Don't gripe, get grips

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

"You wrote some drivel about the importance of a good grip," the bored voice sneered. "You're a grip freak. So get freaky about grips--due yesterday. You tell 'em what you like, and I'll tell 'em why that's stupid." Click. I didn't have to ask who it was. There's only one Caller ID that shows up as "RESTRICTED from YOU, Connor." Yes; His Imperial Editorial Immenseness, Roy-Boy. But that's okay; he's right. I am a grip-freak, and we're living in The Golden Age of Gun Grips, so ...

When it comes to hard-buckin' shot-a-lot handguns, most shooters' needs could be handily met with high-quality stippled or subtly checkered rubber grips, but beware: "rubber" is a broad term, and takes in a world of junk. Hogue uses a superior shock-cushioning formula, and strengthens both their Monogrips and grip panels with rigid underlying inserts. ERGO Grips XTR's use a hard rubber compound with a uniquely tactile "skateboard tape" surface, and they're a "best buy for the bucks." Beretta 92/M9 shooters take note: Slim-profile XTRs attach with standard screws, and team up with ERGO's Gripits front strap panel for a sure hold on that fat Beretta butt.

[ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

Want "rubber-plus-performance?" Crimson Trace LaserGrips offer too many models in far too many finishes to list--just have a look--and I like the way LaserMax's J-Max positions its laser close to boreline, and retains its zero through battery changes. The lasers get you on target; the grips keep you there.

If rubber leaves you cold, you can warm up with some beautiful and durable wood from Herrett's Stocks, made-to-measure from a tracing of your hand. Besides their exclusive offering of Jordan Trooper and Roper stocks, they've got drop-dead gorgeous grip panels in cocobolo, goncalo alves, walnut and other fine woods.

If you love the Glock, but don't like the new-style humpy-bumpy finger-groovy frames, Robbie Barrkman at RoBar Guns and my pal Frank Duren at Duren Custom in Nixa, Missouri, do the best re-contouring and stipple-grip finishing around. They can make your stock Glock a rock star.

I ain't no cowboy shooter, but I've shot with some and admired their fine and fancy grips. I asked, and lots of 'em chewed, spit and drawled "Eagle Grips--their Gunfighters." Available in rosewood, ebony, buffalo horn or aged ivory polymer, Eagle Gunfighters cleave to classic lines while enormously improving the ergonomics. Eagle also offers some of the best, handsomest sambar stag grips anywhere at any price.

[ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

"Machined aluminum grips?" I didn't think so either, but AlumaGrips are impressive; light, tough, pretty and precise. You can interactively "build your own grip" on their web site, and custom grips only take two to four weeks. Check out their "1911 Tactical Style" panels, which feature a smooth area high in the rear to facilitate an easy grasp, and checkering low and forward for the fingers, where you need more positive purchase.

And Esmeralda's? Can you say "Dang?" The pretty lady has some of the finest custom grips out there ... period.

Outta word-count, but not outta grips ! There's lots more out there, so check out our on-line Web blast for more pics and makers. So now it's your turn:

Get a grip, will ya?

For more info: www.ergogrips.net; www.robarguns.com; www.brownells.com; www.pearcegrip.com; www.carboncreations.com; www.tombstonegrips.com; www.eaglegrips.com; www.crimsontrace.com; www.lasermax.com; www.trausch.com; www.herrettstocks.com; www.alumagrips.com; www.esmeralda.cc; www.wickedgrips.com; www.ahrendsgripsusa.com; Hogue Grips: www.getgrip.com; Nill Grips: www.nill-griffe.com; Duren Custom: (417) 725-8937; Kim Son Grips: www.handicraft- vn.com/shop/.

COPYRIGHT 2008 Publishers' Development Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning