Wonder why.........

Adam · 02-10-2004, 06:44 AM

Ever notice that most aftermarket walnut grips (cheap ones at least) are cut wrong where they meet the sideplate, Yet they say they are "patterned after the originals". I Have a set from Numrich GPC. and they are nice ($25)

but the left grip has a 1/4 inch gap where it should meet the sideplate. If they go to the trouble to produce these why not correct such problems and raise the price a little? I know all lugers are a little different, but seems like the grip makers could make them oversized and allow proper fitting without much change to the maufacturing process. I may have no idea what I am saying due to loss of sleep for two days, But its something I have been thinking about. Some of us low-budget Luger lovers cant afford the nice custom made grips even though we constantly drool over them. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

John Sabato · 02-10-2004, 10:09 AM

I agree Adam,

That forward corner fit on inexpensive grips is just poor workmanship... and is one of my pet peeves too... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

Pete Ebbink · 02-10-2004, 10:58 AM

Could it be that this contour cut is made on th repros so there would be no need to a person to do any custom-fitting of the top of the grip to match the underside of the side plate...?

Regards,

Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

Adam · 02-10-2004, 09:56 PM

Pete, That is a good answer and may be right. It looks like, if this was the plan when they were produced, Why such a large gap? It looks like they could have left a smaller gap and it would have been fine for that purpose. Honestly, The only way to know would be to ask the maker of the grips. But I mostly just wrote this as a fun topic about cheap repros. Everyone, feel free to vent about ANY repro parts that annoy you or just make you say "Wonder Why...."

Doubs · 02-10-2004, 10:57 PM

That gap is an eye sore and, looking at your very nice picture, I note that the checkering isn't exactly craftsmanship at it's finest. I think I'd rather opt for a pair of the VOPO grips myself until I could afford really good wood grips. Just my opinion though.

Adam · 02-10-2004, 11:12 PM

Actually the checkering is very nice on 80% of the grip but near the edges it gets very rough and ugly. I agree the VOPO grips are almost a perfect fit on most lugers and they look good, but I just like the walnut even if it is a bit ugly in places.

Adam · 02-11-2004, 11:03 AM

Tac, I got your message. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

Morris Gardner · 02-11-2004, 02:57 PM

I beleive that I have discovered the best alternative to the frustration of dealing with the repro grip conundrum: I just don't waste my money on them! Take the $25 or so that you might pay for garbage, add $15 or so... and then, do as I do.

Send your OLD GRIPS TO HUGH CLARK to be refurbished. He gets $40 (return postage included). In the long run it is a much more satisfactory, hassle-free and inexpensive solution, for even expensive Nil grips usually require varying amounts of cobbling in order to achieve proper fit...and then, the more discerning aficianado may still wish to reprofile them and re-do the checkering to get them to look and feel like they should. $100 (most recent euro/dollar adjusted price) is certainly a lot of money to pay under these circumstances, and if you end up sending them to someone like Hugh, that's only the beginning.

In my experience (a dozen or so pair of grips either refurbished or customized with borders, etc...even made me a pair of grips for my Baby Luger project) Hugh will authentically refurbish your old grip panels to their original factory splendor (or better) and get them back to you in a reasonable period of time, post-paid (included in the price).

I have sent him several pair of disgusting, stained, icky-sticky,up to 80 to 90 year old grip panels with gouges,dents,corners broken off in the usual locations....even grips with most of the checkering worn flat. Hugh seems to have a magic wand that he waives over these turkeys, invariably resulting in the return of a pair of grips analagous to the proverbial silk purse form a sow's ear.them to me in a state that can best be described as exemplary of something analagous to the proverbial silk purse from a sow's ear. What one gets back is virtually a new pair of ORIGINAL FACTORY grips... authentic color, contour, checkering and, of course, FIT. Somehow he manages this while at the same time leaving just the right amount of patina. They are better than new ones could possibly be, even if they were available.

You just can't match this deal with respect to the quality of the final product and lack of hassle. Last, but certainly not least, the price is very attractive relative to the cost of new replacements from any other source... bad, good or indifferent. Of course, there is one hitch...one must first have a pair of original "factory" grips to restore. If not, they are available out in the cold, cruel world...generally priced according to condition, which is not critical in this instance (within reason).

Hugh · 02-11-2004, 07:48 PM

Morris,

Your check is in the mail.

Seriously, tho, folks, the above is un-solicited and appreciated. Thank you Morris, I am glad that you are happy with the refurbishing of your grips. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Adam · 02-12-2004, 02:06 AM

Hugh, are there any before and after photos of your refurbished grips? I might be interested in saving up and having an old set redone. Do you have any sets that are already redone for sale? I really like the look and feel of a set of walnut grips over the plastic type.

