Refinishing....Colt stocks....Question

dnonac · Apr 22, 2011

I've refinished several sets of grips/stocks for S&W revolvers and they turned out pretty darn nice.....thanks in part to all the help and tips I got here from VM and DWFAN and some other smart folks.

Well, somehow I've gotten hold of a really nice Colt Python....but I need to do a refinish on the wood. One question I have is about the Colt medallion in the wood.

Will my usual soak in acetone damage a Colt medallion? I'd hate to soak them and watch that pretty gold thing melt away.

The finish has chipped away in several small spots....hard to see in the picture.
I promise I'll try not to stray again.

Craig....

bamabiker · Apr 23, 2011

I have soaked some in acetone and it did not hurt them. Be prepared to soak them a lot longer than any S&W grips. Colt used some tough stuff. It helps to take them out and brush them along. At least that was my experience.

dnonac · Apr 23, 2011

bamabiker said:
I have soaked some in acetone and it did not hurt them. Be prepared to soak them a lot longer than any S&W grips. Colt used some tough stuff. It helps to take them out and brush them along. At least that was my experience.

Thanks....
By appearance and feel, the finish does seem to be harder than S&W's finish. Thanks for the info.
Craig...

Rule3 · Apr 23, 2011

Why waste time with just acetone?
Use regular furniture stripper like Formbys ( or the Parks brand) or Strip Ez and super fine steel wool. It takes 15 to 30 minutes to completely remove any finish. Give it a final wipe with acetone or mineral spirits and done.

I have done many grips/stocks of my own and several for forum members.

dnonac · Apr 23, 2011

OCD1 said:
Why waste time with just acetone?
Use regular furniture stripper like Formbys ( or the Parks brand) or Strip Ez and super fine steel wool. It takes 15 to 30 minutes to completely remove any finish. Give it a final wipe with acetone or mineral spirits and done.

I have done many grips/stocks of my own and several for forum members.

Well I'll just have to give that a try! I really like acetone but it does take a long time to work; sometimes several days. I'll probably settle for a brush though rather than steel wool on the checkering. The checkering is really sharp and I don't want to dull it.
Thanks for the tip...
Craig

ralph7 · Apr 23, 2011

you promise not to stray?

i think just the fact we are on a s&w forum underscores the fact that we ALL appreciate fine handguns.

nice python, and let us know what worked.

Joni_Lynn · Apr 23, 2011

Nice looking Python. Congrats.

Rule3 · Apr 23, 2011

dnonac said:
Well I'll just have to give that a try! I really like acetone but it does take a long time to work; sometimes several days. I'll probably settle for a brush though rather than steel wool on the checkering. The checkering is really sharp and I don't want to dull it.
Thanks for the tip...
Craig

I use a regular double ended brass gun cleaning brush. For stubborn varnish, poly I use a stainless steel brush gently. The wood on the grips is very hard. You will not mess up the "point" I have a repointing/checkering tool but hand grips are a real pain to do, very time consuming.

This is a good product. Not as good as the old versions which had every toxic chemical known to man in it.

Just wear solvent resistant gloves.

RustOleum.com

Acetone, methanol and toluene

Once the old finish is remove, use some blue painters tape and cover the logo. Lightly sand with extra fine. Final finish is up to you. I like Helmsman Spar Urethane varnish in semi gloss or satin. Gloss is to much I think for a older gun, Satin is nice with blued

dnonac · Apr 23, 2011

ralph7 said:
i think just the fact we are on a s&w forum underscores the fact that we ALL appreciate fine handguns.

nice python, and let us know what worked.

The Python...my first....has a great trigger and the action is really smooth. I also think it's a sharp looking design and I have wanted one for a long time. I don't doubt that it's a high quality handgun and well made. I haven't shot it yet but I'll take care of that this week. My expectations are high and I likely won't be disappointed.

I've been stuck on S&W's for a long time. It's funny, but the Colt feels, well.....fragile, compared to the 44 magnums and other N frames that I own. I know it's not a fair comparison but my focus has been on N frames. I've really come to appreciate the S&W design and lockwork and I guess that's what I am used to. That said, I may find that this is as addictive as the Smith 44 mags are.......I hope not, but I know better.
Thanks,
Craig...

dnonac · Apr 23, 2011

Joni_Lynn said:
Nice looking Python. Congrats.

Thanks Joni.......

BTW......just where is "3rd Rock from the Sun"? I figure it must be in far north Texas!
Craig...

Refinishing....Colt stocks....Question

dnonac

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bamabiker

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dnonac

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Rule3

dnonac

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ralph7

Joni_Lynn

US Veteran

Rule3

dnonac

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dnonac

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