Poor Man's Ivory: bone 1911 grips (pics!)

I swear, I've been meaning to write these up and post pics since 2002. Procrastination.

In any case, I bought an Argentine 1927 Sistema Colt (made in '48) back when they were cheaper than a Norinco. I'm quite pleased with it, haven't had to do any work on it, and does me just fine for contingency, plinking, and a little IDPA.

I knew even before it was shipped to me that I wanted some cool grips for it. Something natural and smooth-surfaced. Couldn't stomach paying as much for ivory grips as I paid for the pistol, then I found a good deal through Spresser Knifeworks. Had the grips in my hand weeks before the pistol, and installed them the first day.

They've held up great for the past four years; smooth and lovely, but slightly grippy rather than slick. Not quite sure what kind of bone they're made out of, but presumably cow or horse. I call it "oxbone" because "ox" sounds cooler than cow.

So, overall I'm a very happy customer. These set me back around $50 or so in 2002, though his prices have probably gone up since then. Not a bad deal compared to what Hogue charges for laminate.

So, I give a strong recc for Spresser and his grips. He also has all kinds of slick stuff (giraffe bone, mastadon ivory) that I can't afford, but I do like his simple work.

I'll probably sell the grips with the gun in a few years, and get a stainless CCO in WWI-guise, and put elk grips from Antler Crafts of Oregon on it. I've wanted to buy their $45 elk grips of eBay for years, but can't bring myself to get rid of my Spresser bone grips. Anywha, here's some thumbnails to give you an idea. Enjoy -MV

carebear said:

You fool! Spresser Grips are PEOPLE!

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Okay, usually when folks talk about "I spewed coke all over my monitor", they're exaggerating for humorous effect. This is not one of those instances...

EghtySx said:

Wow! 50 bucks? Very nice

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I'm still surprised myself. I always try and toss in a good word for bone and elk grips. Everyone goes on about "I love ivory/stag but can't afford it", but nobody does anything about it.

Even though I have yet to buy their products, I try and bring attention to Antler Crafts of Oregon. I would've bought Elk in the first place, but the only ones I ran across were $175 from Ajax, so I'm a bit annoyed that some random retired vet on eBay manages to produce a good-looking product for $45, but Ajax apparently can't or won't. I have yet to find anyone on THR who has any experience with ACoO, neither positive nor negative. I'm about to just bite the bullet, buy a set, and write up a good review.

Anyway, plus fewer environmental issues buying American products. I have no problem with ivory acquired in a sustainable manor, but some folks get really upset about it regardless.

-MV

1557 said:

I may just order a set of those. And,as you say the price is right.

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Which "those", the Antler Crafts elk, or the Spresser bone?

If you happen to buy or price-check the latter, would appreciate to hear what price Spresser is asking for them these days.

NOTE: you may want to specify "smooth, plain" bone if you email Spresser for a price. He usually sold "jigged" bone, which is bone contoured to resemble stag. The non-jigged that I bought was cheaper, and doesn't look as B-Western, but it was kind of a special order in that he usually gives them the jigged look.

-MV

bigmike45 said:

Those grips are awsome looking. Where did you get them in Austin??? One of those crazy little shops on 6th street.......you can get just about anything down there....

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Actually it was in this delightful little botique down on South Congress!

No, wait, that's where I bought my pearl Ruger MkII grips with the scrimshaw depiction of Truman Capote, dang.

(On a more serious note, today I send off my money order for the pearlite MkII grips I bought on Gunbroker. Expect pics and review next week)

-MV