A couple of weeks ago at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, I ran across Andy Tuttle. Andy and I had corresponded by email before, but this was his first SHOT Show, and it was good to finally meet him in person. Talking about guns and such, our conversation finally turned to handgun grips, and Andy asked me; “Did you ever get to see of any of those custom grips by Esmeralda?” I answered that I had not. I had corresponded with her about a year ago, but then just forgot about the project. Andy stated that Esmeralda was at the show, and he would try to get us together before the show ended. I am glad that he did.

On the last day, just as I was leaving the building, my cell phone rang, and it was Esmeralda calling. She was at the Colt booth, and I told her I would be right over.  Esmeralda O’Sheehan has been making handgun grips from exotic woods for several years, and I had seen pictures of them before, but none in person. She travels the world selecting the most unusual and interesting woods to use in her craft.

She had a few sample sets of grips with her, and I left the show with the ones pictured here. The wood from which these were made is called Amboyna Burl, and they are definitely some of the most interestingly figured grips that I have ever seen. Esmeralda makes grips from Cocobolo, Ivorywood, Zebrawood, Maple, Ironwood, Walnut, Ebony, and several other exotic woods, but I had never seen nor heard of Amboyna Burl before. The wood has a multitude of colors, with patterns and contrasts that make them very interesting and unique.  They fit perfectly on my oldest Binkley Custom 1911 .45 auto. Esmeralda makes grips for the 1911, Ruger .22 Auto, Beretta large frame, and Browning Hi-Power semi-autos, and for S&W J-frame and Ruger single action revolvers. She makes grips that are smooth, fully checkered, or half checkered.

All that I examined were of top quality in materials and craftsmanship. As can be seen in the pictures, her work is first-class, and adding a set of grips is a quick and easy way to really dress up a plain handgun.

You can view many sets of quality custom exotic grips and purchase them online at www.esmeralda.cc

Esmeralda has a large selection already made and ready to ship, and she has a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied. On her website, you can pick out the exact set of grips that you want, and order online.

Esmeralda does fine work, and I highly recommend her exotic handgun grips.