Pistol grip project.

Yukon Mike

Yukon Mike

Well-known member
The idea was to make some sheep horn pistol grips for a pair of Kimber 1911's. Here's some pic's.

To make flat slabs out of something so not flat I first buck up some 6" chunks with the bandsaw. I also make one flat side so it will lie flat for the next step. Notice the ID plug. Its important to be all legal on the internet.

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I modified an F clamp to hold the horn on the chop saw.

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This is the most treacherous device I use and I don't recommend this to anyone. The grain of the sheep horn makes it easy for the saw to grab and throw. Hands need to be very clear of this blade and nothing important downrange. I've tried a few different setups with the table saw and bandsaw and this chop saw is actually the better choice because when it works it makes the most uniform slabs requiring minimal sanding. Sanding horn is tough because it heats up easily and then warps, so I need to work really slowly and preferably in the shop with no heat on.

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Once the slabs are all cut I sort through them looking for a color match. About half the slices I made are unsuitable for knife handles or anything, and for this project I needed four pieces big enough for the two pistols. The leftovers get put away for future considerations or as dog chewies.


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I laid the grip on a slab and traced it out roughly.

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Mike,

Really cool project but I'll tell you what caught my eye. In the 9th picture was that chair! When I was younger my grandparents had the same chair. My little brother would climp up next to me and I'd play pilot with him. I'd start off with welcome aboard. Please fasten your seat belt and make sure your tray is locked in the upright position then I'd slowly start turning one knob as if I were starting an engine. Then the next and so one until we were vibrating into the air. Well we'd do that all afternoon flying to places I'd read about in Field and Stream and Sports Afield. He'd end up falling asleep and I finally crawl out of the seat and go do something else. He sure loved playing airplane! I hadn't thought about that in 45 years!

Can't wait to see the finished grips!
 
Mike, that's some project. Thanks for sharing it. Do these grips need some sort of sealer or finish?
wis boz
 
Ed, that's hilarious! What are the chances? When I first got that chair several years ago the heater worked and everything. Nothing works on it now though and my dog chewed one of the armrests off last winter. Still a comfy carving chair.

As far as sealer, sheep horn is really porous and needs something to keep from getting dirty looking. On knife handles I've used Danish Oil, varathane (it yellows bad though), and boot wax with good results. It really soaks the stuff up.

Thanks for the compliments guys!

Mike
 
Mike Very nice, I have a set of sheep horn grips on my Ruger Bisley model 45 Long colt, I also have sheep horn tips on several of my custom muzzleloaders.

To say i have a thing about sheep horn is a understatement !!


Fred
 
Love the "play-by-play"......thanks for taking us along....they are going to make some beautiful grips....cannot wait to see them finished and installed...
 
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