Handgun Grips: Pros and Cons of Wood, Polymer, and Other Materials

Similarly to how one pickup truck is exactly like every other pickup truck of the same model until you install your choice of wheels, installing a good set of grips on a handgun is a great way to make it uniquely yours. But far more than just changing the looks (as is the case with a truck), installing different grips on a handgun can dramatically enhance its feel, functionality, and even its value, as well as improving its aesthetics. Let’s go over some of the main types of handgun grip materials (wood, resin/polymer laminates, rubber, aluminum, and animal bone/horn/tusk), discuss their pros and cons, and help you make a more informed decision.

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Wood handgun grips (natural, stabilized, laminates)

Image courtesy of Tyler Gun Works

Wood is the classic material for firearms stocks and handgun grips, since the first development of the arquebus in the early 15th century. Wood grips are currently available on handgun models from the cheapest to the most premium and exclusive brands. As you might expect, wood grips vary widely in quality, style, appearance, and price. You might pay $15 for some basic slabs for an entry-level , or you could pay several hundred dollars for a really nice set of burled or highly figured walnut, maple, rosewood, cocobolo, zebrawood, ironwood, pau ferro, ebony, maple, or other desirable wood grips. For many collectors and shooters, there’s nothing better than a set of classically styled wood grips. Let’s go over some of the pros and cons.

Advantages of wood handgun grips

• Dozens of types, colors, and styles: In addition to the options created by the grip designer and finisher, the wood material itself has myriad variations in appearance due to its organic nature.
• Can be very affordable: Basic wood grips are sometimes just as inexpensive as rubber or polymer grips for some handguns.
• Easy to work: The hardness and other properties of wood vary widely, but generally wood is very easy to carve, shape, sand, checker, and finish. This also means it’s easy to touch up scratches or even repair breaks or cracks.
• Completely natural material: For many people, there’s something satisfying about handling and gripping a well-made wood gunstock.
• Potentially renewable resource: For the environmentally conscious among us, responsibly sourced wood is a great way to go.
• Relatively durable: Depending on species, design, and maintenance, wood grips can last dozens or even hundreds of years in regular use. When not abused and properly preserved, they can last many centuries.
• Classic great looks: To most western eyes, a nice set of wood grips is very attractive on a firearm.
• Insulation from a hot gun: Wood doesn’t usually get too hot to hold, even if left in direct sunlight, and doesn’t readily transfer heat from a hot firearm to your hands.
• Low weight: Wood used for grips is among the lightest materials, considering similar properties.

Downsides of wood handgun grips

• Huge variation: There is vast variability in the quality, durability, and longevity of wood grips, depending on what species, what cut, and how much stress is placed on the wood by the design. For example, a wooden grip design that has very thin edges, complicated shapes, sharp points, or narrow portions between sections needs to be very carefully constructed and handled fairly carefully to avoid breakage or premature wear. Similarly, even simple, robust grip designs can turn out sub-par if constructed of cheap, softer woods that dent, scratch, break, and/or compress easily.
• Regular maintenance and proper storage is required: This applies to wood stocks for long guns as well, but is particularly important for thinner, more closely fitted handgun stocks. Without somewhat regular care and proper waxing or oiling, wood grips can dry out, shrink, and/or crack. If left in a too-humid environment, wood grips can start to mold and mildew.
• They swell when wet, and retain moisture: This is more of a potential problem with rifles, where swelling of the wood can actually change the point of impact and accuracy of the firearm. But if you get your wooden handgun grips wet and don’t dry them out properly, they can swell up, potentially binding controls or springs, changing the fitment of the grips, creating gaps, and possibly crack or break. Additionally, since wood is essentially a very hard sponge, they retain moisture and can contribute to accelerated rusting under the grips.
• They absorb gun oil and cosmoline: Many gunstocks and handgun grips have been damaged or ruined by overzealous use of gun oil. They even absorb some oil from your skin, which can change the finish and/or color of the grips.
• Susceptible to insect damage: Some common insects thrive on cellulose, which is what wood is.
• Ecological issues: Some of the rarer hardwoods are ethically or ecologically questionable, since they come from rainforests in Brazil, Bolivia, and elsewhere. This can be a problem if harvesting is not responsibly managed.

Stabilized wood grips

Image courtesy of Cherokee Hills Grips

This material is a unique sub-set of standard wood grips. To make stabilized wood, a piece of wood is placed into a vacuum chamber where a solvent containing a durable polymer resin is forced into its pores under pressure. This process fills the wood’s pores, cracks, and other voids, and strengthens the wood, making it more resistant to moisture, changes in temperature, and fungal or insect damage. The wood and/or polymer can be stained or colored, making some very attractive or uncommon looking grips. You can also fill in large voids or complete the design with colored epoxy, which can really pop visually. This type of grip is most commonly left smooth and polished to show off the grain and color of the wood, and is comparatively rare in the firearms world.

