Pearl grips on a 1911 .45- Why or Why Not?

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Vanguard.45

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Why Not Pearl-Handled Grips on a 1911?

After all, Samuel Jackson had a pearl handled .45 in Pulp Fiction. . . .Kevin Costner had two in 3000 Miles to Graceland. . . . and I'm thinking of putting some on my semi-custom Springfield TRP when it arrives.

My only drawback is that the gun will be black and I don't know if pearl only looks "sharp" on chrome/ silver guns. Anyone with any experience in these matters? Any pictures to allay my fears? I know, some people say :barf: or :rolleyes: to pearl grips, but I think they can look pretty cool on certain guns!

What do you think? Pics if you've got'em!

Thanks in advance!
 
I always wanted to see a blued frame 1911 with shiney slide, like stainless or chrome, pearl grips, with stainless external parts like the mag button, slide lock, trigger, and magwell flare.

But then, I also like big 1974 Cadillac El Dorado Convertibles with steer horns on the hood and 3" shag maroon carpet inside. Tinted windows optional. :D (...or :barf: , :rolleyes: )
 
What was it Patton said about pearl grips?

I believe he said something to the effect of "Only a pimp in a New Orleans whorehouse would own a gun with pearl handles." :D

I think they look good on some guns, deep blued 1911s come to mind here.
 
Mother of pearl is quite beautiful, but if you overtighten the screws, you can crack them. Also, they are very scratch prone - my pearl grips on my little NAA Mini Magnum are quite scuffed.

It may also have the same problem as ivory - I have a neat little old knife with ivory, and when I sharpened the blade, oil and gunk imbedded in the ivory pores permanently. Take the pearl grips off if you're going to clean.

Forget the "pearlite" - it's just my opinion, but those fake-ites are cheesy.
 
Pearl grips.


Pearl grips draw visual attention to the weapon, which may or may not be a "good thing" depending on the motivation. It's similar to the effect a mini-skirt has when worn by a gal with the legs for it, versus a more conservative hemline.

If it's a carry piece and concealment is a serious priority, then I'd ditch the "pimp" grips.

If the pistol's not for carry, but is more or less for showing-off to your buds or for plinking once in a while, then eye-catching grips don't hurt anything and probably make for interesting range conversation.
 
I saw some pearl grips for the 1911 this weekend at a gun show. I asked the vendor how much, and he replied $300. Pretty pricey.
 
Why not? Because they are slick and they are fragile. Not the kind of thing I want on a weapon. But they are your weapons. YMMV.

I'd save the denek and buy more mags or ammo. Save the silly/frilly stuff for Hollywierd and their neighboring flowered-shirted hacks.
 
"If the gun's concealed, you can't see the grips."


Well, that's the theory.

Problem is, depending on how the pistol's carried (shoulder holster, IWB, OWB, crossdraw), what you're wearing to conceal it, and how you're moving around (bending, running, etc.), there can be numerous opportunities for brief or partial exposure so that it becomes "unconcealed." Why aggravate the situation unnecessarily by putting eye-attracting material on the gun if NOT getting made carrying one is a priority?
 
If I recall correctly, Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Costner were both playing insane, cold-blooded, murderers...

Do what you want to do with your personal property!

I prefer ivory (real, mammoth, etc), they'll develop a beautiful patina over time and wont get slippery in your hands.
 
For me it would depend.

Is the gun for looking at or for protection/daily carry?

I would not want slick grips on my carry weapon. If it is just a "keep in the safe and show it off gun" then I might try it.

All of my pistols are for carry, so I don't have any use for them right now.
 
To get a good look at pearl grips/ black gun, check out most of the Colt "El" type pistols. Ex: "El Senador", "El Toro", "El Rey". Most of those should be .38 Super 1911s with dark finish and pearl/ite grips. You can see images of these at www.gunbroker.com or most other sale sites.

Seen them in person in a shop or two, and I think they look pretty darn cool. Bear in mind you could also get gen-u-wine ivory for $150. Whatever makes you happy, birthday-boy.
 
Thanks for the replies!

I appreciate all of the opinions and info!

I probably would not spend the money on the actual mother of pearl grips as I understand they are quite fragile. The "pearlite" or black "pearlite" would probably be the way to go. Unfortunately they tend to look a bit too plastic.

What are your opinions of black vs. white "pearlite"? On a black gun, the white would definitely stand out, while I'm afraid the black might stand out as too obviously plastic.
 
What was the line in the movie "Patton"


"Only a pimp in a cheap New Orleans whorehouse...."


I saw a security guard that had them on a Stainless Semi-Auto. I laughed.

It is a matter of personal opinion\taste though. Maybe you could negotiate a bulk of incense with the purchase.
 
Cars with gold lettering, zebra print pants, and other things that are obvious in the way they advertise themselves. Good taste is a matter of having restraint and subtlety. We don't live in a bubble. People are going to think it looks like a sissy gun. If you care what other people think, thats the way it is. Straight up.
 
If it appeals to you, go for it.

But might I suggest this stylish hat to go with it?

pimp-daddy-purle-sm.gif
 
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