[amack]

I'm new to the hand gun world and just purchased my first 1911 .45, a Kimber Pro-Carry (aluminum frame). I didn't get one of the factory pkgs. that included checkering of the front strap. Now I've decided that I do want the checkering, I just don't want to pay $150 to $300 for it. I've seen the checkering files and guides on brownells.com and a guide from Marvel Poducts(http://www.marvelprod.com/oldexcheck.htm)and I'm wondering if anyone knows how well these work. The "do-it-yourselfer" in me is jumping for joy and I thought I should get some advice before I started making permanent changes to my baby.

 

[imported_PvtRyan]

I will be using the Marvel guide for the next installment of my Sistema web smithing project. the details should be posted by Saturday of this week.....please visit my web-gunsmithing site for more details and to view other modifications that we have already completed.

http://www.roderuscustom.tzo.com

Hope that helps.

 

[dfariswheel]

I always did my front strap checkering free hand, since there were no guides back then. I would suggest that before risking a frame, pick up some 3/4" barstock to practice on. I've seen a number of guns with really bad checkering jobs, because the "doer" got started and found it wasn't as easy as it looked. PRACTICE.