I want bring some cape buffalo horn back from Africa to make a set of pistol grips.

I am hoping that someone has experience/ advice on what to look for and how shape them to the revolver.
I understand that selecting and preparing, seasoning the cape buffalo horn is important to get right.

Any, all advice is most welcome. Thanks , Brian

I have worked a bit of cape buff horn, not much. I found our local water buffalo horn to be better (harder) and easier to recover from.

Over here with asiatic buffalo, you'd want horns from old cows. Bulls horns look big but are hollow (much more bone inside) and don't have much solid mass - plus they often have fighting damage. Old cows can yield a lot of solid horn. No idea re cape buff.

As far as seasoning goes, our local horn needs a looooooooooooooooooong time. Most horn I see other folk use is full of flaws/fissures and warpage because the horn has been poorly chosen and too young. Ditto local custom knifemakers - young and poorly chosen horn is the norm from what I've seen.

I cannot recall having any move or crack and I've used hundreds of horns. I stockpiled a LOT of very well aged horn early on and added to it when I could. Much of what I am using is 30+ years dried. I feel secure at 15+. Less than that, not for me.

The Indian horn suppliers have much softer water buff horn. They generally boil it to straighten it (greater recovery). I've been told that gives a quicker seasoning time, but having tried a bit of it I remain unconvinced. Boiling can also change the colour so beware if anyone suggests that.

Some of that might translate to cape buff, not sure. I suppose I'd say make sure you get horns with plenty of mass for the grips, and work with the natural "grain flow" of the material.

I regard the horn I use as far superior to any ebony, ABW etc for grips, caps and tips. It checkers well and makes fine handgun grips, grip caps and butt plates. Natures carbon fibre.

You might contact your PH and see if any seasoned horn may be available. Also, contact a taxidermist that does freeze drying. It might be a way to eliminate the prolonged drying/seasoning process.

Juglansregia and Bobster,
Thanks for the posts with good info. Very helpful. Brian

The now out of print NRA Gunsmithing Guide, a reprint of many fine articles from when the Rifleman was worth keeping the old issues, has an article on working with horn to make a set of stocks for a Colts 1860 Army. Might be of some help.

Kendog and Bobster, Thanks so much. I will order it. Brian