Custom Pistol Grips

Sweet! I’ve been thinking of doing this exact project for my own 1911 for a while. It currently has checkered cocobolo grips and I was thinking of bocote or kingwood to dress it up. Looks like that 1911 in your photo has had some work done. I see a Videcki speed trigger and a skeletonized Delta hammer. Nice work.

-- Al, Culpeper VA

I’ve been contemplating doing this type of project on my old WWII vintage S&W revolver. I just haven’t been able to get up the nerve to try it yet. I have some nice pieces of scrap wood that would really look good for something like this. Thanks for posting.

Doc

-- Hey, woodworking ain't brain surgery. Just do something and keep trying till you get it. Doc

Thanks Al. You lost me on “Videcki”. :)

I’m not a pistol owner and know very little about them. I’ll trust that you know what you’re talking about.

If you need some pointers, shoot me a PM and I can step you through the process. Pretty simple really, but if you miss the drill holes by a smidge it’s all downhill. I hope this project inspires you to give it a try.

-- Measure, cut, curse, repeat.

looks real nice!

Very nice. 1911’s aren’t the easiest to do. Here’s a set on a old colt. Hand formed and fitted out of Rosewood.
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/19593466

-- Richard http://www.PictureTrail.com/gallery/view?username=thewizz

very nice. that grain really pops. what did you use for finish? thnx

-- Roger from KY. Work/Play/Travel Safe. Kentuk55@bellsouth.net

@Roger. I used Watco Danish Oil (x3 coats #0000 steel wool in between coats) only because I had it on hand and had great success with it. After that cured, I used 2 coats of wipe-on satin poly (#0000 steel wool in between coats) and a final misting of spray on semi-gloss poly to add some sparkle to it. Didn’t want them to turn out too glossy and show off inevitable dents in the future.

-- Measure, cut, curse, repeat.

I made a set for my 1911 as well from Walnut. They did turn out nice after the first were drilled too deep for the screws. I dodnt realize they were too deep until the magazine would not fit, it hit the screws.

-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com

Nice! Would be interested in see the Sapele wood set.
What is Sapele wood?
You should be proud of yourself.

-- 'I sand, therefore, I am'. Richard/Wiggy.. whatever. North Texas

I have been on the fence about make a set of these for my 1911’s. I happened to pick up a piece of cocobollo today to make some duck calls. There should be plenty leftover to make a set. Hmmmm….there, decision made!

-- Strati Alepidis, Somerville, Ma, Member Red Sox nation

“I’m not a pistol owner and know very little about them. I’ll trust that you know what you’re talking about.”

I never leave the house without one. Springfield Armory TRP, Hecker & Koch USP, Sig Sauer P226, S&W snub nose, etc… I own more holsters than my wife owns purses. Something for every occassion and season. ; ) Can’t be too careful.

-- Al, Culpeper VA

I enjoyed making grips for a friends 1911 a while back… I know what you mean by lots of sanding.

-- San Diego, CA

Excellent job! For a few thousand more, you can get Ed Brown to make them for you;)

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

nothing better than woodworking and guns, my two favorite hobbies, I have often thought of this project but I can’t bring myself to remove the stock grips on my kimber they just feel too good in my paws…very nice work, I might get board on day and try this out….great job

-- I often wonder "how did I get this lucky?"..t rec