When I became interested in the world of shooting at age 14, the Vietnam War was still raging. The walnut-stocked M-14 7.62mm NATO was the primary battle rifle. And the early Smith & Wesson revolver I initially used for police duty was blued steel with Cocobolo (Rosewood) grips. Back then, wood and steel defined the look and feel of firearms, but even today, a well-crafted set of custom grips can elevate a handgun’s functionality and style.
In the world of firearms, personalizing your handgun isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about comfort, control and performance. House of Grips, a U.S.-based manufacturer, specializes in handcrafted custom wood grips that enhance both the look and feel of classic firearms like the 1911, Browning Hi-Power and revolvers. Whether you want a set of elegant Cocobolo grips for your Springfield SA-35 or a unique textured design for a 1911, House of Grips offers high-quality, American-made options.
House of Grips has been crafting high-quality firearm grips since the 1990s, initially focusing on wholesale manufacturing for major gun makers. To meet the growing demand for custom, high-end grips, they launched House of Grips, allowing individual shooters to purchase directly from their USA-based facility.
The Wood and Steel Advantage
Many shooters today were introduced to handguns through polymer-framed “wondernine” pistols, and there’s no denying their reliability, lightweight design and affordability. However, for those who have never handled an all-steel handgun, there are distinct advantages, especially when paired with custom grips.
- Recoil Control & Accuracy: The added weight of all-steel handguns, though not an advantage for all-day carry, helps manage recoil, particularly for larger calibers like .45 ACP and 10mm. While polymer frames flex slightly under recoil, steel and aluminum frames provide a rigid, stable shooting platform, which can enhance accuracy. This is one reason why precision-built 1911s maintain a tight slide-to-frame and barrel fit.
- Customization & Aesthetics: Unlike most polymer handguns, steel and aluminum-framed pistols allow for grip customization. Whether for improved ergonomics, better control or purely aesthetic appeal, swapping out factory grips can completely transform a handgun. A well-crafted set of wood grips not only enhances comfort and handling but can also turn a practical firearm into one that’s as visually impressive as it is functional.
House of Grips Overview
That’s where House of Grips comes in. While researching church guns, I came across this American-made grip manufacturer based in Hesperia, California. Their handcrafted wood grips, available in various materials and designs, offer shooters a way to personalize their handguns while maintaining the durability and craftsmanship of traditional steel-framed firearms.
One of their standout products is their ergonomically designed Hi-Power grip, developed more than 23 years ago in response to shooter feedback. Unlike the original factory grips, House of Grips’ design features a tapered front and subtle palm swell for a more natural, comfortable fit across various Hi-Power frame styles. Over the years, they’ve refined the design while staying true to their commitment to quality craftsmanship.
House of Grips has grips made from a wide range of custom materials to suit almost any taste at reasonable prices. They manufacture grips to fit 1911-type pistols, single- and double-action revolvers as well as the Browning P-35 Hi-Power, Springfield Armory SA-35 and Tisas Regen BR-9.
House of Grips doesn’t just offer standard wood grips. The level of customization this company offers allows shooters to give their handguns a unique personality. Of special note are the Celtic and Viking checkerings for 1911s and Hi-Powers, featuring detailed carvings that add an Old World touch. Stabilized Burl grips offer a more organic look with added durability, and the 3D Gator grips mimic the texture of alligator skin, providing a striking appearance and a secure hold.
While fewer handguns today are designed to accept custom wood grips, House of Grips ensures that those who still value this classic touch have plenty of high-quality options to choose from. Whether you’re aiming for improved ergonomics, a better grip, or a firearm worthy of a Texas barbecue, there’s a design to match your vision.
Hands-On Review: Cocobolo Grips for My Springfield SA-35
The Springfield SA-35 is my preferred 9mm pistol. With an outstanding factory-tuned trigger, it would have been ideal for my time on the Special Response Team. Since my hostage rescue days are over, I’m looking to upgrade the SA-35 to a more customized “barbecue” gun without interfering with operational capabilities.
Though my Springfield Armory SA-35 grips have nice checkering and great wood quality, they can’t compare to the premium grip options from House of Grips. I’ve always loved cocobolo wood, so I contacted the House of Grips to request a set. They kindly sent me two sets to evaluate: AAA Smooth Cocobolo and AAA Half-Checkered Cocobolo.
Both sets were equally stunning in their presentation boxes, and Allen screw sets as well as an Allen wrench were included for installation. I decided to mount the half-checkered grips first as I was used to full checkering from the factory grips. The grips are mounted easily, with the screw heads set well below the wood in the recessed screw holes.
