Wood revolver grips

[MakeMineaP99]

I'd like to pick some up for the Python that not only work, but are artwork. Any suggestions? I'd like to stay under $100, but would consider more if the quality is worth the price.

[CZ93X62]

I'm in the same mode, Dan--for that little Detective Special. Herrett's Stocks seems to be the go-to source, since they appear able to design the "Detective" series for the long-butt 1933 example I have. Their website shows how you draw a tracing of your hand and of the revolver butt frame and submit these with your order. Price range is in your given ballpark.

Google "Herrett's Stocks", and DON'T call them "grips" if you talk with them by phone. "Grips" are for motorcycles, per Herrett's. Yeah, whatever--but, when in Rome.......

[JLarsson]

Handles?

[CZ93X62]

I'd stick with "stocks", JL. No need to offend, and "pork chops at a bar mitzvah" was the tone response vibe I got. Just sayin'.

[MONTEGOD7SS]

http://www.ajaxgrips.com/ajax/ajax?set=07

http://www.collinscraftgrips.com/

[JLarsson]

I'd stick with "stocks", JL. No need to offend, and "pork chops at a bar mitzvah" was the tone response vibe I got. Just sayin'.

Oh, that's good. I'll have to remember that one.

[AdamN]

Here are some nice looking ones

http://www.badgercustomgrips.com/colt_pistol_grips.php


http://www.badgercustomgrips.com/images/products/48-mainC-013-N.jpg

[AdamN]

This place says they will put the medallion in em

http://www.gungear.com/cgi-bin/ez-catalog/cat_display.cgi?25X300536

[MakeMineaP99]

Surprised no one has mentioned Hogue yet. Do their wood stocks suck or something?

[CZ93X62]

Not at all. They just don't do prehistoric Colt replacement parts. Pythons are "I" frames, and have very little dimensional variance over the past 80 years or so. Not the case with "D" frames--three lengths and two flare widths, the spastic critters. Your grip set will be a LOT easier to find and there will be a much wider selection for your revolver.

[MakeMineaP99]

I've decided to pick up that first issue Det. Spec, once I confirm it's .38 SPL and not one of the others. Good to know.

These revolvers are going to bankrupt me. I curse you, Det. CZ. ;)

[Boge]

Over on the S&W Forum they say this fella is THE best. Cheap he ain't, but man are they sweet!!

http://www.classiccarvedgrips.com/

[MakeMineaP99]

$300? Is it really worth the price? The Python didn't cost me all that much more than that.

[ISUSteve]

Over on the S&W Forum they say this fella is THE best. Cheap he ain't, but man are they sweet!!

http://www.classiccarvedgrips.com/

Nice wood, but the carving just isn't there for $300.

[Boge]

$300? Is it really worth the price? The Python didn't cost me all that much more than that.


I have fitted some of my own wood & faux ivory grips and let me tell you, it's WORK!! Trial & error, put on/take off, sand a little more, etc. The fella that showed me charges between $75 - $125 for Colt SAA wood grips and it can take the better part of a day, not including final finish nor checkering and/or inletting. Mind you, I mean a set of professionally FITTED grips and not the "bolt on" with 1/4" overhang or underhang.

[MONTEGOD7SS]

Surprised no one has mentioned Hogue yet. Do their wood stocks suck or something?

Nothing wrong at all for Hogues for a common S&W or your Python, but they aren't going to have them for old Colts and such. I want to get a nice set of fancy wood checkered panels for my P220 as a change of pace to the Hogue wrap-around rubber ones on it now.

[CZ93X62]

Yeah, you'll cuss me until you fire the little roller, and that watch-like action works so smooth and nice. And the bullets go right where the sights are looking. You'll just call me all kinda names. :)

[Boge]

$300? Is it really worth the price? The Python didn't cost me all that much more than that.

Did Earl Scheib pain your Ferrari, skinflint? :biggrinjester:

[MakeMineaP99]

I'll have you know I tip standard 20% when I travel. I can't help but latch onto a good deal.

The folks out here all want a Colt now. My shootin' bud just bought a 500, but it still doesn't compare to the Colt. I'm loving it.

[BigSlick]

If you're gonna shoot it, I would say go with some Hogues, or maybe some old school Pachmyers and see how you like em before ya go and dump a wad of cash into some exotics.

