Which wood for an SP101 3"?

[Gideon]

I'm shopping for wood for my new SP101 3". I'm not going to pocket carry and would like wood but can't decide between boot grip or full length or between rosewood and walnut. The gun will be going to Gemini for bead blast finish and will end up in a K&D laredo defender OWB in black. I've seen pictures of some of your SP's and it made me want one bad, so I'm asking those who've handled or seen this gun with wood, which would you want? Bythe way, I'm leaning towards Badger Grips but if you have another recommendation, I'd appreciate it. Not sure how to post a poll but the 4 choices are:

1. Walnut Boot Grip
2. Rosewood Boot Grip
3. Walnut Full Grip
4. Rosewood Full Grip

I've seen alot of the pictures on the site but post more if you got'em!

God Bless and thanks
Gideon

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I have a SP101 in 2 1/4-inch, but it still has the original grips. I do have direct experience with Eagle Secret Service (not affiliated with the USSS) rosewood grips on a Colt Agent and can certainly recommend this maker and wood. On this gun they do add length to the butt, but only because it was so short originally.

Since this will be a belt holstered gun, I would suggest that there is little need for a shortened grip and would recommend a full-length, provided it isn't substantially longer than the factory grip. If it is, IMO that defeats the purpose of a small gun and you might as well go to a medium-frame revolver.

Rosewood does have some unique attributes. Fine-sanding it will smooth over and close up the pores so no varnish or filler is needed. But despite not being checkered it will not be slippery in your hand as the surface is very slightly "tacky." I would avoid sharp checkering on a hard-kicking (with some magnum loads mine can be a real fire-breather) gun as it will abrade your hand.

Eagle Secret Service
Eagle Regular