Laminated wood grips

Image courtesy of Volquartsen

An important and widely used subset of standard wood grips, laminated wood grips are made by gluing thin-sliced layers of wood together using epoxy. These layers are often placed with their grain structure oriented in alternating directions, which enhances the strength and durability of the final product. The concept is similar to a high-end plywood. Additionally, the layers can be stained or colored every color of the rainbow, which can result in some striking visual results, from classic rosewood to camouflage to bright, vibrant color combinations. Laminated wood is far more resistant (essentially immune) to breakage, oil soaking, and swelling, and can be less expensive than corresponding full-grain wood grips in many cases.

Rubber (synthetic) handgun grips

Image courtesy of Lyman/Pachmayr

In the early part of the 20th century, hard rubber handgun grips were actually made of organic rubber (like, from the rubber tree). However, increased demand and a widespread rubber tree blight led researchers to develop synthetic rubber by polymerizing hydrocarbons sourced from crude oil or coal, and today, that’s what nearly all rubber handgun grips are made from.

Advantages of rubber handgun grips

• Cushioning and recoil reduction: Properly constructed rubber grips provide unparalleled recoil reduction on handguns that produce punishing amounts of recoil. The material stretches and absorbs the shock, helping lessen the sharp impact to the shooter’s hand.
• Improved grip: Rubber can be made super-hard and cut-checkered, or it can be quite soft and even tacky. Textured or molded-checkered rubber grips today offer an excellent compromise of durability, grippiness, and recoil control.
• Insulation against heat: Black rubber grips don’t typically get too hot to hold, even when left in direct sunlight on a hot day. They also insulate your hands from a hot firearm during long strings of fire.
• Durable against bumps and scratches: The synthetic rubber material resists showing scratches and isn’t easily cut or abraded by impacts.
• Pick a color: Rubber grips can be made in any color, and the coloring penetrates throughout the material.

Disadvantages of rubber handgun grips

• May increase printing for CCW: If you’re trying to conceal your handgun beneath a shirt, a sticky rubber grip can give you away as your cover garment clings to it and bunches up. They can also make it difficult to draw from a pocket.
• Can get slippery when wet or oily: Some rubber grips are actually worse than other materials when they get wet or oily, as far as traction or grip is concerned.
• Fairly plain or cheap appearance: A lump of black rubber isn’t usually considered the most attractive or high-end option for a handgun grip material. To improve grip performance, many rubber grips have pronounced finger grooves, which some find unattractive.

G-10 handgun grips (G10), micarta, carbon/matrix

G-10 image courtesy of VZ Grips

G-10 has become one of the most popular materials for custom handgun grips and knife handles/scales due to its extreme durability and versatility. G-10 is a layered or woven fiberglass/epoxy laminate created by soaking layers of fiberglass in epoxy resin, stacking them into desired layers or color patterns, and then under heat and pressure, those layers are permanently fused together into sheets or rods. Grip manufacturers can then cut these sheets into rectangular blanks and machine them into whatever shape is desired using a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mill.

Advantages of G-10 handgun grips

• Incredible durability: G-10 has extreme strength and toughness, and provides a lifetime of use without maintenance. It’s very resistant to breakage, even when cold.
• Moisture and solvent resistance: Unlike wood and some polymer grips, G-10 isn’t impacted by gun solvents or oils, or by water. Mud, blood, or other contaminants can easily be washed off. The material doesn’t swell when soaked in water. Properly textured G-10 grips can provide similar traction for your hands both wet and dry.
• Doesn’t corrode or deteriorate: G-10 isn’t desirable to insects and doesn’t oxidize or corrode. It doesn’t become brittle or soften over time.
• UV resistance: You may find some dark G-10 colors might fade somewhat when exposed partially to sunlight over a long period, but those conditions almost never occur in actual use. Generally, G-10 is considered impervious to sun/UV exposure.
• Excellent insulator: G-10 is a non-conductor, which is why it’s also used in making printed circuit boards for computers. It doesn’t transfer or retain heat. It doesn’t swell or shrink when exposed to very high or very low temperatures. It’s rated up to 180 degrees Celsius (356 F).
• Can be milled into any shape or texture imaginable: Due to its toughness, G-10 can be cut with very aggressive textures, unconventional shapes, or left mostly smooth with a pleasing, moderately grippy surface.
• Relatively lightweight: Some woods may even be heavier than some types of G-10, but in general, G-10 is comparable in weight or slightly heavier than wood. This allows customization of your handgun without changing its balance or handling unless desired.
• Extremely diverse appearance: The fiberglass layers allow an essentially infinite variety of color combinations, and milling through different layers can create attractive designs and results that aren’t possible with any other material.

