RubenZ
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Is there a reason why you don't see so many DIY Grips for Revolvers? I know in the 1911 community there are plenty but I can't seem to find much on Revolver Grips. Why is that?
Why don't you see many DIY Revolver Grips
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RubenZ
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Ya thats what I figured. You need a type of milling machine or small router and very good hands.
In the 80s you could get "take off" (swapped for "Goodyears" at time of purchase) S&W grips at the LGSs for $5...... and modify them ...... made some early "boot grips" from banana targets. Cut down and thinned targets to better fit my hand.....
Was a nice winter hobby...........
Was a nice winter hobby...........
Green Frog
Member
Years ago, Mustang Grips™ were available pre-inletted but unshaped on the outside, just raw blocks. Of course early Dan Wesson Pistol Pacs™ came with an unfinished block grip (already inletted) as well. It seems like this would be a good thing for somebody to make for S&W revolvers, but what you can do is take a pair of the largest target grips and cut them down to suit yourself (assuming there is enough wood for your needs.)
Froggie
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Rick_A
Member
Trade skills have been on a decline for decades.
Not that I have any such skills. I'm just determined and meticulous, but mostly cheap. I can put several hundred into a gun, but refuse to spend any appreciable amount on grips.
These were a set of oversized target stocks that were repurposed as boot grips:
Total investment was $35 and a few hours.
I've cut down and refinished others, but that's the only one I've completely reshaped.
Starting from scratch looks like some work, man!
Not that I have any such skills. I'm just determined and meticulous, but mostly cheap. I can put several hundred into a gun, but refuse to spend any appreciable amount on grips.
These were a set of oversized target stocks that were repurposed as boot grips:
Total investment was $35 and a few hours.
I've cut down and refinished others, but that's the only one I've completely reshaped.
Starting from scratch looks like some work, man!
These HUUUUGE grips came with a K22 that i had bought a few years ago. I'm pretty sure that these are DIY stocks, but the the finish is nice, as is the fit. The maker used epoxy to form the inside. I really like the laminate look, and have considered cutting them down to fit a round butt snub.
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RubenZ
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jtcarm
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I'm a fairly experience woodworker and have the equipment.
Making my own S&W stocks is on the to do list, but not real high, unfortunately.
I've looked over S&W stocks. Most of the inletting cam be done with a router and finished off with a small sweep gouge and/or plain bench chisels. The tricky part looks like matching the curve of the trigger guard.
I may start with some simple service stocks or Magnas.
Midway or Brownells has a screw and escutcheon kit.
I'll post a "buildalong" thread if the round tuit ever shows up
Making my own S&W stocks is on the to do list, but not real high, unfortunately.
I've looked over S&W stocks. Most of the inletting cam be done with a router and finished off with a small sweep gouge and/or plain bench chisels. The tricky part looks like matching the curve of the trigger guard.
I may start with some simple service stocks or Magnas.
Midway or Brownells has a screw and escutcheon kit.
I'll post a "buildalong" thread if the round tuit ever shows up
K-framer
Member
I've made a couple of sets of stocks of laminated wood. One of walnut, the other of Bolivian rosewood. I've also re-purposed several pairs of square butt target stocks into round butt boot stocks. I never found these projects terribly difficult, just exacting, as with any detail work. Carving stocks can be accomplished without fancy tools, such as a router. I never needed more than a coping saw, a selection of sharp chisels, a good carving knife and the usual wood finishing stuff.
Alas, though, carving grips (stocks) is pretty tedious work. I don't really have the interest or the time for it, at this point. It was fun, though, and rewarding while it lasted.
Alas, though, carving grips (stocks) is pretty tedious work. I don't really have the interest or the time for it, at this point. It was fun, though, and rewarding while it lasted.
sawlog
Member
funny to see this thread, I have a wood shop out my back door. I spend a couple of hours in there every morning before I go to work building farm tables. ( this allows us to keep momma home with the kids ). I have been wanting to make grips for my carry gun, model 60. I cant find any I like and sick of buying them. it is just very hard to find the time. if im making grips im not making money. maybe some day
Exactly what I would say. 1911 grips are not inletted and much easier to make if you have some woodworking experience and patience. Exotic woods and laminates can be quite nice and give a feeling of accomplishment.
one eye joe
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VERY FEW PEOPLE HAVE THE SKILLS, THE TOOLS, THE TIME, AND THE PATIENCE TO MAKE THEIR OWN REVOLVER STOCKS. UNLIKE AN ACTIVITY LIKE RELOADING, IT IS NOT COST EFFECTIVE, UNLESS YOU ASSIGN NO VALUE AT ALL TO YOUR HOURS OF TEDIOUS LABOR. THE FINISHED PRODUCT, IN VERY FEW INSTANCES, WILL RIVAL THE WORK OF A PROFESSIONAL MAKER. WHEN GORGEOUS STOCKS, FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES ABOUND--UNLESS IT IS YOUR HOBBY--WHY WOULD ANYONE BOTHER…..
