Pre 27 with "Unique" Keith Brown Custom Ropers

[RKmesa]

A while ago I was looking through one of the Roper threads and found a few photos posted by CaveDog of a set of thumb rest Ropers that I had never seen Keith duplicate.

Here are his Photos (I hope that CaveDog doesn't mind as his photos are an important part of the story):

So, I sent Keith the photos, and asked if he would/could make me a set for an N-frame long tube 357. He was excited for the challenge and said that he had always wanted to make a set of stocks in that pattern. He did however, put his own twist on the checkering pattern and it turned out to be spectacular. Keith took some photos of the process, which he was having some problems trying to post in a photo album, so when he gets the photos up, you'll get to see the "how to". But in the meantime, here is the stunning finished product on one of my pre-27's.

To say that I am pleased, is the understatement of the century. These stocks are the personification of artistry in wood. I own many examples of Keith's work, but the craftsmanship on these stocks is by far his best. So here are a few close-ups of the stocks:

Notice how the joint line disappears in the checkered portion that covers the back-strap - flawless and beautiful!

The crazy thing about these stocks is that they point perfectly and feel better in my hand than almost any of my other stocks.

Thanks Keith - I am excited to see your photos on the how-to...

 

[DCWilson]

Spectacular. That "Bisley flip" for the little finger at the bottom of the stocks grabbed me at first glance.

That does it. I'm writing to Keith tonight. I have a late 1930s .38/44 Outdoorsman that I have always known needed some of his Ropers. This is the design.

 

[1Aspenhill]

Richard,
Beautiful grips and gun! I've always said that Keith is the Michealanglo of wood! Each pair of grips is a masterpiece. I've been thinking about some Ropers myself, so we will see what gets ordered!
Thanks for posting,
Bill

 

[45Wheelgun]

Very nice grips, they look great on the gun. Keith is amazing.

 

[4-Screw]

Very cool...I would nickname that gun, "The Snake"...it has a very slinky appearance.

 

[bower]

Be careful that nickname might be confused for the other"competitor".

 

[MAG-NUM]

Absolutely beautiful! These stocks should be in a glass display case. I don't think I have ever seen a more artistic, well executed design and the craftsmanship is awesome not to mention the beautiful wood itself.
Congrats to Keith and Richard. Well done! Bob

 

[phenson]

That has to be the most artistic, beautiful set of stocks I have ever seen. KB has truly surpassed Gagne as the master of his trade.

 

[handejector]

WOW again!
Fabulous.
I love Keith's work. I may have to try a set somewhat like that. I'm not a thumbrest guy.

Hello, Keith??

 

[fat tom]

No adjectives needed there! Just look at 'em!
f.t.

 

[Searcher1970]

Man those are sweet!

 

[Avery11]

How can he stand to put those in the mail? I would NEVER part with those.

Can you even fathom the set that he thinks are his masterpiece and will never sell?

 

[RKmesa]

How can he stand to put those in the mail? I would NEVER part with those.

When I received the stocks and unwrapped them I had the same exact thoughts. I don't think that I own a pair of his stocks that I would be willing to part with... BUT, I'm sure glad that he is willing to share his significant talents.

 

[bettis1]

Richard,

Since my greatest interest is in the shorter barreled "packin'" guns, I have little desire for most of the thumbrest grips of "target" guns. Add to that that I am a lefty so the majority of thumbrests are less useful than no grips at all to me. However, the beauty of that wood and Keith's design and artistry simply set that pair apart from the rest of the pack. Truly one of a kind!

Makes me reconsider my thoughts of thumbrests...now to find an appropriate target gun and to commission a left hand version.

Bob

 

[RKmesa]

Richard,

Since my greatest interest is in the shorter barreled "packin'" guns, I have little desire for most of the thumbrest grips of "target" guns.

Bob:

I am glad that you like those little stubby packin' guns, as it leaves the much more "elegant and refined" long tube ones for me. ... Truth be said, I too love the packing lengths as well and I have a safe full of them. But when my 1st RM had an 8.75" tube, it hooked me forever on the longer barreled guns. I have to tell you that these thumbrest target stocks help offset the extra weight at the end of this "hand rifle" and the point-ability is almost effortless.

 

[old bear]

Notice how the joint line disappears in the checkered portion that covers the back-strap - flawless and beautiful!

That is the first thing I noticed. Workmanship like that is a sure sign of a vary talented craftsman.

 

[Troystat]

Those are a beautiful set of grips, Keith's grips always look great, the checkering jog is just over the top, I need to earn enough spare cash to buy a set for my for my smiths. Thanks for posting the pictures.

Troy

 

[semperfi71]

Beautiful!

 

[Keith Brown]

Richard, Thanks very much for the thread and the great pictures. And another Thanks to everyone for the kind comments. This set presented a couple of new challenges but they were definitely a fun set to make. I actually started with another piece of wood but early on I decided it was a bit to plain in figure for this design, this piece worked out much better. The grips look right at home on a long barrel Smith, they would kind of overpower a short barrel IMO. Bob, I'm wrong handed also so I should have no problem reversing the setup. Avery, I'm always trying to improve so I guess I'm just thinking the next set will be better. I actually only have on set of Roper style grips for myself right now, here's a pic of them on a favorite 624

Keith

 

[DCWilson]

Keith, I'm not sure everyone will find their way to your album of progress photos on this project, so let me make it easy to find by posting a link here. (Tip for viewers: start with the last picture and work backward to view the progress.)

S-W Forum - Keith Brown's Album: Grips along the way - Picture

Did you get my PM? I am definitely interested in a similar set of stocks for my 1938 .38/44 Outdoorsman.