You might find the Hogues or Pachmyers have some feature or feel you like. Might make buying a set of high dollar grips a little easier. Buying fancy grips blind can bite ya.

I know, Pachmyers aren't cool as Rogers or the like, but you might find they work well with the Python. If you like em, call Pachmyer and ask for a referral to a custom maker, or who they recommend. They have some great connections in that end of the business.

Hogue has been known to do one off or two off customs in the past too, plus, they have just about any medallion you might want. They damn sure have pony medalions.

Just a thought

[MakeMineaP99]

A good one, thanks. I have the factory stocks and a set of Rogers, I guess I'm chasing the nth degree.

[BigSlick]

Once you shoot it with hard rubber stocks, you might decide to leave it the way it is.

I had a 6" Python back in the day, had da box, wood grips an all a that when I bought it new. Shot it a few times, loved it and thought I was in heaven.

I put a set of gimme Pachmyers on it and never took em off. But, grips are subjective, you might like others much better. I couldn't believe the difference they made in comfort and controllability.

[Boge]

...The folks out here all want a Colt now...

Extrapolate, please. Colt what?

[MakeMineaP99]

You sold the Python? I'm hanging on to this one, for my grand kids.

[MakeMineaP99]

Extrapolate, please. Colt what?

The old Colt revolvers, 1911s, Thompsons, you know, the good stuff.

[Boge]

Here in the Midwest I see several Pythons all the time for $1,000 - $1200 at gun shows as everyone is "tacticool" crazy and wants high cap stuff. There was a guy a while back with a table who had a gorgeous Triple Lock that I almost had a stroke when I saw it. Good think it was nickel as I was slobbering. He bought it for like $200 bucks at a garage sale auction. Yes it had ivory and was not for sale. :cryin: I saw like three or four Dick Specials in the last year, most around $450.

[MONTEGOD7SS]

You had a chance to try out those Rogers grips yet? The ones on my J-frame are perfection, but I've never held any for larger guns. I know where a set of brown Safarilands are I might pick up on the off chance that someday I'll have a Python.

[BigSlick]

You sold the Python? I'm hanging on to this one, for my grand kids.

Nah, I gave it to a bud that really was in a bad time financially and really needed a house gun cause of where he was stayin. All I had at the time that I was willin/able to part with

[Boge]

...All I had at the time that I was willin/able to part with


YOU loaned out a Python? Are you Bill Gates or Mother Teresa?

[MakeMineaP99]

You had a chance to try out those Rogers grips yet? The ones on my J-frame are perfection, but I've never held any for larger guns. I know where a set of brown Safarilands are I might pick up on the off chance that someday I'll have a Python.

Talk to BGGB, I'm sure he knows where one is.

I just got those grips today as a matter of fact. I got them on the Python. Hopefully over the next week or so, I'll get out for some live fire, I'm freakin' buried for a while.

Here in the Midwest I see several Pythons all the time for $1,000 - $1200 at gun shows as everyone is "tacticool" crazy and wants high cap stuff. There was a guy a while back with a table who had a gorgeous Triple Lock that I almost had a stroke when I saw it. Good think it was nickel as I was slobbering. He bought it for like $200 bucks at a garage sale auction. Yes it had ivory and was not for sale. :cryin: I saw like three or four Dick Specials in the last year, most around $450.

Damn!

Oh and 'Slick, most impressive. You're a good man.

[BigSlick]

Nope.

I gave it to him.

He been a good friend all my life and was in a bad way. I had other guns, but dat was da only revolver I had, and it seemed best for him as someone with little experience.

Three days later I was in Dubai for almost two years.

Came back to Texas, he had passed on and I never knew anyone in his family or how to get ahold of em. He coulda sold it for all I know, but, I don't even think of it as lost.

I gave it to him, it was his to do with as he wanted.

[Boge]

That's the noble way of looking at it Slick. You'll live a long stress free life with that attitude. A gift is a gift for the bearer to do with as they wish. :patriot:

[BIGGUNGOBOOM]

Hogue Wood grips are my favorite, I dont like there rubber ones but lOVE the wood ones. got word Tonight that my Hoge wood grips for the BFR gonna be delayed 2 weeks, but thats ok, I can wait.

