Custom gun grips? Anybody ever make any?

[rally]

I have a rare hard wood called lignum vitae. It is very strong, dense and will polish out to a nice shine. (oily) I was wondering if anyone here has experience making gun grips. I was thinking of cut blocks out and having them made and selling them online or through ebay. I was thinking mainly 1911's for starters since it is a common gun. Anybody have any experience doing this weather for themselves or otherwise?

[hardballing]

Post this on smith and wesson forum. LOTS of guys over there making, refurbing them. LOTS harder than they look to do. LOTS.

1911 or other "slabs" is a better way to start imo.

Good luck to you. Those that have the knack seem to get a lot of satisfaction from it.

[El_Ron1]

Is that ironwood?

[El_Ron1]

Some links:

http://blindhogg.com/grip.html

http://1911pistolgrips.com/process.php

Handy tools:

http://blindhogg.com/forsale.html

[eddief4]

i wish i had the skill to :sad:

[rally]

Is that ironwood?

Yes it is.....and the real stuff not the argentina stuff.

[Berto]

I've done 1 set of revolver grips (enfield top break) and couple sets of panels for the CZ40b and RAMI.
Be patient, step away from the dremel and hand sand for the tight stuff.;)

[diamondmike]

I have made a set of grips for a Excam 25acp out of Walnut and they did not come out all that well.

I never tried any of the exotic woods because some hold a poision that is a natural defense against insects and if you breath in that saw dust it can kill you.

[isp2605]

I made a set from walnut for a 1908 Colt Pocket Hammerless. No checkering, just smooth grips. Sold them to a buddy who had a 1903 and always planned on making another set.
I made this set for a Ruger Bull Barrel Mark I. Left side thumb rest and right side palm swell. Flared base. Originally had them on an earlier model which is why there are plugged screw holes visible.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/ispcapt/guns/MKIGripLeft.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/ispcapt/guns/MKIGripRight.jpg

[Berto]

^^^^^

Nice work!

[diamondmike]

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/ispcapt/guns/MKIGripLeft.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/ispcapt/guns/MKIGripRight.jpg

I seen a pair of grips that look like the ones you made on a 1911.
The thumb rest made the 1911 feel really good in my hand.

That is good wood working!!!

[isp2605]

Thanks. One winter evening I started out with a block of wood and for the next few weeks I whittled away everything that didn't look like a grip. If it didn't feel right I just took off another scrape. Made a real difference in the way that Mark I pointed. Now it just hangs on target. Made those back when I was shooting bullseye matches. They're just tung oil finish so that it doesn't get slick when shooting on the hot days.