[Robby]

Michael, I've made quite a few grips for 1911's which are easier then S&W 29's. Fit is important or grips will split or damage blueing due to movement. I wouldn't try to spilt them after roughing out, more work then you can imagine. To get nice matching grain, I'll resaw material and mark so can tell interior at just a glance. I just use an old set of grips for template. I made 2 sets of jigs for holding the work. I first got grips to size, countersink and drill holes for grip screws I then can use those same holes for attaching to jig with sacrificial screws. The first jig holds the grips (left and right, so two jigs) for the drilling operation so holes are spaced properly, otherwise making it difficult to install. The second set of jigs is for grinding the grips to profile on an edgesander if you have access to one, this same jig can hold the grips for carving or checkering. This is where you would want to use those sacrificial screws so you don't mess up your good ones. This jig is shaped like a "T" so you have something to hold on to or to be able to put in a vice. Depth of countersink is critical on 1911's, the screws are not that long and if your too deep, there can be trouble with mags. Simple rounded notch for plunger tube can be done with round file. S&W 29 is whole different hourse. I would make first set for practice, you'll learn alot doing it, then use the good wood for actual. I've used cocabola, holds checking, but very hard to work. Made a set with Purple Heart for a Stainless, looked nice, but eventually will turn brown. Hope this helps.

[mark yundt]

The 1911's are pretty straight forward. Old grips were handy,,but the frame of the gun itself provides a great pattern if traced from the inside where possible.The S&W model 41 was a trick to pull off as well as the Ruger Competition Match,,,that has odd mag releases and safety buttons to work around,,and the .357 was a one piece grip held on with a single screw from the bottom.For a variety of screw lengths many hobby shops have a good selection of them to choose from. Plus it's fairly simple to adjust their length.

A quick bit of insurance is to cover the gun with duct tape,,,saves the bluing from stray sandpaper and you can fit it right up to the wood you're working on saving a re-bluing job or nasty scratches to worry about.

[stickman]

Mark , yes yes please post your pictures

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I would just be happy having a 1911 lol

[mark yundt]

I'll start with the Ruger .22 comp. match. In the first shot you can see the thumb rest and finger grooves. In the second you see the palm side as well as the beaver tail rest.The third you can see how the finger grooves wrap all around the front of the grip. 4th,,fits pretty well.The last are cocobolo on my Kimber Gold Match. I didn't show the target grips on this one when I use it for Bullseye,,these were for an IPSC match.....

[mark yundt]

Next is the S&W #41,,again the thumb rest and finger grooves,,followed with the beaver tail,,and how it too wraps around the front of the grip and finally the .357 which is a one piece grip left with a dull finish as this can get to be a handful and provides a better grip.

Both the other handles are two pieces that split,,so they break down like conventional grips held in place with factory type screws. The last though is one piece.

[mark yundt]

And I thought I'd thow in my range box. With so much junk to carry I wanted it all in one place. This holds my spotting scope,,3 guns in the felt lined tray,,all the mags..ammo,,and targets as well.

The main frame is Mahogany with hand cut dovetails,,as well as the trays are dovetailed in the same wood. The main panels are birch ( nice contrast I thought) The thumbwheels for tightening the guns in their tray and the spotting scope are cherry as well as it's adjustable arm. The back opens to hold all the targets,,the front opens to access the guns and stuff and the lid serves as the mount for the scope which stores in the top sliding tray.It's also fully adjustable to work whether I 'm sitting or standing. On the bottom I keep all the ammo and the side drawers hold all the mag's,,tools,,oil etc, that you need to keep handy. The carrying handle (shaped just like on my guns) is cherry as well.

I thought it worked well and serves all the things I need it to do.

Pics;
1 front of case ( hinges upward)
2 back of case ( hinges down)
3 back of case opened for targets
4 front open to access everything else
5 set up with scope ready to go

[RussL.]

As cool as every part of your range box is the coolest part is the custom-grip handle! :-)

RussL

[mark yundt]

I'm guessing you saw the pistol grips,,,they were my inspiration.With how heavy this box can get the grip itself gives me something to hold on to. Just like on the pistols,,it takes very little effort to get a good grip when it fits your hand so well.

[stickman]

Mark , all I can say is wow the grips you made are very nice and is What I had in mind for my pistols

and I think your shooting box is as cool as it gets!

You have some nice pieces there I don't quite have as Manny but I"m still acquiring if you know what i mean

thank you for taking the time to post your wonderful pics. Makes me feel like heading to the gun club and shooting a couple hundred rounds .

One thing I noticed is that I never leave the range with a frown on my face. (unless something breaks)

keep em in the ten ring. thanks again