[gregguidry]

Red River, thanks for the info. As much as I like all of the natural material grips shown here, there is just something about the black eagle grip, set off by the case hardened color, that is hard to beat. Who are some of your favorite makers of gun leather? Are you aware of Big Bend Saddlery in Alpine, Texas or Horsewright in Tehachapi, California? They both do outstanding work.

 

[mrcvs]

These photographs depict what the classic walnut finish should look like on a 19th Century revolver. The first two photographs are presented because they have that timeless, classic look. These on a Colt conversion from 1875. The third photograph depicts the grip of a Cavalry model dating from 1882. Note the tight grain, which is virtually impossible to find today.

 

[oldCop]

Kinda partial to ivory......these were done for me by Alan Harton of Houston.

 

[iPac]

On a blued SAA, I like the look of black grips. So I like the original plastic ones that came on them, but I am not particularly thrilled with plastic. A set of ebony blanks from swamprat fixed my dilemma. I did the final fitting and hardware mounting for two piece with screw. Up close you can tell they are amateur, but I happy with them. I want to do the same thing with service grips for a Python.

I am partial to fancy woods. Ones with really nice grains and a good color to match the firearm.

 

[ColtPlinkerton]

What is the best looking grip material on a blued Colt SAA?

The kind you don't have

 

[Highland]

If they're done right they all look good, even pearl (in spite of what George Patton said). Personally I think ivory is the classiest:

2nd gen SAA, grips by Nutmeg Sports.

NF reintroduction 2014, factory (Paul Persinger?) grips.

Sambar stag is beautiful and eye-catching:

On the left from Ajax, on the right factory, both about 2001.

Elk stag also looks good:

By Patrick Grasshorn, 2016.

(click on pics to enlarge)

 

[swamprat]

The old dished medallion Fleur-de Lis are my favorites:






Ivory is my 2nd favorite:





I also like Sambar Stag:





And the old Walnut & Eagle :


And MOP:



And 1st gen Gutta Percha:

 

[Uglydog]

wood on a US cavalry with good cartouche markings do it for me...

 

[Abwehr]

On a Colt SAA revolver with the 7 1/2" barrel, a set of Sambar Stags look great. I remember when I was a kid watching Cowboy movies, some of the "good" guys had the Stag stocks and I thought they looked great.

 

[PHILIPPE]

I was not a great fan of mother of pearl,but when they fit like a glove with a nice scrimshaw like this,i love them.(whatever Patton said)

 

[Rick Bowles]

Ivory looks good on anything!

Wood can also make a statement!

 

[STARVATION]

Ivory, followed by Bison hip bone.

 

[JohnD56]

Does anyone have pictures of Bison bone grips on a SAA?

Ivory, followed by Bison hip bone.

 

[STARVATION]

John, someday I may be smart enough to post pictures, for now one fingered typing is a challenge. I'll chat with a friend of mine who does nice pictures and see what we can do. Take care.

 

[feralmerril]

Years ago the black Colt grips were called "Gutta Percha". Now, what looks the same to me, you guys are simply calling them "Plastic". Are today's grips different than the old Gutta Percha? Gutta Percha at least sounds more romantic than plastic.

 

[Rick Bowles]

Are today's grips different than the old Gutta Percha?

They Are.

 

[feralmerril]

Thanks. When did they change? I have one single action made in 1906 and another made in 1984. Don`t have them out but they look fairly similar in my mind. I suppose the old gutta percha`s sometimes turned brownish reddish. Probably plastic is cheaper to make etc. Understand its used in dental stuff as it has no reaction to tissue or whatever. Boned up a little on it between the two posts.

 

[mrcvs]

Gutta percha grips have a distict smell to them. Smell your grips from 1906. They should have that distinct smell, if not replacement grips.

 

[feralmerril]

Thanks! Gutta be Percha`s.

 

[Monsai52]

Years ago the black Colt grips were called "Gutta Percha". Now, what looks the same to me, you guys are simply calling them "Plastic". Are today's grips different than the old Gutta Percha? Gutta Percha at least sounds more romantic than plastic.

Colt changed from hard rubber to "plastic" when they re-introduced the "eagle" grips/stocks around 1968 or '69 (I'm at my office so I don't have any of my books with me, but that's approximately the right time frame).

To me, the biggest difference is the "sheen" that the plastic stocks have, which doesn't look right to me. The hard rubber grips have a flat more matte appearance which I think is much more appealing.

I've tried, but haven't been able to remove the sheen from the plastic stocks. I've tried a dilute acid wash and tossing them in my case tumbler for a few hours, but the shine remains; they're REALLY tough. If someone has found a way, I'd sure like to know how you do it.

Best regards,