1860 Army Grips

[JP Anderson]

I'm an amateur carver/engraver and I've finished my grips on my 1860 Army. I have many other plans but they will take some time to finish. Next up is a dovetail front sight.

This grip wasn't meant to be a realistic rendition of feathers but I think that was a mistake. I have a early start on a set in ebony and will carve those in a realistic style.

This is my first post with pics so with a little luck your seeing them.

John
Havre, Montana

[Montana Slim]

Very Nice! Good work!

Regards,
Slim

[Johnny Reb]

Awesome work there!

I love making my own as well. Nothing like that feeling of accomplishment, is there?!! :-)

Take care!

[Fox Creek Kid]

Ya know, I like that. Did you hammer in the brass nails/brads and then sand them down?

[Jed Cooper]

JP, Very cool !!! Wish I had that kind of talent. I'm all thumbs   

[Johnny McCrae]

Howdy JP,

Beautiful work! Many thanks for sharing. Please don't forget to show us your future projects.

[JP Anderson]

The grips are stock Pietta and I was pleased with the quality of the wood. I couldn't tell the difference between them and the domestic black walnut I have on hand. Carving was with a small V tool and gouge. I first sketch my design with a silver pencil before cutting in with the V tool. Checkering is one line at a time freehand with a rifler.

The brass tacks are brass screws I filed into stout ring shank tacks. I drilled a small hole in the grip and then inlet the heads the best I could by about 3/32" and filed them flush. For finish I use Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil Stock Finish but you must thin it a bit or it will fill in the details. My goal was originality yet not look to far out of touch with the era. The design actually does help with grip.

Thank you all for the kind comments,

John

BTW: I love this pistol. It's a real shooter even at long range.