Rio Grande grips?

[GKC]

Does anyone have any experience with Rio Grande Custom Grips? I like some of the styles available on their website:

http://www.riograndecustomgrips.com/rugersarevolvers.html

Specifically, the American Spirit Mixed and the Dead Man's Hand.

I'm considering them for my .357 Mag OM Vaquero, 4 5/8" barrel, stainless.

 

[Ruger Packer]

Never heard of 'em till just now. Not really my taste. But if you get any, give us a report. 8)

 

[Rocdoc]

Not really my taste. But if you get any, give us a report. 8)

Agree. So far, only bought replacement grips from Ruger. Like to hear about these if you get some.

 

[DCRuger]

How are the images applied? I wonder about the durability of the image?
D.

 

[Bountyhunter]

I like these. I'd like to hear from someone who's actually handled a pair.

 

[GKC]

How are the images applied? I wonder about the durability of the image?
D.

From their website:

"Rio Grande Custom Grips are molded using a high strength, engineered polymer that provides the toughness and durability demanded by this application. They are decorated with a revolutionary and patented method that provides one of the most permanent images available today. Unlike other decorated grips, the images on Rio Grande Custom Grips are salt, oil, solvent, water, impact and abrasion resistant. In fact, you would have to scratch through more than 2 mils of material to scratch through the image! We believe this is important to those who use their guns for more than show."

Of course, you'd expect them to positively tout their own product! They also have testimonials on their site...and I saw their ad in a gun mag...but I haven't found out anything else about them otherwise.

 

[GKC]

After some more searching, I did find a few posts on various sites/forums where some people had their 1911 grips in various styles. They all spoke highly of them. Haven't found anyone so far with a set on a Ruger SA, other than the testimonials on their site.

I am really leaning toward the Dead Man's Hand. I like the colors and all of the American Spirit, but I think it may be a little TOO much.

 

[DeletedMember58]

Did you notice that you can send them an image of your own to have emblazoned on the grips?

I have long wanted to put the Odd Fellows Lodge All-Seeing Eye on a set of grips. This would be a great way to accomplish that idea.

A fellow could put on whatever blew his skirt up, Kokopelli, your pet turtle, pics of the grandkids, you name it.

21st century scrimshaw. Not traditional by any means, but it could be fun!

 

[GKC]

Did you notice that you can send them an image of your own to have emblazoned on the grips?

I have long wanted to put the Odd Fellows Lodge All-Seeing Eye on a set of grips. This would be a great way to accomplish that idea.

A fellow could put on whatever blew his skirt up, Kokopelli, your pet turtle, pics of the grandkids, you name it.

21st century scrimshaw. Not traditional by any means, but it could be fun!

To me, that is the attraction of having several sets of grips...they are easily changed out, depending on your mood or the setting. It's not permanent (nor as expensive) like having a gun engraved. Plus, you can do something that really sets your gun apart, for a minimal cost.

 

[GKC]

Well, I ordered a set of Dead Man's Hand grips today. I'll post some pictures here when I get them, with some comments on them.

 

[GKC]

I got the grips in the mail today, and put them on the Vaquero.

They look good, in my opinion...my initial impression is that they are thinner, that is to say not as wide as the original wood grips. That is fine for me, as I have smaller hands, but for someone with large hands, they may not work as well. They seem very well done, and have a "aged ivory" sort of appearance to them, although I seriously doubt they would fool anyone...they aren't that good. They feel OK...very smooth; I was hoping they would have more of a textured feel to them, but they don't.

I think I'll keep them...and I'll post some pictures as soon as I can. (Obviously I am keeping the stock grips in the box, for posterity.)

 

[Bountyhunter]

I'll be looking ofr the pics.

 

[GKC]

Well, the Vaquero is gone. My local gun shop got in one of the new Talo editions of the Colt New Agent, and I wanted it! So, I traded the Vaquero and another revolver for it.

I did keep the new grips (put the originals back on) so I'm going to see if I can return them or exchange them for a set that fits one of my pistols. If not, I guess I'll be posting them here for sale.

 

[Bountyhunter]

:? You could have at least posted a pic of the gun with them on. :?

 

[GKC]

:? You could have at least posted a pic of the gun with them on. :?

Yes, I wish I had taken some. I wasn't planning on trading...I had gone to my local gun shop to browse, and saw the little Colt in the case. I had seen a New Agent before, but not a Talo edition...I didn't even know that Talo had one out. As soon as I held it, I knew I had to have it...so, I ran home, and got two revolvers that I could part with, and went back to make the trade. I didn't even take the grips off until I got back to the shop...I had the originals in the box, and changed them out there, as he was calling in my form.

They do have some pics on the website...if that helps any. :(

 

[Bountyhunter]

Well I understand. I know how that can happen. :lol:

 

[Desertdog]

Have the Rattler grips on one of my Single Sixes....got this one from my dad
back in the 80's...Ill have to post pic....