Omar Khalid
The USGI 1911A1 pistol features plastic grips, which were approved in 1939 due to their low cost and durability compared to walnut grips. These plastic grips were supplied by the Keyes Fibre Company and later manufactured by Colt, who added strengthening ribs to improve their serviceability. While some customers describe the pistol grips as rubber, others confirm they are plastic, and appreciate their texture and value for money.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for plastic grips | Plastic stocks were approved in 1939 because they were cheaper and more durable than walnut stocks |
| Comparison to other materials | Plastic is slightly soft and aggressively textured, and some customers prefer it over cheap plastic or rubber grips |
| Colour | Black or brown |
| Fit | Fits most 1911 clones, but may require minor modifications |
| Feel | Enough texture without being rough like sandpaper |
| Appearance | Resembles original GI issue grips, with a dark rosewood-like finish |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic stocks were approved in 1939 as they were cheaper and more durable than walnut
- Plastic grips are tougher and denser than the originals
- The Keyes Fibre Company made plastic stocks for Singer, Ithaca, Remington Rand, and US&S
- Colt made their own plastic stocks, first Coltrock, then Coltwood
- USGI brown plastic grips are available for purchase online
Plastic stocks were approved in 1939 as they were cheaper and more durable than walnut
The USGI 1911A1 pistol features plastic grips, which were approved for use in 1939. Plastic stocks were approved because they were cheaper and more durable than walnut. In fact, plastic stocks were about ten cents cheaper than walnut ones.
The use of plastic in manufacturing was becoming increasingly common in the 1930s, with the creation of new synthetic materials such as cellulose acetate and polystyrene. The former was notable for its adaptability and non-flammable properties, while the latter could take on bright colours, remain clear, or be aerated to form Styrofoam. The first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was invented in 1907 and was durable, heat-resistant, and well-suited for mass production. However, it was not until the outbreak of World War II in 1939 that plastic production truly took off, driven by the need for durable, inexpensive, lightweight materials that could be manufactured quickly.
During World War II, plastics were used in a variety of military applications, including mortar fuses, parachutes, aircraft components, and enclosures for gun turrets. The US Army also began issuing plastic combs to servicemen to conserve rubber.
The use of plastic grips on the USGI 1911A1 pistol may have been influenced by the increasing availability and affordability of plastic during this period, as well as its durability compared to walnut. Plastic grips were also more resistant to cracking than the original walnut grips.
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Plastic grips are tougher and denser than the originals
Plastic grips for the USGI M1911A1 pistol are tougher and denser than the originals. This is a significant improvement over the original plastic grips, which were prone to cracking. The new plastic grips are made from a brown plastic nylon, which is a durable material that can withstand the rigours of military use.
The use of plastic stocks for the M1911A1 pistol was approved in October 1939, as they were more affordable and durable than the previous walnut stocks. However, the early plastic stocks lacked strengthening ribs and were prone to breakage. To address this issue, reinforcing rings were added in August 1942. Despite these initial challenges, the switch to plastic stocks proved to be a successful decision, as they offered superior durability and toughness compared to the original wood grips.
The brown plastic nylon grips available today are highly regarded by users, who praise their durability and aesthetic appeal. These grips are designed to fit the M1911A1 pistol, giving it a vintage WWII-era look while providing a secure and comfortable grip. The diamond pattern on the grips offers excellent traction without being too aggressive.
The toughness and density of the plastic nylon grips make them an ideal choice for those seeking a durable and reliable option for their M1911A1 pistol. The grips' ability to withstand the test of time ensures that users can confidently rely on their equipment, whether for display, target practice, or other applications. The combination of functionality and authenticity makes these grips a popular choice among enthusiasts.
