The Rohrbaugh Forum

Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh R9 (all variations) => Topic started by: yankee2500 on April 22, 2010, 09:29:51 PM

Title: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on April 22, 2010, 09:29:51 PM: I would like to know what kind of grips you would like for your pup.
I just spent the day with a guy who is going to make some grips for the Rohrbaughs. We discussed Micarta, Aluminum, wood, different colors of G-10.) Also interested in weather you like a smooth grip or checkered.
There will be Laser engraving available for the grips, (your name, a design or logo, etc.) We talked about CF and it is very hard on tooling, equipment and operators, it my be something that comes about at a later time.
So let me know your ideas and we will try and make them a reality. ;D

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ccoorreeyy on April 22, 2010, 10:03:00 PM: COOL BEANS!!

I would like a set of

1) nice wood with checkering

2) colored G10 with checkering
   green
   orange
   blue

And I like the idea of the engraving too!
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: birdman on April 22, 2010, 10:13:02 PM: John, I would like at least one set of checkered wood grips. Probably more depending on how they look. Thanks, looks like Rohrbaugh Aftermarket Inc. is doing it for us again! Gene
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on April 23, 2010, 10:51:16 AM: I will need to know the type of wood or dark or light color and we can pick the appropriate wood by your color choice.

This will not happen if there is not enough interest, there is too much involved to machine only a couple of sets of grips.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on April 23, 2010, 05:25:19 PM: John:

Is there any chance of a pair of grips made from pre-ban ivory -- perhaps engraved with initials? That might be just the thing to complement the elephant-hide holster I already have for my Farmingdale R9.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: cordy on April 23, 2010, 05:56:32 PM: I would like a set of grips that gives me a little better control over the R9s (Rubber, better checkering) & I don't care what they are made out of.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on April 23, 2010, 09:35:43 PM: cordy,
Welcome to the group. I think anything with some checkering will be an improvement over the stock G-10s.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on April 23, 2010, 09:42:40 PM: Quote
John:

Is there any chance of a pair of grips made from pre-ban ivory -- perhaps engraved with initials? That might be just the thing to complement the elephant-hide holster I already have for my Farmingdale R9.

Richard,
I don't see why not, if you have or can get the pre-ban Ivory. I would need to double check with my guy, but see no reason it can't be done.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Josey Wales on April 23, 2010, 10:14:46 PM: I reckon I would be in for a checkered grip, maybe rounded ever so slightly, anything for more grip.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: kjtrains on April 23, 2010, 10:32:16 PM: Quote
I would like a set of grips that gives me a little better control over the R9s (Rubber, better checkering) & I don't care what they are made out of.

cordy. Welcome to the Forum. Post often.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: cordy on April 23, 2010, 11:51:36 PM: I think Micarda & checkered for better grip are the most important.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on April 24, 2010, 11:24:42 AM: I agree checkering in some form will enhance the control, especially when practicing a double tap.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ccoorreeyy on April 24, 2010, 12:25:18 PM: Dark wood checkered for me. Maybe even some clear checkered grips too.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: whkrog on April 24, 2010, 02:47:37 PM: Dark wood, checkered, and I'd definitely order and prepay for a set.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: birdman on April 24, 2010, 03:06:37 PM: John, as Corey and WHKrog said dark,checkered, and I'll gladly pre-pay if you let us know how much. Thanks as always for doing this for us! Gene
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on April 24, 2010, 04:41:00 PM: Quote

Richard,
I don't see why not, if you have or can get the pre-ban Ivory. I would need to double check with my guy, but see no reason it can't be done.

John

John:

That sounds like a plan. After you check with your friend, if he would be willing to take on the project but can't locate or obtain some pre-ban ivory, let me know and I'll see what I can find, making sure that all of the legalities are observed.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: tracker on April 24, 2010, 05:58:26 PM: Somehow, I have the feeling that the ivory has already been located. General Patton would approve.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on April 25, 2010, 10:11:08 AM: Tracker:

We had a larger than life oil portrait of "THE General" in our O Club when I was CMJ 4AD. The size of the portrait seemed altogether fitting and proper, for most of us considered him to have been truly larger than life.

