Any experience with Eagle grips

J

j-framer

New member
Hello Friends,

I am planning on buying a pair of Eagle Secret Service checkered ebony revolver grips for my S&W 640-3 in the near future.

Although a search of TFL didn't turn up much information about Eagle, my research elsewhere uncovered a large number of negative reviews from very dissatisfied customers. Most of the complaints related to the fit (or lack of it) of Eagle's wood grips.

A savvy buyer would probably turn his back at this point, but the appeal of ebony is so great that I'm thinking of forging ahead anyway and risking the $100.00 on something that may not fit. Although I work extensively with many woods (scratch-built ship models) and can therefore fit them myself, I would rather not go through the hassle, particularly at this price.

Could anyone relate his/her Eagle grip experiences or share any reliable quality control information about Eagle?

Thanks ahead of time,
Fearful in Massachusetts ;)
 
The one and only pair of grips I bought from them did not fit my gun well. The factory grips were much better. I sent them back.
 
j-framer,

I'm 2 for 6 with Eagle grips.

A couple of Christmas's ago I treated myself to 3 pair (SP-101, J frame, and Tomcat) ordered directly from Eagle. The SP grips had significant fore and aft movement after installation. The J frame grips were not inletted properly and would not fit on any of the 4 J-frames on hand. The Tomcat grips also were not inletted for the long safety, dispite discussion on that point when placing the order. Result? All sent back and 45 days of phone tag to get my credit card refund. To add insult to injury, no remimbursement of the shipping costs either way.

I've got 2 keepers, recently purchased from a gunshop, that I was able to try on the guns that ended up wearing them. However, A third pair for a Taurus Snubbie purchased at the same time, cracked under recoil after 20 rounds or so, (Dealer took them back).

If you get a good pair, they are really nice. But my experience is that the quality control leaves much to be desired at this time.

You would be wise to remain "Fearful in Massachusetts". :D
 
I bought a set of "Gunfighter" grips for my Bis-hawk project. They were back ordered for months, and when they finally came in they were quite undersized for my frame. They went on okay, just looked like they had been shrunk a bit in all dimensions.

I used them for a while then replaced them with Ruger factory grips. They are collecting dust in my parts bin now.

Joe
 
I bought two pair of Heritage grips for my N-frame revolvers. Both needed minor fitting adjustments, accomplished with file and sandpaper. I don't expect every gun frame to be exactly alike, so I didn't get my knickers in a twist about it. I'm happy with the results.
N-Frames.jpg
 
Darn, that is discouraging. It seems that, from both your collective comments and the other opinions I've heard, there are actually more negative reviews than positive ones out there! :eek: Even with very poor quality control, usually a manufacturing operation can break 50% on the satisfaction scale. At this rate, how are they staying afloat?

I've heard all sorts of scuttlebutt about Eagle, including the rumor that the grips are manufactured in India (not necessarily bad, but a homegrown product would be preferred...).

I'm kind of in a dilemma here, because:

Spegels are exquisite, but nearly unobtainable at present
Ahrends have excellent fit/finish reputation, but appear to be un-ergonomically shaped
Nill I don't know anything about and there isn't a lot of info out there
Hogue--well, maybe that's an option

In addition, none of the above makers, I believe (with the exception of Spegel custom orders), offer ebony. Maybe I'll stop being picky and go with checkered wood Hogues.
 
Oh great! I just dropped a USPS MO in the mail yesterday for a set of Ultra Ivorys for my Ruger New Vaquero. :eek:
Hope I'm lucky.
 
My experience is limiter to one pair that I put on a 2" Smith Kit Gun. Fit, finish and design were supurbe. I wish I had thought ahead and kept them when I sold the gun. Maybe I was one of the fortunate few........Essex
 
I bought a pair of combat grooved checkered rosewood grips for my GP100. One word: JUNK! They were a horrible fit. For that kind of money, there is no excuse! The grips come in 2 halfs and when you put them together, the finger grooves didn't line up at all.

I have one suggestion for you: Hogue! They have superb wood grips. They are one piece and look and feel fantastic. These are the exact grips that replaced my Eagle Grips:

http://www.hogueinc.com/getgrip/merchant.ihtml?pid=3391&lastcatid=391&step=4

Awesome grips! Here is a link to the online store:

http://www.hogueinc.com/getgrip/merchant.ihtml

Hope that helps.
 
I bought a set of Heritage grips for my S&W 686 Plus. Shipment was slow, but the grips are really nice and fit well. After, I ordered them, I found out for $35 more you can get them with the S&W logo:( . I have a pair of Ahrends as well, and they are very nice, but I like the feel of the Eagles better.

John
 
I have bought a few sets of Eagle grips. They are expensive and none of them fit right out of the box. I had to do some inletting and some sanding to get them right. But for some guns and grip styles ("secret service" style for Ruger Speed Six) Eagle is the only game in town.

On the other hand, Hogue grips have always fit perfectly, and in my experience they are even more beautiful with better quality wood. And if you go to www.hogueauction.com you can get factory 2nds that are excellent for great prices.

For a J-frame boot grip, you might also try Craig Spegel. No website, but his grips are REALLY nice and fit right the first time.
spegelad.jpg
 
I appreciate having all of you take the time to respond.

I really don't know what the upshot will be here; if I end up risking the purchase, I will let you know what transpires when the grips reach me. Sounds like I can expect to get my miniature gouge set out, at the very least.

Thanks again.
 
I have bought three pairs of grips from Eagle Grips. I didn't have a problem with any of them and they turned out beautiful! My only problem with them is that I couldn't afford the Stag or American Elk grips for my SP101!!!
This is a set of Ebony Secret Service for my SP101
IMG_4706.jpg

This was a set of Rosewood Secret Service on my previous SP101
rugersp101.jpg

This is a beautiful set of Ebony grips for my Walther PPK/s
Waltherppks.jpg


I might also suggest grips 4 guns and Ahrend grips
www.grips4guns.com for my SW 642
sw642.jpg

Morado fingergrips for my SW 10-8 (Ahrend grips)
IMG_4692.jpg

IMG_4691.jpg

www.ahrendsgripsusa.com
 
The Eagle Secret Service grips on my CA Bulldog aren't a perfect fit, but they are well worth the money. I wouldn't have any other grip on my pocket CCW.
IM001087.jpg
 
Here is my 686 Plus with the Eagle grips. I think both the Eagle and Ahrends look great, but like the way the Eagles feel.


Dsc05547small-1.jpg


John
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top