HOW DO I FIX MY COMBAT GRIPS

[jspick]

I went to a gun show over the weekend. I was walking around and found a pair of K frame Combat grips. I looked them over and saw they had been broken and glued back together. The emblem washers were gone but the emblems were there.

I made the deal for a fraction of what a good pair would cost. I have carefully removed the dried glue from the grips and have smoothed up the finish with 0000 steel wool.

What I want to do is refinish them or fix the finish issues. What kind of finish did S&W put on thier grips? It is a thick plastic type finish from what I can tell. What do I use as a stripper?
Thanks to all for thier help. John

 

[Truckman]

In some cases I've used non-chlorinated brake cleaner to strip off poorly applied finishes and stains on grips I've bought...Combat grips are cool......Ben

 

[Vtgw938]

John:

Acetone is the go to stripper and works very well. Don't use plastic containers and try to have some ventilation. let them soak in it. Fair warning it will likely remove any glue.

My understanding is the original finish would be a lacquer and quite glossy. A semi-gloss polyurethane works nicely to replicate the original with light coats and fine sanding in between. I try to avoid the heavy plastic look even if some stocks had such a look. Attached are a couple examples of ones I have done recently.

 

[JOliver]

Second the acetone
I have several pickle jars with grips soaking now, looks like junior high with a frog or pig (doubt they do that anymore! Some group probably complained)... let them soak for a day or month just whenever you're ready. It will break glue down pull them out and remove finish if any is left.
Sand and I use Truoil works great.

Also one note, if washers are gone and emblems are in there make sure someone hasn't installed the new plastic medallions... if so the acetone will eat them, if they're factory metal ones you'll be fine.
I bet I have done 40-50 sets this year if you need any help

Added some pictures of some I have done recently, I personally like that deep gloss look, I use Tru-oil and add coats until I get the look I want. The last set the dark chocolate colored smooth targets are satin and I used minwax satin, it's super super easy to use and they came out great they were for a buddy that doesn't like the high gloss.
Minwax Wipe On Poly