I'm sure the purists will crap all over this thread, but I've recently been thinking that my Bisley Super Blackhawk .454 Casull needs different grips. And I've been thinking that a stainless gun needs darker or even black grips.
Additionally, these newer guns do not have grips that are serial number marked, so they can always be replaced with original style grips. Henceforth,modifying the original grips has essentially no consequence.
I've searched online and not found much that I really like or care to spend the money on.
So....I've been thinking about easy ways to modify the factory grips. Unfortunately, I think they are a bit undersized from the factory, so sanding to remove the original stain and finish is not a good option.
And I didn't think that stain would absorb through the original finish. And paint or spray paint would either not adhere or look terrible.
My solution...black permanent marker. I would recommend brake cleaner or acetone based lacquer thinner to clean the original grips before starting. Then, quickly rubbing over them with 00 or 000 steel wool and blow off dust with compressed air. Now, slowly cover the surface of the grip with the marker. Single quick strokes in one direction seem to work better. If after finishing you notice some minimally covered spots, dab the marker there or lightly stroke in one direction. The good news is that if you don't like the looks, you can spray some brake cleaner (or acetone or probably many other solvents) and start over or stay original.
After coloring with marker, you can then polish to glossy finish or use the same steel wool to gently get matte finish or remove more for marbled finish.
Again, you can always use brake cleaner or other solvent to return to original color.
One other caviat...I have a feeling this finish won't last, so the good news is that it can easily be redone!!!!
One last word of wisdom...don't get brake cleaner or other solvent on the Ruger medallion as it will remove the black (I learned the hard way as seen in the pics).
Additionally, these newer guns do not have grips that are serial number marked, so they can always be replaced with original style grips. Henceforth,modifying the original grips has essentially no consequence.
I've searched online and not found much that I really like or care to spend the money on.
So....I've been thinking about easy ways to modify the factory grips. Unfortunately, I think they are a bit undersized from the factory, so sanding to remove the original stain and finish is not a good option.
And I didn't think that stain would absorb through the original finish. And paint or spray paint would either not adhere or look terrible.
My solution...black permanent marker. I would recommend brake cleaner or acetone based lacquer thinner to clean the original grips before starting. Then, quickly rubbing over them with 00 or 000 steel wool and blow off dust with compressed air. Now, slowly cover the surface of the grip with the marker. Single quick strokes in one direction seem to work better. If after finishing you notice some minimally covered spots, dab the marker there or lightly stroke in one direction. The good news is that if you don't like the looks, you can spray some brake cleaner (or acetone or probably many other solvents) and start over or stay original.
After coloring with marker, you can then polish to glossy finish or use the same steel wool to gently get matte finish or remove more for marbled finish.
Again, you can always use brake cleaner or other solvent to return to original color.
One other caviat...I have a feeling this finish won't last, so the good news is that it can easily be redone!!!!
One last word of wisdom...don't get brake cleaner or other solvent on the Ruger medallion as it will remove the black (I learned the hard way as seen in the pics).