As for his views on handgun grips, there is a paragraph about half-way down the page at the following link which is best read there than here: ;)

http://www.pattonhq.com/unknown/chap05.html
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: tracker on April 25, 2010, 12:24:44 PM: Thanks, great stuff.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: park245 on April 25, 2010, 03:46:11 PM: Put me down for checkered custom rosewood grips to match my Sig 226 Elite!
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on April 26, 2010, 09:01:37 AM: Checkered rosewood, olivewood or uncheckered snakewood.

Snakewood has a distinct pattern, is used on custom knives and checkering would spoil the grain.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Ucitykid on April 26, 2010, 09:54:24 AM: Checkered bloodwood, OR madagascar ebony, OR ironwood, OR amboyna, OR purpleheart. (NOT IVORY)

I'm in once you know what can be made.

Thanks, Carlos
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: xpistosk on April 26, 2010, 12:04:28 PM: +1 for checkered wood grips :D
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on April 26, 2010, 04:51:48 PM: Wood seems to be a consensus, despite variation. However, as great as wood grips would look, I would be concerned about the ability of wood to withstand shock, without breakage, when firing the R9.

The unusual configuration of the grip is particularly vulnerable in the narrow portion of the forward screw.

John: Is this a concern you have addressed?
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: tracker on April 26, 2010, 05:18:43 PM: That can certainly happen with high pressures. I was firing one of my last reloads ever on a BHP and a hot load blew the left grip off in my hand. I'm not saying it is the same with the R9 but wood grips can come apart on you under certain conditions. Fortunately, nothing was injured but my pride.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on April 26, 2010, 09:35:32 PM: Quote
Wood seems to be a consensus, despite variation. However, as great as wood grips would look, I would be concerned about the ability of wood to withstand shock, without breakage, when firing the R9.

The unusual configuration of the grip is particularly vulnerable in the narrow portion of the forward screw.

John: Is this a concern you have addressed?

Nothing has been addressed yet, and yes it is a concern. A forum member who has done a little tinkering with wood grips, told me the stock screws with there wedge shape will split the grips just installing them. We may discover wood is not an option.
Micarta makes for some very nice looking grips and there are several color options in G-10.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on April 26, 2010, 09:36:49 PM: tracker,
Do you mean, by "BHP" a Browning Hi-Power? If so, this is significant. The grips on this pistol do not have nearly the vulnerability as do the grips on an R9.

I look forward to John's response. Both my R9s have carbon fiber grips which are ideal, given their tensile strength. However, exotic wood would look great, providing they could withstand useage.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on April 26, 2010, 09:39:07 PM: Sorry John. I didn't read your post above before I responded to tracker's post.

Wood grips are great but we may just have to dispense with them if I understand your post correctly.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: tracker on April 26, 2010, 10:08:05 PM: Yes, Browning High Power it is; fortunately, I had an extra grip or found one. I was in a CHL or CCW course at the time and the instructor came uncorked. I had to do some fast talking to complete the course, explaining that I had a Gold Cup and .45 factory ammo in my car to complete the range session.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on April 27, 2010, 09:39:42 AM: tracker,

You state that you were "firing one of my last reloads" when referencing the incident with your Hi Power. Is this the incident that dissuaded you from wanting to reload?

I seem to recall a string some months ago in which I am connecting the dots.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on April 27, 2010, 10:57:42 AM: Quote
Sorry John. I didn't read your post above before I responded to tracker's post.

Wood grips are great but we may just have to dispense with them if I understand your post correctly.

I have not ruled them out but there will have to be some testing done before I would be comfortable selling them. I will be talking with the machinist in the next day or two and see what his thoughts are.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: tracker on April 27, 2010, 12:11:17 PM: ACP,
I was only referring to being rid of reloaded ammo that I had purchased and never using it again unless I know the reloader quite well. I have never reloaded my own ammo. When I went to the CHL class I was in a rush to leave for a 30 mile drive and inadvertently picked up some reloaded .9mm for the firing portion of the class.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: kjtrains on April 27, 2010, 01:22:22 PM: I don't change grips, but if Ivory could be done, would be interested.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on April 27, 2010, 09:30:25 PM: John: Thanks for the response regarding wood grips. That is the only type of grip for which I would forego CF.

