another newb with ?s

lycaon · Post by **lycaon** » November 28th, 2008, 7:57 pm

I purchased a P-64 last month through a friend. It's my first pistol, purchased for home defense for now, eventually ccw. Having never fired another pistol, I felt like a wimp after putting 100 rounds through it the first night at the range. The web of my hand was very sore, and the slide caught me a little once. On a positive note, my first grouping from 10yds was impressive for a newb, or so I was told. I credit the accuracy of the weapon.

I found this forum a few days ago and have been relieved to discover the recoil really is that bad, and that I'm not the only one who can't fire in DA without two fingers. I've now ordered the 18# hammer spring and 20# recoil spring from Wolff. I also fired those first rounds with the gun straight out of the package. I'll clean the cosmoline? out and oil it when I change the springs, before my next trip to the range.

This brings me (finally, right?) to this, my first post here. I've been admiring all the great pictures of wood grips by Chris and Dennis. I'm trying to decide who to order from. I'd appreciate any feedback from others who have ordered from either or both recently. Most of the posts on wood grips are older. If either of these gentleman happen to read this post, please chime in to let me know you're still open for business.

Here's my impression after reading lots of previous posts and checking each of their websites. I like Dennis' finger grips, which Chris doesn't seem to offer. Dennis also seems to charge less for checkering. I'm not sure if I want either, but I'd appreciate any feedback from previous buyers on the improved grip, if any, from either of these two features. I'm a little concerned about some of Dennis' grips cracking, although he seems to stand behind his work, and his latest design has hopefully eliminated the issue. Any feedback on the new and improved design? The other difference I've noticed is that (most of?) Dennis' grips also cover part of the mag, while Chris' don't. I could see this being more comfortable potentially (I have large hands). But does it interfere at all with the ease of changing mags?

The toughest choice is which wood to go with. I had some custom poker chip trays made years ago and couldn't decide on a wood species. The woodworker I hired sold me on the idea of using a different wood for each pair of trays, 5 domestic and 5 exotic. My favorites are purple heart and bubinga, but they all look fantastic. The wenge warped a little, so I'll steer clear of that.

Thanks in advance for any and all comments!

blinddog · Post by **blinddog** » November 28th, 2008, 8:54 pm

Welcome,lycaon. I have bought several sets of dennis grips and I really like the way they fit. All of the grips I have from dennis cover the mag more than the origional ones do. I find this more comfy and changing out the mag is no problem. Some guy sent dennis a chopped off set of grips from a P-64 to use as a template and he is now producing some of the best grips ever. I think you will find that no matter what your question some one here can answer it. Again, welcome.

blinddog

lycaon · Post by **lycaon** » November 28th, 2008, 9:54 pm

Thanks blinddog, for the welcome and the feedback. I'm leaning towards Dennis' grips. Here's the order currently sitting in my cart at his site.

Polish Radom P-64 w/ thumb rest and finger cuts, RH
Options: Bubinga, Red Shellac finish, Checkered

I did a little googling and found tons of satisfied customers, with only a few complaints about timeliness. I've never been the most patient guy, but maybe if I order them now I can pretend Santa's bringing them. They'd probably be here by Christmas, right?

I'll sleep on it. Maybe a few more customers will chime in with their experiences.

lycaon · Post by **lycaon** » November 29th, 2008, 12:53 pm

I decided to email Dennis, and place the order once I hear back. He hasn't posted since early September, so I want to be sure he's still in business before ordering. I gather that this is a sideline for him. Sometimes life gets in the way. Hopefully I'll hear back from him soon!

gunneyrabbit · Post by **gunneyrabbit** » November 29th, 2008, 1:25 pm

Lycaon, welcome aboard and congratulations on the P64. I know this is a gun forum and all but I've got to see those chips, might look nice posed around your new purchase, throw in a couple of bullets and it will look like a Rembrandt. So get to posting photo's son everyone wants to get a peak.
G.R.

lycaon · Post by **lycaon** » November 29th, 2008, 1:48 pm

Thanks for the kind welcome, Gunny. I'd love to show off the chips and trays. Unfortunately, I don't own a camera. I'll borrow one soon and post some pics.

Funny thing is, when I posted about the trays last night, it got me to thinking about the guy who made them for me. I googled him to see how his business was doing, and to see whether he was selling any trays. I designed the trays but didn't have the skills or tools to build them. I gave him the design in exchange for making my trays for basically material cost, plus a little for his time. But he had to buy new tools and bits, and took lots of extra time in trial and error. We were hopeful he'd make it up by having a new product, with a new market. Little did we know...

Google Woodcraft magazine, March 2007. That's my tray design on the cover! I emailed him last night when I saw the cover. He's mailing me an autographed copy! It'll give the set a little more heirloom value. I'm pretty excited about seeing my design on the cover of a national magazine, and even more excited that it's generated so much new business for him. He's now "The Wood Whisperer!" He's internet famous!

torpeau · Post by **torpeau** » November 29th, 2008, 4:36 pm

lycaon wrote:I decided to email Dennis, and place the order once I hear back. He hasn't posted since early September, so I want to be sure he's still in business before ordering. I gather that this is a sideline for him. Sometimes life gets in the way. Hopefully I'll hear back from him soon!

You can order straight from his website. I'd bet that would be quicker than waiting for e-mail replies. I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't a full time job for him.

lycaon · Post by **lycaon** » November 30th, 2008, 1:01 pm

torpeau wrote:
lycaon wrote:I decided to email Dennis, and place the order once I hear back. He hasn't posted since early September, so I want to be sure he's still in business before ordering. I gather that this is a sideline for him. Sometimes life gets in the way. Hopefully I'll hear back from him soon!
You can order straight from his website. I'd bet that would be quicker than waiting for e-mail replies. I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't a full time job for him.

My order has been placed. Thanks for the advice.

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