The M1911 Pistols Organization Forums Site

Deadman

21st March 2009, 19:13

all right.

ever order a custom pistol, or any pistol you had to wait for and then start buying things for it before you had the gun in hand...?
it's just a way to ease the frustration of waiting...

Esmeralda grips

got 'em ?
like 'em ?
worth the money ?

fit and finish comments.
pictures appreciated.

Joni Lynn

21st March 2009, 19:23

I've bought a bunch of her 1911 grips and they're pretty nice.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/Joni_Lynn/SCGCB.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/Joni_Lynn/SpaltedGoldCupL.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/Joni_Lynn/lgcolt2.jpg

TonyW

21st March 2009, 23:41

Yeah, Joni seems to snap up the really nice ones just before I decide to order. I have about 4 Esmeralda grips and they are great in fit and everything. (Oh, and Joni, I haven't forgotten about the pics I promised you - just haven't gotten around to taking them yet).

Joni Lynn

21st March 2009, 23:54

I haven't bought any for a good while. I used to go to her site from the link that used to be here. Now I rarely remember to check for new grips.
I guess I have enough grips for now.

OD*

21st March 2009, 23:56

I've been quite pleased with Esmeralda's stocks.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb274/OD1911/RetroBaer6.jpg

Joni Lynn

22nd March 2009, 00:01

That's really sharp looking, good choice of grips for it.

OD*

22nd March 2009, 00:07

Thank you Ma'am, you have some beautiful wood yourself.

Joni Lynn

22nd March 2009, 00:10

You know the old saying, "life's too short to shoot an ugly gun".

Darklon

22nd March 2009, 00:48

Esmeralda grips

Yes
Yes
Yes

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt8/Darklon_photos/CBOB1.jpg

El Gato

22nd March 2009, 01:26

I've been quite pleased with Esmeralda's stocks.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb274/OD1911/RetroBaer6.jpg

I have an identical pair going on an almost identical gun.. my Volkmann but I have to trim the stocks a bit so that ths safety will clear... it's a custom gun and I am not suprised... with a stock safety not a problem... the ivorywood looks awesome... we will see how it holds up... Esmeralda told me to put beeswax on them before I carry it... I am waiting to get some before modifying the stock to clear the safety...Love the look...

Deadman

22nd March 2009, 08:15

all, thanks for the pictures.

those are some beautiful pistols, and the grips only enhance them more.

glad to see that I chose good quality, fit and finish. especially since I already own two pair and don't even have the pistol in hand.
it's nice to see her grips on pistols, instead of just side by side on her site.
though I understand why she does it.

Joni, what is the piece in the third picture ? very nice.

DuckRyder

22nd March 2009, 10:03

Add me to her happy customers.

:D

http://home.att.net/~duckryder/O2991EsmeraldaW.jpg

http://home.att.net/~duckryder/O5070X.jpg

Rio Vista Slim

22nd March 2009, 12:08

Unlike my friend Dogdollar, who started a thread about some "hideous" stocks he put on a Les Baer pistol, I went the opposite direction when I purchased some thin stocks from Esmeralda recently. (Sorry Tim. I didn't mean to "dogpile" on you about those stocks.... :D :D )

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_3007.jpg

The stainless pistol on the bottom is a current production Colt's Series 70. I replaced the original arched mainspring housing with a checkered Wilson part, and ordered these thin cocobolo grips, bushings, and hex-head screws from Esmeralda. Everything was an outstandingly perfect fit, and the half-checkered design of the stocks allows a good gripping surface. This pistol, so configured, has recently become my prime carry gun, due to the way it feels in my hand.

Deadman

22nd March 2009, 12:10

I notice that your bobtail the lower mainspring pin is visible.
this is one thing her site claims to not show w/ the bobtail grips.
I am wondering if your grips were ordered as full size and modified or were they bobtail cut from the start ?

Joni Lynn

22nd March 2009, 12:53

Thanks.
The third one is Desert Ironwood grips on a series 70 Gov't that Bob Rodgers built for me. Wonderful accuracy and 100% reliability. There's more pics of it on his site on the second page of gun photos.

Deadman

22nd March 2009, 15:14

beautiful, simply beautiful.

Joni Lynn

22nd March 2009, 15:20

Thanks. The best thing is that it shoots better than it looks.

Ottoshmotto

22nd March 2009, 18:09

You know the old saying, "life's too short to shoot an ugly gun".

