Grip Finish Preference

[Gun Relics]

On postwar revolvers, for the sake of appearance, what grip finish do you prefer on Target and Magna stocks? Most of mine have a gloss or semi gloss appearance, but a few have satin.

What look do you think is the most original? What look do you prefer?

 

[Doc44]

I always prefer target stocks on target revolvers with a barrel length of four inches or more. Satin finish and semi-gloss are preferable.

Bill

 

[Vtgw938]

I think original stocks should get as close to the original finish as possible. So for stocks that were finished in lacquer I prefer lacquer or urethane, again to about the same sheen as original so semi-gloss or gloss. I was using urethane for ease of use and durability but have recently been using lacquer.I am finding the lacquer doesn't give as smooth a finish but is more correct. For earlier stocks I have found MinWax Tung Oil Finish is superb but takes a bit of time. Tru Oil works well and is much quicker but I prefer the MinWax Tung Oil.

On custom grips especially ones without checkering, I prefer a burnished wax finish.

 

[Gun Relics]

Two solid answers, thanks guys!

 

[Hawg Rider]

I'm not a big fan of the glossy varnish-type finishes on target stocks or magnas. Whenever I have to refinish a set of stocks, I go for a low gloss or matte oil finish...primarily using Formby's Low Gloss Tung Oil Finish or Minwax. I have tried B-C Tru-Oil, followed by some buffing with 0000 steel wool to knock down the gloss, and that works well, too.

 

[Bastogne71]

I always prefer target stocks on target revolvers with a barrel length of four inches or more. Satin finish and semi-gloss are preferable.

Bill

I’m with Bill on his preference. The gloss finish is a turn off for me.

 

[Vtgw938]

I’m with Bill on his preference. The gloss finish is a turn off for me.

I'm curious. If you have an original set of stocks from the 70's with the original glossy lacquer finish do you knock the gloss off the stocks? Or are you guys referencing re-finished stocks only where you have a choice?

 

[Hawg Rider]

I'm curious. If you have an original set of stocks from the 70's with the original glossy lacquer finish do you knock the gloss off the stocks? Or are you guys referencing re-finished stocks only where you have a choice?

If the vintage stocks are in good condition, I leave them alone. I only refinish if there are some dings to repair or the finish is flaking off or worn off.

 

[Gun Relics]

I'm curious. If you have an original set of stocks from the 70's with the original glossy lacquer finish do you knock the gloss off the stocks? Or are you guys referencing re-finished stocks only where you have a choice?

What I am asking about is a refinish. I recently repaired several sets of chipped stocks which required stain and finish. I prefer satin or matte clear but I noticed quite a few of my pistols from the era had gloss.

 

[Vtgw938]

What I am asking about is a refinish. I recently repaired several sets of chipped stocks which required stain and finish. I prefer satin or matte clear but I noticed quite a few of my pistols from the era had gloss.

Understood. Yes I think all stocks from the 70's & 80's used gloss lacquer.