***SEE POST #34 & #39 FOR UPDATE ON THIS SITUATION***

Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to share my recent experience with the Eagle Grips Co.

I ordered a set of Rosewood Secret Service Grips nearly 2 months ago. They arrived this weekend.

First off, the quality of wood that was used was far from attractive to me personally. The wood grain was extremely dull and dark in color. The wood even had many marks in the form of dark spots in the grain. At first I thought it was droplets of stain, but after speaking with Eagle Grips associate, he said that some of the wood they have been using recently has these dark spots in the grain..... The models on their website represented a very bright red wood with dark grains in the wood. My grips looked nothing like the model.....

Secondly, the fit and finish left much to be desired as well. The ears of the grips were COMPLETELY uneven, one side looking as if it came up far past the other. The edges in places looked unfinished and unrounded as well. Also, the fit where the two panels met was terrible, a small gap leading all the way up the grip from the butt to the trigger guard area.

I immediately called up Eagle Grips to express my concern. I spoke with a very helpful gentleman who was kind enough to review the four pictures I have attached below and let me know what he thought.
After seeing them, he immediately acknowledged that the grips were not perfect by any means and offered to have another set sent out.
I simply could not do this, why would I want to wait all that time for another set? These grips were going to be a father's day gift anyhow, and I know the recipient would not be happy with these. He has several exceptional pairs of Eagles and is very picky about the shoes on his guns. I had to just send them in and get a refund.

For the amount of nearly $200 that I spent on these grips, I felt very disgusted. For that kind of money and wait time, I expect an exceptional quality of product.

I hope someday to get a set of Eagle Grips, but for now I think we will have to keep sticking with what we have.

Has anyone else here on the forum had a similar experience with Eagle? Please let me know what you guys think of the company.
Thanks
-Sam






Model on the website of the Eagles

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

If they were inexpensive mass machine produced grips, I'd think you were nit picking. But for $200 grips, I'd be disappointed too!

That website pic looks almost identical to your pic of the same side of the pistol . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

You're right, they look awful...And for 200 bucks?......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

Those look like the sort of grips you get when you order a pair of imported wood grips on the internet for $39.99 with Free Shipping. Definitely not worth $200, not by a long shot.

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

Yeah for $200 they’re a disappointment. Very unfortunate for you both.

With exception of not making the mistake in the first place, not sure what more they could have done.

For $200 I'd have sent them back as well. They did offer another set but I would have asked for a discount and a shorter time frame. Perhaps they might have had a second set in stock.

Not even close Muss Migguns,
The picture on the website shows a very bright red wood with dark grain lines. My grips look NOTHING like the ones on the website.
-Sam

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

I agree. The man I spoke with was more than friendly and very helpful. Great customer service I will say.
-Sam

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

In my experience, Eagle is hit and miss in fitment and quality. Years ago, they were better.

But what says it all to me is, the Eagle associate admitted that they were aware of the spots, but despite that, they are not being rejected and Eagle is allowing them to be sold, hopefully to people that either won't notice or will consider it acceptable.

I have earlier made Eagle grips and they're "ok", but I also did not pay anywhere near the prices being asked these days. For that $200, there are better options.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

Gunhacker,
I immediately noticed the spots and they were very unattractive to me. The wood looks even darker indoors (I took these pictures out in the bright sun).
And on the topic of older Eagle Grips, my father has several. They are all very stunning grips.
-Sam

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

Shoot, my $35 Thailand produced J frame grips looked a heck of a lot nicer too, and about the same wait time. For $200 I'd be pissed.

Disappointing is an understatement. I've never dealt with that company, but heard nothing but good about their beautiful product. It almost seems like a management change or something. Why let something as ugly as that set leave the company's doors? Sending the set back w/refund is how I'd have gone also. I feel bad for people that get (or almost get) ripped off. Thank you for posting about your misfortune & disappointment, especially since I'm presently trying to find a set for one of my handguns. Thanks SammyJoe! Good luck.
Jeff T.

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Waiting For The Sun.

Sorry to hear that Sammy.

It is too late now but consider forum member Kurac aka Culina Grips in the future.

You won’t be disappointed.

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I’m your Boogie Man, uh huh.

Duly Noted Ladder13,
Thanks for the Advice
-Sam

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

Eagle turned to junk. I also waited months for a pair that they wound up taking back, after also offering ME a second pair.

If they can't make them right the first time, and allow **** out the door, no seconds for me either! They were never top of the line, but they are 40 dollar grips at best these days.

Yours should also never have been let out the door, and as nice as he was, he admitted a lot that tells a lot, if you know what I mean.

I went to Culina. You will NEVER get bad from them, and you get what you spend your hard earned money for!

Eagle seem like made in China JUNK, compared.

The Thai grips on Ebay are nicer.