I applaud your offering alternative grip materials for those suffering from factory G10. I have been very vocal about this substance on other strings; albeit some time ago.

This is one area in which I part company with the factory. We were told CF was unavailable or too expensive and then advised, by a forum member, that this was not so.

Who to believe? I only know that CF is a huge positive for the R9 and I am not abandoning my dislike for G10 anytime soon.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on April 27, 2010, 10:15:36 PM: We are going to see what we can come up with on using wood, and give it our best shot.
I agree with you 100% on the G-10 grips, to me it cheapens the look of a wonderfully made gun. Carbon Fiber is expensive to machine, requiring the use of diamond cutters because it is extremely abrasive, and will wear out carbide cutters very fast. I was told the cutter used to put the radius on the edge of the grips would be about $400. The dust created by the machining process is very harmful and precautions must be taken to not breath it.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on April 28, 2010, 08:28:06 AM: When I bought my first (Farmingdale) R9, in 2005, my FFL in NJ stated, prophetically, "the carbon fiber grips make the gun".

From what John states, CF is not benign, nor is it easy to work with. I accept that and am all the more grateful that my (2) R9s are both CF gripped.

Looking forward to the jury verdict on useage of exotic wood for R9 grips.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: P7Enigma on April 28, 2010, 01:06:41 PM: Don't know the "progress" as to what this shop is offering but if its any consulation, we can make just about any grip style one would want out of just about any material except certain metals. Wood and composites are preferred and we can perform checkering and engraving as well. We have a CNC router and a laser.

We like to stay away from these certain metals right now as we have not integrated the laser head with a "inert gas" flooding system yet. Certain metals require different shielding gases as some of you might already know. Without these gases and certain other precautions, one could get reflection back through lenses and mirrors which burns holes right through them and in our case, thats a 3000 dollar mistake! :o

Again,

All wood
All plastics
Carbon fiber
Cast resins
etc

all OK
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on April 28, 2010, 02:28:50 PM: Enigma:

Ivory?

(I've got some Bar-B-Ques to attend. 8))
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: P7Enigma on April 28, 2010, 06:02:26 PM: Shouldn't be a problem IF you have the ivory.... ;D

You guys in the box thread about ready for me to call to discuss your boxes?
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on April 28, 2010, 06:33:03 PM: Quote
Shouldn't be a problem IF you have the ivory.... ;D

You guys in the box thread about ready for me to call to discuss your boxes?

I'll start looking around for some pre-ban ivory.

Re the box, send me a PM when you're ready to move forward on the project. Meanwhile, I'm taking every appellate case thrown my way and working nights on briefs to regain my balance after April 15. 8)
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: kjtrains on April 28, 2010, 06:51:54 PM: I know that April 15th feeling! >:(
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: tracker on April 28, 2010, 07:16:57 PM: The more you make the more you pay; it's the obama way. Next year could hurt more.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: kjtrains on April 28, 2010, 07:40:31 PM: I'm cringing already at the thoughts.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: sdlsaginaw on April 28, 2010, 08:00:49 PM: I'd like someone to duplicate the IDM aluminum grips with the flat hex screws. I had hoped IDM would start making them again, or someone would want to sell theirs to me, but neither has occured yet.

I'm not sure wood is going to work, another forum member was working on these earlier and they fell through. The wood required special processing, and the grips had to be slightly thicker than stock to survive. I believe only one forum member has a set of these wood grips.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on April 28, 2010, 09:41:40 PM: Presumption Richard S is an attorney. I hear you on the obama concern. Don't want to say something too strong, but in my view obama is givng Carter a run for his money as the worst president ever.

He is mandated to protect and defend American citizens and he is having his AG look into the Arizona law against ILLEGAL immigrants? What are we coming to??
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ccoorreeyy on April 28, 2010, 10:07:38 PM: Quote
I'd like someone to duplicate the IDM aluminum grips with the flat hex screws.