I WOULD RATHER PICK OUT A MAKER, STYLE AND A WOOD THAT SUITS MY HAND AND MY TASTE, AND WRITE A CHECK FOR LESS THAN $100. AND BE HAPPY WITH THE FIT, AND PROUD TO SHOW THEM OFF. HERE ARE THE AHRENDS, SMOOTH TACTICAL, ROUND TO SQUARE CONVERSION GRIPS, IN OIL FINISHED MORADILLO WOOD, THAT I MOUNT ON MY S&W REVOLVERS. I COULD NOT DUPLICATE THESE STOCKS IF MY LIFE DEPENDED ON IT, SO WHY EVEN TRY ? ? ? I WOULD RATHER SPEND MY TIME AT THE RANGE SHOOTING….
I WOULD RATHER PICK OUT A MAKER, STYLE AND A WOOD THAT SUITS MY HAND AND MY TASTE, AND WRITE A CHECK FOR LESS THAN $100. AND BE HAPPY WITH THE FIT, AND PROUD TO SHOW THEM OFF. HERE ARE THE AHRENDS, SMOOTH TACTICAL, ROUND TO SQUARE CONVERSION GRIPS, IN OIL FINISHED MORADILLO WOOD, THAT I MOUNT ON MY S&W REVOLVERS. I COULD NOT DUPLICATE THESE STOCKS IF MY LIFE DEPENDED ON IT, SO WHY EVEN TRY ? ? ? I WOULD RATHER SPEND MY TIME AT THE RANGE SHOOTING….
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cgt4570
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I've made and even checkered a few from scratch but it takes a LOT of time for one-off's. Like others have said, unless you set up with dedicated jigs or a cnc router, it is very labor intensive. I've made a few from elephant or mammoth ivory that took a while but were worth it. I've got several varieties of the aftermarket pre-machined but unfinished blanks in my stash for "some day" when I have free time. Targets, magnas and pre-war service style of K and N.
one eye joe
US Veteran
WELCOME TO THE FORUM, Mike Campbell. YOUR STOCKS ARE ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. YOU ARE OBVIOUSLY VERY TALENTED, AND ENJOY STOCKING YOUR OWN GUNS AS A HOBBY---IN LIEU OF READING, OR SITTING IN FRONT OF THE TUBE, WATCHING SPORTS. KUDOS TO YOU, AND THANKS FOR SHARING THE PICS…..
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RubenZ
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Mike, I have a south Texas Ranch. How about I give you a box of CUT mesquite in exchange for some grips like your first pic
jtcarm
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That's some nice work, Mike,
I've been customizing Buck folding knives with mesquite as gifts for family and may have to take the plunge on some stocks now.
Your disk sander reminds me of my spindle sander. It's an old washing machine motor.
I've been customizing Buck folding knives with mesquite as gifts for family and may have to take the plunge on some stocks now.
Your disk sander reminds me of my spindle sander. It's an old washing machine motor.
jtcarm
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And if you're not selling them so people can see the insides...glass bedding is very useful to the beginner.
Ah, hadn't thought of that
Did you make routing templates? How's that drill press work as an over arm router?
riverrat38
US Veteran
I haven't tried it, but I think that the grips could be made from three laminations, each the proper thickness for inletting profiles. These could be cut out with a coping saw and the edges sanded smooth. Then, the panels would be glued together to fit the grip frame, and the outside shaped. I would make everything long to be able to clamp in my vise while shaping. The bottom would be cut and shaped last. I have done this last step, as I have cut three finger Ahrend grips down to boot grip style.
Best,
Rick
Best,
Rick
jtcarm
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Cool, thanks!
I've got tons of 3/4 pieces from when I still had a jointer & planer, so lots of free material.
A knife is pretty easy, you can just sand on down & remove a tiny bit of metal, then buff everything out. Not with a gun, at least not with a finished one.
Where do you get your screws & escutcheons?
I've got tons of 3/4 pieces from when I still had a jointer & planer, so lots of free material.
A knife is pretty easy, you can just sand on down & remove a tiny bit of metal, then buff everything out. Not with a gun, at least not with a finished one.
Where do you get your screws & escutcheons?
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