Nothing adds the
finishing touch to a nice custom sixgun like a good set of
custom stocks. Whether you prefer to call them grips, stocks, or
just plain handles, just about every shooter agrees that a fine
looking set of gun-holders really makes a good gun better. Also,
nothing effects the handling and recoil qualities of a handgun
as much as the stocks. It is, after all, the part that you hang
onto as you touch off that well-aimed shot, and the part that
most effects the pointing abilities of a revolver.
Every sixgun comes
from the factory with at least a serviceable set of stocks
attached to the grip frame, but they are sized and shaped to fit
the average hand, whatever that means. Just a subtle change in
the shape or texture of the stocks can greatly effect the
shooter’s ability to accurately and comfortably place
the shot. Most factory stocks, I have found, are too thick near
the bottom of the grip, adversely effecting the feel and recoil
qualities of the sixgun. To my hand, stocks that are thinner
than usual at the bottom greatly improve the pointing qualities
of a sixgun, and aid in recoil control.
I suppose that for
pure functionality, a shooter could rasp a set of serviceable
and comfortable stocks from a piece of plywood sub floor, but we
all know that stocks are much more than pure function. The fact
is that a great looking set of stocks, no matter the material of
choice, really adds substantially to the enjoyment and pride of
owning and shooting a good sixgun. I like stocks made of horn,
tusk, antler, and many different exotic and domestic woods. I
like just about anything but plastic for the handle of a
revolver. I can’t tolerate anything fake on a good
single-action revolver. On a double-action, I will accept a good
set of Hogue rubber for function, but for anything that must
also look good, I’ll take genuine stag or a nice piece of
wood. Today’s shooters have many choices when it comes to
purchasing a set of replacement stocks for a favorite handgun.
Most off-the-shelf stocks will give a decent fit on the grip
frame, but for a perfect fit that adds to both beauty and feel,
a custom-fitted set is to be preferred.
One of the newest
and best custom stock makers, SK Custom Grips, is the
subject of this article. SK is the brand of custom stock maker Scott
Kolar. He is a one-man shop in Pennsylvania that specializes
in unusual and beautiful woods, but also works with stag and
other materials. His stocks are truly custom, one-at-a-time
propositions, carefully fitted to the customer’s frame if so
desired.
I recently sent to
Scott the grip frame from an old .357 Ruger Flattop to be fitted
with a set of stocks made from highly figured burl mesquite
wood. Most mesquite is rather plain, but Scott assured me
that his material was highly figured and very unusual. When the
package arrived, I was not disappointed to say the least. The
mesquite that Scott used on the Ruger grip frame is the most
beautiful piece of that wood that I have ever seen. The grain
pattern has swirls and figure running in every direction, quite
unlike any that I have seen before, with varying shades from tan
to brown, and a couple of very dark spots that add greatly to
the character of the stocks, and the beauty of the gun.
The stocks, besides
being made from superior material, show expert care and
craftsmanship in the execution of the finished product. They
were carefully and precisely fitted to my grip frame, and
finished with a subdued satin sheen that is both aesthetically
pleasing and comfortable to hold. Scott’s design dispenses
with the customary bevel used by most stock makers at the bottom
of the grips, resulting in a better feel and greater
pointability in my hand. The stocks are also a bit thinner at
the bottom than the factory stocks, again adding to the overall
comfort of the grip. Viewing the photos shows these differences
better than words can describe.
SK Custom Grips has
many different woods from which Scott can execute a beautiful
set of custom stocks. Scott will even use wood supplied by the
customer, if desired. He will add custom touches to the stocks,
such as recessed cartridge case heads, at the customer’s
request. His turn-around time is quick and the quality is first
class. Check out SK’s website at: http://www.skgrips.com/
Jeff Quinn
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