Those were / are great grips! Thinner than stock and work really really good. If copied I would buy a set.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on April 28, 2010, 11:35:13 PM: The blueprint of the grips is being made now so the CNC machine can be programmed, as soon as that is completed we will start making some grips. I'm sure the thin Aluminum grips can be duplicated.
Stay tuned.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on April 29, 2010, 10:15:12 AM: Just for the record, being a certified "grip junkie," I will be planning to order sets of grips from both John and "Enigma" once they get their CNC operations up and running. 8)
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: kjtrains on April 29, 2010, 10:54:53 AM: Love those Ivories, I do! :)
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Junior on April 29, 2010, 02:58:54 PM: Thanks John and "Enigma" for your work on this.
I also like the idea of wood. Hope you can get it worked out. Maybe wood laminated over a G10 base would be a possibility?
I would also be in for some green/black or tan/black G10 with checkering or texture.
I like the looks of the G10 grips by Deryk Munroe and VZ Grips:
http://www.munroedesign.com/nowavailable/gizmo_tgrips.htm
http://www.vzgrips.com/index.php/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.browse&category_id=2

Another cool material I’ve seen on knives is Fibermascus. I haven’t contacted him to make sure his ‘in stock’ page is current.
http://www.fibermascus.com/

I like the rag, burlap, and especially the denim Fibermascus shown here:
http://www.fibermascus.com/denim.html

Knifemaker Jens Anso has some good pictures of Fibermascus and other handle materials on his gallery here:
http://www.ansoknives.com/availablegallery.htm

It costs more than G10 but may be another possibility for grip material.
I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on April 29, 2010, 06:59:20 PM: Junior,
Good links and some great pics, one problem with some of the knife handle material they sell is it's not wide enough to make grips for the pup. Many are only 1 1/2" wide, plenty for a knife handle but well short of what's needed for the pups grips.
There are some very interesting materials available, that have some neat patterns and properties to them. We are going to see about making some mag extensions that match the grips, if it's a material that will permit it.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on April 29, 2010, 08:59:35 PM: I like the idea of mag extensions made of the grip material providing they are demure and proportionate to the R9.

I gave away my IDM mag extensions, with the sale of a two tone R9, because I found the IDM's were disproportionate to the R9 and, (for me), provided no shooting enhancement.

Whatever direction John takes in this matter, I believe this string is both relevant and a good "voice of the customer". Speak now or forever hold your piece.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Junior on May 03, 2010, 11:39:17 AM: Thanks John
What size stock would you need to make a pair of grips? (LxWxH)
I’m heading to the ‘Blade’ show in Atlanta next month and they usually have larger sheets of materials there.

Great idea making the extensions match the grips. I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
Thanks again for your work on this.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on May 03, 2010, 01:33:54 PM: Junior:
Good luck at the Blade Show. I am an Honorary Member of the Knifemaker's Guild. I had a lot of fun with knives some years ago which I found a good alternative, as a collector, due to the horrible gun laws of my native state.

Happily, I moved to a pro gun state and enjoy CCW in my adoptive state and 16 others.

Favorite scale material: fossil ivory.
Title: the Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: whkrog on May 03, 2010, 02:00:03 PM: As usual, I have little of interest to provide; but I would like to express appreciation and thanks to DDGator, R9Scarry, theirishguard, yankee2500, tracker, kjtrains, ACP,P7Enigma, Richard S, birdman, ccoorreeyy and all the others who contribute constantly and informatively to this forum.
The help and information provided here is invaluable, and by far the best source for technical data, expert no BS opinions (well, usually) and occasionally some good humor.
Thank you all, sincerely.

PS: ccoorreeyy: the problem with the doubled letters in computer screen input/ouput is often caused by incorrect UNIX-related stty 'echo keyboard character' settings in your terminal emulation setup. This likely could be corrected if needed.
;)
Title: Re: the R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: P7Enigma on May 03, 2010, 03:21:48 PM: Quote
As usual, I have little of interest to provide; but I would like to express appreciation and thanks to DDGator, R9Scarry, theirishguard, yankee2500, tracker, kjtrains, ACP,P7Enigma, Richard S, birdman, ccoorreeyy and all the others who contribute constantly and informatively to this forum.

