Black Widow Original Grips
 

Is there a way to tell if they are originals or repos. I know the originals are harder and shinier looking than the repos I bought! Thanks~! Thor

Re: Black Widow Original Grips
 

Ted,


One other item I look at is the condition of the grips and the smell of the grips. Usually, an original set will have afew "dings" from being carried even in a holster. If they are repros, the plastic still has a "new" smell to them.


How do the repro grips fit on a pistol? Could this be used an indicator?


Marvin

Re: Black Widow Original Grips
 

I was told by a firearms instructor from Germany that the shinier and more cheap-looking they are (like you would get with a toy gun) the more likely it is that you have the real thing.


Maybe someone who has a set they know are genuine would be kind enough to remove one and see if there are any letters or other manufacturing marks stamped on the inside.

Re: Black Widow Original Grips
 

Real ones are of a thicker material, of beefier construction and are bakelite.

Fake ones are thinner constructed soft plastic.

There is a border edge difference as well. I'll try to get pictures up later of the two types I've seen.


Mike

Re: Black Widow Original Grips
 

Mike, I would agree the shinier is certainly right on the original gun I have. I dont think they have anything on the back, but the last time I took mine off, I broke them, not good! They stuck to the frame!! Thor

Re: Black Widow Original Grips
 

Thanks!

Re: Black Widow Original Grips
 

So if you take them off and they shatter, you have the real thing. Brittleness may actually be a reliable albeit impractical test for bakelite; I have a .32 Colt auto with genuine bakelite grips which cracked with very little provocation.


On my black widow, which may or may not have the original grips (although I think it does), I am tempted to put the plastic grips away in a safe place and use reproduction wooden ones for general shooting. Does anyone have a source for cheap reproduction checkered wooden grips? Although not authentic, I would also prefer that they be varnished or whatever you do to the wood so that they shed oil instead of soak it in.


Thanks.

Re: Black Widow Original Grips
 

Ted,


The Black grips found on the BYF41,42 pistols should have

a hole in the back of each grip. This hole will also be threaded and so happens will accept the grip screw.


Info from Gibsons book Krieghoff Parabellum also states that these grips appear to be made from a derivative of coal, whereas the Krieghoff Brown grips are from petroleum.


From looking at a pair of repro black grips and a pair off of a Portugese contract BYF42, the repros have a much more shiny/smoother appearance than the originals do, not to mention the molds are different.


Regards,

SteveM

Re: Black Widow Original Grips
 

Here you go, fake on the left.

Another clue, fake plastic grips don't fit tight, real ones do.


Mike




http://wsphotofews.excite.com/011/OW/TW/7I/lu25616.jpg

Here is a closeup of a genuine BW black grip
 

I know the vet who brought this pair home on this Luger that sat on a closet shelf for about 30 years.