Russian grips?
 

Dear experts

Are the grips pictured at this link ever found on VOPO lugers imported in the 1960'-1970's, or rather are these characteristic of lugers released from behind the iron curtain in the early 1990's?

Thanks,
Jeff

Whoops! Here is the link:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=131459190

Jeff,
Every time I see these type of grips they are on Russian captured.

Correct, still no definite origin of these grips is known but they are found on pistols that come from former Eastern Block storage. Since they follow the lines of the grips on the Tokarev pistols I have nicknamed them the 'Tokarev Style Grips'.

They differ greatly from the DDR grips which are made of bakelite and are hollow inside. These 'Tok Style' grips are massive, quite a good fit and rather comfortable, which makes me think they were issued or meant to be issued at a certain point in time. They stand far away from the poor quality injection molded black grips you find on other Eastern-Block imports, those are only there to give the pistols grips for a quick resale.

THanks!

Jeff

I have found that these grooved grips are not a very good fit on Mauser frames (they don't reach the edges in all places) but are solid when installed and make a perfectly functional grip... though IMHO not very aesthetic... They do seem to fit Erfurt and DWM frames a little better...

I believe that they are Russian in origin, but can't provide any documentation to that effct...

I own a pair, but can't seem to find them... :banghead:

Thanks!
Jeff

I also found a pair of "Russian" grips on GB for $35...Very nice; no bubbles, no warping, quite solid. Mine fit my DWM commercial; haven't tried them on anything else... :)

I also got a pair of the accursed cast resin grips in a 3 for 1 eBay deal; they are worthless...warped, don't fit, and hang over the edges...(Actually, one is straight; the other bends up like a potato chip)... :grr:

Do the takedown lever, side plate, and one or both of the toggles appear to be of East German (VOPO) manufacture?

THanks,
Jeff