Grips

[Mossyrock]

My USFA has the standard gutta percha grips, and I would like something with some more character.  Any suggestions on where to find fancy one-piece walnut grips?

[Coffinmaker]

First problem in your quest.  One piece grips are "fit" to the gun at the time of manufacture.  After fitting, the frame is finished.  USFA is now DO DO so you don't have the option of sending it back to USFA for grip fitting and re-finish.

After-Market grips (one piece) are "built up."  Three pieces are involved, right and left grip panels and a center spacer.  After fitting the grip panels and the spacer to the frame, everything is glued together, than disassembled, final sanded and finished.

Start with a Google search of Grip makers.  Find someone whose stuff you like and start correspondence.  Best of Luck.

Coffinmaker

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Mossyrock,
There area a number of grip manufacturers out there who make custom SAA grips.  Do a bit of research and find the one that best suits your needs.  One thing...  just be sure to let them know that you are looking for grips for a USFA.  USFA frames are slightly larger than Colt frames.  You will, in most cases, be required to send in your two part grip frame (backstrap & trigger guard) for proper fitting.  Should they affix these to a Colt frame when fitting, the grips will not fit properly on your USFA.  Most grip makers realize that the USFA grip frames fit properly to a standard Uberti frame.
CJF   

[Coffinmaker]

I almost forgot.  Uberti unfinished blanks (oversize) can be fit to USAF Grip Frames.  Shaping is a lot of work however.

Coffinmaker

[Major 2]

VTI has both finished and unfinished grip, will fit USFA

Here are samples of both

(USPFA = Uberti )  USFA  continued to use the CNC same programs when they went partly,  then all USA made parts

Asked and they will hand pick for some figure

[Mossyrock]

Interesting.....  I have three different sets of Uberti SAA grips on hand, and none of them fit.  But, they have all been fit to other guns.

[Major 2]

But, they have all been fit to other guns. 

and there you go 

[GaryG]

If you're willing to send your gun out, from what I've seen, Outlaw Grips (I think they're now called Classic Single Actions) does superb job.

[Pettifogger]

+1 on Outlaw, now Classic Single Action, grips.  They are down in Tucson, Arizona.  If you want a proper fit there is no such thing as a pre-fit grip for a Colt style single action.  As noted, the grips are fit and the frame and grips ground as a unit.  One fitted the grips will never fit another SAA properly.

[hp246]

I use Old Trading Post.  They have a custom grip maker that does the work.  Beautiful.  I had to send him my grip frames.  I have Uberti's with one piece grips.  One has a steel frame and one has a brass frame.  These frames have radical differences in them. good luck.

[Mossyrock]

I use Old Trading Post.  They have a custom grip maker that does the work.  Beautiful.  I had to send him my grip frames.  I have Uberti's with one piece grips.  One has a steel frame and one has a brass frame.  These frames have radical differences in them. good luck.

Do you have a link?

[Don Kenna]

I'll second both GaryG and Pettifogger.  Joe Perkins of Classic Single Actions does a superb job.  I should mention, though, that he is temporarily "out of commission" with a shoulder injury, but should be back in action with the new year (last I heard).  Lots of different wood choices, reasonable prices, and Joe will work with you on your choice of wood and grip shape.  Significantly, he WILL NOT grind the grip wood flush with the grip frame and then charge you for rebluing the latter.  Some other custom grip makers do that, but I certainly don't want anyone grinding on the metal of one of my valuable revolvers.  I highly recommend his work.

http://www.classicsingleaction.com/

Another gunsmith who makes very nice grips is Tom Sargis of Bozeman Trail Arms.  Tom is primarily a gunsmith, and grips are something of a sideline for him.  He limits his work to one-piece grips of walnut or rosewood.  I've been very satisfied with his work as well.

http://www.bozemantrailarms.com/grips.html

[Mossyrock]

Tom has done work for me before.  Strange how I didn't think of him for this....