Matthew Clark
Member
I haven't been very active here of late due to work overload. I have missed the unique discussions that usually happen with every new topic.I found these new 1873 Clones at my LGS. They are Davidson Exclusive from Pietta. They have excellent fit and finish as well as flawless functionality. The only real problem is the ugly plastic grips that come on them. They come in many configurations but all have hideous grips on them.
I could not find anyone who made aftermarket grips for these revolvers. They are a different grip size than previous Piettas from my understanding.
I even tried to get JB over at BearPaw grips to make some. He is the go to guy IMHO for SA Ruger revolver grips but it was not practical for him to take this on.
Has anyone else ran into this same situation of lack of aftermarket grips for these guns?
Well I am not a woodworker my any means nor am I a experienced revolver grip maker but I had to do something about the grips on these fine guns. My first attempts were hideous and a learning experience but my perseverance has finally produced something useful. In the pics you'll find two octagon barreled Piettas with my own creations for grips.
I purchased the wood from a fella on ETSY and he was kind enough to stabilize the wood and saw it to my specs before shipping it to me. The Claro walnut cracked internally when the drying process took place but was hidden until shaping the grip took place. I decided I actually liked the haggered gunslinger look and left it as is. 4 coats of Tru-Oil sealed the wood and produced the end result. The ambrosia burl maple set turned out pretty nice. These were my 5th and 6th set I attempted. I have learned a ton in making these. I have more variations of the Gunfighter on layaway and feel pretty confident I can make my own grips for them now that will at least pass for descent. I can also make them as thick or thin as desired to fit my hands better. I will end up with 1 .357Mag and the rest will be .45Colt. My wife and I bought these two on Valentines day this year as a gift to each other. They skip one number from being consecutive serial numbers. Darn the luck someone bought the one in between.
My buddy JB could have done a better job I have no doubt with all of his experience and expertise but it was just too much for him to build jigs and everything else with all he has going on building Ruger grips.
I wish any of you who purchase these fine Italian Clones the best of luck finding nice grips for these. Or at least being a better wood worker than I.
Feel free to comment if you wish or just enjoy the pics. I know they aren't perfect but they suit my needs and I am very happy dropping the hammer on a live one with them.. Please remember.....load one..skip one...load four. Bring the hammer fully back and lower it on an empty chamber. Safest way I know to carry a SA sixgun with no transfer bar.
Be safe and Happy Shooting.
