The 1911 grip thread

gurkha berserka

gurkha berserka

Joined
Aug 16, 2014
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I know there are a TON of 1911 fans here on the forum. There have been a few pictures over the past few months showing absolutely gorgeous wood grips on peoples 1911's. I thought I would open a thread so everyone could "show off" their prize grips.
I know Bawanna makes 1911 grips in all sorts of sizes and configurations. He is a master checker so I thought this would be a good place to show off some of his work. I have also seen so pretty cool grips on other peoples pistols. I am dying to see what you are all sporting.

It doesn't even have to be an 1911. Any pistol. revolver, or heck even rifles with sexy wood are welcome in this thread. Post them up people.... we are all anxious to see that gems you all have in your collections.


Here is my latest set of grips and probably the final set for this pistol. I always wanted a Gen. Patton style 1911 with ivory grips, I have been thinking about making the purchase for years now, but I could never find the quality I as looking for. Well my prayers were answered recently.

My grip maker contacted me a few months ago and said he had a great deal on some PRIMO pre ban elephant ivory. This is the real deal... not the bonded crap you see for sale. It took about three months to get them made to my specifications. They were well worth the wait.

This has to be some of the best pre ban ivory I have seen in a long time. The color is perfect with slight graining running through them. The best part is the "finger print" of natural elephant ivory. It can be hard to see but a good flashlight will bring out the finger prints. Notice the picture with the flashlight shining on the ivory. You can actually see a finger print pattern within the ivory. Its hard to see unless you are under direct sunlight or a bright light source, but once you have the right lighting everything POPS!

Let me know what you think...
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They aren't to bulky either. They are slim yet fill the hand perfectly...well at least my monster hands. I love the feel of Sarge's grips...
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Here is what I am referring too when I say "finger prints". Notice the wavy pattern within the grip? Pretty cool stuff if you as me :D!
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Lordy Lordy!!! That is not only some beautiful grips but the craftmanship is fantastic. Lucky you!

Heres my first set of 1911 grips i made from stabilized Oregon maple. They are removable using 1911 bushings and screws. Dont know if that counts?

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gurkha berserka said:
This has to be some of the best pre ban ivory I have seen in a long time. The color is perfect with slight graining running through them. The best part is the "finger print" of natural elephant ivory. It can be hard to see but a good flashlight will bring out the finger prints. Notice the picture with the flashlight shining on the ivory. You can actually see a finger print pattern within the ivory. Its hard to see unless you are under direct sunlight or a bright light source, but once you have the right lighting everything POPS!

...

Here is what I am referring too when I say "finger prints". Notice the wavy pattern within the grip? Pretty cool stuff if you as me :D!

Click to expand...

Beautiful. But I think what you call "finger prints" is more commonly referred to as grain...lol. ;)

Here's some Hawaiian koa grips.

 
GB,

Hoo boy! That is one seriously nice set of grips there!

I've got a sweet spot for ivory (the preban stuff, of course ;) ). That is a primo piece you've got there. I also enjoy the grain, and my personal favorite part is the criss-crossed end grain.

It's a really difficult material to work with, prone to burning and warping if it gets overheated. The maker did a fine job!
 
kamagong said:
Beautiful. But I think what you call "finger prints" is more commonly referred to as grain...lol. ;)

Here's some Hawaiian koa grips.

Click to expand...


Thanks for the information regarding the "finger prints". I will call it grain from now so I don't sound ignorant. This is my first set and I am kinda new to the ivory world. There is grain running through with slightly different tones, but the wavy pattern is what impressed me the most. I didn't know what to call it, Referung to it as grain makes sense.

Thanks Phill... I really appreciate your input. Ndog!!! OMG that is killa wood. It looks beyond 3D, it's memorizing. Awesome stuff!
 
Here's a set I made from Hippo tooth for a fella down in Texas. He was some sort of commanding officer in the Army I think. He had the names of friends lost scrimshawed into the ivory.
Toughest stuff I ever worked on. Hard. Sparks fly from the band saw when you cut it.


 
That is one HARSH set of grips to own Bawanna. Sort of a cold finger on my soul ya know? But beautiful in it's way. Hippo Tooth, Going to have to remember that since I doubt I will get as lucky as GB to get a good deal on pre-Ban Elephant.

GB, call it whatever you want, I call it incredible. And I think from looking those would even fit my tiny hands. Very nicely made set, I can see why you like them so much and certainly agree.

NDog, I still want to know when you are going to make my itty Bitty Bawanna Bowie FOLDER!! I been patient for a long time but I am starting to think you aren't planning on making anymore :D j/k that was one heck of a project, I enjoyed watching the process.

Kamagong, Love that Koa Wood, And the grain running side to side, what a great unusual use of the wood to produce a great look.

SpikeDog, Cocobolo? or what? beautiful made and beautiful grain on those grips.

