Mid 70s target grip color

[Dewy12]

May be a dumb question, but has any of you darkened your stocks. Mine are in perfect shape and I like to keep things as original as possible. However, the light orange look, in my opinion, doesn't compare to the darker shades of the earlier guns. Have you all had this thought and did any of you do anything about it?

[arjay]

Pretty hard to accomplish,maybe hunt down an earlier pair?

[loeman]

That light orange look you mention is a pretty common look for the 70s. Since you prefer originality, I would do nothing more than lemon wood oil. You could strip them with acetone and re-finish with Watco Danish Natural which will darken them a bit. But I'd be inclined to just leave them as is, especially if their condition is excellent.

[Dewy12]

Don't really want to change from originals. I really like the Gonçalo Alvie's, just wish they were a little darker and more satin than shiny. Also curious if others had the same thought.

[arjay]

I think you would almost have to use a colored lacquer to cover the orange

[brainflood]

Have you got a picture for us to see how orange they are?


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[weatherby]

This is just my opinion but the easiest thing may be to just sell that set and then buy one with the proceeds with the color and grain you like.

The time frame has little to do with it.
There were light earlier grips and dark later grips.

A dark set from the same time frame




an 80's set with nice grain/color

[bamabiker]

Hey Dewy, I bought a pair of targets cheap at a gun show and they were very light with no grain, kind of light yellow. I soaked them in acetone and did a little sanding on them.
All I had handy was some dark brown leather dye so I dunked them in it and sprayed them with a finish. They are not perfect but I like them better now.

[weatherby]

All I had handy was some dark brown leather dye so I dunked them in it and sprayed them with a finish. They are not perfect but I like them better now

I think you did quite well