I've ordered some books to read up on this character. I think the chances of finding the original gun are long gone - but I'd like to find at least the same model/year to sport the grips on.

It still irks me though - I knew the moment I handled those grips that whoever made them was a serious shooter. I can understand how in most cases the original grips are more desirable - but there are clearly cases where you don't want to touch somebody's gun. You'd think anybody with enough interest in firearms to open a shop would be more careful.

Go figure.