Can I sand goncalo alves without stain?

[polymerhead]

I bought some period-correct target grips for my 27-2. I believe they're goncalo alves. At the toe and heel, the grips are off maybe 1/32 of an inch; enough that you can feel a ridge. If I progressively sand the "seam" of the grips until they're mated well, will I have to stain them? Or can I just add some oil finish and be done? Put another way, if you sand into some '70s GA target grips, should I expect a major color change? Thanks!

 

[Vtgw938]

I have sanded Goncalo and touched them up with urethane or lacquer. Yours are from the time period of lacquer. I wouldn't use oil unless the finish is worn off. Better yet would be to make the stocks fit the gun, that is if possible. I assume the panel that is short on the front extends on the rear. Usually if the stocks are a set just a little work on the grip pin holes will line them up. Your stocks weren't stained and the only time I use any color is to match a panel better or to hide a repair.

 

[polymerhead]

Thanks for the input. A few minutes carefully shaving the edge of the pin hole with a drill bit in a tap holder got me 95% of the way there. An acceptable fit for a set of ebay grips, and I don't have to touch the finish. Great!

 

[Vtgw938]

The panels may move. If so cut a few slivers of wood and put them on the side of the hole they need to be with a little wood glue and put a drill bit in the hole to shape it. Multiple narrow slivers allow to to follow the shape of the hole. Sand off any wood that extends above the surface. I often use a rubber mallet to fit & set the stocks but you may not want to do that.

 

[boykinlp]

polymerhead, beautiful grain in those grips!
Larry