Super Redhawk grip question

[TargetTerror]

I just picked up a used SRH in 44 magnum, with a 9.5 inch barrel. I checked the serial number on Rugers website, and its an oldy - circa 1989.

The grip, however, perplexes me. It has the standard Ruger grip - the rubber/synthetic with wood insert. But the rubber is VERY hard. It almost feels like solid plastic. It's nothing like the cushing/grippy rubber on my SP101. Are these grips known for basically "drying out." After a while?

 

[DPris]

My oldest Ruger composite grip goes back to '88, and it's still soft & pliable.
Yours could be due to some extreme storage condition, or a hostile cleaning agent its previous owner used that reacted negatively with the rubber.
Denis

 

[TargetTerror]

Interesting. The thing is, the grip is completely uniform in its consistency. That rules out a toxic substance to me, unless the gun was literally dunked in whatever it was. I can't imagine what sort of environment would do that to the grip. High heat next to a radiator maybe?