I'm having issues with a lightweight .45 Colt that has micarta grips on it, and I'm considering getting custom grips made to see if that helps sort things out. It's a Freedom Arms 97, and with Ruger loads, it is really hard to hang onto. Even with standard loads, I find it slips around in my hand a little making consistent accuracy a challenge. The micarta is just so smooth, and since it doesn't absorb water, a little sweat exaggerates the issue. There is no pain when firing unless it rolls hard enough to cut me or get me with the hammer spur; I just feel like I'm trying to hang onto an angry squirrel or something to that effect.
So I'm curious, is there a grip material or finish that is often used to help give some control with the big bore single actions out there? I see all these beautiful 5-shot conversions with beautiful grips to match, but I wonder if there is some trick to leaving that ultra-smooth-sanded wood with some traction. Does a glossy varnish-like finish give more or less traction than an oil finish? Are antlers or bone the way to go and do they absorb water at all?
If I had to guess, a wood grip left with an open grain and an oil finish might be the way to go.
So I'm curious, is there a grip material or finish that is often used to help give some control with the big bore single actions out there? I see all these beautiful 5-shot conversions with beautiful grips to match, but I wonder if there is some trick to leaving that ultra-smooth-sanded wood with some traction. Does a glossy varnish-like finish give more or less traction than an oil finish? Are antlers or bone the way to go and do they absorb water at all?
If I had to guess, a wood grip left with an open grain and an oil finish might be the way to go.