I recently picked up an S&W 581 no dash off of the EE. It came with the original service stocks and a gawd awful set of Goodyears (Pachmeyer grippers). I had an old set of Herrett's grips I picked up at a gun show years ago. they fit well, but weren't relieved enough for using speedloaders. I am also not a huge fan of checkered grips (same as the late great Bill Jordan).
First I sanded down the checkering, then reshaped the left panel to accept speedloaders. I went a touch too far on the left side and have a small gap near the trigger guard. Ooops. Next I stained them with a red cherry stain. I was disappointed when they came out a lot more orange than I anticipated. Oh well, I had already started, so I put on three more coats, lightly sanding in between.
After the stain had completely dried, I started in with the Birchwood Casey Tru oil. As soon as the first coat hit the wood, the Orange vanished and the red cherry colour magically appeared. I was quite pleased. I applied five coats of the Tru oil, hand rubbed and sanded in between coats.
I am very pleased with the results. I think the reworked stocks suit the nice Smith blueing, they sit better in my hand and I can use speedloaders.
Auggie D.
First I sanded down the checkering, then reshaped the left panel to accept speedloaders. I went a touch too far on the left side and have a small gap near the trigger guard. Ooops. Next I stained them with a red cherry stain. I was disappointed when they came out a lot more orange than I anticipated. Oh well, I had already started, so I put on three more coats, lightly sanding in between.
After the stain had completely dried, I started in with the Birchwood Casey Tru oil. As soon as the first coat hit the wood, the Orange vanished and the red cherry colour magically appeared. I was quite pleased. I applied five coats of the Tru oil, hand rubbed and sanded in between coats.
I am very pleased with the results. I think the reworked stocks suit the nice Smith blueing, they sit better in my hand and I can use speedloaders.
Auggie D.
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