How durable are natural bone handles?

[Silas]

I know this is a knife site but I was hoping I could get some help with this since there are lots of knives out there with bone handle slabs.

I'm looking at a set of grips made out of "hard dense natural bone" for a SAA revolver.

There is a hairline crack on one of the grips. I have been told that this does not, and will not, affect the integrity or durability of the bone.

Is this true, or should I stay away?

Thanks for any help.

 

[K.O.D.]

I would stay away, merely for the fact that it is already cracked, which no matter what the material could lead to problems in the future.

 

[Silas]

Staying away would probably be the smart thing to do.

I'm really wanting to find a set of "jigged bone" grips for my Ruger New Vaquero. It's looking to be a hard thing to find.

 

[GREENJACKET]

Find a spare set first if the bone ones were to fail. Bone can last well and cracks fixed, best done before full failure. Some resin or superglue might mix it for years and years. Don't right it off out of hand, other type grips fail too.
All depends on the price and if you really want the piece. How hard to find another, and would the other be any better, have any more luck with??

Your call.