Grip Options:
The new Infinity grips is one of the more prominent improvements of the 1911 design in a long time. The polymer grip is now fully phased out and replaced by the carbon- or stainless steel grip. Infinity offer you more than 400 grip options. The earlier issues with Aluminum grips are now solved so there it is now an option but for competition only. More info here.
METAL GRIP OPTIONS
Grip material:
I'm not a metallurgist, not even on hobby level but people who know tell me that carbon steel is better, I have two stainless guns and one carbon and to me there is no difference in feel, only appearance. Both stainless and Carbon are treated to a Rockwell C 40-42 hardness. In reality the only difference is the corrosion resistance offered by stainless.
4140 Carbon
416 Stainless
Aluminum * new *
Grip Size:
Infinity offer three sizes, Shooter with small to medium hands that have been intimidated by the larger double stack grips, compared to single stack guns, now have a great opportunity to "upgrade"
The large grips is the polymer gone steel.
The Signature grip is an evolution of the classic 1911 straight grip by taking influence from other great designs.
I have the Signature grip on my new gun, it is absolutely fantastic. My new standard gun actually feel small and light. When the weather improve I will do an extensive test against my old polymer "Dalmas Custom Grip" gun and see what the timer says. Feel can be dangerous, the grip felt smaller from trigger to back of beaver tail than on my old gun but was in fact larger (to my delight). The timer does not take feel into account so it will be very interesting to see the result of polymer vs steel.
Grip Surface:
This was a difficult one for me and I'm still not sure. I've been building my own grips since 2004 and first ordered the SkaterTerrain then changed to Micropockets, i'm not sure I did the right choice, but I'm not done testing yet. For IPSC/USPSA I suggest the SkaterTerrain as it offers more options. I have not decided if I'll put on my own grip or not.
Metal Grip Mag Catch:
The steel grip has a new ambidextrous magazine catch. At Grip Length you chose left or right that will put the mag catch or respective side. You can turn the mag catch but you must buy one left and one right button to make it ambidextrous. If you have old magazines a mag catch slot must be cut if you upgrade to the steel grips and is a lefty (as I am) I dremmeled my slots in the magazine and it worked fine but I seriously recommend using a pro. The magcatch / button can be make IDPA legal.
Metal Mag Well:
I favor the stainless steel one, it does add some weight but I like heavy guns so for me there is no doubt. If you favor light guns then trying the alu might be the way to go.
Main Spring Housing:
You can use this option to alter your point of aim and to make the grip fit your had better. Cover your MSH in oil and then put some PlayDoo on it and see what happens. Having the grip fill the hand better is very good.
I'll work on finding more pictures here.
Trigger Guard:
Another evolution with the new grip design is that the trigger guard is separate from the grip, giving you more options. You can chose to have it straight or cut for a higher grip. If you point of aim is off when when naturally aim your gun this along with grip size & mainspring housing can help you change it. A "Zeroed" natural point of aim is very important.
Trigger Guard Profile:
Info coming when I've learned something new...
Metal Grip Options
The Steel grip evolution from raw material to finished grip
