Looking for Skeeters for N Frame

[cooperduper]

The recent post about stag grips has inspired this post. I have a 629 that I just hate the factory "target" stocks on. I'd like to find a set of Skeeter/Roper stocks for it. I, too, have been looking at Eagles. The Classic, I think they are called. Anybody have any? Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Rich

 

[cooperduper]

The recent post about stag grips has inspired this post. I have a 629 that I just hate the factory "target" stocks on. I'd like to find a set of Skeeter/Roper stocks for it. I, too, have been looking at Eagles. The Classic, I think they are called. Anybody have any? Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Rich

 

[Marcruger]

Herrett's makes beautiful "Skeeter" Ropers. I'd highly recommend them. They come with or without speedloader cutouts. They also offer really fancy walnut at additional money. I think it's worth the price. Brian Pearce had a pretty set in Handloader a while back. Mine are just as pretty. I'll use Herrett's again one of these days. I also bought and refurbished a pair of Herrett's Ropers from eBay and they feel just as good and fit just as good. God Bless, Marc

 

[Vanilla Gorilla]

I've never tried the Ropers, but I have two sets of the Eagle Classics that I love. Next to a custom set, I think they're my favorites.

 

[cooperduper]

Thanks for the input. If I'm not mistaken, the Eagle Classics are Roper/Skeeter type grips. Sure look the same. It's a tough decision because when you compare prices, you get a little more from Herrett's for just a little more money. But then, more money is more money. Again, thanks, guys.

 

[bronco45]

And from personal experience I can tell you that with Eagle it's a mixed bag quality wise. They are made in India and QC has been iffy.

For what it is worth I just put a set of Herretts Ropers on a 4" 586 and they are beautiful. Beautiful, that is if you like great walnut.

 

[S.B.]

I don't think Skeeters grips were Herretts? He had a friend from the southwest make his out of a local wood(Mesquite).

 

[MarkL]

How do the Ropers from Herretts compare with Ahrends? I also have a 586 I'm looking to get wood for.
Thanks

 

[OIF2]

27-2 5" with Herrett's Ropers.

 

[mm6mm6]

I bought a S&W Model 624 4" in 1989 because Skeeter wrote that the only way the Model 24 .44 Special could be improved was if Smith & Wesson made it in stainless steel.

Bear Hug Grips made Skeeter's style of oversize handles so I sent a tracing of my right hand and ordered a set in late '89. Skelton liked fancy walnut, but I prefer birdseye maple. Deacon Deason made them for me and, though they took quite awhile to receive, they are outstanding in fit, finish, and depth and grain of the birdseye maple. My dad kidded with me because they took so long to get, "What? Is he growing the maple tree?"

A few years ago, I had a Weigand Combat rear sight installed and I put on an SDM red fiber optic front sight. The gun shoots fantastically! I know, I know, a McGivern gold bead would be more appropriate, but I really like how the red dot front sight stands out for shooting....

A few years ago I had the 624 engraved with 75% coverage American Scroll by Michael Gouse. I had him include Skeeter's cattle brand on the backstrap as my personal homage to Skelton.

Of course, I pack this .44 around in Skeeter's favorite holster for it - An El Paso Saddlery Tom Threepersons crossdraw.

For those interested, here's a few scans of the paperwork from Bear Hug Grips. It makes me sad that both Skeeter and Deacon are gone. But at least I have my S&W to remind me of them....

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Some of the Eagle grips come from India, some from the Philippines, and some are imported half finished, then completed at their Carol Stream Illinois plant. The Classics are supposed to be very close copies of the early S&W Ropers.
Herrett has a very good reputation for a quality product, and they build them custom fit to your hand.
mm6mm6- I'don't care for the fiber sight, but other than that-WOW! That is one beautiful 624. Congrats, especially on having a set of grips made by a master craftsman to go with a fantasic engraving job.

 

[BUFF]

Skeeter wrote that his first grips of this design were some original Ropers that he modified to beter fit his hands himself. When he made the acquaintence of Steve Herrett, he had Herrett make them up to his hand size. The Bear Hug and Deacon Deason grips came later.

 

[JT]

Keith Brown makes Ropers closest to the originals.

He posts here under the user name "bis45", so search his archived posts for some pics and contact info.

 

[Marshal Tom]

Also not mentioned above is the fact that Ted Adomovich of BluMagnum in Colorado Springs took over making the Skeeter Roper stocks of Deacon Deason and is still doing them on the same pattern as far as I know.

T

 

[LOBO]

This is from October 2006 issue of Guns magazine.

BluMagnum Grips
5825 Heminngway
Colorado Springs, CO 80930

(719) 683-6121