Disadvantages of G-10 grips

• Cost: G-10 can be fairly pricey, particularly when aggressively milled or in exclusive patterns.
• Texture can be too aggressive: We mentioned this in the advantages portion above, but G-10 is so tough that it can hold very sharp points and aggressive texture patterns. This may be good for super-hard use with gloves or well-worn hands, but it can be painful or even cause abrasions or injury in some cases. However, since the level of texture is selected by the buyer, this isn’t usually an issue.
• Can be slippery: Smoother G-10 surfaces can become a little slippery when wet, similar to un-checkered wood.
• Plasticky or gimmicky appearance: Some people don’t find the somewhat plastic appearance of G-10 pleasing, and some designs and patterns can be frankly ugly.

Micarta and carbon laminates

Micarta image courtesy of VZ Grips

We’re including these here because they are constructed in very similar fashion to G-10, just with cloth or paper (in the case of Micarta) or carbon-fiber sheets in place of G-10’s fiberglass. All of these are resin-based laminates, but Micarta uses a phenolic resin. Micarta is very tough and exhibits similar properties to G-10, but isn’t quite as strong. Ivory-colored Micarta grips have the potential to visually mimic genuine ivory to a pretty satisfactory degree. Carbon-laminate or carbon-matrix grips can have a very attractive and modern appearance. Like Micarta and G-10, Carbon grips can be very tough, but they have the potential to be a little more brittle than the other resin laminates.

Grips made from animal tusk, horn, antlers, bone (ivory and others)

Image courtesy of Turnbull Restoration

Another very classic material for making premium handgun grips is ivory. This is most commonly Asian or African elephant ivory, but also walrus or whale ivory. For old-school, classic gun folks, nothing is as luxurious, nice to handle, and nice to shoot as a fine handgun with genuine ivory grips. Obviously, this is a very controversial material these days, and on July 6, , a near-total ban on commercial trade in African and Asian elephant ivory went into effect in the United States. This is in accordance with the implementation of the conditions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). There’s essentially now a worldwide ban on the sale of elephant ivory items with very specific exceptions. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has published a handy ivory.pdf that helps to clarify the somewhat confusing legality of owning, purchasing, or selling ivory items. If you are considering purchasing or selling handgun grips made of ivory, you should definitely bone up on the law (pun intended). Due to the effective ban on ivory, several makers of imitation ivory grips have emerged, such as Magna-Tusk and Resin-Ivory.

Image courtesy of Eagle Grips

Indian Sambar stag grips are another highly desirable item historically, but which have become very difficult to obtain over the past decade or so. The material isn’t banned from importation or prohibited to buy or sell, and the Sambar stag isn’t an endangered species. However, India has essentially stopped its exportation due to concern that people collecting the valuable Sambar antlers will interfere with Bengal tiger breeding or feeding, since those endangered cats share the same habitat with the stag population. If you can find them, Sambar stag grips are harder, denser, heavier, and have redder bark (and are much more expensive today) than American Elk antler grips, which are sometimes called stag even though that’s not really an accurate designation. Elk and moose antler grips can be a very attractive alternative, and the pricing for those is still fairly reasonable.

Image courtesy of Wicked Grips

Mammoth ivory is a material that has come into vogue over the past decade in particular, since trade of non-fossilized elephant ivory has become so problematic and restricted. Mammoth tusks and molars aren’t banned federally, and they can exhibit some visual similarities to elephant ivory. However, they are generally much different in appearance, with many fissures, cracks, and voids in the ivory material that have become mineralized over the millennia and filled in with what is essentially rock.

There have been handgun grips made from many other types of animal-sourced materials, such as boar tusks, hippo tusks, narwhal ivory sea cow bone, sperm whale teeth, walrus tusk, warthog tusks, giraffe bone, elk antler, moose antler, water buffalo horn, sheep horn, and more. All of these can be attractive and relatively durable as handgun grips, but it’s your responsibility to make sure it’s legal to buy them in your state.

Advantages to animal-sourced grips (ivory, stag, bone, tusk etc.)

