a set NOW so I went with what was in stock down at the gun store.

Some Links to grip manufacturers:

VZ Grips - Micarta
AlumaGrips - Aluminum
1911 Pistol Grips - Check out the various wood finishes!

I ended up with some Chip McCormick "Slim Carry" exotic rosewood (cocobolo) P/N 83011 for $50 plus tax. I was a little bummed as they were cut for an ambi safety and the Kimber doesn't need this so I feared the gap would collect lint and look goofy. Imagine my surprise when I took off the factory Kimber grip and it too had this cut! Needless to say it wasn't an issue and is invisible unless you've looking for it.

After a little precision screwdriver work (the bushings are lightly thread-locked so be careful of stripping the bushing screwdriver sots and of course scratching your gun). The grips were on and carry comfort was greatly improved.

Something to note: The grip circumference is a little smaller now, so if you have small hands this will help you out (My Wife was quite excited that my "cute" gun has suddenly fit her hand more comfortably and easily). I have fairly large hands but I'm not yet concerned as it still feels comfortable to grip and point (I'll have to shoot it and get back to this thread).

Of course this thread is best served with a few pictures:





The bottom line is that I'm much happier now

[CCWInstructor]

I'm laying claim to your no longer used OEM grips. You can bring them to the "O" frame armoury class monday night. oops

[hygyliac]

Originally Posted by inboost

Something to note: The grip circumference is a little smaller now, so if you have small hands this will help you out (My Wife was quite excited that my "cute" gun has suddenly fit her hand more comfortably and easily). I have fairly large hands but I'm not yet concerned as it still feels comfortable to grip and point (I'll have to shoot it and get back to this thread).

Of course this thread is best served with a few pictures

The pictures are a very good idea! Those and the data that you posted will probably answer several questions all by themselves. It is posts like this one that are a benefit to the varoius readers who have an idea what they want but don't know how to articulate the questions. Good job, please post your results.

p.s. I don't think it a "cute gun". It is very masculine, rugged, handsome and impressive, just like the men that own 1911s Conversely the ladies are all Princesses in my eyes! (ooops, sucking up again!)

[IAmASensFan]

Originally Posted by hygyliac

p.s. I don't think it a "cute gun". It is very masculine, rugged, handsome and impressive, just like the men that own 1911s Conversely the ladies are all Princesses in my eyes! (ooops, sucking up again!)

[X-ffdo]

You guys are going to cause me to get a job!

[WKC]

Check out these grips.

[Female Instructor]

Originally Posted by hygyliac

The pictures are a very good idea! Those and the data that you posted will probably answer several questions all by themselves. It is posts like this one that are a benefit to the varoius readers who have an idea what they want but don't know how to articulate the questions. Good job, please post your results.

p.s. I don't think it a "cute gun". It is very masculine, rugged, handsome and impressive, just like the men that own 1911s Conversely the ladies are all Princesses in my eyes! (ooops, sucking up again!)

If you want to see cute... just wait. I am going to make my Glock 38 into a true "princess" gun one of these days!

[X-ffdo]

I am Speechless......I will have to get me a 1911 now, just to get a beautiful set of "cachas" like those for my gun.......You guys are going to push me into going back to work!. They are not rough, they are beautiful and smooth, so they do not chafe your skin from all that rubbing when you carry. You just will need to grip them firmly as not to lose hold.

[WKC]

Originally Posted by X-ffdo

I am Speechless......I will have to get me a 1911 now, just to get a beautiful set of "cachas" like those for my gun.......You guys are going to push me into going back to work!. They are not rough, they are beautiful and smooth, so they do not chafe your skin from all that rubbing when you carry. You just will need to grip them firmly as not to lose hold.

??? Just what are you saying? Grip what?

[IAmASensFan]

Originally Posted by Female Instructor

If you want to see cute... just wait. I am going to make my Glock 38 into a true "princess" gun one of these days!

If you are going to use the Krylon paint (or whatever that is) that they sell for firearms, I have a badger airbrush you can use if you don't have one.

[spc]

I too enjoy the thin line grips, but prefer the ones that are checkered. It does make a huge difference if you have smaller hands.

spc

[X-ffdo]

Aymara Indians from the Bolivian Altiplano.....Ay mama'! Titi Y caca. That's what I mean.

[AMS MIKE]

Glad I searched and found this thread, was about to start a new one.

InBoost, great info. Just ordered a set of slim line grips from VZgrips. The owner got on the phone and helped me pick the right set for the ultra cdp. They show only full size grips available, but if you call they can make anything. He said 3-days and then they will be shipped to me. Thats a darn good turn-a-round for a custom product.

I will start a new thread when the grips come in.

[WKC]

Originally Posted by AMS MIKE

Glad I searched and found this thread, was about to start a new one.

InBoost, great info. Just ordered a set of slim line grips from VZgrips. The owner got on the phone and helped me pick the right set for the ultra cdp. They show only full size grips available, but if you call they can make anything. He said 3-days and then they will be shipped to me. Thats a darn good turn-a-round for a custom product.

I will start a new thread when the grips come in.

I presume you ordered the grip bushing and screws to match. Make sure you red loctite the bushing to the frame and blue loctite the screw to the bushing.

[AMS MIKE]

Originally Posted by WKC

I presume you ordered the grip bushing and screws to match. Make sure you red loctite the bushing to the frame and blue loctite the screw to the bushing.

yes I ordered the hex screws and bushings for the slim line.

Thanks for letting me know on the loctite, I have both Blue and Red here at work.