As far as Python's yea I know where there are a couple for sale, but the Prices arnt as good as the one you got, more like1,100-1,550 round these parts. not worh it to me, ill stick with S&W old school.

try you some Hogue wood grips, for the price you cant go wrong

[Big Wes]

check out http://www.eaglegrips.com you might find something you like there.

[Frostback]

I like the Hogue grips as I can get them without those damn finger grooves. Here's a set of Rosewood Laminate Hogues on my 29-3 Classic Hunter:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/9x19/newgunsmarch2008004.jpg

Frosty

[AdamN]

Keep an eye on CDNN as well

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/pytcomwalche.html

[creophus]

Dan, try to get some grips with the Punisher logo on it. That would improve the value of that python.



j/k!!

[BoltNut]

Slick - you've just crawled up the ladder of RESPECTABLE HUMAN BEINGS to a step or two higher than the pope and the "Mail Call" dude!!! :patriot:

[MONTEGOD7SS]

Hogue Wood grips are my favorite, I dont like there rubber ones but lOVE the wood ones. got word Tonight that my Hoge wood grips for the BFR gonna be delayed 2 weeks, but thats ok, I can wait.

As far as Python's yea I know where there are a couple for sale, but the Prices arnt as good as the one you got, more like1,100-1,550 round these parts. not worh it to me, ill stick with S&W old school.

try you some Hogue wood grips, for the price you cant go wrong

Python prices vary a lot based on the time they were made. From '55 to '63 they were hand made and those are the $1500 "four digit serial number" guns you see. Up through '69 the serials were number only, then after that they started putting letters up front and those are less expensive again. So, if you want the least expensive get one with letters in the serial number, most expensive will be from '63 or earlier. Oh yeah, and Royal Blue is the best bluing ever on any firearm IMO.

[CZ93X62]

Monte nailed it. GREAT summary.

[MONTEGOD7SS]

Props from CZ, I feel honored for real.

When I say I hope to someday be able to afford a Python, I mean a pre-'63. As a side discussion, why did things change in '63 and '64 so much for Colt and Winchester? I never see anything from Remington and others "pre" anything, were they not affected by the same things?

[Boge]

Props from CZ, I feel honored for real.

When I say I hope to someday be able to afford a Python, I mean a pre-'63. As a side discussion, why did things change in '63 and '64 so much for Colt and Winchester? I never see anything from Remington and others "pre" anything, were they not affected by the same things?

Winchester dropped the pre '64 because mainly no one was buying them. Only afterwards, thanks to gunwriters, did the public gnash their teeth over it. Typical American consumer. It's the same reason few companies make a small .44 Special as "everyone" says they want one but when it's made they don't buy them, e.g., S&W 696.

[JLarsson]

I don't want one.

[MakeMineaP99]

My Python is a 67, the quality is damn good. There's nothing like those old Colt's.

[MONTEGOD7SS]

Winchester dropped the pre '64 because mainly no one was buying them. Only afterwards, thanks to gunwriters, did the public gnash their teeth over it. Typical American consumer. It's the same reason few companies make a small .44 Special as "everyone" says they want one but when it's made they don't buy them, e.g., S&W 696.

Guy here at work today was selling a S&W 296 for $500, that seem ok? I do admit that altough I don't understand the love people have for the .44 Special in all circumstances, in a "compact" .44 scandium revolver it seems kind of cool.

[Boge]

Guy here at work today was selling a S&W 296 for $500, that seem ok? I do admit that altough I don't understand the love people have for the .44 Special in all circumstances, in a "compact" .44 scandium revolver it seems kind of cool.

I just looked on gunsamerica.com and a 296 in 99% is listed for over $800. :yikes: I am really not the best person to ask on the new "unobtainium" S&W models as I'm more of an old timer. The L frame Smith is still too big for a "belly" gun IMO. I refuse to believe that S&W cannot build a five shot .44 Spcl. the same size as a Charter Arms Bulldog and twice the quality. I often carry a CA with DAO hammer & Eagle Secret Service grips and it's a winner. Light as a feather and kicks FAR less than any .357 snubby.

I hope that just maybe Ruger is going to make one. A five shot .44 Spcl. on a GP100 or beefed up SP101 frame. :treerat:

[MONTEGOD7SS]

Think they could get five rounds of .44 in a SP101 frame? Bet they could get five round of .41 in one, but they won't.

