Refinish These J Magnas or Leave as is?

[GaryHK]

What would you guys do? Nothing really deep or bothersome, they just kind of bother me but not quite enough to firmly make a decision. Need your help!

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

I say go for it. Looks like some rich colors hiding in those stocks. With the right touch they could be very nice, IMO.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I like the way they look as-is. It adds character. Kind of like honest wear on a blued finish.

Just my opinion.

 

[s&wchad]

Work some Hoppe's #9 in with a clean toothbrush and wipe them dry. Then apply a light coat of paste wax. If you're not satisfied with the way they come out, you can always soak them in acetone and refinish them.

Unless they're numbered to the gun, you haven't got a lot to lose. Non-diamond RB J frame Magna's are probably the least valuable S&W factory revolver stocks.

 

[PeteC]

It looks like they can be successfully refinished, the checkering and medallions still look nice. The way they look would not bother me personally. In the end, the only thing that matters is what YOU think of them, not someone else.

I've been on a sort-of quest to acquire grips to match some of my "adopted" revolvers, and here is the general guide I use for my own use:

1) If a gun came with original grips, I would only refinish or repair if they are damaged in some way, like a major chip, crack, or someone putting a layer of shiny polyurethane over the original finish. (Rarely the case with my "rescues", lol.)

2) If a gun came with rubber grips, or mismatched grips, then I try to find grips that match the vintage or condition, meaning good used grips from the same period on a good used gun are fine.

3) If I have a gun in VG-Exc condition and matching grips in similar condition are hard to find, then I would definitely refinish some period-correct stocks to match the condition of the gun.

 

[GaryHK]

Thanks all, some really great feedback and such, especially regarding the value.

I think I'll give it a shot once I have the gun in hand. It's currently in FFL jail (we have a wait period on pistols here in WA).

 

[PeteC]

Here's an example of older stocks with the larger football relief that came to me in distressed condition (someone had applied a thick layer of very shiny polyurethane). I had them stripped and refinished without attempting to hide every imperfection or sign of wear. They were done in a satin finish, which does not look like I was trying to fake original finish on a pair of used stocks. Small nicks and cuts are still evident, but that was the result I wanted.

 

[GaryHK]

...They were done in a satin finish, which does not look like I was trying to fake original finish on a pair of used stocks...

This is my biggest fear of "trying too hard" but like another poster said, it's not like these are rare $500 stocks. A "subtle" not over the top refinish is in order I think.

 

[H Richard]

Depends on how they will be used. If you plan to carry frequently, I wouldn't bother to refinish, as they will get back to this point again. If you plan to just keep and use occasionally as a range gun, I would refinish, using Tru oil.

 

[Hondo44]

I would refinish also and with Tru Oil as H Richard posted, to have a closest to factory finish look.

I would strip them with furniture stripper, not sand them. Leave the checkered area as is.

Only sand out imperfections, if any, not the entire grip.

 

[chief38]

I probably would. Your descent set could become a terrific set of grips! Refinishing them is an easy basic job and would be rewarding.