In the world of shooting enthusiasts and gun collectors, the 1911 pistol is considered an iconic firearm. This classic design has remained incredibly popular over the years due to its versatility and reliable performance.
One of the standout features of the 1911 is its ability to accommodate various grips, allowing it to be personalized for each user's preference and comfort. In recent years, enthusiasts have shown a growing interest in exotic grips – defined as non-traditional materials such as wood, bone, ivory, or even precious metals.
These unique grips not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the pistol but also provide an added layer of customization and flair. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the world of 1911 exotic grips, exploring the different materials and designs available, and how they can enhance the overall shooting experience.
How We Choose
We started our search by looking at all of the most popular 1911s on the market. We then read through customer reviews to get an idea of what people were looking for in a grip. From there, we reached out to a few custom grip makers and discussed their offerings with them. Based on all of this information, we narrowed down our list to the five best 1911 exotic grips according to the following criteria:
Grip Size: We only considered grips that would work well for people with average-sized hands (small/medium or medium/large).
Construction Material: We only looked at exotic wood options since those are typically more durable than other materials.
Appearance: While aesthetics are obviously subjective, we tried to pick out some pretty designs
1911 Gun Grips Exotic Wood Full Size 1911 Grip Ambi Safety Cut with Virgin Mary Design
Colt 1911 grips are a must-have for any fan of the iconic handgun. These grips feature a classic design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
They offer comfortable handling and provide a firm hold on your pistol, making it easy to control while firing. They also help prevent slippage when wet, which can be useful in rainy conditions or if you're using your weapon in water-based activities such as shooting at targets in the water.
FUSION 1911 Grips, Full Size Red Cocobolo Beveled Bottom Ranger Cut, No Ambi Cut
FUSION
1911 Grips, Full Size Red Cocobolo Beveled Bottom Ranger Cut, No Ambi Cut
The Cocobolo wood grips are truly a work of art. The intricate patterns and colors make them stand out from the rest. They're also incredibly durable, making these an ideal choice for those who want a high-quality grip without paying a premium price.
The grips are made from genuine cocobolo wood, which is rare and expensive. This means that they're not cheap, but you get what you pay for here - these will last for years if taken care of properly. The grips feature an attractive reddish-brown color that pairs well with most pistols on the market today.
They're also comfortable to hold and provide excellent grip even in wet conditions or when sweaty palms occur. Overall, these great quality grips will stand the test of time while providing excellent performance and grip at all times!
1911 Gun Exotic Wood Full Size Grip Ambi Safety Cut with USMC Design
The Grips America 1911 Full-Size Grips are a great option for those who want a classic look and feel without sacrificing ergonomics. These grips feature genuine buffalo horn material, which is both durable and comfortable.
The 3-1/16" width provides ample room for finger placement, while the serrated edges provide a secure grip even when wet or sweaty. The set comes with 4 screws, making installation quick and easy. They also come in black or brown color options, allowing you to match your firearm's finish perfectly.
Wilson Combat Diamondwood Grips
Wilson Combat's Diamondwood grips are a great option for anyone looking to add a touch of class to their 1911 pistol. The exotic wood panels are beautiful as well as functional, and the sharp checkering provides a non-slip grip for fast, accurate shooting.
The CNC machined full coverage checkering and distinctive logo inlay provide an added level of style that is both unique and eye-catching. These grips fit all standard 1911 models, ensuring they will perfectly match your firearm. They also feature Wilson Combat's Drop-In construction, which means you can expect high levels of quality and reliability when using these grips on your gun.
1911 Gun Grips Exotic Wood Full Size 1911 Grip Ambi Safety Cut with Masonic Design
1911 Gun Grips Exotic Wood Full Size 1911 Grip Ambi Safety Cut with Masonic Design
The Grips America 1911 Full Size Grips are made from genuine buffalo horn, which is a very unique material that provides a comfortable and secure grip. These grips also come with 4 screws for easy installation, making them great for beginners who want to customize their pistol's look right away.
The grips feature an attractive design that complements most full-size pistols. They are crafted from quality materials, including genuine buffalo horn and zinc alloy. The product dimensions of the grips are 8 x 6 x 5 inches, making them lightweight and comfortable to hold while still providing solid grip support.
1911 Exotic Grips FAQs
What Is Exotic Wood?
Exotic woods are not native to North America, and many of them come from trees that are endangered in their natural habitats. For this reason, it's important to buy only woods that have been certified as sustainable by groups such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). It's also a good idea to look for products made with woods like African tulip poplar, which grows quickly and can be replanted after harvesting.
Some types of exotic wood include amaranth, apple, balsa, bubinga, elm burl, hickory nutmeg, ipe, jatoba (Brazilian walnut), mango, mesquite nutmeg/Pimenta acris/common/African/Asian/Pacific pistachio pine/white & red quilted hackberry purpleheart rosewood shagbark hickory shell mulberry spruce teak tulip poplar water elm white ash witch hazel zebrawood
Are 1911 Exotic Wood Grips Better Than Other Materials?
It is important to note that the best material for grips may depend on your gun type. The 1911 was first introduced in the early 1900s and is still used by law enforcement agencies and members of the U.S. military. Grips made from rubber are popular with enthusiasts who own .45 ACP models because they help soften recoil. Wood grips are recommended for 9 mm versions because they absorb moisture, which can cause damage if left unchecked.
Conclusion
No matter what type of 1911 pistol you own, there is a perfect exotic wood grip available for it. These grips are not only aesthetically pleasing but also extremely durable and comfortable to hold.
Whether you're looking for something with an intricate design or just need a reliable grip that won't slip in wet conditions, the Exotic wood that is widely used in the industry will provide exactly what you need. With so many choices out there, picking the right one can be tough; however, if you know your gun's specifications and consider all these factors while you shop around, finding the best 1911 exotic wood grips should become much easier!
