Repro Walnut Replacement Grips

max2cam · 07-16-2002, 10:43 PM

I have a 1938 S/42 (mismatched gothic "S" toggle) VOPO rework with (incorrect) plastic grips. One is brown plastic (bakelite?) with horizontally aligned checking and the other is cheap black plastic with vertically aligned checking. Neither are "bullseye" East German grips but they did come with the gun.

I'd like to get a pair of repro walnut grips that would be correct to a 1938 model Luger. However, I can't spend a $100 on grips so I'm wondering about the Indian or Pakistani made checked walnut grips that go for about $20. Photos of them don't look too bad, but how are they really?

I don't mind a little hand fitting and I could even clean up the checking if need be, but I want something (when aged to match the gun) looks original even if they are not. Does anyone have any experience with these things?

Luke · 07-16-2002, 11:13 PM

I have seen several types of repro walnut grips.
Except for the expensive Nill grips, all of them fit very poorly in the area of the safety lever and the same area on the opposite grip.

They are all too thin in this area. Grips which are too thin here expose the sharp metal where the rear grip strap merges into the upper frame.

The Nills, by the way, can be had for around $67 directly from the Nill office in Texas.

Having said all that, I have to tell you that I have yet to see a pair of Nill which are not dark and seriously lined vertically with dark and light streaks along the grain lines.

Herb · 07-16-2002, 11:14 PM

Max, try http://www.sarcoinc.com/lgr.html

Edward Tinker · 07-16-2002, 11:17 PM

I have bought some cheaper ones from E-bay and they took a lot of fitting, but were in pretty nice shape. It is the checkering that is a bit rough on many of the cheaper ones.

AGE · 07-16-2002, 11:29 PM

Contact Hugh Clark. He is the resident grip guru on this forum. He fixed me up quickly and fairly.

Marvin · 07-17-2002, 07:13 AM

Here is another thought. Unless you just want the wood grips, a set of the "Bullseye" VOPO grips look nice on a Luger and they are very reasonably priced. Since your pistol is a VOPO rework, they would be correct.

If you want wood grips, Tom Heller of this Forum would be another good source for you. Tom's e-mail is <hellerarms@webtv.net>

Marvin

Thor · 07-17-2002, 09:40 AM

The ones from Sarco are the thick, coarse checkered COCO BOLO. When Hugh takes the thick coarse checking off and recheckers them correctly they are pretty good. That would be the way I would go or if fit is more important than color, get the Nills. Luke is right on about the color and figure. For the best fitting and nicest checkered I recommend you get Hugh to buy some uncheckered Nills and have him finish checker for you. Thor

Luke · 07-17-2002, 12:51 PM

Agree with Thor. If you are willing to spend the money, the blank Nills are really GREAT looking when Hugh checkers them. I have a pair that he did and they are beautiful.

If you would like, I can send pictures, or I am sure Hugh has a number of pictures of such grips.

And. . . . they fit perfectly.

Luke

Frank · 07-17-2002, 02:20 PM

John, I noticed a pair of VOPO Grips on ebay this morning, if you are interested!

Thor · 07-17-2002, 06:39 PM

John, if you are interested in a pair of VOPO plastic grips, please send me an email to Thor340@aol.com

max2cam · 07-17-2002, 09:02 PM

Thanks much for the input.

I think that I'll steer clear of the VOPO bullseye grips, altho they would be correct for this rework. Nor do the CocoBolo grips sound very satisfactory. Maybe I'll just hold off for the time being as the ones on the gun now are practical enough. I would like to see a pair of the ones Hugh has checked.

What I'd like to find most of all is a pair of somewhat beat up original walnut grips. SARCO has them listed ("fair") but out of stock. That would best fit this gun, which is mismatched, shows some holster wear, and was not reblued.

Today I ordered a used black leather Swedish Sam Browne pistol belt w/shoulder strap for my Luger rig. Hopefully it will match the black repro Luger holster pretty closely. Price was right ($12).

This P.08 is my main "big bore" shooter now and carrying it on a belt without a shoulder strap is not the way to go. Plan to take it on a camping trip to Lake Superior this Sept. and will have to pack it in.

Hugh · 07-18-2002, 01:33 AM

<img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" /> MAX2CAM;

Here is a pic of a pair of my grips. email me at hhclark@mail.esc4.com I may have a beat up pair of originals for you.

