1911 Government

These are our special Government classic panel 1911 grips. They come in Exotic Woods or in Super Rosewood, with a deep mirror finish. The woods we use are Figured Walnut, Maple Burl, Natural Rosewoods, and Super Rosewood. On these panels we checker, carve and engrave. Below are examples of our Premier grips.

The 1911 Government model is the classic American automatic pistol. First introduced in 1911, it served as the U.S. Armed Forces sidearm most of the last century. Identified with the .45 Auto cartridge, this pistol remains the mainstay of competitive shooting in this country and a first choice of custom gunsmiths. Many companies produce this pistol: Colt, Kimber, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Auto Ordinance and others.

The various full sized models all use the same frame and grips, while the Compact or Officers Model uses a smaller grip. With a beveled base and a slim cylindrical shape, it fits the hand well. Altamont makes the Classic Panel in the following materials: Bonded Ivory (similar to genuine ivory, especially in aging); Pearl (synthetic and of course tougher than real pearl); African Rosewood (a natural wood with vivid colors that finishes and checkers well); Super woods (with pressurized phenolic that are very attractive, durable and extremely popular); Replica Black (Black paper micarta); and G-10 (high tech material that is similar in texture to carbon fiber and is indestructible).

These grips are offered with a variety of checkering and textures ranging from the traditional double diamond cut checkering to stippling (please see the accompanying pictures). We also offer all of these grips with the ambidextrous safety cuts, as well as with the extended safety. Please make sure that this is specified when ordering.

Scrimshaw is a particularly American art form. It started with whalers engraving whale ivory on long voyages, but soon was adapted to etch and enhance pistol grips for special guns. Scrimshaw is cut into the grip and then the cuts are inked. This wears well. Usually only the right side of the grips is scrimshawed – especially if the other side will be in the holster – but both sides can be done if desired.

These designs are extensive in the 1911, as illustrated here. However, these designs could also be scrimshawed on other bonded ivory grips. For more designs View our Scrimshaw Gallery

When ordering, please specify whether the design should be in color or in black and white.

Our Fingergroove grips enclose the front strap of the frame. They add control for quick second shots. The fingers don't shift. We make our fingergroove grips out of Super Woods with appropriate checkering and engraved variations.