Old or not...I like that saying! On the other hand...it directly causes bank account diminishment

Joni Lynn

22nd March 2009, 18:25

Yes it does. I think I've purchased about a dozen of her 1911 grips.

Darklon

22nd March 2009, 19:44

On the bobtail,you are correct Darkman. The grips were fullsize and then cut for the bobtail. Darklon

A.B.

22nd March 2009, 23:34

Here are some ebony stocks:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t316/gordonsorensen/flat/Defender.jpg

And coco:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t316/gordonsorensen/MKIVcontrol2.jpg

dogdollar

23rd March 2009, 01:26

Unlike my friend Dogdollar, who started a thread about some "hideous" stocks he put on a Les Baer pistol, I went the opposite direction when I purchased some thin stocks from Esmeralda recently.

Best laugh I have had all day, Steve....Thanks !!!
Here are some more of Esmeralda's finest. Enjoy.
DD

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/6401glendale/Gun%20Stuff/SCG2.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/6401glendale/Gun%20Stuff/CC.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/6401glendale/Gun%20Stuff/DocH_RtSd.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/6401glendale/Gun%20Stuff/CCGN.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/6401glendale/Gun%20Stuff/DSC013352.jpg

Frank

23rd March 2009, 01:57

A.B.

23rd March 2009, 02:16

In truth, and as demonstrated above, our friend DD has excellent taste in fine hardwood stocks. As to the thread he started, that Slim referred to, I think DD just likes to give us palpitations from time to time.

DVCExcellent taste in firearms, too. That "Doc Holiday" Baer/Harrison bobtail gives me palpitations.

John

23rd March 2009, 05:57

Esmeralda grips?

YES

By all means!

Deadman

23rd March 2009, 09:49

dogdollar

23rd March 2009, 12:30

well I can see there are certainly Esmeralda fans, and with all these fine pistols and beautiful photos I have made a good choice.

Dogdollar's Baer Bobtail has me absolutely salivating as it most resembles my soon to be...

though I asked for this, I must admit this thread has done little to alleviate the pain and suffering of waiting.

picture this...
a lonely man late at night sitting at his desk.
a single lamp illuminates the desktop, as he sits there elbows on desk chin in hand staring at his grips.
trying to will his pistol into them.

sad, very sad...

Aw, c'mon, Dead - could be worse. At least you have one on the horizon.

I ordered another one last summer that I don't expect to see until September or so of this year, but it should REALLY be worth the wait. I find that having one on order helps me to not make all of the impulse buys I used to make.

And here's another little nugget for you, it gives you an excuse to cruise Esmeralda's site every day, looking for that absolutely perfect set of grips. They change all the time, you know, and the grips you see are exactly the ones that you get.

Cheers,
DD

Deadman

23rd March 2009, 12:58

dogdollar

23rd March 2009, 13:24

well DD you're right, it could be worse.

I don't know what you have on order, but that's a long wait. surely it will be worth it.

like I said that bobtail is one sweet pistol. got anymore gun porn to help me through my jones ?

Depends on what you like. I may be able to help.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/6401glendale/Gun%20Stuff/Collection-3.jpg
:lm:
DD

Deadman

23rd March 2009, 16:22

but I am still liking that Baer bobber.

what's the two tone with the Browning cut bottom right ?
sweet.

but I am not gonna get accussed of thread drift am I ?

( probably not, it's my thread...)

A.B.

23rd March 2009, 16:54

but I am still liking that Baer bobber.

what's the two tone with the Browning cut bottom right ?
sweet.

but I am not gonna get accued of thread drift am I ?

( probably not, it's my thread...)Definitely not from me, even if it weren't. That is quite a pistol!

98_1LE

23rd March 2009, 17:12

No pictures online, but there is one of a nice pair of Esmeralda's pressed up against me right now. :p

Deadman

23rd March 2009, 17:44

very tacticly put...

A.B.

23rd March 2009, 17:48

Tactically tactile. :D

dogdollar

23rd March 2009, 18:46

but I am still liking that Baer bobber.

what's the two tone with the Browning cut bottom right ?
sweet.

but I am not gonna get accussed of thread drift am I ?

( probably not, it's my thread...)