The half-checkered grips not only look great but felt great in the hand. Despite the checkering over half of each panel, the figuring in the wood was plenty visible. The color of the grips mated will with the matte-blue finish of the SA-35. The smooth grips were even more eye-catching.
Though I’ve grown used to the fronstrap, backstrap and grip checkering of modern pistols, shooting the SA-35 with smooth grips was a blast. Springfield left the ergonomic grip of the Hi-Power frame unaltered with the original frame designed to feel great in the hand of a wide variety of shooters. Its all-steel construction offers the best possible control of the pistol during firing, and the AAA Smooth Cocobolo grip’s excellent design and shaping only adds to the pistol’s appeal.
Performance Testing: Shooting with Custom Grips
With a box of Federal Premium Gold Medal Action Pistol ammo, I headed to a friend’s range to test fire with a steel silhouette. This 147-grain load is designed for use on reactive steel targets and has a muzzle velocity of 900 feet per second, which delivers 264 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
I touched off the first of 10 rounds with immediate delight. Shooting the SA-35 with smooth grips had the feel of melting into my hand. The pistol was easy to control, and there was no shifting. I rattled off the remaining nine rounds, easily clanging the silhouette from about 30 feet. Both the half-checkered and the smooth grips offer a nice feel, but I was definitely sold on the smooth.
Choosing the Right Grips for Your Handgun
Choosing the right grips for your handgun is a personal journey that blends functionality with personal taste. House of Grips understands the perfect grip not only enhances your firearm’s performance but also reflects your unique style. Here’s how to select the ideal grips for your handgun:
- Identify your handgun model: Begin by determining your firearm’s make and model. House of Grips offers a diverse range of grips tailored for various handguns.
- 1911 models: Our collection features highly figured grips, ultra-thin options and officer-sized variants, ensuring a perfect fit for your 1911.
- Browning Hi-Power: Choose from grips designed to enhance the ergonomics and aesthetics of your Hi-Power pistol.
- Revolvers: We provide grips for popular models from manufacturers like Smith & Wesson, Colt, Ruger and more.
- Consider material and finish: The material of your grips significantly influences both the look and feel of your handgun. House of Grips specializes in exotic woods and unique materials, each offering distinct characteristics.
- Cocobolo wood: Known for its rich, reddish hues and exceptional durability, cocobolo adds a touch of elegance to any firearm.
- Stabilized burl woods: Through their proprietary stabilization process, House of Grips transforms softwoods into dense, durable grips with unique patterns, making each piece one-of-a-kind.
- Ebony: With deep, dark tones, ebony grips exude a classic and timeless appeal.
- Select the design and texture: The design and texture of your grips affect both aesthetics and handling.
- Checkered vs. smooth: Checkered grips provide enhanced traction, aiding in control during shooting, while smooth grips offer a sleek appearance and may be more comfortable for extended handling.
- Specialty designs: Our Celtic and Viking Collection features intricate carvings that add a unique flair to your firearm. For a rugged look and feel, the 3D Gator Grips mimic the texture of alligator skin, offering both style and a secure hold.
- Assess ergonomics and fit: Comfort and control are paramount. These custom grips are designed with ergonomics in mind.
- Tapered front and palm swell: Features like a tapered front and subtle palm swell ensure a natural and comfortable grip, enhancing shooting accuracy and reducing fatigue.
- Ultra-thin options: For those seeking a slimmer profile, ultra-thin grips reduce the overall thickness of the pistol, making it more comfortable for carry and concealment.
- Personalize your firearm: Beyond functionality, grips are an expression of personal style. Whether you’re aiming for a classic look with traditional woods or seeking a distinctive appearance with specialty designs, House of Grips offers a variety of options to make your firearm truly yours.
Are House of Grips Wood Grips Worth It?
If you are looking to spruce up a prized wood and steel handgun, take a look at the large and unique selection of aftermarket grips available from the House of Grips that blend craftsmanship, functionality and American-made quality. Whether you prefer the intricate texturing of checkered grips or the sleek feel of the polished smooth grips, House of Grips has an option to match your style and shooting needs.
Beyond aesthetics, these grips enhance ergonomics, comfort and control, making them a worthwhile investment for any shooter who values both form and function. For the Springfield SA-35, the smooth AAA Cocobolo grips provide a strikingly elegant finish at $125, while the half-checkered AAA Cocobolo grips, priced at $105, offer a balance of texture and refinement.
With their dedication to quality, decades of experience and a passion for creating grips that truly enhance the shooting experience, House of Grips continues to be a standout in the world of custom firearm accessories.
Sources:
House of Grips: HouseOfGrips.com
Springfield Armory: Springfield-Armory.com
Federal Ammunition: FederalPremium.com
