Who currently makes the best reproduction target grips (wood/medallion, checkered)?

[Apec]

Does anyone know of a source for good reproductions of the original Smith & Wesson target grips?

My issue is that most of the replicas I've seen so far look completely off in one or more ways - the speedloader cut isn't shaped correctly, medallions in the wrong location, and the shape of the checkered area is wrong.

While I do have originals on most of my guns, I would like a more durable substitute for actual use.

 

[Fishinfool]

Nill makes a nice copy - Karl Nill Massgriffe | Replica grips for revolvers

Altamont makes a solid wood coke copy, but I have not seen one in person. Their reproduction Roper grips are very well done.

Eagle makes a repo as well, but you hear mixed reviews?

Culina Grips ( members here) also do great work.

For a set of working grips that are durable, cheap, and are similar in profile to S&W targets, Pachmayr Presentation grips work well.

Larry

 

[jcelect]

grips

Curtis Harlow(44Magget on this forum) does custom grips and is excellent at checkering. He has the ability to duplicate S&W grips, smooth or checkered! He has some beautifully figured walnut!
jcelect

 

[Lou_the_welder]

It may be difficult to find an aftermarket source, that replicates the factory checkering. I don't know if it has been done but I've never seen it.

I've had good luck finding replacement original wood stocks on ebay, for a few guns that didn't have them , when I purchased them. And have found them to be affordable. Maybe that's an option?

I like Culinagrips. They make their grips- especially the RB combats , that come close to the factory combats and have good quality medallions. Their finish is high quality.

They can make a smooth target with factory medallions. And if you choose the right wood, like Goncalo Alves. May appear original.

 

[505Gibbs]

I just checked the Nill web page and while they have pictures of replica S&W grips there are none cataloged as being available to buy!
I had a pair for both K & N frames which had a 'coke' shape they were NOT inexpensive - north of $275 and that was over 7 years ago or so.

 

[Pizza Bob]

I'd vote for Eagle Grips for S&W replicas.

 

[Fishinfool]

I just checked the Nill web page and while they have pictures of replica S&W grips there are none cataloged as being available to buy!

Ha... I didn't dig that deep. Doesn't sound like a good business model.

Larry

 

[jem102]

I have a few sets of Culina's all excellent. Their Signature Plus N square Targets are perfect, fitting your hand better than the more "bulky" S&W's. Great finish that really shows the grain.

 

[rockquarry]

I seldom buy aftermarket stocks, but have a few. I could get by fine with Magnas on everything. For range shooting, even after forty or more years, wear is almost unnoticeable.

I bought two pair of Eagle rosewood stocks probably in the early '80s. I had to do some sanding work to get a good fit with one pair. They extended beyond the frame a bit. However, two pair of stag stocks from the same time were perfect fits.

I bought five pair of Altamont stocks about fifteen or so years ago. I returned four pair, but should have returned all of them. Poor fit. I doubt I'd buy from them again, but I've read on the Internet that their stock fit improved considerably. I hope that really happened.

 

[senecaap]

For me, Culina is the best. Their shaping is spot on and their finish is superior to that of the original (no cracking/flaking). In my opinion, except for original Cokes, they are superior to the originals.

I have tried Altamont and Eagle and found them severely lacking in fit and quality. I loved BluMagnum, but with Ted's passing the BluMagnum/Deacon Deacon style most likely died as well.

 

[Photog]

It always puzzled me that no one that I have seen, with the exception of Keith Brown, can make/will make a true copy of the original "Coke" grips. I have 4 sets of Culinas and they are almost there, but not quite. However they are hands down my 2nd favorite N frame target grip, the original "Coke" grips being my 1st. I have handled the Eagle, Altamont, Nill and a few others, and they just don't have that feel of the originals.

 

[pharman]

Culina...A+++

I vote for Culina all the way...superb in every aspect...Roger

 

[Harry Callihan]

I like this Ebay seller... vitoonmakers (11138) 100% Positive feedback.

I have purchased a few sets from him. They fit like a glove. I have zero complaints about them. They are actually very nice... The seller is in Thailand.. Shipping is very fast, little costly... Grips are not priced to bad either...

 

[smithman]

The Thai grips from eBay look tolerable to me. I have a set on a round butt 29:

 

[RubEric]

Model 27 with Eagle Goncalo alves:

Model 25 with Eagle walnut:

 

[Narragansett]

I like Culina grips, but I do own a set of Eagle Heritage N frame walnut that I found on Ebay. Very nice.

I luked into the roasted birdseye grips. A guy waited 2 years and did not take them. The English walnuts I waited 2+ years for

 

[Mike-AK]

Not target grips, but here are some Eagle repro grips on my Model 15. I am very satisfied with the fit and finish.

 

[LPD256]

These Culina grips on my 19-3 are smooth, not checkered and very well done. This wood looks like a super nice factory pair. If you call Jennifer at 650-450-2955 I've found her to be very helpful.

 

[Duckford]

I took off the Altamont target grips on my late Model 27, nearly used them for kindling. They are longer and thinner than the original target grips and absolutely, totally worthless to me. Replaced them with Altamont classic panel checkered walnut, which are very good.

If they just made them like the used to, I would love to have another set. But the copy they make now is infuriatingly useless.

 

[jeffrefrig]

Post #16, 3rd pic, that wood is very interesting. My M27-9 has been sent back to S&W back in Oct. 6th. Still waiting for the repair on a 3-day old gun (in my possession). In the meantime I ordered 2 sets of stocks, Walnut & fake ivory, but that pattern is really eye-catching. I suppose for some that nice, all 3 pics actually, two years may be worth the wait. If I wasn't close to 66 years old I might pick out something classy like that. That .357 is a very nice-looking gun, for some poor shmuck like me, and it deserves nicer-looking stocks than the factory ones, but if I ever get the gun back I'm going shopping for a nice holster. That M19-3 is pretty nice, post #18.
That M25 is a real eye-catcher, as is the M15. I kinda like the feel of the Magnas in hand for shooting, but the target style & thicker wood just looks good. I took that style off the M10-8 I just traded in for my 27 and put rubbers on it; nice and comfortable. Perhaps if I were about 15 years younger I'd order something nice like all you guys have!
Very nice presentations up above. Yinz have good taste, and for a two-year wait, +/-, looks like the wait was worth it.