One more GRIP company going out of business

[Dragon 1]

I started another J frame project and sent up the gun this time to Karl Sokol. I’ve been dealing with him probably since 97 and had all kinds of guns built by him. Anyway with Kim Ahernds no longer producing grips unfortunately. I went to purchase a set of boot grips from Herrett I do have some sets made over the years from this company and women named D over there would make want I wanted. I was informed today that they lost the lease on their building and the owner has semi retired a year ago and with great regret because of these problems try to sell the business but unfortunately did not and they are no longer going to continue they told me to send in what I wanted but there’s no guarantees that they’ll be able to make the grips that I want because it looks like they don’t have a definite date but they are going to be closing the doors forever. I should’ve bought in the past a second set as a back up and in case something like this would happen it’s just so disappointing. But I am on the list for Craigs Spegel I think he’s about two or three years out on orders. I just can’t take a chance on the eagle Quality Control in the past with their secret service grips which I do love. If anyone knows or has a set of Houge wood boot grips I don’t want to G 10 if you can please post pictures and let me know what you think of those grips if anyone has them on their J Frame thank you I would appreciate it.

[bronco45]

Eagle declared bankrupcy along with but no connected to Arends, who also bailed out due to illness. In my experience the Hogues are a bit smaller in diameter in wood than the rubber.

[Hair Trigger]

Originally Posted by bronco45

Eagle declared bankrupcy along with but no connected to Arends, who also bailed out due to illness. In my experience the Hogues are a bit smaller in diameter in wood than the rubber.

Is this Eagle the same as Dan Eagle? I have a set of M19 grips made by them that I love, wish I could find a set like them for my M28.

[BAM-BAM]

I've got the Hogue Boot grip on my 337PD ...... like it a lot..... would recommend them

[Bill In Texas]

Wow! I wasn't aware that Ahrends stocks were no longer being made. I was looking at them about a week ago and wondered why the price of a set of round butt k frame grips had gone up so much. Now I know. Makes me glad I got the few pairs when I did. I hope the illness isn't serious.

[walter o]

Another case were The ASIAN countries are (WERE) making inexpensiv grips and people bought them instead of AMERICAN MADE.The ASIAN grips are climbing up in price now Our labor cost can't compete with them

[ImDrRichard]

Just one more American made "trade" going by the wayside. True there are less grip makers than ever, and the sad thing is that having something hand-made by real craftsman or mass produced by a grip company is a part of Americana we can't get back.

Not that I'm opposed to rubber grips, but there is something about walnut, cherry, and some of the exotic woods these artists use that increases how special handguns are.

Sad.

[jc2721]

Originally Posted by Bill In Texas

Wow! I wasn't aware that Ahrends stocks were no longer being made. I was looking at them about a week ago and wondered why the price of a set of round butt k frame grips had gone up so much. Now I know. Makes me glad I got the few pairs when I did. I hope the illness isn't serious.

Kim Ahrends is not ill. He lost his wife, Judy, a little while ago to illness, and the medical debts, combined with his business debts left him no choice but to declare bankruptcy.

His website is still up and you can read about his bankruptcy in his own words.

It was about 3 weeks before Gripseller raised his prices on new Ahrends stocks by $40 across the board.

I was lucky enough to snag 2 of the last grips Brownells had in stock:



both are Moradillo

[whitestang]

I have a set of Altamont grips on my 19-4. The grips are walnut and I'm very happy with them. They have grips for J frames also.

[Dragon 1]

Thank you everyone for your answers to my questions I did find a grip company in Texas called Texas grips. I ordered a set of wood boot grips from them and they’re on their way as soon as I get them I’ll put them on one of my J frame round butts see what’s what. He had them in stock and he had very good reviews. Very nice guy Henry it seems on the phone he was a skilled craftsmen who made furniture now grips as well. Thank you for help.

[squidsix]

Jim Badger still picks up the phone when you call.

[Bumpus13]

Originally Posted by jc2721

Kim Ahrends is not ill. He lost his wife, Judy, a little while ago to illness, and the medical debts, combined with his business debts left him no choice but to declare bankruptcy.

His website is still up and you can read about his bankruptcy in his own words.

It was about 3 weeks before Gripseller raised his prices on new Ahrends stocks by $40 across the board.

I was lucky enough to snag 2 of the last grips Brownells had in stock:



both are Moradillo

Yep. I picked up a pair of K-frame conversion retros (target and combat) in maple just after the announcement.

[Bill In Texas]

I'm sorry for both of his losses. An illness was mentioned and I assumed that it was Kim. Thanks for the clarification.

[JDinAZ]

Originally Posted by bronco45

Eagle declared bankrupcy along with but no connected to Arends, who also bailed out due to illness. In my experience the Hogues are a bit smaller in diameter in wood than the rubber.

Straight up folks. Gun parts guys are getting picked off. Kim Ahrends didn’t go out due to illness. I spoke with Kim on the phone for bout a half hour one Sunday morning when I saw his dilemma. I offered a free way to get back in the game on my dime. Kim knows that stands as long as I live.

Ain’t nothin new I’ve been under siege for months also.

I would like to publicly thank Everyone on the Big Blue Smith forum here as well as all the FLEET 155 that have placed orders to help keep me afloat.

One of my old buddies back east made a comment to me a few days ago while we were talking about new product ideas for me to put out. I’m a rare breed few left like me. My outlook is the gotta kill me to stop me. Mission accomplishment before troop welfare that’s how I was trained. Failure is not an option. Still wear my issued dog tags in remeberence and homage to the days of old. Bwahahahah. Fortunately my recoil shield and perimeter wire are much stronger than anticipated by the opposition. I call it how I see it. A plus or downfall depending on who’s opinion you get.

I’m almost number one on the hit parade due to the fact I am on the cusp of releasing the American Gatling. A full bore combat worthy conversion for AR AK FAL 1919 Glock and whatever else I decide to put it on. All steel made in America and you go from single shot normal mode to full on American Gatling action by just transitioning your hands. Straight up unheard of in the industry. I’m jus a good ol boy from the woods that’s Self taught master machinist as well as a Veteran Marine with an absolute LOVE for America.

Thus every approach possible has been attempted to stop my development of the American Gatling. Albeit I will never stop on anything once I start. It’s my duty to complete my mission and deliver this bad motor scooter to folks so they can play in the woods and fields with it and help them forget about all the non sense that’s been floating round lately.

We’ll just call it. J.D.’s contribution to the Country

Semper Fi
R/S
J.D.

01ZULU
out

[Protocall_Design]

Good on ya, JD! We need a lot more just like you!

[JDinAZ]

Originally Posted by Protocall_Design

Good on ya, JD! We need a lot more just like you!

Thanks man I fight the good fight everyday

Death before dishonor

01ZULU
out

[Dragon 1]

I received the grips today from Texas grip he makes a beautiful boot grips The fit and finish is really good and the craftsmanship of these grips I really do like. I wish I could post pictures on the Forum I am not computer savvy enough to put a photo of the grips that are on my J frame at this man-made.

[Narragansett]

Originally Posted by squidsix

Jim Badger still picks up the phone when you call.

I saw him and his grips at a gun show in South Carolina. Nice grips