• Classic looks and feel: There’s nothing like real ivory, stag, or bone grips as far as appearance and feel.
• Pride of ownership: Ivory grips or other rare/desirable materials can elicit pride of ownership like nothing else for those who have longed to have them.
• Functionality: Stag grips in particular offer very durable performance as well as enhanced grip, depending on the bark. Ivory is fairly durable if of good quality. Many bone or horn grips are extremely hard.

Disadvantages to animal-sourced grips

• Ethically questionable: Even if you love them, these types of materials are undeniably hot topics today as to whether they should even exist. They can cause very intense reactions in some people.
• Expense: Some of these kinds of grips can go for several thousand dollars or more, depending on type and provenance.
• Fragility: Compared to G-10 or even quality wood grips, some ivory, bone, or stag grips chip easier, shrink faster, and crack more readily.
• Required maintenance: Ivory and some others of this type must be oiled with mineral or lemon oil, or waxed with renaissance wax to help prevent drying, shrinking, and cracking. They may eventually crack anyway.
• Legal issues: It’s your responsibility to learn and follow all federal and state laws regarding handgun grips made from animal parts. Some states have banned their sale altogether.

Aluminum grips

Image courtesy of Hogue Grips

Custom pistolsmiths have been fashioning handgun grips from metals such as pewter, silver, brass, bronze, and even gold for centuries (check out these amazing shipwreck patina copper grips from Wicked Grips, for a modern example). However, most metal handgun grips you’ll find today are made from aluminum. While comparatively rare, they are available from several makers.

Advantages of aluminum grips

• Very consistent material: There are rarely defects or voids in aluminum billet, which is what the majority of this type of grip is made from.
• Very durable: Aluminum doesn’t have the tensile strength of most steels, but when properly alloyed and anodized it can be extremely durable.
• Excellent traction: Checkered or stippled metal surfaces provide the pointiest, grippiest surface possible in handgun grips, to the point where they can be made so sharp as to be painful to hold if you’re not wearing gloves or your hands are not calloused.
• Appearance: The metal finish of aluminum can appeal to those fond of industrial or steampunk aesthetics. It can be satisfying to own and hold a firearm made entirely out of metal. Aluminum can be machined into designs and shapes that would become fragile if made of wood or other organic materials.

Disadvantages of aluminum grips

• Weight: Depending on the species of wood and the alloy, aluminum is generally 2 to 5 times heavier than wood. This can be a good thing if you’re trying to reduce recoil, but on a carry gun it can add up.
• Heat: Aluminum grips, particularly in darker colors, can get blazing hot if left in the sun. If you’re at an outdoor handgun class on a sunny day, for example, or are shooting a handgun match with your holstered pistol sitting in the sun for hours. People have suffered burns. Additionally, aluminum transfers heat from a hot gun very rapidly. So if your handgun gets hot during long strings of fire, choose different grips.
• Damage can’t be easily touched up: Any impacts, scratches, or damage that goes through the anodizing or clear coat of an aluminum grip will be tough to repair. A wood grip can be filled, sanded, stained, and even re-checkered to the point that the break or defect is invisible. Not so with aluminum, which requires a lot more work (or simple replacement) if damage is significant.

Keep your guns (and grips) secure in a Liberty Safe

A properly dehumidified safe is one of the best places to store not just firearms, but valuable firearms stocks and grips. Too much humidity can cause swelling and mold, and too little can cause drying, shrinking, and cracking. If you have a safe, check out our options for humidity control. If you don’t yet have a quality, US-made gun safe, Liberty can help sort you out. Check out our online catalog or visit a showroom in your area.

Wood Grips vs. G10 Grips

When it comes to customizing your pistol, one crucial decision to make is choosing the right grips. Two popular options are wood grips and G10 grips. Each has its own unique characteristics and benefits, allowing you to personalize your firearm to match your style and preferences.

Wood grips offer a classic and elegant appeal, embodying the rich history and heritage of the . Crafted from premium wood materials, these grips provide a warm and organic feel in your hands. Custom wood grips for the are available in a variety of styles and finishes, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your taste. Whether you prefer a traditional checkered pattern or an intricate engraved design, wood grips offer endless options for personalization.

G10 grips, on the other hand, offer a modern and durable alternative. Constructed from a high-pressure fiberglass laminate material, G10 grips are exceptionally strong, providing excellent resistance to impact, chemicals, and moisture. The textured surface of G10 grips enhances grip traction, ensuring a secure and stable hold on your firearm, even in challenging conditions. With numerous color and design choices available, G10 grips allow you to add a contemporary touch to your .

