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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. How do I know which model pistol I have?
  2. How do I know if these grips will fit my 1911?
  3. Will these grips fit my Smith and Wesson revolver?
  4. How can I tell whether I own a New model or an Old model Ruger Vaquero?
  5. What is the difference between a Blackhawk and a Vaquero?
  6. What is the correct way to mount a grip?
  7. I thought mammoths were extinct. How can Exotic Pistol Grips carry mammoth products?
  8. Is it legal to have these exotic materials on my pistol?
  9. Does Exotic Pistol Grips charge for shipping?

Q: How do I know which model pistol I have?

A: Over time, manufacturers make small changes to the frame of their guns making it very difficult to know what fits what. Visit the website of the maker of your pistol to find out which model you have.

Check out these websites for the model pistol you have:

Additionally, community forums can contain a great deal of information on the differences between models.


Q: How do I know if these grips will fit my 1911?

A: Regardless of manufacturer, the 1911 grip is universal. There is the more commonly found full-size 1911 and the compact (or Officer's Model) 1911.  There is an option for an ambidextrous safety that may have come on your pistol. If so, review the product details to see if the grip already accommodates this option. If the grips do not have the ambidextrous notch cut into them we can cut out the notch at no additional cost.  Exotic Pistol Grips carries 1911 grips with various other options. Browse our collection to see which option you would like for your 1911.


Q: Will these grips fit my Smith and Wesson revolver?

A: Smith and Wesson revolver grips come in a variety of sizes, regardless of the caliber. The size of your grips will depend upon the frame model number and design of the frame.

To determine which frame model you own, swing out the cylinder. The model number is at the point in front of where the cylinder pin locks into the front part of the frame. On some revolvers, the frame model is displayed as a letter: J, K, L, or N.

In other cases, you will need to compare the model number and design of the grip to the following:

Frame type Model number
J frame Square butt 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 43, 51, 63 and 651
J frame Round butt 30, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 43, 49, 50, 51, 60, 242, 317, 331, 332, 337, 337PD, 340, 340PD, 342, 342PD, 360, 442, 449, 460, 631, 632, 637, 638, 640, 642, 649, 650 and 940
K/L frame Square butt 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 45, 48, 56, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 581, 586, 617, 648, 681 and 686
K/L frame Round butt 10, 12, 13, 19, 64, 65, 66, 296, 386/PD, 396, 586, 617, 646, 648, 681, 686 and 696
N frame Round butt 24, 29, 610, 624, 625, 627, 629 and 657
N frame Square butt 20-29, 57, 58, 610, 624, 625, 627, 629 and 657


Note that a square butt will have pointed corners on the butt of the frame while a round butt will be rounded.

Smith and Wesson round and suare butt comparison

Q: How can I tell whether I own a New model or an Old model Ruger Vaquero?

A: There is a notch cut out of the New model grips. Remove your grips to see whether you have a notch cut out similar to those pictured below.

Ruger Vaquero New model with notch


Q: What is the difference between a Blackhawk and a Vaquero?

A: A Ruger pistol that is designated a Blackhawk has adjustable sights whereas the Vaquero has fixed sights. You may own a New model Blackhawk, meaning your pistol has adjustable sights. Otherwise, you would have a New model Vaquero which has a key lock in the grip frame but fixed sights. However, the Old model Vaquero and Old model Blackhawk do not have the key lock feature. Thankfully, the grip frames for either model Blackhawk and the Old Vaquero are the same so the grips are interchangeable.

 

Q: What is the correct way to mount a grip?

A: When mounting the grips make sure you do not over tighten the screw. A key to making sure the grips are tight enough is to knock on the grip with your knuckle: if it sounds solid, the grip has been mounted tightly, otherwise, continue to tighten the screw.


Q: I thought mammoths were extinct. How can Exotic Pistol Grips carry mammoth products?

A: Mammoths are indeed extinct. However, the tusk and teeth of the mammoth have a different composition to that of the bones and do not fossilize as bones do. To find out more information about our mammoth products, view the Mammoth section of our Materials page


Q: Is it legal to have these exotic materials on my pistol?

A: According to federal and state laws, it is 100% legal for you to have our selection of mammoth ivory and teeth, abalone, mother of pearl, water buffalo, and exotic woods on your pistol.

Concerning elephant ivory, it is legal to have the material on your pistol as long as it was procured prior to the ban on poaching elephants for their ivory.


Q: Does Exotic Pistol Grips charge for shipping?

A: We do not charge for shipping within the 48 contiguous United States. To view our Shipping Policy, click here.

For shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, and international shipments, please provide us with your shipping address so we can calculate appropriate shipping costs. Submit your shipping cost query here.