[BigSlick]

I bet they gonna have their hands full with the poly revolver.

But, since Smith (and evidently Taurus) introduced .41's I bet Ruger will bring back the Redhawk at least.

If one of them could just ask around about what folks really want, I bet they could triple their sales. The 'let's try this' approach ain't workin too well

[MONTEGOD7SS]

Sounds like the auto industry.

[BigSlick]

Yeah, seems like the folks dat run Yugo came over here to design guns.

Only thing they forgot is a cheap price

[CZ93X62]

The Yugo explanation makes sense.

It's for damn sure that real-world shooters aren't calling the shots on a lot of the marketing decisions made by gunmakers. The return of the Model 57 by S&W is nice, but their 327 Federal Launch Point By Krylon is an embarrassment, and poorly thought out. What 32 needs porting, esp. one with LOUD report like the 327? IDIOTS.

The Redhawk's return in 41 would be a fine thing, indeed.

[MONTEGOD7SS]

I would love to see the Redhawk .357 get produced again since it's on my "gotta have" list for someday. Smith shoulda made the .327 a regular ole J-frame, not a Performance Center looking thing with porting. I could definitely roll with a five shot GP100 in .41 Mag too, that'd be sweet. Guess the tacticool guys are winning right now cuz a BBQ grille paint job is what we are being offered instead of nickel, stainless, and Royal Blue. Oh well.

[Boge]

What you really need is a .327 Mag. Redhawk!! Man!! You could really shoot thermonuclear handloads in that!! Imagine a 115 gr. Gold Dot at 2000 fps!!! :biggrinjester:

[creophus]

You keep messing with the bull Boge...sooner or later you gonna get them horns! :)

[CZ93X62]

Boge is just asking for it.......

Dan, I started nosing about for some aftermarket grips for the old DetSpec and the 1920-made PP. Straying onto the Hogue website, I found that the company is about 90 minutes away. Monday I plan to make a call and see what they can do about making the old iron a little more user-friendly. Those dinky old original grips are cool and all that, serialized to the piece--but in my big paws they let that little roller jump around some.

I'll let ya know what I find out.

[MakeMineaP99]

Thanks, Det. CZ.

[Boge]

Boge is just asking for it.......

YOU asked for it!!! And here it is!!!!!!!! A Ruger Redhawk in .357 Mag. :biggrinjester:


http://www.theothersideofkim.com/index.php/ggps/8856/

[CZ93X62]

Nice, Boge. :) The Ruger That Made The 357 Into a 32. A buddy of mine has one of these, and runs insane handloads through it Because He Can. I try to keep a mountainside or ridgeline between us when he starts lighting those things off, and wait for the mushroom cloud to emerge--with trash bag in hand to collect him into for the return trip home. Insane--as in, duplex and triplex loads like Dick Casull and his 454 in the 1960s.

My warmer Blackhawk loads (#358156 at 1500 FPS) bounce the Redhawk about like +Ps in a K-38. It is quite a revolver, probably the most over-built mass-produced 357 ever made.

[AlPackin]

YOU asked for it!!! And here it is!!!!!!!! A Ruger Redhawk in .357 Mag. :biggrinjester:


http://www.theothersideofkim.com/index.php/ggps/8856/

real nice!

there is a like new one on GB right now, high bid is about $700 at the moment

[Brass Nazi]

I highly recommend Nills grips. They make grips for your Colt. I oredered a set and had to have it mailed from Germany. I think the shipping was close to what it would have been if ordered from Midway.:animlol:

If you order a set let me know. I may want something and we can split the shipping.

BTW The more you shoot that Colt the more you will realize that you should have got a S&W.

[MakeMineaP99]

Shot plenty of Smiths, had one for a while. Solid revolver, but it ain't a Colt. There's more a Colt than pedigree.

When are you ready to move, JT? If I like what I see, I'll probably place an order soon.

[Boge]

I oredered[sic] a set and had to have it mailed from Germany. I think the shipping was close to what it would have been if ordered from Midway.:animlol:..

Now that's funny. !!

[MONTEGOD7SS]

Shot plenty of Smiths, had one for a while. Solid revolver, but it ain't a Colt. There's more a Colt than pedigree.

When are you ready to move, JT? If I like what I see, I'll probably place an order soon.

They ain't nothing wrong at all with old Smiths. Colt didn't stay in the game, but back in the day they were both really good. Nowdays with locks and CNC the Smiths lost that little something special and it kind of waters down their legacy, but they used to be just as good.

[Boge]

The Colt New Service was ungainly. The S&W .44 HE was the epitome of class, function & style with a hump back grip that made DA shooting a cinch.

[CZ93X62]

The Colt New Service was ungainly.

HERETIC!! OFF WITH HIS HEAD!! JIHAD!!!

:biggrinjester:

[Boge]

HERETIC!! OFF WITH HIS HEAD!! JIHAD!!!

:biggrinjester:

Taste my Triple Lock!!! :dita: (if I had one :rolleyes: ).

[CZ93X62]

One of the retired captains from my agency has a Triple Lock, 6.5" x 44 Special in original nickel, 98%+. Fine, fine example all right. He runs about 50-100 rounds of gentle handloads through it each year--cleans it--then back into the safe. No, I haven't fired it.

You keep that anti-Colt blaspheming to your own self, now, or Slick's Auntie Under The Stairs will be putting some mojo on you that will outlast an Ice Age. Just 'cause someone says nice things about Colts DON'T MEAN they're saying bad things about S&W. Ya heathen, you.

[Boge]

I like Colts. It's just that Colt revolver design was stagnant for many years. S&W ate their lunch in the big bore dept. Other than the Dick Special & Python I've found nothing that interests me by Colt in DA design. Of course, I'd like a Combat Carry Magnum as well but Colt made what, three of them? :)

P.S. I had a Colt Pocket Nine once. Should have never sold it. I had it slicked up by Matt Gish and it was sweet.

[CZ93X62]

S&W ate Colt's lunch, period. I like all of the V-spring Colt D/A revos, and accept their flaws and antiquated design for what they are. My wife accepts me in much the same way.

Wait.....

[creophus]

Anybody here ever make their own wood grips for a revolver? I'd imagine it wouldn't be that hard to do. Surely someone with the wood working skills could come up with a nice set, no?

[CZ93X62]

Way past my skill level, Creo.

There is something really warm and friendly about walnut on blue steel, no doubt about it. Stainless steel and neoprene are hell for practical, and neoprene grips likely saved my azz once--but like leather holsters, wood "gunhandles" are just an Old School leftover that feels right to me.

ETA--Just got off the phone with Hogue (1-800/438-4747). Concerning the Python, they have a wide array of regular-production grips available for the "I" frame Colts. The old DetSpecs are a different story--they make those as Custom offerings only, and require the gun to be sent their way for fitting. Single grip set price is $250, if we were to order multiples of the same design there is usually a "rate" given, depending on frame/model. The tech guy hinted that $200 each would be a likely outcome for 3 sets on the same frame size.

I have a set of Pachmayr Presentations for older D-frames that sort of fit the DetSpec, although when together they look like a 70's Toyota pickup hauling a fifth-wheel trailer. These might work for the Police Positive, but are too big for the DS, usable as they might be. FWIW, the current Pachmayr Compac/Colt D-frame grip set DID fit a friend's 1956-vintage Police Positive Special.

Dunno about you, but even $200 for grips on a $269 gun seems a bit over the top to me.

[MakeMineaP99]

Det. CZ, I came across a set of DetSpec grips today, wood, checkered, aftermarket, $10, forget the OEM. Want them?

[CZ93X62]

1st, 2nd, or 3rd Series? Wide or standard flare? If they don't fit your pending DS, lemme know.

[MakeMineaP99]

I didn't look that close. I'll snap some pics in the next few days.

[Boge]

As I mentioned in another post, there is a world of difference between "bolt on" and fitted grips. I've fit several SA grips on Colt style clones and it's tedious at best for a great fit. Experiment on a POS gun with a grip kit from Collins Grips or Gripmaker.com. Always remember gunsmithing rule #1:
if you own a Dremel then lock it away.

CZ93X62 is right about the Dick Special as I've a friend who has fitted two sets of Eagle Secret Service grips on two from different eras and both needed hand fitting.