Thanks for the inclusion in such an elite group but I think the others in your "list" are more qualified and have a much longer standing in this forum...I'm more of the court jester. If you have read my posts on "other" forums, you might change your opinion! ;D

As to another post: If wood grips are desired, we may use "imbedded" aluminum or titanium epoxied on the inside of the grip for strength. We did this on another type pistol with good results. Most concerns regarding wood are the potential for "sweat" intrusion. We were dabbling with different finishes to alleviate this but I guess we would need to get a few sets out there in the field for a so called "beta test". We took one set of grips once and dipped them into a special mixture of cyanoacrylate then buffed them out. They retained the nice wood look with a finish comparison close to a laquer based application, however, they were almost impervious to outside contaminates, stains and oils.

rei...
Title: Re: the R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ccoorreeyy on May 03, 2010, 03:24:56 PM: Quote
PS: ccoorreeyy: the problem with the doubled letters in computer screen input/ouput is often caused by incorrect UNIX-related stty 'echo keyboard character' settings in your terminal emulation setup. This likely could be corrected if needed.
;)

It was just some of the crazyness coming out of my mind when I first joined the forum. The name I wanted was already used so I just doubled it. lol ;D If it were some of that other stuff you mentioned i'm sure I would never figure it out. Thanks anyway!

And thanks for putting me in that group of people too!!!
Title: Re: the R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ccoorreeyy on May 03, 2010, 03:26:36 PM: Quote

I guess we would need to get a few sets out there in the field for a so called "beta test".

Sign me up for a sweaty pocket beta tester!
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: kjtrains on May 03, 2010, 03:43:17 PM: Thanks, whkrog, for the inclusion as well. Continue to post and do it often. Again, thanks!
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on May 03, 2010, 05:18:42 PM: Thank you, "whkrog," for including me in such august company. This Forum seems to attract a distinctly civil group of members.

John and "Enigma," I also would like to know what dimensions of material you calculate you will need for your CNC programs to produce the R9 grips. I'm hot on the trail of some 1/4" pre-ban ivory slabs and some chunks of fossilized mammoth tusk, each about 5" in diameter. I'm also looking at some fossilized mammoth bone (vertebra) which could be interesting.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on May 03, 2010, 06:06:19 PM: Richard,
A 5" diameter piece seems like it may be possible to get both grips from. It would depend on the exact shape of the piece and weather there were any flaws in it. I drew a 5" diameter circle and was able to trace both grips in it, but it would be very close. One grip panel from a piece that size or as small as 4 1/2" would work.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on May 03, 2010, 06:36:25 PM: Thank you, John. That answers my question. Two pieces it will be per set.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on May 03, 2010, 09:27:15 PM: Bravo Richard S. As previously stated, my experience with the custom knife world was such that fossil ivory was my favorite.

The variagation, textures and colors of this materil is stunning.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: P7Enigma on May 04, 2010, 12:00:17 PM: Per John's post...after a qiuck calc in the CAD software it can be done pending any flaws, voids and whatnot inside that we obviously couldn't see until work commenced.

My father was the curator of mammals at Busch Gardens (Tampa) for years and he used to bring home all kinds of "animal fueding souvenirs" or where animal vs fence (horns, tusks, teeth etc) Unfortunately, I do not know what happened to all that stuff.

Tom
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on May 04, 2010, 04:47:48 PM: Quote
Per John's post...after a qiuck calc in the CAD software it can be done pending any flaws, voids and whatnot inside that we obviously couldn't see until work commenced.

My father was the curator of mammals at Busch Gardens (Tampa) for years and he used to bring home all kinds of "animal fueding souvenirs" or where animal vs fence (horns, tusks, teeth etc) Unfortunately, I do not know what happened to all that stuff.

Tom

My CAD has a little different meaning than P7s, i used a 5" diameter Can to draw the circle and placed the grip panels in the circle.
So I guess it is a "Can Aided Drawing"

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: P7Enigma on May 04, 2010, 05:41:13 PM: ;D ;D

BTW John...what is "cheetah" shooting over there? Looks like a P9s...
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on May 04, 2010, 05:54:05 PM: Whatever cheetah is shooting, he never runs out of ammo!

Should his magazine be banned?
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: tracker on May 04, 2010, 05:58:42 PM: Only in New Jersey and California.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on May 04, 2010, 06:14:32 PM: Quote
;D ;D

BTW John...what is "cheetah" shooting over there? Looks like a P9s...

