One piece Corian Grips

Johnny McCrae · April 26, 2011, 07:01:06 PM

Attached are pictures of one piece Corian grips I just made for my USFA SAA. I've made some two piece grips in the past but was very apprehensive about making one piece grips. My main concerns were fitting and gluing the spacer. I finally found an adhesive on the internet especially formulated for Corian. I also had a machinist friend of mine machine the spacers .005" to .008" thicker than the back-strap. The close machining of the spacer thickness makes for a nice tight fit. The entire process now goes very smooth. In fact, I now find making one piece grips easier than two piece grips IMHO. This set is far from perfect but it's an improvement over previous attempts.

The Corian color used is called "Vanilla" and it sort of resembles Ivory. I get free scraps from a local Counter Top shop.

Now it's back to the shop to finish a matching set for my other Pistol.

Major 2 · April 27, 2011, 05:05:52 AM

very nice ...John

I aquired some Corain scrap from a counter top project an installer was doing....haven't tried grips yet but did do s simple knife scales

Cliff Fendley · April 27, 2011, 09:59:55 PM

Looking good! Very nice

I've used some Corian scraps for inlays on knife handles and those light colors also scrim very nice. I've been thinking about making me some grips, I was actually thinking of milling it from one piece but making two sides and the spacer seems like the ways to go.

You did a great job on them.

Pettifogger · April 27, 2011, 10:10:46 PM

When I think Corian I think kitchen sink counters not gun grips. Got to admit, those look really good.

Johnny McCrae · April 29, 2011, 07:44:54 AM

Many thanks for the kind words.

Just finished the grips for my other pistol.

Ten Wolves Fiveshooter · April 29, 2011, 10:37:26 AM

Johnny, just Awesome Pal, you have this grip making down to a science, well done.

tEN wOLVES

Fox Creek Kid · April 29, 2011, 10:40:03 PM

One piece grips are more authentic as well for the time period. You did a nice job of fitting.

River City John · April 30, 2011, 07:57:59 AM

Quote from: Johnny McCrae on April 26, 2011, 07:01:06 PM
Attached are pictures of one piece Corian grips I just made for my USFA SAA. I've made some two piece grips in the past but was very apprehensive about making one piece grips. My main concerns were fitting and gluing the spacer. I finally found an adhesive on the internet especially formulated for Corian. I also had a machinist friend of mine machine the spacers .005" to .008" thicker than the back-strap. The close machining of the spacer thickness makes for a nice tight fit. The entire process now goes very smooth. In fact, I now find making one piece grips easier than two piece grips IMHO. This set is far from perfect but it's an improvement over previous attempts.

The Corian color used is called "Vanilla" and it sort of resembles Ivory. I get free scraps from a local Counter Top shop.

Now it's back to the shop to finish a matching set for my other Pistol.

Johnny,
this would make a good article for The Shootist. You've got pics and everything, and just write your experience out.
Instant article!

RCJ

GunClick Rick · May 16, 2011, 10:58:00 PM

Where do i send my EMFs back straps

I got ivory fever lately,i stole these

Sperm whale teeth and little ivory fobs.

Deadeye Don · May 17, 2011, 05:46:03 AM

They look great Johnny and they should wear well, kind of like they would if they were a counter top!! I agree with RCJ. You should do an article and submit it to Dave.

TwoWalks Baldridge · June 08, 2011, 07:42:55 AM

Johnny great leather work and now top notch grip maker ... "when you going to hang your shingle out? Got a couple 1860's that would look might purty with grips like them.