Morris Gardner · 02-12-2004, 03:49 AM

Thanks for the check, Hugh!

Morris Gardner · 02-12-2004, 04:21 AM

All kidding aside, I am not on Hugh's payroll. Haven't even met the guy, though I'd like to do so some day.

Nowadays, negative commentary about anyone or anything seems to be in vogue, so it's a pleasure to be in a position to give credit where credit is due -- no strings attached, while at the same time making a modest contribution to the improvement of the breed via relating my experience with an affordable, practical and aesthetically appealing alternative to grip replacement.

Adam · 02-13-2004, 02:24 AM

Hugh, what would you consider to be a fixable set of grips, as far as damage goes? When do you say, "OK, they cant be fixed"? (hope you know what I mean as I couldn't think of another way to say it.) And does it cause a matching luger to decrease in value if the original grips are refurbished? and back to my other post, do you have any before and after shots of some "bad" grips?

Hugh · 02-14-2004, 06:02 PM

<img border="0" alt="[bigbye]" title="" src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" /> Adam,

If you will go to the member gallery, click on page 11 at the top, click on Hughs Toys & Grips, click on the first album "Grips by Hugh" there are some before & after pics on page two. I can repair the "safety chip", and usually repair other types of chips such as those above the mag release. I cannot help those that are so worn at the toe and rear bottom that they no longer meet the edge of the grip frame. If the grips are full size, but just have the checkering worn smooth, or have a few gouges in them, then they can be refurbished. <img border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" title="" src="graemlins/bigok.gif" />

I don't have any refurbished grips for sale.

If a gun has been refinished or is a shooter, refurbishing will enhance it. I do not recommend recheckering an original collector grade gun unless there is something really bad with the grips. I can rechecker with a "slightly worn" look (flat shiny tops on the diamonds) that looks better on a "used" gun than the "new look" checkering with sharp tops on the diamonds. It all depends on whether you want new looking grips or used looking grips. Also, when making a chip repair, the complete grip must be recheckered, therefore both should be done in order to match. <img border="0" alt="[king]" title="" src="graemlins/r.gif" />

02-10-2004, 06:44 AM	#1
Adam User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Greeneville TN, USA Posts: 78 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Wonder why......... Ever notice that most aftermarket walnut grips (cheap ones at least) are cut wrong where they meet the sideplate, Yet they say they are "patterned after the originals". I Have a set from Numrich GPC. and they are nice ($25) but the left grip has a 1/4 inch gap where it should meet the sideplate. If they go to the trouble to produce these why not correct such problems and raise the price a little? I know all lugers are a little different, but seems like the grip makers could make them oversized and allow proper fitting without much change to the maufacturing process. I may have no idea what I am saying due to loss of sleep for two days, But its something I have been thinking about. Some of us low-budget Luger lovers cant afford the nice custom made grips even though we constantly drool over them. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

02-10-2004, 10:09 AM	#2
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	I agree Adam, That forward corner fit on inexpensive grips is just poor workmanship... and is one of my pet peeves too... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" /> __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

02-11-2004, 07:48 PM	#9
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	Morris, Your check is in the mail. Seriously, tho, folks, the above is un-solicited and appreciated. Thank you Morris, I am glad that you are happy with the refurbishing of your grips. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" /> __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

02-14-2004, 06:02 PM	#14
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	<img border="0" alt="[bigbye]" title="" src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" /> Adam, If you will go to the member gallery, click on page 11 at the top, click on Hughs Toys & Grips, click on the first album "Grips by Hugh" there are some before & after pics on page two. I can repair the "safety chip", and usually repair other types of chips such as those above the mag release. I cannot help those that are so worn at the toe and rear bottom that they no longer meet the edge of the grip frame. If the grips are full size, but just have the checkering worn smooth, or have a few gouges in them, then they can be refurbished. <img border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" title="" src="graemlins/bigok.gif" /> I don't have any refurbished grips for sale. If a gun has been refinished or is a shooter, refurbishing will enhance it. I do not recommend recheckering an original collector grade gun unless there is something really bad with the grips. I can rechecker with a "slightly worn" look (flat shiny tops on the diamonds) that looks better on a "used" gun than the "new look" checkering with sharp tops on the diamonds. It all depends on whether you want new looking grips or used looking grips. Also, when making a chip repair, the complete grip must be recheckered, therefore both should be done in order to match. <img border="0" alt="[king]" title="" src="graemlins/r.gif" /> __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

02-10-2004, 10:58 AM	#3
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Could it be that this contour cut is made on th repros so there would be no need to a person to do any custom-fitting of the top of the grip to match the underside of the side plate...? Regards, Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

02-10-2004, 09:56 PM	#4
Adam User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Greeneville TN, USA Posts: 78 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Pete, That is a good answer and may be right. It looks like, if this was the plan when they were produced, Why such a large gap? It looks like they could have left a smaller gap and it would have been fine for that purpose. Honestly, The only way to know would be to ask the maker of the grips. But I mostly just wrote this as a fun topic about cheap repros. Everyone, feel free to vent about ANY repro parts that annoy you or just make you say "Wonder Why...."

