So I am thinking I need some Ivory for my 29-2. I've seen several OLD guns with Ivory that has shrunk a lot. I'm curious how long it would take before it shrinks enough to not look great? I'm also wondering if there is anything you can do to keep it from happening?

Ivory is like wood. It needs to be properly cured before it is fitted to the gun. If not it will shrink and otherwise change form after the final shaping of the grips have been done.

Many older guns had grips made of 'green' ivory. Not cured long enough or impropery cured. They continued to cure after the grips were made of it and the end result was the shrinkage to their final shape. Usually much smaller than the edges of the grip frame they were fitted to.

Any 'old' legal ivory around now has dried to it's final form. Though improper drying (quick drying) may have effected it's structure resulting in premature cracking or twisting. All the general rules that apply to wood, it's handling/drying before working, also apply to ivory.

Ivory is generally not happy with large swing in temperature and or humidity.
Ren wax helps preserve them or a periodic wipe down and let it be absorbed before wiping off of baby oil.

I have a two of pair of Ivory grips from the old Gun Art Company that I bought back in 1973 and 1984, they have shrunk a tiny bit. Both have yellowed some, but are still quite nice.

I keep mine waxed and/or oiled. If you purchase new grips from either Nutmeg or Boone, I wouldn't worry.

I had a real nice pair from Nutmeg for my SAA. I might have him make my new ones for the 29.

Who is Boone?

Thanks

Boone Trading Co.
Boone Trading Company - Ivory and Scrimshaw Pistol Grips

Good luck with that. Jim wouldn't make S&W grips in the past, so I doubt you'll get him to now. Try Don Collins (he says he was the one who taught Jim Alaimo how to make ivory grips.)

I've got maybe a half dozen sets on various guns. All look like they were just fitted. Some of the old grips must be 50 years old or so. I agree with the above poster, if they were properly aged when fitted, they pretty much stay that way. But don't leave them out in the sun or in very dry conditions. Those of you who try to pump moisture out of a safe with dissicant might run into problems. The easy answer is to not store them in the safe, or to periodically use baby oil on them.

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Dick Burg

once a year...you should soak ivory grips overnight in pure mineral oil. It maintains the moisture content and reduces the odds of shrinkage.

Good suggestions so far. BTW, the Johnsons Baby Oil is mineral oil but smells purdy which is why I prefer it. Ivory, and especially fossilized ivory, is beautiful but often it will check. You can minimize that with some of the suggestions given but you need to accept that it may happen if you decide to go with ivory.

Bob