Model 10-5 grip finish

[Bald1]

So I just got done stripping the original grips from my dads 10-5. At some point they got a coat of poly or varnish or something. I’ve read Tung oil and Linseed oil is a good choice for finish. I have both on hand and can use either. Anyone use either or have a recommendation? Thanks in advance.

 

[alwslate]

I have refinished grips with several coats of Linseed oil rubbed in with fingers. I tried Tung oil once and didn't like it. Left the grips shiny and sticky. Didn't seem to ever want to dry. I suggest trying both on a piece of wood to see them before you finish the grips.

 

[chief38]

I would absolutely recommend Tung Oil! MAKE SURE it is 100% PURE Tung oil and not mixed with anything. Hopes Tung oil is one brand I have and have been using for 50 years - it's excellent. Apply 6-8 thin coats with a very light sanding in between coats with 0000 steel wool. Allow 24 hours between coats. Tung oil completely dries - unlike Linseed oil. Tung oil is also non toxic and can be used inside the kitchen. It NEVER goes bad - will last for 100 years as long as the can is closed.

If down the road you feel you want to spruce up the grips again, no need to strip. Just a light steel wool sanding and apply a few more coats. Leave alone on last coat for gloss finish. Lightly 0000 steel wool buff for satin finish. Tung oil is what I used on carry guns for decades. Works excellent!

I read the above post and something was not right. Tung oil is NOT gooey, sticky or soft -- dries fast and hard. Wither it was contaminated, mixed with something or not applied correctly. I have used Tung oil hundreds of times both personally and professionally - it has never failed me. Hopes brand 100% pure Tung Oil is what you want!

 

[jmiles1960]

If you are looking for a factory finish on those 10-5 grips, I believe it would have been poly or varnish. Tung or Linseed will give you more of a mat, older looking style finish. Others will likely chime in on when S&W switched finish types. Both will look great! Good luck.

 

[oldbrownhat]

I have refinished grips with several coats of Linseed oil rubbed in with fingers. I tried Tung oil once and didn't like it. Left the grips shiny and sticky. Didn't seem to ever want to dry. I suggest trying both on a piece of wood to see them before you finish the grips.

Did you wipe the wood down after about 1/2 hour to remove any oil that hadn't soaked in? It will "never" dry and be sticky and shiny if you don't! (Applies to either oil.)

If you use linseed, be sure to use BOILED or it will take for ever to dry. Several light coats of either about 24 hrs. apart usually works. And go esp. light on the checkered areas as the oil can clog up there. A soft toothbrush is handy for getting it into the checkering. Some people thin the first coat a little (10-15%) with mineral spirits or turps but it usually isn't necessary.

Lee Valley Polymerized Tung Oil (licensed from Sutherland Welles Ltd. in VT) is very good but any quality TO will do. (Be sure it is 100%. Apparently some products aren't.)

 

[alwslate]

I have always used Boiled Linseed oil. My Tung oil is Formbys Tung Oil finish, I think the brand is. It is not pure Tung oil. It remained sticky for many days. I continue to apply BLO in thin hand rubbed coats as long as it continues to be absorbed by the wood. It gives the wood a nice low luster look.