HRV Grips® - Wood types by manufacturer:

Altamont – Main product: Engineered wood. Certain items are Laminate or available in Natural wood.

Hogue – Main product: Natural wood. Certain items are Laminate. HRV Exclusive SilverBlack: Engineered wood.

Netticks – Main product: Engineered wood. Certain items are available in Natural wood. No Laminates

Hudson River Valley Customs Corp is a Customizing company. We do not manufacture grips

Wood types used for firearm grips

 

Laminate Wood:

  • Composition: Layers of dyed hardwood glued together.

  • Characteristics: Can provide various colors; tends to be associated with lower-cost wood.

  • Drawbacks: Not water resistant; prone to color bleeding when exposed to certain oils and cleaners.

  • Use Case: Rarely used for high-quality firearm grips; often seen in budget options.

 

Engineered Wood:

  • Composition: Thin sheets of hardwood dyed, layered, and bonded using epoxy (e.g., phenolic resins) under high heat and pressure.

  • Characteristics: Highly durable, water resistant, maintains color integrity, and benefits from cleaning and oil treatments.

  • Maintenance: Minimal maintenance required; can be cleaned with standard gun cleaning solvents and oils without damage.

  • Advantages: Uniform appearance, minimal maintenance, and excellent for grips requiring high durability.

  • Use Case: Commonly used for reliable, high-quality firearm grips, knife scales, and durable flooring.

 

Natural Hardwoods:

  • Composition: Unaltered, solid exotic or native hardwoods.

  • Characteristics: Unique grain patterns and aesthetic appeal; each piece is distinct.

  • Maintenance: Requires special care; avoid standard firearm cleaners and periodically apply wood treatment for preservation.

  • Use Case: Ideal for showcase or collector firearms; chosen by those who appreciate the natural look and are willing to invest time in maintenance.

 

Clarifying the Confusion Between Laminate and Engineered Wood

There is often confusion between laminate wood and engineered wood due to the similarity in terminology. While both types involve layering, laminate wood refers to lower-quality layers of dyed hardwood glued together, leading to a product that is not water resistant and prone to color bleeding. In contrast, engineered wood is made from thin sheets of hardwood bonded with high-quality epoxy under heat and pressure, resulting in a far more durable, water-resistant, and desirable product. This distinction is crucial for firearm enthusiasts who seek both quality and longevity in their grips, as engineered wood provides the superior option.

Hudson River Valley Customs Corp

Our perspective:

For most applications, HRV Customs recommends engineered wood as the top choice for firearm grips. This material is practical due to its low maintenance, exceptional durability, and suitability for most firearms. Engineered wood grips withstand daily use and maintain their appearance for years with minimal signs of wear or damage. The fact that the majority of production firearms sold with factory wood grips use engineered wood is a good indication of the versatility of the product.

Natural wood grips are another great option, admired for their unique beauty. However, they do require proper care to prevent wear and cracking. Keeping hardwood grips clean and periodically applying oils is essential to prevent drying and splitting, even if the grips are stored. Sun exposure can be harmful to unprotected wood, and regular contact with clothing or skin can wear away protective finishes faster. Interestingly, regular use, such as weekly range visits, can benefit natural wood by allowing the oils from your hands to help preserve the surface. Balancing these considerations is important when choosing the right grip for your firearm.

HRV Customs does not typically recommend laminate grips, and only offers them when a manufacturer does not provide the item in any other wood type.

A message from Altamont:

We are confident in our product and strive for exceptional customer satisfaction. Most issues can be quickly remedied through email or a phone call. All products are recommended to be installed by a qualified gunsmith. Most grips will fit directly out of the box, however some may need minor adjustment to fit properly. Some manufacturers models are more difficult than others, as machining and hand finishing leaves variations from gun to gun. If you are concerned about fitting issues with your gun please contact us for guidance prior to purchase.

A message from HOGUE:

Fit, function, superior performance and world-class design are hallmarks of the Hogue name. When you purchase a Hogue product you’re carrying a piece of our family history. Our products are designed from the ground up to enhance your sporting experience. Our brightest ideas, the finest materials and the world's best manufacturing practices are united under the Hogue name. We're proud to be the first choice of law enforcement, handgun manufacturers, competitive shooters and firearm enthusiasts worldwide for products that reflect our passion, history and commitment to bringing you a full range of products created to enhance your sporting experience for years to come.

A message from Netticks:

At Netticks Grips, we take pride in crafting premium firearm grips with unparalleled precision by laser scanning gun frames, ensuring a tight, secure fit that lasts for decades. Using the finest engineered materials, our grips are designed by enthusiasts and actual users for optimal comfort and performance. Made for discerning gun owners who appreciate quality, our products may require fitting by an experienced gun owner or gunsmith to achieve the perfect match, reflecting our commitment to precision over simplicity of installation. Unlike loose, “drop-in” grips that can wear out over time, Netticks Grips are built to maintain their integrity and reliability through extensive use. For more details and to explore our range, visit www.netticksgrips.com.

Hudson River Valley Customs is not affiliated with any gun manufacturer. All references to gun makers are strictly for informational purposes. All fees have been paid to the suppliers of their respective licensed materials.