Hummmm.....what the heck..

[olguy]

Hello all.
Got a question hope someone can help. I purchased a Interarms Virginia Dragoon in 1975 in 45 colt. I had changed the grips to Ajax Ivory (faux) around 1985. Wives being Wives, she recently Dropped my baby and broke the grips. I am now having trouble finding grips that will not break as easily. As a matter of fact only found 2 sets anywhere. Does anyone know of any possible local of grips for this gun? I recently read about the company (interarms) impoting these guns from HEMINI?? Wrong spelling I'm sure from swisszerland untill 1976 i beleive it said. Then they were made in Virginia. I looked for a date and serial# but all I can find is a Pat. No. and the date of 1974, April 16. I looked on the handle inside and found of course the type metal, 4140 and on the other side is a circled H. Then it looks like a hand engraved (lightly) number of 0994. Anyone know if this is one of the early swiss H company pieces? I think it might due to the H and the lack of a real visual serial #. What ya think?? HELP PLEASE.....

 

[SwampWolf]

One piece or two piece grips? If one, my guess is anything that fits an 1873 style Colt would work, maybe needing a little fitting.
Welcome to The High Road!

 

[Sato Ord]

Try this.

http://www.esmeralda.cc/

This lady does some really fine work. I have a friend who just ordered from her and has nothing bad to say about either her work or the service. I'm not sure, but I have heard that she will do custom work, I guess you can contact her for sure.

 

[goodtime]

I'd like to have contact with her for some custom work!

 

[Souris]

That didn't seem very High Road to me Goodtime.

Virginian Dragoons made by Interarms are larger than SAA's (Matter of fact I believe that they are bigger than Ruger Blackhawks) and I have had no luck finding grips for mine that are any good. Custom job for Sure. There is a guy on ebay that sells some faux Ivory ones that are utter crap for fit and finish. Run away from him.

The Hammereli models might have been smaller but I don't think know. The Interarms models had a starburst and banner on the butt of the gun and should say Interarms on the barrel.

Here are some links that I have found for Hammereli Dragoon that might provide some leads for you.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=404043
http://shootersforum.com/printthread.htm?t=8613
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-8763.html
http://www.singleactions.com/VADragoons.pdf

 

[goodtime]

My comment was positive. It conveyed a compliment, and was devoid of vulgarity. It might have been a poor specimen of humor, but it seemed rather High Road to me. But, I respect your opinion.

 

[ShakyJake]

Interarm Hammerli

Hi Olguy
I have an Interarms Hammerli. Under the barrel you will find the word "Hammerli" embossed if they indeed made it. They are very close clones to the SAA and may, with some minor fitting, take that grip. I would contact Hogue or Esmaralda and talk to them personally as I am sure they have dealt with this situation in the past.
By the way I have a .38/.357 ser#224 and can be found at the front of the trigger guard. It is a really sweet shooting beauty. Old style SAA with 4clicks carry w/5 up. Yours must look really beautiful with the faux ivory. They are very well made revolvers.
TaKe CaRe
Ted

 

[goodtime]

A coincidence: Last Saturday was unseasonable warm here in Chicago, so I took advantage, started up my bike, and rode out into the countryside. I paid a visit to my favorite gunshop, and while looking at their used stock, I saw a very beefy, stainless 357 with 5.5" bbl. It was a Virginian Dragoon, but I'd never seen or heard of them before at the time. What impressed me was the stout appearance. Of course, I consulted with THR archives, and educated myself since. It is tagged $350 and I was tempted to put something down on it. After reading up, I'm still tempted. Any advantage of owning one of these over just spending a few bucks more on a used stainless blackhawk?

 

[ShakyJake]

goodtime,
I sent you an article by Lee Martin on the Interarms Virginian Dragoon via E-mail. I found it very interesting and educating if you have not already read it. As stated I have the Hammerli made Dragoon in .357 and really like it.
TaKe CaRe
Ted