Tru Ivory availability

[eisenhower]

I notice that both Midway and Brownells have discontinued most (if not all) Tru Ivory (Bar S) grips. Anyone know why? Was there a quality issue that I need to know about before I try to have a set made by Bar S?

Thanks,
DeWayne

[olddoc]

I have a two piece set on my USFA Gunslinger as well as a set on one of my 1911's. No problems with either.

[CraigC]

Might be best to call Bar S and ask them. If they tell you to send your grip frame for fitting, I'd say all is well.

[eisenhower]

I'm actually a grip maker myself, Craig, I've e-mailed asking if they'd sell me blanks needed to make a one-piece style grip. No response as yet.

[CraigC]

Don't depend on email, call them.

[jimmartin]

Feb 7, 2013 2:00:47 GMT -5 eisenhower said:

I'm actually a grip maker myself, Craig, I've e-mailed asking if they'd sell me blanks needed to make a one-piece style grip. No response as yet.

Unless he's changed his policy since he started the business he won't sell grip material because that's how he makes his living by making grips,but he would sell material for knife handles.

[caryc]

Many many years ago, I contacted them about buying some grip blanks from them. They would sell the grip blanks but the price was so high that it was not a profitable venture for me.

Of course I don't blame them. As jim said above that's how he makes his living. I don't know what their policy is now.

Never actually seen a pair of Tru Ivory grips in person but hear good things about them.

[eisenhower]

To be honest, I just don't like someone (other than me) fitting grips to my guns. I've had known gripmakers put minor scratches and scuffs on the grip frame in the process of fitting (have also done so myself), and I'd rather do it myself than someone else to it. I can control how slow and methodical I am (after years of learning self-restraint) but I can't control someone else.

Besides that, I just enjoy it.

[CraigC]

There's certainly nothing wrong with that but in this case, availability of your preferred material may be an issue. Of course, you could always take that plunge and make some out of the real thing.

[eisenhower]

True. I think the thing that would stop me from working on real ivory is that sickening smell of the dentist drilling into a tooth. Makes me want to gag. I have no idea what Tru Ivory smells like when sanded, cut, etc., but it can't be worse than the real thing ... (or maybe it can!)

[targetshootr]

The last time I emailed them I had made my own out of holly by the time they replied.

[justahunter]

I emailed them a few months ago and received a reply to my question. When I called 3 weeks ago no one answered and no one returned my call like the message said they would. Called ~ 1 week ago and am still waiting for a reply.

[eisenhower]

Hmm ... sounds like I'd better start considering Plan B then ...

Thanks for the info.

[eisenhower]

Brownells told me today that "The factory advised they could no longer supply any of them in a timely manner last December 2012."

Sounds like there are significant problems at Bar S.

[caryc]

Feb 7, 2013 16:00:31 GMT -5 eisenhower said:

To be honest, I just don't like someone (other than me) fitting grips to my guns. I've had known gripmakers put minor scratches and scuffs on the grip frame in the process of fitting (have also done so myself), and I'd rather do it myself than someone else to it. I can control how slow and methodical I am (after years of learning self-restraint) but I can't control someone else.

Besides that, I just enjoy it.

Believe it or not, there are actually some grip makers that can fit a pair of grips without scratching up your grip frame. But I guess you think they are not as talented as you.