It's a Briley Limited Advantage, built by Paul Liebenberg of Pistol Dynamics (note the beavertail).
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/6401glendale/Gun%20Stuff/HP1.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/6401glendale/Gun%20Stuff/HP2.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/6401glendale/Gun%20Stuff/LftSd.jpg

If you're interested, I know where three are right now, brand spanking new.
Here's some more Doc porn:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/6401glendale/Gun%20Stuff/JHCollection2.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/6401glendale/Gun%20Stuff/JHCollection1.jpg

Enjoy !!

DD

Deadman

23rd March 2009, 19:15

that is a very nice piece, and I see we have something else in common.
THE MoCo.

however, as nice as your others are it's that Baer bobber for me still. it just flows, the grain in the stocks...everything. more than the sum of it's parts. nothing overwhelms. class.

the Browning cut Briley is sweet and I appreciate the offer to reveal your source.
however, just having placed a deposit w/ balance due on my first custom pistol a, Volkmann, I am afraid two pistols is all I have need or room for.

now another Harley ?
maybe.

dakota1911

26th March 2009, 17:44

I had great luck with her in getting some Desert Ironwood grips for my Special Combat Gov. She sent me an email when she had some in stock. What follows is not the best photography.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/spg_2br.jpg

I also put some of her grips on my Grand Raptor.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/kimber1b.jpg

An 80s series GCNM. Believe me that is my fault shooting 6 rounds at 25 yards. The pistol will do better.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/colt_gp2r.jpg

I also put some of her grips on a Colt XSE LW Commander.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/xse_ar.jpg

I have nothing but good things to say about the grips I bought from her company and how she conducts her business.

Rio Vista Slim

26th March 2009, 19:48

I have nothing but good things to say about the grips I bought from her company and how she conducts her business.

dakota1911,

I couldn't agree with you more!

While everyone on this site has always seen my Colts adorned with medallion stocks, when it came time to alter my stainless Series 70 to fit my hand better, Esmeralda was the only game in town.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_3014.jpg

After putting these slim grips on my pistol, I wrote a short note to Esmeralda, thanking her for the quality of the stocks, and the stainless bushings and screws that I included with my order.

She graciously answered my e-mail, and I am looking forward to doing business with her again in the future.

Deadman

27th March 2009, 09:24

more wood.

I received the two pair I ordered from Emeralda for my Volkmann which is on being built. I must say they do not disappoint.

they are simply...
stunning.

I would post pictures, but better to wait until they adorn the pistol.
until then it's sort of like looking at lingerie without a woman wearing it.

thank you all for the pictures.

1911-GATOR

27th March 2009, 14:12

Didn't see your thread until just now - here are mine in black & white ebony - perfect fit, finish and better looking than the photos.

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/1911-GATOR/Kimber003.jpg

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/1911-GATOR/Kimber004.jpg

Deadman

27th March 2009, 15:32

very nice.

98_1LE

28th March 2009, 18:43

No pictures online, but there is one of a nice pair of Esmeralda's pressed up against me right now. :p
The other Esmeralda can be seen in this photo:
http://i43.tinypic.com/2luut5t.jpg
Upper left in a Brommeland holster.

John

29th March 2009, 08:24

The other Esmeralda can be seen in this photo:

What? Esmeralda has a sister? Where can I see.... her picture??? :p

Deadman

29th March 2009, 08:56

Esmeralda and her sister...

now that would be a pair to draw to.

silverwolff

11th April 2009, 14:30

I've been quite pleased with Esmeralda's stocks.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb274/OD1911/RetroBaer6.jpg

Nice grips ! Are they one of a kind? I didn't see them offered on her web site .

dogdollar

11th April 2009, 15:12

No pictures online, but there is one of a nice pair of Esmeralda's pressed up against me right now. :p

Holy double entendre, Batman !!!!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/6401glendale/Robin.jpg
:lm: :lm: :lm:

OD*

11th April 2009, 15:14

Thank you, Sir.

They're sorta one of a kind, I asked her to leave off the Celtic checking, leaving just the Celtic Cross (I don't even see the original Celtic Cross stocks offered). She would make you a set just like these at no extra cost.

MikeyB

11th April 2009, 21:16

Add me to her happy customers.

:D

http://home.att.net/~duckryder/O2991EsmeraldaW.jpg

http://home.att.net/~duckryder/O5070X.jpg

After seeing these I want to ditch the Pachmayrs on my original series 70. Those are sexy!!

MikeyB