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The Keyes Fibre Company made plastic stocks for Singer, Ithaca, Remington Rand, and US&S
During World War II, the U.S. military sought a more efficient and durable grip material for the Colt 1911A1. Plastic stocks were approved on October 5, 1939, as they were about ten cents cheaper than walnut stocks, and they were more durable. The Keyes Fibre Company, a subcontractor based in New York City, supplied checkered plastic grips featuring reinforcement ribs and internal strengthening rings to improve durability in combat conditions. These grips were issued on pistols made by Singer, Ithaca, Remington Rand, and Union Switch & Signal (US&S).
The Keyes Fibre Company's plastic stocks were supplied to these manufacturers as they were not set up to make their own. The stocks supplied to Singer lacked the reinforcing rings, as well as the strengthening ribs on the underside. The reinforcing rings were added in late summer 1942, as the earlier versions were prone to needing replacement.
Colt, another wartime manufacturer of the 1911A1, made their own plastic stocks. The original Coltrock stocks were too brittle, so they were replaced with Coltwood, which was better suited for service use. The reinforcing ribs were added to the Colt stocks in August 1942.
Remington Rand was a typewriter manufacturer that was awarded a contract for 125,000 1911A1 pistols in March 1942. They had no experience building pistols at the time. By March 1945, they were building the lowest-priced pistol in the war effort, and their quality was considered the best. By the end of the war, Remington Rand had produced over 875,000 pistols.
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Colt made their own plastic stocks, first Coltrock, then Coltwood
Plastic stocks were approved for use on October 5, 1939, as they were more durable and cheaper than walnut stocks. However, the first plastic stocks lacked strengthening ribs, which made them prone to breakage. To address this issue, reinforcing rings were added in late summer 1942.
Colt began using its own plastic stocks, called Coltrock, in April 1940. However, these stocks were too brittle and were not suitable for long-term use. As a result, Colt introduced a new plastic stock called Coltwood, which was better suited for service use. The use of Coltwood grips on revolvers produced by Colt for the military during World War II has been confirmed.
Coltrock grips were first introduced on 1940 Colts, with serial number 717402 being one of the earliest pistols known to feature these grips. The appearance of Coltrock is similar to Coltwood, but the former has more visible fibre and a slight red shade that can be seen on the smooth back of the grip. Despite their brittleness, some Coltrock grips have survived, indicating that they offered some level of strength compared to wooden grips of the era.
Coltwood grips were introduced as early as 1941 on military M1911A1 pistols, and they were also used on Official Police revolvers produced in 1946 and 1947. These grips were initially red-swirled, but they were later replaced by dull brown versions that tended to shrink and break more easily. The dull brown Coltwood grips were produced until 1970, after which Colt returned to using wood grips on Government and Commander models.
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USGI brown plastic grips are available for purchase online
USGI 1911A1 pistols were originally manufactured with plastic grips because they were cheaper and more durable than walnut grips. These plastic grips were also used on M1911 pistols. Today, you can purchase reproduction USGI brown plastic grips online, primarily from eBay and Amazon.
On eBay, you can find USGI brown plastic grips described as "new, unused, unopened, and undamaged", with packaging similar to what would be found in retail stores. These grips are compatible with the M1911 and M1911A1 pistols and are made of nylon. Reviews for these grips are generally positive, with buyers commenting on their quality, reasonable pricing, and fast shipping. However, some buyers mentioned that slight modifications were needed to make them fit their pistols, and they did not come with screws.
Amazon also offers US Government Issue 1911 pistol grips made of nylon and rubber. These grips are black and flexible, resembling original GI issue grips. Buyers have given positive reviews, praising their perfect fit, authentic look, and good value.
When purchasing USGI brown plastic grips or similar products online, it is important to verify the compatibility with your pistol model and read reviews to ensure you are getting a product that meets your expectations.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic stocks were approved on October 5, 1939, as they were about ten cents cheaper than walnut stocks and more durable.
The USGI 1911A1 pistol has brown plastic nylon grips.
The grips were made of plastic by the Keyes Fibre Company out of NYC.
USGI 1911A1 grips can be purchased on Amazon and eBay.
