Fixing Warped Grips

[Fishinfool]

While digging thru my box of old take off grips, I came upon a set of foot ball targets, originally off a mid 70's model 29. I believe they are walnut, though I could be wrong.

I attempted to fit them on a model 28 I just picked up, and found they have warped. They pull away from the frame of the gun at both the bottom and top. I ended up using a set of Osage Orange grips I had, but my question is, is there any way to straighten out, or square a set of warped grips?

Thanks

Larry

 

[Fishinfool]

I thought someone would have had an idea or two.

I'll probably try wetting them, than setting them on a flat surface with a little weight laying on top.... See if I can get them to warp the other way, and flatten out as they dry.

Larry

 

[Laketime]

What I have done in the past is sand the inside of the stocks until they fit the frame flush ,then seal it with Tru oil to prevent further warping.Despite what many here beleive a completely sealed stock will not warp from lack of breathing ,provided it is dry before the sealing process. The only grips that have ever warped on me were ones with the factory finish.

 

[Hapworth]

I'd PM DWFAN for advice -- he's a stock restore/repair master.

 

[ontargetagain]

You may get a qualified answer from this gentleman:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/access...c-stocks-sale-13-dws-stocks-restorations.html

Usually wood warps from stress within the grain or shrinkage from lack of moisture. I have made relief cuts in some types of warped wood to relieve the stress but you would have to understand where that point is on the stocks. You could also if the wood is bare get some teak or linseed oil (I have warmed it mildly before applying to get best absorption) and begin applying it to the grips until it won't absorb anymore and it may come back to shape. Also look closely for a split beginning somewhere as that may indicate the heaviest stress point of the wood grain causing the warp.

You may notice your wooden rungs on chairs in the Winter as the home loses humidity to shrink and come loose, there is actually a product called swell lock that is marketed to expand the wood naturally. Not sure if it would help on your grips or not though?

Karl