I'm not sure what he's shooting, and he's real touchy if you ask, so I just leave him alone. ;D

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: kjtrains on May 04, 2010, 06:31:53 PM: You're definitely doing the right thing. Don't mess with a chimp with a gun especially while he's firing. ;D
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Junior on May 04, 2010, 06:35:44 PM: Quote
Junior:
Good luck at the Blade Show. I am an Honorary Member of the Knifemaker's Guild. I had a lot of fun with knives some years ago which I found a good alternative, as a collector, due to the horrible gun laws of my native state.
Happily, I moved to a pro gun state and enjoy CCW in my adoptive state and 16 others.
Favorite scale material: fossil ivory.

Thanks ACP, I'm just a collector myself and I don't have as many as I used to, but I still have a few. The Blade show is always a lot of fun.
I really like fossil ivory as well, it's beautiful material.
…..

5" circle it is ... I appreciate the info guys and will see what I can find at the show
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on May 04, 2010, 06:54:32 PM: Junior:

If you see anything at the Atlanta show that is really interesting in pre-ban or fossil ivory and feel like doing it, fire off a PM with description, price, and the amount of your finder's fee. I may not have sealed my deals by then. (Let's hear it for capitalism!) 8)
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on May 04, 2010, 09:34:26 PM: tracker:
touche' and many thanks for your comment as to cheetah's magazine being banned "only in New Jersey and California"

I spent 2 1/2 decades, as a gun owner, in the Prople's Republic of New Jersey and you may recall the posts I have made on various forum strings as to the unbridled joy of having dumped my native state.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: tracker on May 04, 2010, 10:03:37 PM: I do recall them and they were most descriptive, well written, and entertaining.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: tracker on May 04, 2010, 11:08:24 PM: For those venturous souls looking for fossil ivory this story might save some anguish.

http://www.bbowers.com/screwed-oosik.htm
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on May 04, 2010, 11:20:56 PM: All I can say is I hope no has an interest in oosik grips. ;D

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: kjtrains on May 04, 2010, 11:36:25 PM: Hey! What happened to the gun happy chimp? And now letting a child smoke! ;D
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: tracker on May 04, 2010, 11:46:58 PM: New Jersey Gun Control banned the chimp.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: kjtrains on May 04, 2010, 11:54:28 PM: And let a kid smoke! ;D
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on May 05, 2010, 08:09:02 AM: Quote
All I can say is I hope no has an interest in oosik grips. ;D

John

Too small. ;D
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on May 05, 2010, 08:20:04 AM: Actually, I have seen custom knives with oosic scales at knife shows in the USA. Never knew what they were and I'm sorry now that I do.

Canada is not alone in arcane laws. My grandfather was a judge and amatuer ornithologist. He taught my brother and I a love for birds which continues to this day.

However, let's say you are minding your own business and come across a feather dropped, (whatever the circumstance), from our nation's symbol; the Bald Eagle. You have just broken the law if you attempt to keep the feather as a souvenier.

Penalty? You are banished to live in New Jersey. (I would rather face cheetah's wrath).
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: kjtrains on May 05, 2010, 08:37:06 AM: Quote
All I can say is I hope no has an interest in oosik grips. ;D

John

I think you're safe, there, John! ;D
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on May 05, 2010, 10:53:42 AM: Quote
Hey! What happened to the gun happy chimp? And now letting a child smoke! ;D

That is me when I was young, worrying if gun ownership would be legal when I grew up. ;D
(I quit shortly after that was taken)

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: kjtrains on May 05, 2010, 11:00:45 AM: And a good decision you made! ;D
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: theirishguard on May 05, 2010, 12:57:35 PM: I have 3 knives with oosic scales, they yellow with age like ivory. ;D Tom
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Junior on May 05, 2010, 01:15:11 PM: Quote
Junior:

If you see anything at the Atlanta show that is really interesting in pre-ban or fossil ivory and feel like doing it, fire off a PM with description, price, and the amount of your finder's fee. I may not have sealed my deals by then. (Let's hear it for capitalism!) 8)

I'll see what I can find for you Richard and will let you know.
No finder's fee necessary
:)
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on May 05, 2010, 07:16:06 PM: Junior:

Thank you, Sir! You are a gentleman and scholar. Perhaps you will see something of interest at the Atlanta show.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Doug-2 on May 21, 2010, 12:59:09 PM: I have a Chris Reeve Sebenza knife with micarta inserts. I really like the knife, wonder what the micarta grips would be like on an R9 ::)

Doug
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: tracker on May 21, 2010, 01:05:57 PM: Probably pretty good in both aesthetics and function.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on May 21, 2010, 01:59:55 PM: Quote
I have a Chris Reeve Sebenza knife with micarta inserts. I really like the knife, wonder what the micarta grips would be like on an R9 ::)

Doug

Perhaps something like these micartas by Pete Foldyna on my P7:

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/RichardS/hkp7micartagripsdelfattiisp-4hol-2.jpg)
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: JHatmaker on May 21, 2010, 03:19:51 PM: Would damascas be too much trouble (and too expensive) to look at as an option? I've always loved the look of 1911's w/ damascas slides etc. ;D
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on May 21, 2010, 06:53:36 PM: If you have or can get a piece of damascus steel that is large enough to make a pair of grips from, I see no reason it can't be done. Once the machine is programmed and ready to run the grips, it doesn't care if there is aluminum, damascus steel or 24k gold to be machined, as long as you have the proper tool to cut the specific material.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on May 21, 2010, 09:49:06 PM: Recommend the person who wants damascus grips contacts the custom knife world; particularly suppliers of damascus steel used in that industry.

Note: Some custom makers make their own damascus, ususally used for blades, but it cannot hurt to google "custom knife supplies" and refine your search to damascus makers who support makers who do not make their own blades.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Junior on May 21, 2010, 10:55:17 PM: Chad Nichols makes damascus that is used by a lot of knifemakers. I'd recommend stainless damascus.
He only has 2" wide material priced on his website but he should be able to make whatever you need.

http://www.chadnicholsdamascus.com/stainless_damascus
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Doug-2 on May 27, 2010, 10:37:57 PM: Quote

Perhaps something like these micartas by Pete Foldyna on my P7:

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/RichardS/hkp7micartagripsdelfattiisp-4hol-2.jpg)

Very nice, I could go for that.....
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ccoorreeyy on May 27, 2010, 10:52:22 PM: Those are really cool. I wish we were talking about how nice the custom grips are for the R9, it's been long enough.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on May 28, 2010, 09:29:10 AM: Patience, Corey, patience. ;)
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on May 28, 2010, 09:20:13 PM: I hate it when people say that. I'm with Corey
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: whkrog on May 29, 2010, 01:08:49 AM: I am completely holding out for a milled iridium-osmium (or iridium-titanium) alloy for the most temperature -resistant,
chemical-resistant, totally scratch- and wear resistant pistol grip ever made by man. You could dissolve your entire pistol in acid, and the grips would still remain untouched.
An element in the platinum-related series of metals, it's silver-white sheen would go well with all but the Stealth Rohrbaughs, and would be particularly attractive with hard-chrome plated R9's.
Quoting the Wikipedia article:
"Although it is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust, with annual production and consumption of only three tonnes, it has a number of specialized industrial and scientific applications. Iridium is employed when high corrosion resistance at high temperatures is needed, as in spark plugs, crucibles for recrystallization of semiconductors at high temperatures, electrodes for the production of chlorine in the chloralkali process, and radioisotope thermoelectric generators used in unmanned spacecraft."
Well, s**t, how much more exotic do you want your grips to be? :)
Minor problems in that it's virtually unmalleable, hard as h**l ,
doesn't melt until 4471 °F, and costs about the same as platinum, but we've gone pretty far off on the aesthetic theme of this topic, so for fun I thought I'd throw in something that would look terrific, be completely unique, cost a fortune, and that you'd probably have to hire someone associated with NASA to produce. What else could a collector ask for? :)
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on May 29, 2010, 07:44:16 AM: whkrog:
Funny post and well documented but it doesn't get the job done. My interpretation of Corey's post was that it is time to get down to specifics, as to what custom grips will become available, to which I added my own impatience. (If patience is a virtue I am in trouble).