Jeff T,
The reason I went with the Eagles and spent all that money upfront is simply the established history and the endless good things I have heard about their product.
My father has several sets and growing up around them I have always seen them as the Cadillac of revolver grips. Guess I just got unlucky.
Great customer service regardless
-Sam

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

Historically Eagle grips have always been top shelf, however even with the best companies sometimes things get slack and something goes out the door that's not acceptable to the buyer. Many years ago I ordered a set of Colt SAA pearl grips with a carved long horn cow head on the right grip. Beautiful set of grips arrived, however the carved "cow head" was more like a water buffalo head. I complained and they apologized and refunded my money and said to just keep the grips . Apparently the carver was a new employee just arrived from India and unfamiliar with a Texas longhorn ! Any Forum members want to buy a nice pair of SAA pearl grips with a carved water buffalo ? Ed

I stopped using Eagle years ago due to the shoddy product.

One experience with them, probably 15 years ago. Will NEVER do business with them again.

Dan

I really like the size of those Secret Service grips (for my 3” Square Butt M-10) but I’ve held off ordering due to reading evals like yours. I wish Hogue and/or VZ Grips would offer a grip of that size/style.

I waited months for 2 sets last year (ebony, cocobolo) and had pretty much the same experience, and it's not just the grain, the wood is poor quality overall. Shipping back to the US is not an option, so these will end up on old, battered revolvers in for some repair and restoration. Lesson learned, won't order from Eagle again.

I was talking about the fit. Trees are different sometimes . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I have a few pair of checkered Eagle SS grips, but I’ve never bought direct from them. Mine were previously owned and they don’t look anything like the grips you received. I wouldn’t have been happy with the grain and imperfections either, but I probably would have given them the opportunity to make things right. I suspect they would have sent you an exceptional pair to make up for your trouble.

I also don’t understand the price. I looked at their website and those grips are listed at $139.95. Sipping should have been around $10. How did they justify the extra $50?

I suggest you watch the auction sites in the future. As new pairs typically sell for $50-$75. These sold earlier this month for $69 and included free shipping.

Attached Images

B8BE23DB-9F5D-4CE6-96CD-9B042756FE61.jpg (47.2 KB, 568 views)

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"I also cook."

I have been always happy with the fit and quality of Nill grips. I also prefer blued bushings and screws over brass.

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FFL08

I've got a few sets of Eagle's and all are very well made. It seems quality global parts are hard to come by these days and perhaps that explains the dark spots in the grain. I'm guessing their supplier is having a hard time getting decent rosewood. But in my opinion Eagle did the right thing and offer to replace them and refund you. Unfortunately just about everything that is made by hand requires a longer wait time then we are use to.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

These days, it seems to me, that everything is literally 'twice the price' and half the quality..... I guess it's called 'a sign of the times'...?

Sadly,

J.

I've always wanted a pair of N frame 'Cokes', but unwilling/unable to pay for real originals or even the high-end repros like Culina's, etc.

On a S&W FB page someone posted a pair of Eagle's version of repro Cokes and I bought'em for $100.
They came, saw that they needed some sort of sealant, as if they'd never had any. So, careful de-greasing and several rubbed-in coats of tung oil made them look better.
But - fitment on my M57 has never been exactly right. Seams on front of grip-frame area don't quite match up. With some work, I'm sure I could make them better. Same with the base of the grips.

Not complaining too much, as this falls under 'get what you pay for', but if I'd paid full retail for them I'd really not be a happy camper.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

Several years ago, I ordered a pair of elk grips for a Ruger Blackhawk from Eagle grips. The grips they sent were mismatched...one thin and one very thick. And they were very pithy. I immediately called and talked to a very nice man. He assured me that they would replace them and he would personally pick out a set of grips for me. I sent them back and in a couple of weeks I received another pair. They were even in thickness, but that was about it. Still pithy and lacking the bark of the first pair. Oh well. At least they were even.

A couple of years later, I was foolish enough to try them again. Ordered a set of faux ivory grips for a 1911. Yeah...I suppose you could kinda sorta mistake them for faux ivory. They were cheap plastic. They looked cheap and they felt cheap. They are currently resting in the bottom of a cardboard box somewhere in the house.

Gunhacker mentioned that Eagle was "hit and miss." In my experience, they missed both times.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

S-W4EVER,
I agree, the look and proportions of the grips are very nice looking. Although, after getting the grip in my hand, it seemed a bit thin. I think it would be a little better grip with some more beef in the gripping area.
-Sam

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

S&WChad,
Your grips shown are exceptional looking. If mine had come looking like that, I could have looked past the poor fit and finish work.
Maybe in the future I will be able to score a pair at a decent price.....
-Sam

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

I ordered imported wood grips on the internet for $39.99 with Free Shipping, once and they looked and fit much better than these @200 grips.

I got eagle grips for my Ruger Vaquero 9 years ago and they are perfect. Sad to see these. Hope it not representative. If I got $200 grips that looked and fit like that, I'd be sending them back.

