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1st generation SAA grips

tsr1965tsr1965 Member Posts: 8,682 ✭✭
edited March 2008 in Ask the Experts
I have a 1897 vintage Colt SAA in 41 LC. I got a factory lettor for it, and it is all original except for the grips. It had the standard Hard Rubber Grips on it when it left the factory. Can any one tell me

1.) Where to find a set of original 1st generation grips of hard rubber

and

2.) What is the difference in the grip frames on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations, and will one set of grips fit the other.

I want it all original.

Thanks to all for the advice.
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Comments

  • Old-ColtsOld-Colts Member Posts: 22,697 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    1st Generation Single Action grips are not cheap. I have purchased original grips on eBay or from Fred Rose at the following Colt parts site:

    http://www.colt-parts.com/

    There are many subtleties in determining original grips, but an 1897 vintage Single Action would have plain (eagleless) hard rubber grips. First generation grips are distinctly different than 2nd and 3rd generation grips. There are also subtle differences in grip frame dimensions between the various generation Single Actions, but even within first generation grips they were fit to individual Single Actions and may or may not properly fit a gun just 1 number off in the serial number, it is trial and error.

    I have some extra pairs of original grips, but I'm just not ready to part with any.

    If you can't feel the music; it's only pink noise!

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  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Bear in mind that SAA grips were hand-fitted so even if you find a pair of 1st Generation grips, they may not fit your revolver properly. I would either get some reproductions that you may have to fit or take your gun to a big show and try the grips on first before you buy them.
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  • rovernutrovernut Member Posts: 256 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    On my SAA I had to substancially hand fit second gen grips, so be ready to do some work.
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  • Wolf.Wolf. Member Posts: 2,223 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
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    --
    You might wish to try fitting some reproduction grips to your gun before you try to fit an original, antique pair. The problem is, at least for me, that I can't place the grips on the revolver and sand them without damaging the finish. Maybe others are more dexterous in this regard; I'm not.

    Anyway, Vintage Grips sells copies and there used to be a guy on eBay that sold reproduction grips that required a lot of work. That is, they were not "finished" as commercial grips are. Their name was Tombstone Grips. I think the original owner sold out or something. Check them out; they're fun to play with and about half the price of, say Ajax or Vintage.
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  • Old-ColtsOld-Colts Member Posts: 22,697 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I should probably buy these grips myself, but here is a nice pair of 1st Generation Single Action grips right here on Gunbroker that you should consider.

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=93992188

    The inside of the right grip panel has been cracked due to over tightening of the screw and it has one small visible chip on the inside front edge of the same panel. The crack has been repaired and does not extend to the outside, but you would always have to be cautious when you tightened the screw. They look pretty good and appear to be correct with an original looking screw. There is a reserve, but the buy-it-now price doesn't appear to be too bad for grips this nice (appearance).

    If you were interested you might check with the seller to see if they could be returned as long as you didn't attempt to alter them if the fit on your single action was too bad (especially undersized). However, they are probably a no return item because of this very issue, but some sellers understand the fit problem and as long as you didn't alter them they would accept them back. If you buy many 1st generation single actions it is good to have spare sets.

    If you can't feel the music; it's only pink noise!

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  • tsr1965tsr1965 Member Posts: 8,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hey Old-Colts...thanks...I really do appreciate the words of wisdom. I do have 7 1st Gen SAA's, this one being the oldest. They all are factory papered, and this is the only thing left from them all being as they left the factory.
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  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Wolf.
    --
    --
    You might wish to try fitting some reproduction grips to your gun before you try to fit an original, antique pair. The problem is, at least for me, that I can't place the grips on the revolver and sand them without damaging the finish. Maybe others are more dexterous in this regard; I'm not.

    Anyway, Vintage Grips sells copies and there used to be a guy on eBay that sold reproduction grips that required a lot of work. That is, they were not "finished" as commercial grips are. Their name was Tombstone Grips. I think the original owner sold out or something. Check them out; they're fun to play with and about half the price of, say Ajax or Vintage.
    Cover the grip frame with masking tape before you put the grips on.
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