Are these sambar stag? Got these in Bozeman today.

dacoontz · #1 03-14-2010, 11:53 PM

Picked these N-frame stag grips up at a gun show in Bozeman, Montana today. It wasn't too bad a show and got these babies for $40. A gentleman had these tucked away in a little box of random stuff. They don't fit perfectly but not bad for a less than perfect pre-war HD. So what do you think? I am postive they are antler of some kind, but wanted to know if by chance they were ?sambar? stag grips? Either way I am happy with them? Anyone else hit this show in Bozeman? Thanks.

Daniel #2322

DCWilson · #2 03-15-2010, 12:37 AM

I don't know enough to answer your question authoritatively, but they look like sambar to me. If I understand the distinctions, elk would be lighter in color and maybe slightly porous.

But regardless of source, they look great on that revolver! If ever there was a gun that should have come from the factory with stags on it, the prewar Heavy Duty was that gun.

luis · #3 03-15-2010, 01:21 AM

Looks like it to me. What a deal!!!

whitecoyote · #4 03-15-2010, 04:04 AM

They could be Sambar Stag, but that left grip sure looks like Mammouth Ivory!

Marksman · #5 03-15-2010, 06:38 AM

Having had both sanbar stag and elk stag grips, I believe that yours are elk stag. I base that opinion on the pithy core seen in the bottom view of your grips. Sanbar stag grips are usually solid bone and do not exhibit the pithy core that elk stag does. That is the major reason that sanbar stag is the preferred material for grip making. No matter which, you got a really nice vintage set of grips that look great on you HD and the price was right. Enjoy!

Onomea · #6 03-15-2010, 06:49 AM

Frankly, at $40, whether sambar, elk or mammoth, that's a great deal. I was gona say sambar, but Marksman's point about porous butt ends (if I can say that on a family forum) has me wondering. But, really, no matter. That aged color is great. You're lucky to have scored 'em!

Smith357 · #7 03-15-2010, 07:26 AM

I'm going to side with Marksman, I believe they are Elk from the loose core and the shallow grey texture. It also appears that they have been aged buy use of a small torch as the butt edges look like they have burn marks. Either way they are good looking grips at a great price.

ptrumble1 · #8 03-15-2010, 07:56 AM

nope-appear to be something other than Sanbar

james56 · #9 03-15-2010, 08:08 AM

Whatever they are, they sure add character to that fine HD

Wyatt Burp · #10 03-15-2010, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smith357

I'm going to side with Marksman, I believe they are Elk from the loose core and the shallow grey texture. It also appears that they have been aged buy use of a small torch as the butt edges look like they have burn marks. Either way they are good looking grips at a great price.

I agree. Someone added tone with a torch like they do knife handles. And I'm leaning towards elk, too. But whether sambar, elk, red stag, or petrified caveman ****, that was one sweet deal and they look great. The artificial coloring adds to the character in this case. Good eye. The pair of stags off the gun in this picture on the left top were found in a guys parts pile just like yours. I paid $50 for these. These are all Sambar. Even though some look like elk. Those smooth S&W grips are dense Sambar, too.

dacoontz · #11 03-15-2010, 10:39 AM

Thanks for the opinions. I kind of thought the they may have been artificially aged also, but wasn't sure as this is the first pair of antler grips I have owned. I am very happy with them for the price whatever they are and fit the pre-war well for my tastes. Big thanks all around. Daniel.