Kudos to 44magget (Curt Harlow)

[Pizza Bob]

I've been keeping forum member 44magget busy lately making custom stocks for me.

I first encountered his work several years ago and approached him then about making me some Roper-pattern stocks. At that point in time he wasn't ready to take on a commission, and was not making his own blanks.

Fast forward a couple years and I ran across a post by fleabus101 showing a set of beautiful Roper-pattern stocks made by 44maggett. My contact info was no longer good but fleabus hooked me up (thanks).

The first set of stocks were N-frame conversion (RB to SB) Roper-pattern stocks made from Myrtle wood - a wood native to his home state (OR). They exceeded my expectations. They have a very unique transition where the frame profile departs from the SB stock profile. I installed them on a 25-10 Heritage Series (Sports South) chambered in .45C...

Next up was a set of K/L frame RB stocks, also in the Roper-pattern. These were made from Gabon Ebony and were installed on my 617-5...

Curt said that he enjoyed trying new things with new woods, so the next project was another set of K/L RB stocks, but this time done in the Spegel idiom, resembling the three-finger rubber grips Craig designed for Uncle Mike's. These are mounted on my 696 and done in Purpleheart wood...

I think that you'll agree that Curt is a very talented grip maker in the vein of those other iconic makers that we all know. Curt is still taking orders and his wait time (at this point) is measured in weeks, not months or years - although I thoroughly expect that to change, so get your orders in early.

To Curt - thanks for crafting these beautiful stocks.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[lihpster]

I contacted Curt on 6/18 and asked him to make me 2 pairs of walnut service style stocks. One pair checkered and one pair smooth. He said he could do it and quoted me a price that was, frankly, less than buying 2 pairs of Altamonts. Hell, it was less than ONE pair of Eagles. I asked him where to send the check. He said, "Wait until I'm done, then I'll send you some pictures and you can decide if you like them." Last night he sent me the pictures. You can bet I sprained my wrist getting my checkbook out. These stocks are beautiful and belong on finer firearms than I own. I am pleased as punch to be able to own such works of art. So let's see, one month to custom make 2 pairs of stocks, on spec, and they turn out like this. I'll be asking him to build me some more soon.

 

[fleabus101]

I gladly say Curt is one of the nicest people I've
been graced enough to come into a relationship with..!!! His grip making craftsmanship and artistry has been a nice
side benefit..
He has done several Terrific Grip sets for me and ..what I think of as enhancements(repairs) to factory grips for me w his great wood talent.
I look forward always to my contacts with him
and to the next project with him !!
I Second and Third the Kudos for Curt made above !!
Best Randy..

 

[boykinlp]

I really like the Myrtlewood ones, and the unique way he did the backstrap. If I remember correctly, Rkmesa is a big fan of Myrtlewood!
Larry

 

[Entropy]

Wow. The craftsmanship on those is nothing short of phenomenal.

Folks with talent like that amaze me.