Altamont Grips Anyone?

S

Shadi Khalil

New member
UPDATE BELOW

Anyone have any experience with Altamont grips? I wanted a pair of smooth black wood grips for my Vaquero and ordered a set from Altamont on a whim. I usually do a little research before ordering anything but for $42 shipped I thought I'd take a chance. The only thing I don't like about my Vaquero is the cheese grater stock grips, I'm hoping these will be the final touch of perfection.
 
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I have one set, and have owned another. They're reallly great quality. They make some of the stocks for S&W. Their remaking the "coke bottle" style stocks for the N frame "Classics".

I think they fit my hands nicely.
 
Dennis,

Now that I've begun my after purchase research, I'm realizing they are a pretty big outfit. I knew I recognized the name but I'm surprised I'd never really heard of them.
 
Altamont has made stocks for a long time. These revolvers wear Altamont grips. (These are both Ladysmiths. They came from the factory with Altamont grips)
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Same Revolvers, different Altamont Grips.
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I'm pleased with mine...

So far only two pairs; S&W 640 & 624. Both bonded ivory. The 640 is one of my favorite cc guns and these grips are a perfect fit and feel great.

altamontgrips_2sm.jpg
 
Arkie,

Those are nice revolvers and grips. I think I also ordered the bonded ivory but in black. I wish the stock grips worked for me, I really like the look of them with Ruger emblem and all.
 
Bear Claw, very nice, thanks for posting. I was really torn between the ivory and black. I was thinking I might call and change my order but it will probably just be easier to buy another pair.
 
None other than Jim March recommended them to me as replacements for the cheese grater grips on my 50th Anniversary Blackhawk. I was (and am) very happy with them.

(And this reminds me that I owe Mr. March photos)
 
I purchased two sets, one for my Ruger SP101 (wood inserts for rubber grips)and one for my Ruger Mark III. Both sets are very attractive and reasonably priced. HOWEVER, there were problems with both, which I was able to remedy on my own.

With the SP101, the thickness of the inserts was not enough to come up flush with the rubber part of the grip. I sent them back, but the replacements still lacked the appropriate thickness. So, I stopped by a local hobby shop and bought a sheet of relatively thick plastic. Kind of like what is sometimes used as looseleaf binder covers. In any case, I cut a couple of pieces of plastic to shape, punched screw holes, and now they look great. Shouldn't have had to do it, but it worked!

With the Ruger Mark III, the screw holes did not quite match up with the screw holes in the frame. I could tighten one screw on each side, but the other wouldn't screw in. I found that by patiently enlarging each hole in the replacement grips (using the tip of a flathead screwdriver), eventually I was able to get both screws to work. They just needed a bit more wiggle room, I guess.

They now look and feel great. Just took some work on my part.
 
Aguila Blanca said:
None other than Jim March recommended them to me as replacements for the cheese grater grips on my 50th Anniversary Blackhawk. I was (and am) very happy with them.

(And this reminds me that I owe Mr. March photos)
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I was reading a old thread I had started about wanting a SA revolver and in that thread jim also recommended Altamont to me. I knew I had heard about them from a reputable source :)

Bear claw,

Is there any difference in size between the wood grips and the factory ones? I wouldn't complain about a bit more swell.
 
Shadi Kahlil said:
Bear claw,

Is there any difference in size between the wood grips and the factory ones? I wouldn't complain about a bit more swell.
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Yes, the Altamont grips are a little bit thicker than the factory black plastic ones.
 
Update :

I got my grips from Altamont and I must say, I'm pretty disappointed so far.

First let me say I was very pleased with the communications and quick shipping. I ordered on sunday, received an email confirming my order Monday, then another letting me know my grips shipped Monday evening and received my grips today.


Problem#1

I opened the box and much to my dismay, the wrong color grips were shipped. I had ordered pure black grips (i can't remember the name) and was sent a black and faux pearl colored set of grips. The dismay did last long after setting them in place on the gun (no screws yet) and realizing they looked pretty cool. Also, I figured I'd be ordering some more considering the fast shipping, what seemed like good quality and a great price. I made the choice to keep them and got the screw driver out.

Problem #2

The grips came with 3 screws and right off I noticed that none of them matched the original screw from the stock grips. The Altamont supplied screws had more threading than the original screw and none seemed to be the same size. I tried them all any ways and none of them fit. They were either too fat, too short or too long.


Problem #3

After trying the screw I decided to box them up and send them back. When I pulled the grip off the gun, I noticed that the area where the screw would pass through had broken off (see pictures). When I tried the three screws I very careful and didn't try to force any of them in.


I immediately called Altamont and spoke with Doug who told me to send them in for a replacement. Quite honestly I'm a little put off by the whole series of events and don't know if I want the replacements. That's probably the frustration talking and if they get it right this time I'll probably keep them. Sorry about the long winded post, pics below..

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Shadi,
Return the grips and Altamont will make it right. I had a set for my Charter Arms Bulldog that needed some adjustment. I over-sanded the grips and screwed them up. I called Altamont and explained what I did and they told me to return them and promptly sent replacements even though the screw up was my fault. I have these on 5 different revolvers and can't recommend them highly enough, although none of mine are SA's. I hope you have better luck with your next set.
 
Looking at the pics, maybe something happened to the grip when they set the threaded barrel and it cracked the grip. I hope you are happy with your replacements. Nothing dolls up and personalizes a gun like non-factory grips.
 
dallascj said:
Looking at the pics, maybe something happened to the grip when they set the threaded barrel and it cracked the grip. I hope you are happy with your replacements. Nothing dolls up and personalizes a gun like non-factory grips.
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Thats what I was thinking too. Your right about the dolling up, even though I got the wrong grips I still loved the way they looked. They also add just the right amount of thickness making it feel perfect in my hands. I'll post some pics once I get my replacements.
 
I have a couple of sets of Altamonts. My last set purchased were conversion rd to sq FG for my S&W 617. Fit is outstanding and the workmanship is first rate. Mine are in their "Super Rosewood" color and they came with 3 different length of screws. Very nice grips.
 
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