Cocobolo for 1911

[American1776]

I’ve heard nice things said about cocobolo for 1911 panels.

I received these hogue cocobolo panels today.

They are nice, but they seem no different than the cheaper dark rosewood that’s so common.

Anyone else like cocobolo? Any comments on how they are supposed to look?

 

[tt66]

Those are good looking grips. I have had several smooth sets of cocobolo grips. To me a smooth grip will show more of the woods character than the checkered grips.

Tim

 

[CH4]

Can never go wrong with cocobolo.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Cocobolo is actually a type of rosewood. My understanding is that cocobolo is supposed to have more distinctive color variations in the grain than regular rosewood.

I like cocobolo. I have these Hogues on one of my 1911s:

I think part of the problem with seeing the difference is the checkering. Sometimes it seems like the distinctiveness is clearer with smooth panels. Another is just the variability of wood, making it a bit of a gamble whether or not you get that distinctive grain pattern.

Here's an older picture of some revolvers I used to have. The top and bottom revolvers have smooth cocobolo grips. I think you can see the typical grain pattern better.

FYI, I still have the cocobolo Spegel boot grips from the bottom gun, but they've darkened considerably since I first got them, and the colors are less distinct now.

 

[American1776]

Can never go wrong with cocobolo.

I had a Dan Wesson Specialist, just like yours there. Very cool gun, amazing trigger. Has your ambi safety loosed on the left side?

You've got some really nice guns there!!

 

[505Gibbs]

Esmeralda makes some fantastic cocobolo grips.

Exotic Grips by Esmeralda

 

[Dougaz]

1911 Grips

It seems like I'm up to my ears in 1911 grips and I just put these on. I like em' and they feel pretty good too!

 

[JJEH]

Can never go wrong with cocobolo.

What he said

 

[American1776]

It seems like I'm up to my ears in 1911 grips and I just put these on. I like em' and they feel pretty good too!

Those altamont pony grips are nice. I have a pair in Walnut with the silver pony.

 

[BB57]

i like Cocobolo. It looks great.

But I am allergic as all hell to the oils in it. Any skin next to it for any length of time (such as my side in IWB carry) will break out in a red scaly rash.

 

[mikerjf]

Yes, can be allergenic... plus the oils make it really hard to glue, you have to wipe it down with acetone beforehand.

OP, yours look great, you just have to look ‘past’ the checkering.

 

[ContinentalOp]

FWIW, kingwood and desert ironwood grips can have some really nice grain patterns.

 

[Rock185]

Cocobolo is a favorite of mine. The grips I've used are generally brighter orangish/reddish with dark grain running through. But like any natural product, it varies. I have a couple sets of Spegels for Hi Powers that appear almost black. Sets for other guns that are much brighter. Your set happens to be at the dark end of the spectrum. I suspect Hogue would exchange them for you.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I have a set of Altamont Spanish Diamond cocobolo grips both my Kimber Ultra 9mm and Colt LW stainless commander 38 super. I’m also very fond of Walnut and Ebony. I just ordered a set of Hogue walnut grips for a new blue Ruger Blackhawk 357/9mm.

 

[vonn]

Every cocobolo set I have is definitely different than the other, keep looking and you will find something that you will like!

 

[Rule3]

Every cocobolo set I have is definitely different than the other, keep looking and you will find something that you will like!

Exactly, as with any wood the grain pattern and color will vary all over the place.

 

[RobertJ.]

A little dark, but still very nice looking.

Cocobolo is right up there with walnut for me. Here's a BHP, 17-3, and a Colt OMM, all with that beautiful red wood. The funny thing is that the only people I'm acquainted with who would tell me they're incorrect are right here on this forum! My friends, none of whom are collectors, think I've got the greatest looking handguns out of anyone they know.

 

[Dougaz]

But do I need more 1911 grips?

If Mrs. Wonderful is allowed to own 300 pairs of shoes, I ought to be allowed additional grips ..... Cocobolo huh??