1911 front strap checkering + refinish inquiry

[KylesGottaGun]

I'm trying to track down a gunsmith, preferably in Pierce, King, or Thurston County, that could checker my Springfield MC Operator's front strap to 25 LPI (or another form of checkering) with a refinishing of the frame (such as cerakote, gunkote). This is my EDC pistol, so I'm reluctant to be without it for more than a couple of weeks, the sooner the better. Any leads you can offer would be greatly appreciated, as I'm starting to consider just buying a factory-checkered Operator and selling this one.

[MadPick]

My first stop would be Dana (WaGuns member dreadi) at Black Hammer Arms. I don't know if he does checkering or not, but he's all about 1911s and all about Cerakote!

[KylesGottaGun]

Dana rocks! I remember asking if he checkered aluminum frames, and he said no. Maybe different for steel frames. But I will say that his title of Cerakote King of Tacoma is 110% earned.

[dreadi]

Thanks, guys. I’m not up to speed on checkering yet.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
Type 07 Class 2 NFA Dealer
http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms
GLOCK Certified Armourer

[TINCANBANDIT]

There are two types of checkering, usually the front strap of a pistol gets squares, not diamonds. Squares are easier to checker

Dana,
Buy some checking files and practice on small pieces, it isn't as hard you might think

I did this Ruger Blackhawk ejector rod, small area, but it turned out really nice

[Stokes]

If you want to hit the ever elusive sweet spot on the 'quick, good, cheap' scale of texture and refinish of a gun, consider sending it off. These folks do good work, at a reasonable rate.

They don't hand checker anything, but they've quite a few interesting patterns.

https://www.precisioncustomguns.com

Last edited by Stokes on Sun May 23, 2021 10:22 am, edited 1 time in total.

[KylesGottaGun]

Thank you for the tip, Stokes. I will definitely look into them. If anyone else knows some good checkering smiths in WA, though, I'd still love to hear them.

Tin, that checkering looks nice and sharp, very nicely done.

[Isildur]

JPL Precision checkers 1911's. And he is extremely precise and detailed about it.

http://www.jplprecision.com/

[KylesGottaGun]

Awesome recommendation, Isildur. I take it you've had some work done by him? If so, what's his turnaround time like?

[Isildur]

I have had several 1911's built by him and all were as good as or better than Wilson, Nighthawk etc.
For work like checkering I have no idea what his time is right now, best contact him.

[KylesGottaGun]

I greatly appreciate the recommendation and will try to get ahold of him soon. In the meantime, I think I'm going to try to learn to love the smooth front strap. I just can't stand the grip tape on the green frame.

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[aegiswa]

I have use Dave Nielson of South Ridge Arms for 1911 work in the past for both checkering and refinishing. He does good work at a reasonable price, shop is over on Meridian Ave in Edgewood - Here is one he Flat-topped, 25 line checkered front strap and refinished.

IMG_2173.JPEG

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[mustangfreek]

^^
What was the cost of that ?

Clean looking work.