I had this idea this morning, while thinking about a slight uncomfortableness with my Ruger Single Six's grips. I know there are real nice grips out their by CLC and others, but I had this idea for soapstone grips for some reason. It's fairly easy to carve, I did it once in art class in highschool, and a block can be bought for $20 from Lee Valley Tools, and I may have seen some at a local Opus art store. Do you think this idea would fly, or is it completely stupid?
Ever heard of Soapstone grips on a handgun??
- Thread starter 41 Colt
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As stated, they would undoubtedly be too weak to tighten up the grip scews sufficiently. Nothing worse than loose grip panels when shooting. Though they would sure help with the sweaty palm issues as I believe that it is used in some baby powders.
If you're bent on the "stone cold killer" look try corrion (sp?), not as easy to machine but still do-able.
Blair
If you're bent on the "stone cold killer" look try corrion (sp?), not as easy to machine but still do-able.
Blair
I agree, especially if it only costs $20 and some fun is had... can't lose
I agree, especially if it only costs $20 and some fun is had... can't lose
I went to an Opus art store after work and found some. Sold by weight, there were a few pieces that looked about the right size for a set of single six grips in a white-ish marble-like soapstone, that worked out to cost $5 - $7. I never though about the grip screw causing it to crack, although single six grips are a bit thick I think. I think weight in the grip area might be a benefit as my single six is muzzle heavy with it's 6.5" barrel.
heavenIsAlie
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And you should make me some 1911 grips if it works!!
i think those would have the brittle issue said earlier, much thiner than a set of revolver grips
Soapstone is way too soft to be durable on anything that is handled much. It might look good for a little while, but it won't take the shock of firing or laying down on a table for instance. The dust is carcinogenic ( talc), and the things you carve out of it are suitable for display in a glass case, or shelf.
Feel free to give it a try, but it won't take long to show scratches, and ultimately crack, and fail.
Feel free to give it a try, but it won't take long to show scratches, and ultimately crack, and fail.
I worked at a Talc mine down here where that stuff (Engineers chalk, Talcum powder ect.) comes from.
It is easy to carve but it is very brittle, If your lucky enough to make a set of grips without them breaking i would give them a few coats of estapol or they will wear away pronto, And yes a backing plate glued to them would be a must.
There is some nice colours in some of that stuff.
And yes ''Beware'' of the dust as some of the guys that worked at that mine have died from some strange type of cancer.
Good luck, Now you have me thinking
Cheers .45-90
It is easy to carve but it is very brittle, If your lucky enough to make a set of grips without them breaking i would give them a few coats of estapol or they will wear away pronto, And yes a backing plate glued to them would be a must.
There is some nice colours in some of that stuff.
And yes ''Beware'' of the dust as some of the guys that worked at that mine have died from some strange type of cancer.
Good luck, Now you have me thinking
Cheers .45-90