For the money charged, if they don't "get it right" the first time with so many customers, a second chance is not warranted in my opinion. I have seen too many of their grips that are junk, including the ones I had bought.
you may give them a second chance but I'll stick with Culinas, and the cheap, but beautiful Thai grips on Ebay. Heck, even altamonte are better than those...

UPDATE!!!
Just got a call out of the blue from Eagle Grips Co.
Spoke with the very helpful gentleman by the name of Nate that I have been working with from the beginning.

He called in an attempt to make things right after the recent situation of disappointment, another testament to their great customer service practices.

Nate was able to ensure that I would get my full refund, but wanted to see if I wanted to try another set of Eagles at a discounted price.

Since father's day is past, I decided I would try a set of grips for myself. Nate ensured me that there would be a very generous amount taken off the grips plus free shipping.

The old grips are on the way back to Eagle Co and once they arrive, Nate is going to give me a call personally and help me nail down exactly what grips I want with the discount applied.

He even agreed to take detailed pictures of the exact grips I will be receiving before they go into the mail to me.

As far as I am concerned, Eagle Grips Co and Nate have made everything right and square. Fantastic customer service and I will keep you all updated on the outcome.
-Sam

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

You can’t ask for more ^^^^^^^^.

Good for them to follow up and step up.

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I’m your Boogie Man, uh huh.

I sent them a link to this post telling them what junk they make, and how abysmal their customer service is, along with their quality control, an did the same in an email.

Think maybe thats why they "called him out of the blue"?

I had a bet with a friend that that was what was going to happen....

I explained how powerful the internet was to them, and how full of forums it is.

I think maybe they agreed. I got offered the same thing and told them to keep them... that I'll be sticking with Culinas, which come right the FIRST time.

LuvSmith,
They made it right, going beyond taking action to make sure I was happy.
I am very appreciative of that.
I will definitely be doing business with them in the future.
-Sam

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

If you are looking for Culina Combat grips you are going to have to be patient. Just got an email from Jennifer this morning that they are starting production on Target Grips. It will be 6 months before they start producing combats again.

UPDATE 6/23

Just got off the phone with Nate from Eagle Grips, I am truly blown away.

After the recent situation of disappointment, Nate from Eagle has went above and beyond to make things right and ensure I am happy with the service of Eagle Co.

He was kind enough to give me a killer deal on TWO sets of custom order grips in place of my original set that I was unhappy with.

This is a testament to just how great their customer service is and I could not feel any more taken care of.

He also agreed to make sure I get pictures of both sets just before they go out the door to ensure they are what I was hoping for.

Again, I understand that there were mistakes made in the beginning, but who doesn't make mistakes?
It's the effort that they made after the fact; that is what I am remembering long-term.

I highly recommend that you folks try Eagle Grips, they know how to treat their customers.

-Sam

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

I'm glad the transaction is working itself out. I've always liked Eagle Grips. They're a local company to me.

The last time I bought from them, I wanted some faux ivory grips for my 1911, checkered with Colt medallions. When they had them ready, they had me come to the shop with the gun so they could put them on and do final fitting while I hung out. It was a great experience and a good product.

Attached Images

Colt Officers.jpg (180.5 KB, 25 views)

BorderBoss,
That is neat, did not know that they did things like that.
Grips look great
-Sam

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

I knew that they must have found this thread when I read #34 ... -> Damage control

Mark8,
Be that as it may, whether they saw the post or not, They made it right. That is what counts in my opinion.
-Sam

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

Changed my mind...if your new ones come back okay. Nate cares, obviously. I'm happy for you.

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Waiting For The Sun.

Jeffrefrig,
I will for sure keep you all updated when I receive the new ones. It will take several weeks for the production since they are both custom and hand-picked.
I will post them on here when they get to me.
-Sam

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Admirer of Vintage Smiths

I'd be willing to bet that Sam will get an exceptional set of grips... if their sudden "out of the blue" concern is indeed stemming from the actions of luvsmiths, Eagle knows they have one shot at damage control, and does not want any more bad press, which just doesn't remain here.

Many people are members of multiple forums, so word spreads, good or bad.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

No, going to great lengths to make it right for you doesn't count. What counts is the quality of the grips they ship and how they treat the countless customers who are not members of a (for Eagle) important online forum and have not started a much-noticed thread about their case.

Just curious, did u have an issue with Eagle after buying grips that wasn't taken care of ...

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Jack C

I get what he's saying though. Great customer service is helpful, but the sign of a truly quality company is when the products go out the door 100% right the first time, every time.

I thought those were too much back when they were $80. The state of grips were such that I made a couple sets of boot grips of my own.

These were football targets that were horribly finished (heavy clear coat and non matching).
20140916_110247 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

These were Jay Scott oversized troopers which were simply monstrously hideous.
20140914_093831 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

I'd hold my final judgment until decent grips are actually in hand.

The state of things is such that eventually it seems all there will be available at a reasonable price is CNC machined laminate and G10 grips.