The first shipment of the last Curtis Harlow order.

[SouthNarc]

I’m a huge Curtis Harlow fan. When this order is complete I will have 18 pairs of his stocks. We have become friends and are actually working on a project together to bring an idea of his, to the revolver market in the near future. He is an absolute gentleman and every pair of stocks I receive from him are stunning.

I got back on his list last year for a fairly large final order. He is closing shop at some point on handmade stocks, much to our loss.

I sourced a nice piece of Turkish and French Walnut for him to make my stocks from.

Here are the first four that I’ve received. There are different backdrops for these photos as I had a hard time capturing the grain quality the way they actually look in real life.

Number one is a pair of pre-war style magnas with Roper style checkering in a post war length. These are made from Turkish Walnut. For the moment I have them mounted on a 28-2 4”.

 

[SouthNarc]

The second pair are also Pre war style magnas in a post war length in Turkish walnut, smooth, mounted on a post war 38/44 HD 4”. These have pre-war sized medallions which I know is not period correct for a short action HD but....my grips, and I like them.

 

[lppd4]

Curt is a top shelf guy. I hate to hear he is going to be out of the grip making business

 

[SouthNarc]

Third are a pair of checkered Targets in French Walnut mounted on a 14-2 Hanen Special.

 

[SouthNarc]

This last pair is pretty special.

Hopefully a moderator will not delete this because this is not a S&W revolver. What this pair represents, is some of the best work Curtis has ever done in his life. ”I’m especially proud of them!” was his exact quote.

No jig, completely done by hand. The first and ONLY pair of French Walnut grips for a 3” Manurhin MR73. Curtis had never made a pair for an MR73 so I sent him the gun with instructions that the final product be proportional and unique. There was not pattern for these.

Simply PHENOMENAL work.

 

[22hipower]

That last set is amazing, not that the others aren’t terrific too.

Jeff
SWCA 1457

 

[SouthNarc]

That last set is amazing, not that the others aren’t terrific too.

Jeff
SWCA 1457

Thanks Jeff. It's my belief they are the nicest set of MR73 stocks on the planet.

 

[Marshal Tom]

Just stunning all!

 

[Kansasgunner]

Those are all exquisite grips!
Sad to hear that Curtis is stopping his grip making. I have a couple pair of his early grips and one pair of vintage maple grips that he reshaped and stained for me. Always a gentleman to deal with.

 

[handejector]

He is closing shop on handmade stocks much to our loss.

Why is that? I had not heard.

 

[Truckman]

Why is that? I had not heard.

I hadn't either...I have some I've been holding for repair, but had not sent because he said he was backed up with work...The grips for the Manurhin are nothing short of phenomenal......Ben

 

[SouthNarc]

Why is that? I had not heard.

It's not really my place to speak publicly on that.

 

[diecidecimi]

Thanks Jeff. It's my belief they are the nicest set of MR73 stocks on the planet.

I agree 100%. Please, I'm in a couple of Manurhin groups (here in Europe MR are of course more widespread,even not common): have I your pemission to show this wonderful Curtis work , of course quoting you if you want? thx

 

[SouthNarc]

I agree 100%. Please, I'm in a couple of Manurhin groups (here in Europe MR are of course more widespread,even not common): have I your pemission to show this wonderful Curtis work , of course quoting you if you want? thx

Sure thing sir, share away!

 

[quinn]

Curtis will be sorely missed. I was a very happy cusomer in both the restoration and new creation category.

 

[80sgyrene]

Unbelievable artistry! Magnificent work!

While most would say the last set are the best, to my eyes the Magna Ropers are the jewel.

 

[RKmesa]

Beautiful grips. Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[Les Greevy]

Harlow grips

Here is my small contribution to this thread.
Curt will be missed when he retires.
He is an artist and a gentleman.
Les

 

[boykinlp]

Curt is an artist! All of his work is phenomenal!
Larry

 

[Rusty parrot]

Craig,
You can parade those grips anywhere and always be proud.
The wood and the craftsmanship are second to none.
Enjoy your time with them and thanks for sharing them with all of us.
Best,
Jake