New 1911 Grips

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S&W620

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So I figured I’d do a little show and tell about the grips I purchased recently. Gratuitous photo.

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I’ve been long wanting a blued 1911 with ivory grips as I’ve loved the look from the first time I saw it. With ivory sales being what they are, I decided to look for other similar materials, such as bone/antler.

I didn’t have a budget in mind, but I figured they’d be anywhere from $100-200+ depending on the maker, quality, etc. With that in mind I got to Googling and started looking around a bit and I found a guy from Thailand who makes grips from water buffalo bones, all by hand. I looked around and while they looked nice, and the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, the price had me skeptical. The gentleman had multiple pairs for roughly the same price, all pretty much right around $35 plus shipping. Here’s the link to his page if you’re interested (not affiliated with the guy at all, receive no incentives for writing this, etc).

https://www.etsy.com/shop/smilegroup2004

Anyway, I figured for $40 give or take they’d probably be middling at best, but I figured what the heck, give it a go and see how you like them. I was also somewhat skeptical about ordering something from Thailand, mostly because I’ve not ordered too many things from international vendors. I figured worst case scenario I’m out $40 bucks or could order a nicer set later.

I placed the order and the grips were shipped within a day or two and I received them in about 2 weeks (coming from Thailand, though customs, etc). Once I received them I opened them up and was beyond pleased, I was absolutely thrilled. The quality was very good and the workmanship top notch. I actually had to press them into place to get them on the first time as they were that snug.

Some more photos showing the fit:

3EC9E203-A1ED-424B-86E4-8C42930CB6CB.jpeg 8B917E6B-C995-44A2-821E-A96AF15D9EBC.jpeg 2DED39BE-A6F5-4E78-B159-0A157DD6253E.jpeg CDC7BACD-89C3-44AB-A16A-504269AB1DA6.jpeg

As you can see, no gaps, no rattling/movement/play (whatever you want to call it). Finish was perfect, smooth and symmetrical.

I managed to do a little digging and it turns out the guy put up a few YouTube videos a few years ago. Here’s one of him making the grips.



Anyway, just figured I’d share my experience as it’s been overwhelming positive. If anyone is looking for something similar, he’s worth looking into and buy with confidence. I just wish he did grips for other models...

Anyway, hope this helps someone and if you have any questions feel free to ask.
 
There may be a three legged water buffalo who hates your grips, but I think they look great!

I purchased some gorgeous wood grips for my M46 from Thailand. They are hand checkered, slightly thinner, and have that rose wood/red mahogany look.. I asked the seller what the tree was and he gave me a name that goes not appear in Bing/Google. Might be rose wood. Those guys can make great grips.
 
When I first saw the picture I thought they were real ivory grips!
They look very nice & the price is a bargain considering the labor they must require.
 
I have an old Colt that was passed down to me that has Jay Scott type ivory that are a real sloppy fit, one panel might even be warped -- if plastic can warp that is. Looking at these, I think I'm going for it, much appreciate your detailed post and photos.
 
Thanks for posting this up S&W620 ( I have a 620 too, by the way :))! Based on your recommendation, I ordered a set and they showed up yesterday, two weeks to the day.

They are very well done and much nicer than other grips Ive bought in the past that were more money for less quality.

Havent decided which 1911 is going to be wearing them yet, but I threw them on this old girl just to see how they fit and feel. They fit perfectly, and feel great! And while they look like they would be "slick", they arent in the least. If anything, they are a little "non-skid".

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I've always loved that look as well. Did this to my Delta, not long after I purchased it in the 80s. They were what was then called Ivory Polymer, in that they infused polymer with Ivory dust, so that the grips would change colors just like Ivory without all the expense. They were 20 bucks then.

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