Downside to leaving wood grips in the raw?

[eldon519]

I've got a Ruger Bisley that I was just sanding on to remove a high spot in the grips that was giving me a blister. They are factory grips so nothing too special. Before I refinish them, I started wondering if wood grips are ever left in the raw on purpose? It's just a range gun so it will not get rained on or anything. Over extended periods of use, would sweat and oil from one's hands give the grips their own patina sort of like a heavily used wood-handle tool might get?

Also, for finishing them which is what I'm likely to do in the end after get back the responses I expect (ie it's not a very good idea), what is a finish that doesn't leave wood glossy? My hands sweat a lot here in Houston, and I don't like having glossy or laquer-type finishes on my grips. It probably sounds stupid, but I'd prefer just a oiled finish like on some of my old Mausers, M1917 Enfields, SKS, etc.

 

[GIJOEL]

I have some maple grips that I slapped on a 1911 that I never finished (waiting on the right figured block to make nice ones), they got dirty really fast. But thats maple, a darker wood might not have the same issues. I would finish the grips somehow just to avoid cleaning solvents and lube from impregnating on the wood causing a slick spot.

 

[GIJOEL]

Sorry posted before I saw the last part. Linseed oil? Some of the nice polyurethanes are offered in satin finish?

 

[Mizar]

One very utilitarian and fast finish is to use some water based varnish (satin or matt) diluted with water. I have used Bona Novia satin varnish left after rejuvenating wooden flooring in my home -you have to dilute it with water until it has a milk-like consistency and apply it with your fingers or some soft brush. The varnish soaks in the wood and dries real fast. Anything left over the wood can be scrubbed with brass brush after the varnish hardens a little. Two or three coats should be OK. The end result is nothing fancy, but it protects the wood from oils and sweat. And you can finish your grips in about 30 minutes.

Boris

 

[klutchless]

Try minwax rub on finishes they look great on my rocking chair and arnt slick but feel smooth to the touch and mimick the patina of a worn tool handle.