The sponsor of this string is a good man, in my experience, and there must be a reasonable delay. Having said that, I hope, like many of us, that John's efforts will bear fruit and we will actually find out what custom grips will be available, how much they will cost and how long it will take for delivery after we forward our prepaid checks for the grips.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: whkrog on May 29, 2010, 11:05:09 AM: Sorry, the misguided attempt was only to be humorous. It will indeed be interesting to find out -- when all is said, done, and tested -- what grips will turn out to be both possible and functional, and the same time aesthetically pleasing. The latter part, or course, gets into the matter of personal taste.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on May 29, 2010, 11:50:29 AM: Well I haven't been ignoring the post or trying to dodge the issue, I have been searching for a good supply of iridium-osmium, and can't seem to find the quantity I require. ;D ;D

   Seriously though, we are working on getting some more mag extension back in stock right now. The machinist is swamped with work, many shops have laid off workers and sold equipment, and this has created more work for the remaining shops, good for them from a financial stand point, but bad for production delivery times. He was also waiting for the blue prints on the grips, and they are also backed up.
   My guy has been putting in fifty to sixty a week at the business, and putting in more hours at his home shop, he told me a few days ago he only had six hours sleep in three days. :o He was working at home till 3AM and then leaving for work at 6AM.
  I hope to touch base with him this weekend and have an update on both projects.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Rich_G on May 29, 2010, 12:03:14 PM: Thanks fo the update John.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: kjtrains on May 29, 2010, 12:09:04 PM: John. I'll second that. Looks like you've been busy as well.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on May 29, 2010, 06:30:54 PM: Third! Thanks for the update.

Also, whkrog: I didn't mean to seem rude or dismissive. Your post was both funny and clever.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ccoorreeyy on June 29, 2010, 11:11:58 PM: John, any luck yet?
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on June 30, 2010, 12:36:34 AM: I am going tomorrow to pick up some more takedown tools, and will see were we are on the mag extension order, and see what progress has been made on the grips. I wish I possessed the equipment and ability to make them, because having to rely on others sucks. It's very frustrating to me, being a small order customer, and having to wait for an opening to run the parts.
I'll post my findings tomorrow, weather encouraging or disappointing.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ccoorreeyy on June 30, 2010, 08:37:46 AM: Thanks John.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: yankee2500 on June 30, 2010, 02:31:13 PM: We had to reschedule our meeting for today until next week, I picked up the tools but couldn't talk with the machinist today.
I will post next week after I have spoken with him.

John
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on June 30, 2010, 03:25:59 PM: Wasn't the guy who originated the statement "patience is a virtue" a machinist?
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: tracker on June 30, 2010, 03:56:21 PM: That is one reason I am not a machinist or a mechanic.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: P7Enigma on June 30, 2010, 04:52:38 PM: project managers are worse....

if its any consulation...we can now cut grips here from just about anything but glass....Prototyping / precision bed CNC router now up and running ;) I have been away from the shop off and on for the past three weeks due to a multitude of reasons but my cohort says it does amazing things...
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on June 30, 2010, 05:57:02 PM: I reported to a lot of project managers and they varied, in my experience. They could make or break your day and, over time, they did just that.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on July 01, 2010, 10:44:21 AM: Might this gentleman represent that proverbial "one exception which proves the rule" with regard to project managers?

http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/kelly1.htm

8)
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: K-Man on July 01, 2010, 11:20:58 AM: For those wanting damascus steel for the grips, you might take a look at Alabama Damascus Steel. He offers different patterns, thickness, and widths. The average price for a piece that would be large enough is $160. You should be able to get at least two sets out of a slab. In addition, they'll make a custom size for you. Their website is www.alabamadamascussteel.com. Brad Vice is a great person to deal with.

With respect to the choice of wood - our testing, and ultimate success with making the grips, showed that all woods are not going to work. There were other steps/processes we did in the making of the grips that ensured our success.

RichardS - if you're still looking for ivory, let me know. I have a source who most likely has elephant ivory in large enough pieces to facilitate grips.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: ACP on July 01, 2010, 11:24:25 AM: Richard:

You the man! I supported Lockheed endeavors, in my aerospace career, and your guy's legacy is (rightfully) #1.

If "legend" is to have any meaning, Kelly Johnson is that man.
Title: Re: R9 Custom Grip options
Post by: Richard S on July 01, 2010, 12:03:10 PM: Kevin:

PM sent.