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AlumaGrips Review |
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In the 1911 world, there is no shortage
of upgrades and custom modifications that can be performed to
your favorite rig. Since purchasing my stainless Kimber Classic
some two years ago, the pistol has somehow remained factory
stock, minus the Wolff recoil spring I installed. When Chris
Lynch, owner and founder of AlumaGrips, sent me a pair of his
company's aluminum 1911 grips for review, I was excited to replace
the rubber stock grips on my Kimber and give the unique new
grips a try. |
AlumaGrips are manufactured by C.J.
Precision, an Arizona-based machine shop that specializes in
CNC milling work. The grips are machined from T-6 aluminum and
are available in a number of color and style combinations. I
opted for the black anodized standard checkered grips for my
stainless Kimber.
The package arrived in short order, well packaged and protected.
Upon first inspection, I was amazed at the quality of the machining
work. The grips' lines are smooth and exact, with very minimal
machining marks throughout. The checkering was meticulously
crafted, providing just enough 'bite' without being too uncomfortable
to my hands. I installed the grips on my Kimber with ease, the
screw holes aligning perfectly with the frame. The flat black
anodizing was attractive and even - contrasting nicely with the
Kimber's stainless frame. |
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I was kindly invited to the Wildcat
Valley Range near Lafayette, Indiana for an extended shooting
session with the new grips. The weather was perfect for a serious
review of handgun grips, although not so kind to the shooters
themselves. The temperature was in the mid-90's with humidity
about the same. Before I could get my first magazine loaded,
my hands were sweaty and hot. I shot about 150 rounds in the
scorching heat, the Kimber sometimes too hot to handle. The
AlumaGrips performed very well throughout the shooting session.
The grips had an excellent feel to them, filling my hands well
and retaining the ergonomic properties of the 1911 design. One
of my initial concerns about metallic grips was its gripping
properties, particularly on a day when my hands were consistently
sweaty. Thanks to the well-cut checking, the grips provided
a good, solid grip despite the conditions at the range. In fact,
the grips provided as much, if not more, grip than the rubber
stock grips that shipped with my Kimber. |
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| At the end of the day, tired and sunburned, I was very impressed
with the AlumaGrips. The grips have remained on my Kimber since
the shooting session and I have no intentions of going back to the
stock grips. The grips have a unique, high-quality appearance and
they feel great. If you would like more information about AlumaGrips
or to purchase a set, visit the company website at www.alumagrips.com. |
| Final Verdict |
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Highs: Extremely well machined; Beautiful, even finish; Excellent
checkering and gripping properties |
Lows: A bit heavy; Retains temperature |
Overall: Unique set of grips that are practical and look great |
| Rating: |
95% |
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