What wood for grips?

IM_Lugger

IM_Lugger

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I would like make wood grips for a handgun. Never really done that before, but would like to give it a try… should be fun :)

Now what wood should I use, I'm guessing pine is not the best choice :onCrack: but can I get something from Home Depot that would work.:redface: Again I'm just goofing around at this point and don't want to import a tree...
 
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get something cheap to try wtih first. pine is good for that. better yet, look through scrap pallets. you can very often find slats made from oak.
then get some cocobolo. its not cheap, but for the amonut that you need to make grips its not bad.
i made some for my 1911 out of oak. there lots of instructions on the net. look at teh one M1911.org.

good luck, i hope tehy turn out good.
 
Grips Woods

... Soft woods, like Pine are fine for "practice" but not suitable for long term use. Wood Specialty stores, such as Lee Valley, usually have small pieces of exotic hard woods for a few bucks each. Also look through the catalog listings from the recognized manufacturer's for ideas ! Then there's the type of finish .......... ? ...... David K. ....:canadaFlag:
 
Like the hippie said try the wood from pallets, some of the eastern companies use oak for pallets and for dunage between pipes. You could also get wood from pieces of OLD DAMAGED OR BROKEN FURNITURE. Also in B.C. , WINSOR PLYWOOD STORES sometimes have pieces of exotic woods. But do a Internet check on the different woods that you plan to use as the DUST from some of the EXOTIC WOODS can cause lung problems or just be plain poisonous if breathed. Hardwoods are usually used , Maple, Oak, Mahogany, Walnut,and some fruit trees ( but they need to be dried or seasoned) are fairly easy to get, you only need a small piece. If you get a thick piece and cut it down the middle you will have the same grain on each side, this is not too big a problem if you are going to checker the grips but if you are making smooth grips you may want them to be the same or matching. Pieces off of Moose, elk and large deer antlers are also a source of grip material.
 
I would not practice on cheap wood that is not suitable to start with... the way it works is different.

There is nothing wrong with plain old American Walnut and the amount you need does not cost much.
 
BEARMAN said:
Like the hippie said try the wood from pallets, some of the eastern companies use oak for pallets and for dunage between pipes. You could also get wood from pieces of OLD DAMAGED OR BROKEN FURNITURE. Also in B.C. , WINSOR PLYWOOD STORES sometimes have pieces of exotic woods.
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+1 for windsor (i work there :D )
they arnt only limited to BC though, we have over 50 ( i think its 62) across canada.

give one a call and see what they have. if we dont have it we can most likly get it from another windsor.
 
If you want something a little out of the ordinary, try Purple Heart. It's really hard and heavy but it can look pretty good, and it isn't something you see every day. I've used it for grip caps, for-end tips, and inlays and I think it's one of the best looking woods out there even though it usually has fairly plain grains.
 
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