Question on S&W Model 29 wood finish

[CommanderPoopyduX]

My dad is wanting to strip the shiny finish off his old Smith and Wesson model 29-3. The wood is very pretty, but he doesn't like how shiny it is. He wants to strip just the clear coating off, and oil the wood, but we aren't sure what was used over the wood. He doesn't want to sand the grips, he would just like to strip the shininess off. The gun was made in the early 80s (probably 1982). Does anyone know what was put on the wood, so we can strip it off?

Thanks

 

[Master Blaster]

It could be laquer, or shellac, or some type of catalyzed finnish.

Try using denatured alcohol solvent, if that doesnt work try laquer thinner.

 

[mljdeckard]

Is there any reason he wouldn't want to just take them off, and find some aftermarket ones?

 

[pharmer]

Leave the grips alone. Someday someone will gladly pay $150 for them IF they are ORIGINAL. Joe

 

[CommanderPoopyduX]

Got it off with Lacquer thinner.

 

[CommanderPoopyduX]

They are the original grips. He bought the gun new and has never done anything to it. He will never sell the gun though, and neither will I when I inherit it someday. He doesn't want after market grips, mainly because he loves these grips, and the colour, but doesn't like how shiny they are. It makes them look cheap (almost like plastic) and just wants to make the gun "better".

 

[.41Dave]

Place the grips in a glass jar, then fill the jar with acetone or odorless mineral spirits. Leave sto soak overnight. This will remove the factory finish without harming the wood at all. When the grips are completely dry, you can refinish with tung oil or tru oil.

 

[.41Dave]

oops! duplicate post deleted