02-10-2004, 10:57 PM	#5
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,670 Thanks: 769 Thanked 1,611 Times in 525 Posts	That gap is an eye sore and, looking at your very nice picture, I note that the checkering isn't exactly craftsmanship at it's finest. I think I'd rather opt for a pair of the VOPO grips myself until I could afford really good wood grips. Just my opinion though.

02-10-2004, 11:12 PM	#6
Adam User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Greeneville TN, USA Posts: 78 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Actually the checkering is very nice on 80% of the grip but near the edges it gets very rough and ugly. I agree the VOPO grips are almost a perfect fit on most lugers and they look good, but I just like the walnut even if it is a bit ugly in places.

02-11-2004, 11:03 AM	#7
Adam User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Greeneville TN, USA Posts: 78 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Tac, I got your message. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

02-11-2004, 02:57 PM	#8
Morris Gardner User Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I beleive that I have discovered the best alternative to the frustration of dealing with the repro grip conundrum: I just don't waste my money on them! Take the $25 or so that you might pay for garbage, add $15 or so... and then, do as I do. Send your OLD GRIPS TO HUGH CLARK to be refurbished. He gets $40 (return postage included). In the long run it is a much more satisfactory, hassle-free and inexpensive solution, for even expensive Nil grips usually require varying amounts of cobbling in order to achieve proper fit...and then, the more discerning aficianado may still wish to reprofile them and re-do the checkering to get them to look and feel like they should. $100 (most recent euro/dollar adjusted price) is certainly a lot of money to pay under these circumstances, and if you end up sending them to someone like Hugh, that's only the beginning. In my experience (a dozen or so pair of grips either refurbished or customized with borders, etc...even made me a pair of grips for my Baby Luger project) Hugh will authentically refurbish your old grip panels to their original factory splendor (or better) and get them back to you in a reasonable period of time, post-paid (included in the price). I have sent him several pair of disgusting, stained, icky-sticky,up to 80 to 90 year old grip panels with gouges,dents,corners broken off in the usual locations....even grips with most of the checkering worn flat. Hugh seems to have a magic wand that he waives over these turkeys, invariably resulting in the return of a pair of grips analagous to the proverbial silk purse form a sow's ear.them to me in a state that can best be described as exemplary of something analagous to the proverbial silk purse from a sow's ear. What one gets back is virtually a new pair of ORIGINAL FACTORY grips... authentic color, contour, checkering and, of course, FIT. Somehow he manages this while at the same time leaving just the right amount of patina. They are better than new ones could possibly be, even if they were available. You just can't match this deal with respect to the quality of the final product and lack of hassle. Last, but certainly not least, the price is very attractive relative to the cost of new replacements from any other source... bad, good or indifferent. Of course, there is one hitch...one must first have a pair of original "factory" grips to restore. If not, they are available out in the cold, cruel world...generally priced according to condition, which is not critical in this instance (within reason).

02-12-2004, 02:06 AM	#10
Adam User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Greeneville TN, USA Posts: 78 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hugh, are there any before and after photos of your refurbished grips? I might be interested in saving up and having an old set redone. Do you have any sets that are already redone for sale? I really like the look and feel of a set of walnut grips over the plastic type.

02-12-2004, 03:49 AM	#11
Morris Gardner User Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the check, Hugh!

02-12-2004, 04:21 AM	#12
Morris Gardner User Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	All kidding aside, I am not on Hugh's payroll. Haven't even met the guy, though I'd like to do so some day. Nowadays, negative commentary about anyone or anything seems to be in vogue, so it's a pleasure to be in a position to give credit where credit is due -- no strings attached, while at the same time making a modest contribution to the improvement of the breed via relating my experience with an affordable, practical and aesthetically appealing alternative to grip replacement.

02-13-2004, 02:24 AM	#13
Adam User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Greeneville TN, USA Posts: 78 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hugh, what would you consider to be a fixable set of grips, as far as damage goes? When do you say, "OK, they cant be fixed"? (hope you know what I mean as I couldn't think of another way to say it.) And does it cause a matching luger to decrease in value if the original grips are refurbished? and back to my other post, do you have any before and after shots of some "bad" grips?