Thor · 07-18-2002, 01:49 AM

MAX2CAM Nobody, does the checkering bettern ol Hugh! His work is flawless, DWM would be envious of it! Course he probably couldnt keep up with their production schedules but he is a class A craftsman! He has done tons of them for me! He always does a world class job! Now.....Hugh.....where is my KUDO? [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

max2cam · 07-18-2002, 07:55 PM

Hugh's grips really do look nice. I'd say nearly perfect. Trouble is, my Luger isn't perfect. It's an old war-horse, mis-matched, and a bit scuffed up around the edges. But the bore is mint (barrel VOPO replacement) and it's accurate and reliable with the right ammo and mag combo. Putting a pair of high class grips on it would be like putting shiny new fenders on an old car.

But I do have a hankering for walnut grips....

max2cam · 07-18-2002, 08:20 PM

Hugh,

When I try to email you at the <hhclark@mail.esc4.com> address, I get an error message. Is there another email address I can reach you at, or should I "private message" you on the forum about those grips?

Thanks,
Max2Cam

Hugh · 07-18-2002, 08:39 PM

Try mlclark3@mail.esc4.com and if that don't work, private message me and give me your email address, and we will see if I can get thru to you. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

ESU · 08-09-2002, 05:48 PM

CDNN investments has replacement luger grips for 18.99 . They are a little dark but mine didnt require any fitting. I put them on a mis matched DWM to replace the stag grips that were on and I luv the look now. Might be a better choice for that old war horse.

Luke · 08-09-2002, 06:03 PM

[quote]Originally posted by ESU:
<strong>but mine didnt require any fitting.</strong><hr></blockquote>

How do they fit under the safety lever? Too thin?

ESU · 08-09-2002, 08:04 PM

They are a shade thin but I just put them on so no idea how theyll hold up. Then again for 19 bux how can I go wrong. Only paid 150 for the gun diffrent upper and lower , upper is matched though . 19.00 figures about right . I did look at Nills catalog but way to pricey.

wterrell · 08-09-2002, 10:37 PM

ESU,

Tell me more about the stag grips. I am a sucker for things like that. Any pics of the stags?

07-16-2002, 10:43 PM	#1
max2cam User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: USA Posts: 97 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Repro Walnut Replacement Grips I have a 1938 S/42 (mismatched gothic "S" toggle) VOPO rework with (incorrect) plastic grips. One is brown plastic (bakelite?) with horizontally aligned checking and the other is cheap black plastic with vertically aligned checking. Neither are "bullseye" East German grips but they did come with the gun. I'd like to get a pair of repro walnut grips that would be correct to a 1938 model Luger. However, I can't spend a $100 on grips so I'm wondering about the Indian or Pakistani made checked walnut grips that go for about $20. Photos of them don't look too bad, but how are they really? I don't mind a little hand fitting and I could even clean up the checking if need be, but I want something (when aged to match the gun) looks original even if they are not. Does anyone have any experience with these things?

07-16-2002, 11:13 PM	#2
Luke User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NC - USA Posts: 1,239 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 6 Posts	I have seen several types of repro walnut grips. Except for the expensive Nill grips, all of them fit very poorly in the area of the safety lever and the same area on the opposite grip. They are all too thin in this area. Grips which are too thin here expose the sharp metal where the rear grip strap merges into the upper frame. The Nills, by the way, can be had for around $67 directly from the Nill office in Texas. Having said all that, I have to tell you that I have yet to see a pair of Nill which are not dark and seriously lined vertically with dark and light streaks along the grain lines. __________________ "Peace, if possible; truth, at any cost." . . . Martin Luther

07-16-2002, 11:14 PM	#3
Herb User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Utah, in the land of the Sleeping Rainbow Posts: 1,457 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Max, try http://www.sarcoinc.com/lgr.html __________________ Utah, where gun control means a steady trigger pull

07-16-2002, 11:17 PM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,915 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,506 Times in 2,080 Posts	I have bought some cheaper ones from E-bay and they took a lot of fitting, but were in pretty nice shape. It is the checkering that is a bit rough on many of the cheaper ones. __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

07-16-2002, 11:29 PM	#5
AGE User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 597 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Contact Hugh Clark. He is the resident grip guru on this forum. He fixed me up quickly and fairly. __________________ Al Eggers (AGE) NRA Life Member

07-17-2002, 07:13 AM	#6
Marvin User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Upstate S.C. Posts: 1,132 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Here is another thought. Unless you just want the wood grips, a set of the "Bullseye" VOPO grips look nice on a Luger and they are very reasonably priced. Since your pistol is a VOPO rework, they would be correct. If you want wood grips, Tom Heller of this Forum would be another good source for you. Tom's e-mail is <hellerarms@webtv.net> Marvin

