Laminated vs. Solid Wood grips

[part-time]

It seems laminated grips are being used by more by OEM's and aftermarket companies rather than solid wood grips. Is there any benefit or negative with one over the other?

 

[Road Rat]

Only my opinion.

I like most of the laminates; they can be made of just about any type of wood - saving the good wood for really nice firearms; they can be dyed to be just about any colors; they should not warp due to moisture; and they almost have to be less expensive to manufacture. This should let the company put the firearm in your hands for a little less money.

I own a few laminates and like them. I also own some older firearms with nice walnut........can't beat them for looks!!

 

[ljmvaw124]

Think of laminated grips as high-tech plywood - because that is what actually is. Two major types - the best for handgun grips is DymondWood - a highly engineered wood/plastic composite, that has the physical and mechanical properties of high density hardwood, acrylic, polycarbonate plastics and brass. Dyed northern hardwood veneers are combined with engineering grade resins, heat and pressure to create a product that has the best characteristics of each. DymondWood is distinguished by its unique strength, durability, dimensional stability, and weather and moisture resistance as compared to regular wood. The laminated rifle stocks you see are made of Stratabond - Laminated Hardwoods - a proprietary lamination process that creates an unusually powerful bond; a bond that makes for endurance and beauty in finished products. The difference between the two is that Stratabond is not resin impregnated.
Dymondwood is much heavier than Stratabond, it has the density of Micarta. What it gives you is the beauty of wood, with the stability of a synthetic grip. A straight wood grip is still the best looking, but a Dymondwood grip is the best for harsh conditions.......

 

[chief38]

I would imagine that a few of the advantages of using laminated stocks are the reduced cost of manufacturing, colors and patterns can easily be varied, scrap wood can be used which is more environmentally correct, and exotic woods can be mixed for a unique look.

That said,
I'll take Walnut, Goncalo Alves, Maple, Cherry etc etc. on mine!

chief38

 

[firearmsunlimited]

I guess I am old fashioned. IMHO guns should be blued or nickel plated steel with solid wood grips of walnut, rosewood, Goncalo Alves or birdseye maple. I have never seen a pair of factory solid wood handgun stocks that had been left affixed to the gun that warped. A little shrinkage - yes. Laminated stocks do lend themselves well for use on rifles as they prevent warping that can effect accuracy.

 

[nutsforsmiths]

You could only do grips like these with laminated wood. Not my favorite grips, but interesting.

 

[sceva]

S&W used to use a material ( I believe it was Dymondwood) that they called Wessonwood for the handles of the knives that made in the 1970's. I don't recall if they offered grops made from it though.

 

[dfariswheel]

The resin impregnated laminated woods have been sold as Dymondwood, Pakkawood, and several other brand names.

Unlike rifle stock type laminated woods, these woods are fused into a solid mass, are totally water proof, won't de-laminate or splinter, are proof against most solvents, and can be done in a wider variety of colors.

A big advantage for manufacturers and owners is that no finish is required.
All that's needed is to fine sand the material then buff it with a polish.
This brings out anything from a satin finish to a bright gloss.

One of the most beautiful pistol grips I ever saw was a set of European type full target grips for a Browning Medalist pistol.
The layers were dyed various shades of Burgundy with a couple of layers done in a yellow.
This gave the appearance of a set of grips with a gold band running through it.