Identify custom grip maker and type wood

[shawn mccarver]

Russ, my vote goes to "homemade." Your excellent close-up photos show overrun lines in the checkering, and a "bulge" or not straight cut where the grips meet across the recoil shoulder. In addition, the borders around the checkering are not well executed. The cut-out around the cylinder release reminds me of something one might see in certain pre-war revolver grip designs. Good luck finding an answer!

Shawn

 

[Gunhacker]

I believe they are “Fitz” grips. They made them in walnut and plastic during the 1950’s and 60’s.

Not Fitz, does not match any style that John "Paul" Jones made.

I also vote for "home made".

 

[tipoc]

I agree that they are not from a factory or a well known maker of custom stocks. They were likely made by an amateur to suit particular desires of the shooter, maybe the same person.

The gun is set up for bullseye with great work by King's, or parts from King's.

In addition to what folks have said about the checkering, etc. Look at the crude work around the screw holes and the diamond.

Also worth noting is that the stocks would have interfered with quick ejection of the empty cases or live rounds. The wood remains thick around the cylinder latch and does not thin out to allow for clean ejection or for easy sure working of the cylinder latch. The shooter took his time ejecting and reloading.

I have no guess on the wood.

Is there a letter on this gun?

tipoc

 

[linde]

. . . Is there a letter on this gun?

Thank you for your comments. Yes, this 1988 letter came to me with the gun.

Russ

 

[StrawHat]

Identifying wood species from photos is rarely easy. Witness the guesses from mahogany to oak.

The grain and pores are similar to walnut but the color is lighter than expected for American black walnut. If we accept they are craftsman made, it could be any variety he/she had on hand. Actually, we are lucky both sides are the same! Looking at the backs and zooming in where I could, the wood could be pecan or “blonde walnut” better known as Butternut.

There is a way to determine the true identity but you need to send a sample to the Forestry Service and I doubt you would want to do that.

Kevin

 

[tipoc]

I would say it is "Handsome" wood. Which is related to both "Good Looking" wood and "Good Enough for the Job" wood. All the above are a step above "Cheap Rubber" and "Tactical" stocks.