07-17-2002, 09:40 AM	#7
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	The ones from Sarco are the thick, coarse checkered COCO BOLO. When Hugh takes the thick coarse checking off and recheckers them correctly they are pretty good. That would be the way I would go or if fit is more important than color, get the Nills. Luke is right on about the color and figure. For the best fitting and nicest checkered I recommend you get Hugh to buy some uncheckered Nills and have him finish checker for you. Thor __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

07-17-2002, 12:51 PM	#8
Luke User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NC - USA Posts: 1,239 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 6 Posts	Agree with Thor. If you are willing to spend the money, the blank Nills are really GREAT looking when Hugh checkers them. I have a pair that he did and they are beautiful. If you would like, I can send pictures, or I am sure Hugh has a number of pictures of such grips. And. . . . they fit perfectly. Luke __________________ "Peace, if possible; truth, at any cost." . . . Martin Luther

07-17-2002, 02:20 PM	#9
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 163 Times in 87 Posts	John, I noticed a pair of VOPO Grips on ebay this morning, if you are interested!

07-17-2002, 06:39 PM	#10
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	John, if you are interested in a pair of VOPO plastic grips, please send me an email to Thor340@aol.com __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

07-17-2002, 09:02 PM	#11
max2cam User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: USA Posts: 97 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks much for the input. I think that I'll steer clear of the VOPO bullseye grips, altho they would be correct for this rework. Nor do the CocoBolo grips sound very satisfactory. Maybe I'll just hold off for the time being as the ones on the gun now are practical enough. I would like to see a pair of the ones Hugh has checked. What I'd like to find most of all is a pair of somewhat beat up original walnut grips. SARCO has them listed ("fair") but out of stock. That would best fit this gun, which is mismatched, shows some holster wear, and was not reblued. Today I ordered a used black leather Swedish Sam Browne pistol belt w/shoulder strap for my Luger rig. Hopefully it will match the black repro Luger holster pretty closely. Price was right ($12). This P.08 is my main "big bore" shooter now and carrying it on a belt without a shoulder strap is not the way to go. Plan to take it on a camping trip to Lake Superior this Sept. and will have to pack it in.

07-18-2002, 01:33 AM	#12
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	<img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" /> MAX2CAM; Here is a pic of a pair of my grips. email me at hhclark@mail.esc4.com I may have a beat up pair of originals for you. __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

07-18-2002, 01:49 AM	#13
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	MAX2CAM Nobody, does the checkering bettern ol Hugh! His work is flawless, DWM would be envious of it! Course he probably couldnt keep up with their production schedules but he is a class A craftsman! He has done tons of them for me! He always does a world class job! Now.....Hugh.....where is my KUDO? [img]biggrin.gif[/img] __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

07-18-2002, 07:55 PM	#14
max2cam User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: USA Posts: 97 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hugh's grips really do look nice. I'd say nearly perfect. Trouble is, my Luger isn't perfect. It's an old war-horse, mis-matched, and a bit scuffed up around the edges. But the bore is mint (barrel VOPO replacement) and it's accurate and reliable with the right ammo and mag combo. Putting a pair of high class grips on it would be like putting shiny new fenders on an old car. But I do have a hankering for walnut grips....

07-18-2002, 08:20 PM	#15
max2cam User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: USA Posts: 97 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hugh, When I try to email you at the <hhclark@mail.esc4.com> address, I get an error message. Is there another email address I can reach you at, or should I "private message" you on the forum about those grips? Thanks, Max2Cam

07-18-2002, 08:39 PM	#16
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	Try mlclark3@mail.esc4.com and if that don't work, private message me and give me your email address, and we will see if I can get thru to you. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

08-09-2002, 05:48 PM	#17
ESU User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: NY Posts: 57 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	CDNN investments has replacement luger grips for 18.99 . They are a little dark but mine didnt require any fitting. I put them on a mis matched DWM to replace the stag grips that were on and I luv the look now. Might be a better choice for that old war horse.

08-09-2002, 06:03 PM	#18
Luke User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NC - USA Posts: 1,239 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 6 Posts	[quote]Originally posted by ESU: <strong>but mine didnt require any fitting.</strong><hr></blockquote> How do they fit under the safety lever? Too thin? __________________ "Peace, if possible; truth, at any cost." . . . Martin Luther

08-09-2002, 08:04 PM	#19
ESU User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: NY Posts: 57 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	They are a shade thin but I just put them on so no idea how theyll hold up. Then again for 19 bux how can I go wrong. Only paid 150 for the gun diffrent upper and lower , upper is matched though . 19.00 figures about right . I did look at Nills catalog but way to pricey.

08-09-2002, 10:37 PM	#20
wterrell User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,096 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	ESU, Tell me more about the stag grips. I am a sucker for things like that. Any pics of the stags? __________________ Noli me vocare, ego te vocabo, wes --------------------