Quote:
Originally Posted by boykinlp
When you order a set of ivory grips, do you have to send the gun to the maker so the grips will fit well, or will you have to fit them yourself?
|
It depends on the maker. Don Collins doesn't have an FFL, which is required if he takes the gun to fit the grips. He just makes them a shade oversize (or has in the past with ivory) and you get to do the final fitting.
Years ago I bought a set of grips for a Python from Jim Alaimo. He laughed at my hesitation to do the final fitting. He told me unless I was a total klutz, it was easy. He was right. He even supplied me with a tool kit do to it. Just a few women's nail files/emery boards. The ones with foam core centers. Ivory works like ivory soap. The biggest problem is the constant fitting and removal.
I learned to "work scared". Never more than a few strokes and test fit them again. Then the polish can be Flitz or Simichrome. With a dremel tool and cloth wheel, it looks like polished plastic it comes up so fast. A thing of beauty.
The problem with sending your gun away is its costly, like UPS next day can be $50 each direction. And then the worker may not have you first in line. Meaning it might take him months to get yours finished.