Welcome to VZ Grips®
Home of the 1911 “Gator Back” Grip

Check Out Our New Custom Leather Pistol Cases

I am extremely proud to bring you the very best Micarta® and G10 grips on the market today. By combining CNC technology with some of the most advanced industrial laminates available, I am able to bring the world of 1911 grips up to date by offering some of the most durable, unique, yet impressively functional grips for one of the most famous and battle tested handguns in the world, the 1911.

Main Products

I currently design grips for the Colt 1911 and Browning Hi Power. Other platforms are soon to come. The 1911 grips will also fit most clones such as Springfield Armory, Kimber, Nighthawk, Ed Brown, Wilson Combat, and a host of other 1911’s. They come in numerous configurations to fit all sizes which include, Full Size / Government, Commander, Compact / Officer, Bobtail™, Squared Bottom for Magwells, and Ultra Slims. The Hi Power grips will fit most of the newer Mark ll and lll produced after 1982.

Many texture and color options are also provided so an individual can tailor their handgun to the task of which they will be using it. I will also take semi-custom orders when called in to make additional modifications were needed. For example, Beveled bottoms, rounding all points for carry, ambidextrous safety cuts, inlay medallions, and laser etching to name a few.

Our grips are currently being used by the best in the businesses which include: USMC Force Recon, Navy SEAL teams, Homeland Security, U.S.Border Patrol, FBI, LAPD, Numerous SWAT teams throughout the country, Jordanian Elite Security Force, and most especially people like you.

A Little About Me

My name is John VanZyck. Shooting and gun collecting has been a hobby and passion of mine ever since my dad gave me my first .22 back when I was ten or so. We spent many a weekend in the Everglades target shooting and telling stories of how his dad did the same with him. I am now an avid hunter in Northern Florida as well as a regular at the Tallahassee Rifle & Pistol Club outdoor range. You’ll find me participating in numerous events throughout the year which include NRA Action Pistol, USPSA matches, Glock matches (only when they bug me enough), High Power, and CMP matches. I love it all! Something about the smell of gunpowder just does it for me.

Micarta®

Micarta is a trade name that was given to thermoset composites back in the 1890’s by Westinghouse. We chose Micarta® for three reasons:


1. Durability: Micarta® has a higher tensile strength than steel. It is used in storm shelters to provide state of the art protection rooms to ward off the threats from tornadoes. It is also being tested to armor aircraft cockpit doors.
2. Impervious to changes in temperature: This material will not swell, warp, or crack with changes in temperature. It is an excellent insulator against heat. Unlike other so called high-end grips on the market, ours stays cool and comfortable.
3. Texture: When milled, Micarta gives a highly slip resistant surface.


There are three basic types of Micarta®: Paper, Linen, and Canvas. Paper Micarta® is denser in color and thus more decorative. Linen Micarta® is medium grade in toughness and durability, it renders a good texture and intriguing appearance when milled. Canvas Micarta® is the strongest and the best in texture of the three. Pieces of canvas protrude through the laminate when milled adding additional texture to the grip. I personally like the look and feel of the canvas. It has that rugged personality and a definite A+ on the cool factor scale.

Learn More Here!

Specialty Products

The meat and potatoes of this site are the grips; however I have the love for other cool toys such as the AR10, AR15, Browning Hi Power, Shotguns, and edged weapons. If I come across anything that catches my eye that I can bring to my customers through this site, I will. I hope to also add items that complement the 1911 such as lanyards, MSH units, holsters, high quality replacement parts for the MIM crap that you see used a lot, ETC… If you see or make something of interest along these lines feel free to contact me. Let’s get it out for all to see.

Pledge

Customer Service Is #1

I have worked inside and outside of the retail and wholesale environment for quite some time and have come to the conclusion that if you do not try to please your customers, you’re in the wrong business! I aim to please everyone I can. Your suggestions, complaints, ideas, even bad jokes… I want to hear. I will only offer you my best!

If you are unhappy with your grips, or they do not fit your particular application, return them within 14 days of purchase and I will reimburse you the cost minus shipping. There will be a restocking fee of $20 for the return of *Custom Cut grips.

“Choose your equipment wisely…
For there may come a day when you will call upon the equipment you have chosen.”

* Custom Cut Grips are any grips that receive additional modifications prior to shipping by customers instructions.

Click images to enlarge.


320 Green Canvas

320 Blasted Black Canvas

Black Paper Gator

Black Green Linen

Custom Leather Pistol Cases

VZ Operator

Double Diamond Black Paper

Desert Diamond Back

Blasted Black Canvas


Blasted Black Canvas

Desert Sand G10 Operator


* Dealer volume purchasing programs available

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