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.45 auto Backstrap

Slow_HandSlow_Hand Member Posts: 2,835
edited September 2006 in General Discussion
Question from a newbie here. Why do so many .45 automatic pistols have the exaggerated swooping backstrap (hope that's the correct term)?

Is it actually necessary or specific to the handling and firing of the weapon or is it just aesthetics?

Some of them appear excessively large and look like they would make carrying the pistol painful in the rib cage.
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Comments

  • jc_crazyhorsejc_crazyhorse Member Posts: 1,083 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just a thought, but I think they are "swooping" so as to protect your hand from the slide. To keep hand down and out of the way. Or because somebody thought it looked cool.
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  • gun_runnergun_runner Member Posts: 8,999
    edited November -1
    If you are refering to the beavertails on 1911's then yes they are for looks and also a necessary addition if you want the compitition hammer.
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  • MrOrangeMrOrange Member Posts: 3,012
    edited November -1
    Let me put it this way, I have an itty-bitty scar on the web of my hand from shooting various .45s w/o a beavertail grip safety.

    A former world champion from 20+ years ago said he was once told: "Just shoot some more, and your hand will toughen up."

    To which he answered: "I'm at 70,000 rounds so far this year; when will that happen?"

    They don't get in the way or dig into your side in my experience, and I've never heard of that happening to others, even with IWB holsters.

    But they do look swoopy!
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