Opinion on Eagle Grips

[Gun Relics]

With cokes drying up and true customs being expensive and in short supply, what are your opinions on Eagle grips? These look really nice to me but would they return the $300 value on a 1950's N frame? I have a few pair of Keith Brown grips and some on order from Culina, but I would like to add a few more custom targets to some of my Model 27's.

 

[bobsguns]

I own some. I like them, good quality.

No clue if you like them or not, but VZ grips look really good on Smiths, IMO.

Obviously, this one is blue tinged, but I have some red ones on a Beretta 92FS that make it look sharp. They greatly help when shooting in the summer too.

My .o2

 

[s&wchad]

I doubt they'll add $300 to the value of a gun, but that's not the best criteria for changing grips.

If you like them and they fit your hand, go for it!

 

[weatherby]

I think Eagle grips can be nice but absolutely will not.
It would sell the same if it had say factory smooth targets.

 

[stansdds]

As nice as they are, they will not restore the value of a S&W N-frame that has lost its original stocks.

 

[NY-1]

They're not originals, but they look fantastic and feel great IMO. Here's a set of Eagles currently on my Redhawk. Worth every penny.

 

[FlyFish]

I bought a pair of their Heritage round-to-square conversion grips for a 629 a few years back. Although the grips were, and are, unquestionably beautiful, the fit was not at all good - there was a clear gap between the frame and wood on the upper part of the right-hand grip. I called them and was told that it was due to variations in the size of the frame between guns. Funny, I've swapped plenty of factory S&W grips over the years and they all fit perfectly. They offered to custom fit the grips if I sent the gun to them (and paid the shipping both ways, 'natch), but I opted not to go through the hassle and expense. Have since bought Altamont grips for S&W revolvers and semi-autos and they all fit just fine.

 

[bananaman]

I have original S&W Stocks for my N frames and others. Much better for my grip are Herrett Target Stocks. Not Ahrends or Culina etc. but a good alternative. Bob

 

[Crookedcreek]

Have since bought Altamont grips for S&W revolvers and semi-autos and they all fit just fine.

I second that! And, if the OP is looking for the 'Coke' feel, Altamont does make a 'Coke' version for both square and round conversion 'N'-Frame in American Walnut for $98.00, and the checkering pattern looks very much like the Eagle grips, including the diamonds....and save $200.00!

 

[NY-1]

I find that Altamont grips are too thin, sometimes sharp in the corners, and oftentimes appear somewhat plasticky looking in-person. I personally can't stand their stuff.

 

[Crookedcreek]

I find that Altamont grips are too thin, sometimes sharp in the corners, and oftentimes appear somewhat plasticky looking in-person. I personally can't stand their stuff.

Careful, your 'home town' is showing through!
P.S. Some 'plastic':

 

[sparkyvega]

I've got K and N frame Coke walnut sets inbound. I have a few other Altamonts, so I'm hopeful for these.

I second that! And, if the OP is looking for the 'Coke' feel, Altamont does make a 'Coke' version for both square and round conversion 'N'-Frame in American Walnut for $98.00, and the checkering pattern looks very much like the Eagle grips, including the diamonds....and save $200.00!

 

[NY-1]

Careful, your 'home town' is showing through!
P.S. Some 'plastic':

Those are a little better looking than the usual stuff I've seen from them. Here are a set of Altamont magnas I've since gotten rid of. They were way thinner than factory PC magnas, fit was poor around the top where they met the frame, and they were sharp up there too. The wood grain on these looks significantly more artificial IMO. (But they were a little cheaper than the ones you posted.) That's been my experience with multiple different sets of Altamont magnas I've come across in the past few years.

 

[Crookedcreek]

@NY-1, Sorry to hear of your bad luck on multiple sets. My experience has been good (so far!) on 3 sets for Smith revolvers and 5 sets for 1911's and 1 Llama 380. As far as grain looks, the Magnas you show are 'Super Blackwood', which is a impregnated laminate. The ones I posted above are solid wood, Santos Rosewood. I'm also a fan of their nifty engraved 1911 replacement grip screws. Thinking about getting a set of their 'Cokes' for my M14-3.

 

[CH4]

I still have a few pair. They are expensive and most are poor fitting. Most leave the
back strap and bottom standing proud, on at least one side. Unfortunate because they look nice - I really like their secret service model.

Too big of a crap shoot for my $$$. Better options with more consistent QC out there.

 

[CH4]

I bought a pair of their Heritage round-to-square conversion grips for a 629 a few years back. Although the grips were, and are, unquestionably beautiful, the fit was not at all good - there was a clear gap between the frame and wood on the upper part of the right-hand grip. I called them and was told that it was due to variations in the size of the frame between guns. Funny, I've swapped plenty of factory S&W grips over the years and they all fit perfectly. They offered to custom fit the grips if I sent the gun to them (and paid the shipping both ways, 'natch), but I opted not to go through the hassle and expense. Have since bought Altamont grips for S&W revolvers and semi-autos and they all fit just fine.

This too^^^^

 

[duke2002]

My buddy has bought several pair they look good. Fit good. I wish i would have bought smith grips 30 yrs ago when the rubber grip phase was big. Old gunstore had a box of them from tske offs. These are some foreign knockoffs. They fit good. not perfect on the finishing. no clue on what kind of wood.

 

[chief38]

The only grips that will return full value are the actual originals. Second best are the correct factory grips even if the serial number doesn't match. They won't return full value, but at least be the correct ones. After market grips, even if a copy of the original will not do that to true collectors.

 

[Lt.Donn]

Eagles have been around awhile...and although a good company, IMO there are other choices in the market today that are better

 

[millerj7]

Eagles have been around awhile...and although a good company, IMO there are other choices in the market today that are better

Back in the day when we could buy real Sambar Stag and elephant ivory, Eagle (and others) were very good quality and reasonably priced in my experience. Sadly, those days are long gone.