Mine are Bawanna made gorgeousness. My EDC on days when I can carry a fullsize with me...
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Ndog might never make you a folder IBBB but I'm gonna make ya another set of grips. Girl can't have too much variety in her gun handle wardrobe ya know.
 
GB, those are some most beautiful 1911 panels! While woods are considered "warm", nothing can beat Ivory in this respect, especially with the quality you've presented here. Sadly, I have none for a 1911 but, certainly wish I did. I have a pair for a Browning HP, Colt Python and a custom Vaquero engraved by Jim Riggs and stocked by SK Grips. I can only wish I could afford more! Great representation there my friend! The "grain" as in wood, is impeccable.
 
Bawanna said:
Ndog might never make you a folder IBBB but I'm gonna make ya another set of grips. Girl can't have too much variety in her gun handle wardrobe ya know.
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I wouldnt be so sure about that! I just bought me a machine shop and all the fixings that go with it. Also a CNC cutting machine to trace out things like 1911 grips, blade outlines, engravings, logos, etc. Heres the last few machines I got to get inside the doghouse.

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Everything else is already inside but I have to cut out a wall in the dome to get the milling machine inside. Its 2200lbs and the lathe also needs to go. Ill need to do a bit of wiring to get three phase power then all will be up and running so see Shav I havent forgotten you. Ill make a run once I get it all connected and up and running. Should have a hole in the dome big enough to get all the stuff inside soon. Hang on a bit more and ill get started.:thumbup: Plan is to get into the custom folder biz. as well as a blacksmith shop.
 
Holy crap Ndog!!! That looks like the perfect xmas morning to me. Those are some premium pieces of equipment. The kamidog now has s super sharp set of teeth to create all sorts of amazing pieces. I am very excited for you and cant wait to see what you turn out. Congrats buddy, I cant think of a better person to get the most out of those pieces of equipment.
 
Dang Ndog! What a setup, ok, now I'm going to have to come by and visit, the wives can talk medical, and we can just stay in the doghouse! Congrats Bro, really nice stuff! Looks like loads of fun times ahead.
 
Wow, NDog, that's some serious equipment right there! I'd cut a hole in the side of my house to move that stuff in, too - that is, if I had any room on the inside where I could put it. Looks like fun times ahead - I can't wait to see what you come up now that you have some good machinery!
 
Some dyed box elder burl on my Cbob.


Probably my favorite set of grips I ever made. Made for a coworkers Father in Law who I met a couple times. He's passed now but still missed.
He cried when he opened the package. Full grown man brought to tears, that boys and girls is a winner and made my life complete. His son in law gave me back one half and kept the other for himself after his passing. In a place of honor in my man cave. Need to make another set for myself if I can get lucky again and pull it off.



Set for an Army friend.

 
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Set I made for a retired local SEAL.


This is the Hippo tooth as I received it prior to cutting it up. Tough stuff and hard to work


I got a set for myself out of the deal too.




Back to the sweat shop.
 
I agree with GB's exclamation! That is one serious set of machines there NDog. And I thought I had my hubby wrapped around my finger when it comes to new toys. I have GOT to find out how your got the OK from Mrs NDog for that setup...<bow down to the master> :D

Seriously, Considering what you produced with your "modest" equipment previously I can not wait to see what you do with all that. It should be "EPIC" just make sure to take lots of photos along the way so those of us like Bawanna (since he already admitted to it too) and myself can find out what the ON button looks like vicariously ;)

Speaking of Bawanna, I enjoy getting to see more of your work too. Love the box elder burl but besides being gorgeous grips the story behind so many of them, like the hunting dog pair. Just add to the awesomeness. And the Hippo...Can NOT imagine working something that tough. Would probably break me and every tool I own both LOL.


Forgot to add I would also cut a hole in the side of my house and throw out the Family room furniture to get that gear in... but then I would have to sit and stare at a bunch of tools I have no idea how to use or invite some local expert to have a field day with all my new toys as long as they show me what button does what...might be a LONG training session though :D
 
I'd like to know how kamidog is gonna get 2200 lbs of metal eating machinery into the dog house with bawanna's help.

I'm thinking the hole might be bestest on the top. We'll reinstate Bookie's commission and fly that puppy in there with a Huey. Can't decide on a G or an H model. Can't remember which had the bigger horsepower. Perhaps a sky crane would be better.

I still feel needed though for logistics don't cha know?
 
Don't have any modern firearms or nice knives, but I do work with some nice old dead trees once in a while.
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[/URL][/IMG] Ye poured nose cap on tiger stripe maple.
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[/URL][/IMG] Ye lock area.
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[/URL][/IMG] Ye rifle. Barrel is only 3/4" across the flats. Recently sold on a gun auction site for $3850!
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[/URL][/IMG] Flip side of a Virginia gun.
 
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