Where to get cheap 1911 scales?
 

I am planning on making 1911 pistol scales out of exotic woods and maybe out of antler later and need a model. I want it as cheap as possible as long as it is dimensionally accurate. Anyone know a good source?

Being clueless about 1911, if there are different sizes/patterns, I would appreciate help on what to start with as well.

It potentially will become another (financially dangerous) hobby :( :o but not sure yet until I tried and see if I liked it.

Thank you. :)

I have a set of Hogue rubber grips that are standard size for a Full size 1911 or Commander. If you'd like them, PM me your address and I'll drop them in the mail.

You might try something like the plastic models that gun stores use to display Hogue grips.
There are different sizes and patterns. Standard 5" Government model 1911s usually all have the same grips.
Then you have the Bobtail 1911s, Commander 1911s, 3" sub-compact.
Don't forget about the "sort of" copies, like Llama, and Star.

You could also just buy a cheap set of grips to use as a template.
I have made a few grips before, it really pays to have a bandsaw, a drill press, and a stationary belt sander.

If I were you, I would just start out making grips for standard 5" government type 1911s, and see where that takes you.

The true J.M. Browning 1911 pattern pistols have two sizes. (The only two you should concern yourself with if you are going to sell/profit from your new hobby.)

1. The 1911 Government and Commander
   
2. And the Officers/Compact/Defender

Then there's the different styles:

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/v...ripprofile.jpg

And the thickness options:

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/v.../gripthick.gif

Good luck and keep us in the info loop!

Thanks. I already have all those shop "toys" and possibly all the exotic wood I need to last me my lifetime making grips as a hobby if ever (remnant of my previous hobby). :D LOL

Great info...thank for the lead.

Okay you got me curious. What was your previous hobby???

I used to do woodturning and got a bit too excited buying my wood supply. So you can relate, it is like ammo stockpiling only with so much more choices and you cannot just have a piece of each...especially once you found the best or your favorites. Not to mention stumbling on too-good-to-pass-up deals. :D

Imagine how many scales/grips can be made from a single 16" x 16" x 8" piece of exotic wood (or burl cap), compare that to one bowl if I turn it. Now imagine having 2 industrial grade shelving floor to ceiling high full of that stuff. BTW, this is after I trimmed my stash by about 90% due to a job related relocation. :o (Yep I am bragging/gloating now :D lol)

Thanks for the very generous offer. If I cannot find a cheap one locally, I might take you up on that. :)

Okay, just let me know.