Factory K frame diamond target stocks with strange damage?

[Narragansett]

OK, so what is the fix? Acetone wipe down and a lot of thin coats of tung oil?

 

[diecidecimi]

If you already have other diamond stocks, you could keep them this way. Sort of variant , cool, as sanded or blasted pipes...

 

[CA Escapee]

Just a wild guess: sand or media blasted. I've done a lot of media blasting and have had results on wood that resemble this.

They have the look of the early '70's Colt Government Model grips that I've heard were sand blasted.

 

[Jason Demond]

I don't know what happened to them, but it does appear they spent time under water. I am in agreement with everyone on that front.

That said... I doubt I would ever attempt to use them on a gun, or at least a blued gun. If they were soaked in water, I would wonder what type of water. I would also be fearful of them being submerged in salt water. Like if they were salvaged from a Katrina gun, I would fear them rusting my gun.

If I were absolutely sure I was going to use them on a gun. I would strip them down to bare wood, wash them several times with soapy water, and refinish them with something that would completely seal the grips. I would seal both sides...

I know factory grips can be worth a mint, but they are not worth potential gun damage without taking steps to mitigate it.

 

[oink]

To me they look like they were left out in the weather for an extended time, such as on a lost gun, especially with one side being much darker than the other. That sounds like it/they weathered on it's side with one side down. I wonder if the insides of the sides are heavily rust stained as would be likely on a gun lost outside in the weather, at least where I live.

I have no suggestions on how to restore them to any sort of original condition.

 

[OldK22]

For those who asked what the back side of the stocks looks I attached a picture. No rust on the black washers so not in water a long time. I agree someone used a harsh stripper and it attacked the oils in the wood. These stocks were never going to be perfect but did turn into a shooter set after some thought and salvage work. Not a restoration as I am not even close to being smart enough to do that kind of work.

 

[Laketime]

I've worked on many grips and stocks made from rosewood from many origins. Rosewood is one of the easiest woods to sand using fine paper. Rub in some mineral oil on both front and back. The wood will draw the oil in and expel any moisture or wax.The wood will also darken and bring out the red hughes.They will return to the shade you started with in a couple of weeks or sooner if left in sunlight for a few days.Rosewood is the only wood that has the ability to draw in oil to its center. This is how the trees when alive protect its core from invasive insects.

 

[Dan Carey]

My nickel says that the grips were refinished in the past or subjected to high humidity for a while, or both. In any event, I kind of like their appearance!