Ultimately, the choice between wood grips and G10 grips comes down to personal preference and the desired aesthetics for your . Whether you appreciate the timeless elegance of wood or seek the modern resilience of G10, both options offer unique advantages to enhance your shooting experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Wood grips provide a traditional and elegant look for your , with various customization options.

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• G10 grips offer durability, resistance to impact and chemicals, and enhanced grip traction.

• Your choice between wood grips and G10 grips depends on your personal taste and desired aesthetic.

• Both wood grips and G10 grips allow you to personalize your to reflect your style.

• Consider the historical significance of wood grips and the modern functionality of G10 grips when making your decision.

Pros and Cons of Wood Grips

When it comes to choosing grips for your , wood grips offer a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision about whether wood grips are the right choice for you.

Advantages of Wood Grips

• Traditional and Elegant Look: Wood grips add a touch of class and sophistication to your . The natural beauty and warmth of wood create a visually appealing firearm.

• Customization Options: Wood grips are available in various styles, grains, and finishes, allowing you to personalize your according to your preferences. Whether you prefer a classic grain pattern or something more unique, wood grips offer versatility.

• Unique and Personalized: Each set of wood grips has its own distinct wood grain pattern, making your truly one-of-a-kind. No two sets will look exactly the same, adding a personalized touch.

Disadvantages of Wood Grips

• Maintenance: Wood grips require regular maintenance to keep them in optimal condition. They are prone to moisture and humidity damage, and may need periodic refinishing or oiling to prevent warping or cracking.

• Durability: Compared to other grip materials, wood may be less durable and more susceptible to wear and tear over time. However, with proper care and maintenance, wood grips can last for many years.

In conclusion, wood grips offer a classic and elegant look for your , with the ability to be customized to suit your individual style. Although they require ongoing maintenance and may be less durable compared to other materials, the unique beauty and personalized nature of wood grips can outweigh these considerations for many gun enthusiasts.

Advantages of Wood Grips

Disadvantages of Wood Grips

Traditional and elegant look

Require regular maintenance

Customization options

Durability concerns

Unique and personalized

Pros and Cons of G10 Grips

G10 grips have become increasingly popular among owners due to their durability and functionality. Constructed from a high-pressure fiberglass laminate material, G10 grips offer exceptional strength and are highly resistant to impact, chemicals, and moisture. This makes them ideal for those who prioritize a reliable and long-lasting grip option for their .

One of the key advantages of G10 grips is their textured surface, which significantly enhances grip traction. Even in wet or sweaty conditions, the texture ensures a secure hold on the firearm. This provides peace of mind, especially during intense shooting sessions or challenging weather conditions.

Another benefit of G10 grips is the wide range of customization options available. With various colors and designs to choose from, firearm enthusiasts can personalize their to their individual style and preferences. This level of customization allows gun owners to make a statement while maintaining the durability and practicality of G10 grips.

However, it's essential to consider the potential downsides of G10 grips. Some shooters may find the textured surface uncomfortable or overly abrasive during extended shooting sessions. The aggressive texture of G10 grips may cause discomfort or even slight skin abrasions for those with sensitive hands. It's crucial to handle a firearm with G10 grips beforehand to ensure a comfortable shooting experience.

In conclusion, G10 grips offer numerous advantages for owners, including exceptional durability, enhanced grip traction, and a wide range of customization options. However, potential users should take into account the textured surface's potential discomfort during extended use. By weighing the pros and cons, individuals can make an informed decision when choosing between G10 grips and other grip options for their .

Find the best G10 grips at Stoner CNC.

FAQ

What are the advantages of wood grips for pistols?

Wood grips offer a traditional and elegant look, enhancing the overall appearance of the gun. They can be customized to suit individual preferences and come in various styles. The natural variations in wood grain create a unique and personalized look for each set of wood grips.

Why are G10 grips popular among owners?

G10 grips are popular because they offer exceptional durability and functionality. Made from a high-pressure fiberglass laminate material, G10 grips are resistant to impact, chemicals, and moisture. They provide a textured surface that enhances grip traction, even when wet or sweaty. G10 grips also offer a wide range of colors and designs for customization and personalization.

Are wood grips or G10 grips better for customization?

Both wood grips and G10 grips can be customized, but wood grips offer more options for customization due to their natural material. Wood grips can be handcrafted with intricate designs and engravings, allowing for a truly unique look. However, G10 grips also offer customization options through different color and design choices.

Do wood grips require special maintenance?

Wood grips require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. It is recommended to periodically oil them with a suitable wood oil to maintain their luster and protect them from moisture. However, with proper care, wood grips can last for many years and continue to look beautiful on your pistol.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Custom Hand Grips. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Do G10 grips have any disadvantages?