Help identify Faux Ivory Grips

[Rat76]

I just picked these up on Ebay. I have done the red-hot pin test on the backside with no reaction. No smell, no melt, nothing. SR medallion & factory grip screw.

They appeared more yellow in the listing, but I am pleased with the color they are. They fit my 2012 NM 45 quite well after I slightly enlarged the locating pin hole. At $57.38 including tax & shipping, I be grinning.

The original grips just did not appeal to me, these feel the same as my other BH grips (wood but slicker) & IMNSHO make the revolver look much better.

Any info will be appreciated, particularly what they are made of.

Thanks in advance.

 

[JCW64]

I would guess Holly wood. I think I can see some mildew on the backside and that is possible if the backs were not sealed.

 

[Rat76]

I'm pretty sure that's just stains from the previous installation. I think with wood I'd have seen some reaction from the red-hot pin. The material is rock hard.

I did some research & some of these were made with a countertop material. It appears that there were several vendors for these over the years.

 

[dobegrant.45]

They look real nice whatever they are.

 

[Bigbore5]

Possibly white corian. Maybe by Hogue. Hard to tell by a photo

 

[Rat76]

I can-do close-up pics, just tell me where to shoot.

 

[hittman]

Wonder if or why the manufacturer decided to remain anonymous.

 

[rugerguy]

Most do , few "mark them" and to me they are some form of polymer or as noted above 'corian' or other stuff,, lots of them over the years, .micarta, from Westinghouse comes to mind,,yes they look nice and if they fit and YOU like them ,,,you're good to go

 

[Rat76]

Most do , few "mark them" and to me they are some form of polymer or as noted above 'corian' or other stuff,, lots of them over the years, .micarta, from Westinghouse comes to mind,,yes they look nice and if they fit and YOU like them ,,,you're good to go

I am most definitely good to go. I won't do this on any of the others, but this particular revolver just didn't look right with the normal Ruger wood grips.

As a side note, I was looking at the line of Blackhawks in the safe & wondered why all of the grip frames were kinda satin black except for the 32 caliber Buckeye. It's a nice shiny black like the rest of the gun. Steel grip frame, DUH! No wonder it's my heaviest Backhawk, even tho the OM 30 Carbine has an inch longer barrel.

 

[rugerguy]

yes, good observation, as the aluminum grip frames usually are a more matted finish than the "polished" steel/blued ,frames...yes the difference in the weights, can be felt,,even more when actually shooting, "felt recoil" added weight minimizes it, I recall many years ago back in the 50's and early 60s some "target (bullseye) shooters" would even tape a roll of coins under the barrel to keep the muzzle down, second shot recovery faster,,,it worked......,..

 

[Armybrat]

Maybe similar to the Altamont "bonded ivory" polymer?

 

[moparclan]

Good score!
Those look to be micarta made by Lett for Ruger in the good old days. They will supposedly yellow over time because of the cloth or paper fiber used to make them. I have many sets and like them very much. Looking at the medallion and the way its staked and the stainless escutcheon I would say Lett.
They were also made in ebony, very good quality. Most Ajax and other brands were a cheep plastic or polymer.
Some were also scrimshawed (laser) with the Ruger emblem, have a few of them too.

Newest attempt from Ruger, much cheaper looking than the Lett grips.

 

[Rat76]

Good score!
Those look to be micarta made by Lett for Ruger in the good old days. They will supposedly yellow over time because of the paper fiber used to make them. I have many sets and like them very much. Looking at the medallion and the way its staked and the stainless escutcheon I would say Lett.
They were also made in ebony, very good quality. Most Ajax and other brands were a cheep plastic or polymer.
Some were also scrimshawed (laser) with the Ruger emblem, have a few of them too.


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First, Beautiful collection.

Second, I do believe you are right about the micarta. This pic shows layering & they are yellowing. Not as much as this pic (I wish they were) but time will take care of that.

Third, I really love those Old Armys.

 

[gnappi]

Wonder if or why the manufacturer decided to remain anonymous.

I too always wondered why a maker would make a product and not imprint their company name for future buyers.

 

[Rat76]

Supplier following the contract because Ruger didn't want to give free advertising space to someone else??

 

[Hvymax]

The No melt, No smell makes me think mineral. Alabaster, Meerschaum or one of the poured kitchen counter type materials. Anything using plastic or resins along with actual ivory will melt, burn, smell.

 

[Sacramento Johnson]

Lett was the OEM for Ruger grips a number of years ago. I agree, they look like micarta by them; very good catch! I'd like to find a few more sets myself! And yes, they will yellow over the years; a nice touch if you ask me!

 

[Rat76]

Cool thing is, nobody else bid on them.