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AR15.COM
12/6/2011 7:07:18 PM EDT
I took my newish Colt Rail Gun into a very reputable and nationally known smith today to have a bit of work done.

During our discussion, I inquired about possibly checkering the front strap.  He took a quick look and said "not with this gun."  Evidently some, but not all of the newer Colts don't have enough meat in the front strap to allow checkering.  Based on reputation and my dealings with him, I fully believe he doesn't think there is enough to work with, and based on his experience, I trust his opinion.  He quoted a minimum thickness needed, but I neglected to write it down and don't remember it.

I'm curious if anyone has heard of or runi into this issue, or the reason for it.  Different sub-contractors supplying frames, maybe?

Not to worried about it, as grit tape has worked well for me, but it will definetely be something I take a look at when making future purchases.  Also makes me wonder what I might hear if I sent in to the Colt Custom Shop and requested a checkering job.  I'm assuming a checkering job when there is not enough base material would leave the frame prone to breakage or cracking in that area.

Any hive experience with this??
12/6/2011 9:16:28 PM EDT
[#1]
I had no problems checkering my front strap.  Plenty of material there.  Try measuring the thickness of your front strap we'll see if mine is the same.

Link to my checkering job.
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=326905

Quik
12/6/2011 10:49:13 PM EDT
[#2]
Colts Custom Shop checkers their 1911s. I have 2 done in 25lpi and one "scalloped by a "nationally known" smith. Deep checkering is cause for concern.
I like 25lpii myself.

If worried go 40lpi. 40lpi checkering is shallow.
12/7/2011 3:04:28 AM EDT
[#3]
Some gunsmiths can weld up the frontstrap and recut it.

Anything is possible with enough cash.
12/7/2011 5:39:17 AM EDT
[#4]
I heard about this issue from a well known gunsmith about 12 years ago, so it isn't a new thing.  I don't remember what he recommended for a minimum thickness on the front strap.  There are other options, finer checkering as mentioned, stippling, custom texture treatments like the golf ball dimples, snake skin, conamyds, etc.