Hello. I just joined this site because use my dad is an avid gun user/ maker. He really wants a pearl handled .38 and I Don't know the best place to get it. I'm military so you think I would but nope any advise would be greatly appreciated

Stevie Warner

Welcome to the FORUM! Try looking at a site like Gun Broker. Search revolvers, or search a brand. Won't be listed as pearl grips, but you should find some. If nothing else, you will get ideas. Good luck! Bob

Welcome to the forum!

Regarding a pearl handled .38, you could always just buy a .38 Special revolver and then buy a set of pearl grips for it. Of course, they most likely wouldn't be real pearl grips unless you want to fork out some bucks for vintage ones.

Good luck with your search.

Pearl (actually Mother-of-Pearl) grips may look nice, but original ones (not plastic imitations) are fragile and are easily damaged. They are more intended for show than use. Any idea what .38 (revolver) appeals to him? There are many of them.

IIRC the old pearl grips had a bakelite backing to keep them from cracking.

Altmonte has them for some models, but they are usually behind on production of them.

If you were in my neck of the woods (bradenton,Florida) I would be more than happy to tell where a model 30 with real pearl grips is. My local gun store has one and every time I go in there the old men try to sell it to me but I think it's 32s&w or 32s&w long not a 38 but I bet if your dad seen it he would love it. All the old men in the shop sure love it and it's under $450. They just won't stop trying to sell it saying the grips alone are worth more than the gun. I have no need for snubs I go shoot targets very week and need longer sight radius.

First off thank you for your service. It would help if we knew where you are stationed, if it's the US there are many members here that might be able to help.

Welcome A Board

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Spin The Wheel

Welcome aboard! That's cool to try to get your dad a gift like that! What branch are you serving in? FYI e bay is full of a lot and whatever you're in need of. Just search grips via the brand i.e. Smith or colt or whatever. I have both real and faux and prefer the plastic. Let us know your progress, everyone here is always helpful!
SEMPER PARATUS

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I think there's a pair of square butt real pearl S&W K frame grips on Ebay now for way under $200. There was recently, anyway. Get a pair like that then pick up a prewar S&W M&P .38 and team them up. Excellent shape S&Ws of that model don't cost much. Personally when it comes to pearl, I love the stuff. Sorry, General Patton.

The original Pearl grips from S&W and aftermarket makers were just that, all Pearl. If you look at a lot of the aftermarket made pearls, like a pair of Wolf and Klar I own, you'll see the rounding from the inside of the pearl on the inside of the grips. But from what I understand S&W used better(?) or thicker Pearl so the rounding or cupping of the inside of the pearl is not seen on theirs. Many older Pearl grips are found chipped, especially on the corners, because they were pure Pearl and not up to hard use. You can see the cupping of the Pearl on the grip on the right.

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