Colt MT Woodsman, second issue(?) grips

OleDuk

September 04, 2011 16:47

I have this pistol which apparently has some type of plastic grips which look like they want to turn gray. Can this ailment be cured? Come on guys, I aint never messed with no pistols and don't know nothing about Coltwood, elephant ears, etc.

TIA,

OleDuk

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  perry shooter

  September 04, 2011 17:49

  Are you SURE they are original colt grips Sounds very much like aftermarket grips Fitz or something like that.
  
  Take the grips off before doing any thing and see if they are hollow and have a makers name.

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  rufe-snow

  September 04, 2011 19:09

  Second Issue Woodsman haven't been made since the 50's. If they are the original plastic grips maybe the plastic the grips are made of, is deteriorating? After 50+ years you would be turning gray also.

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  JudgeColt

  September 05, 2011 05:48

  Colt Second Model Woodsman pistols have "Coltwood" stocks. The later ones are dull in appearance, with a slightly "frosty" look to them. Perhaps the poster is viewing the "frost" as turning gray.
  
  If washing the stocks in soap and water does not change their appearance to the poster's satisfaction, then rub your finger up and down your nose a few times and transfer some "nose oil" to the stocks in a spot. If that darkens the stocks to your satisfaction, then you know what to do. Or you could try some paste wax for wood to see what effect that has.
  
  Even if the poster "... ain't never messed with no pistols and don't know nothing about Coltwood," if the poster "messes" with Colt revolvers of the same era, the poster has "messed" with Coltwood, since that material was used on all Colts from 1947 through 1951-1952 and on many through 1954.

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  He Dog

  September 05, 2011 07:22

  Coltwood is a phenolic plastic not unlike Bakelite or Catalin. Glayzit or Blue Magic metal polish will restore the shine as well.

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  RCrosby

  September 05, 2011 08:25

  Kind of surprised that no one has come forth with the standard, "We need some good close up photos" mantra.
  Would likely answer the "original or aftermarket" question if nothing else.

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  OleDuk

  September 05, 2011 20:04

  Thanks Karl, rufe-snow, Judge Colt, He Dog, and RCrosby. I've stored the piece somewhere, but the S/N, I think, is 18xxx-s.(probably needs another digit for second issue, but it does have left side magazine release button).
  Rufe-snow, I started turning gray about 40+ years ago but as far as I can tell most of that gray hair is still on my head except when my wife hits me with a roll of toilet paper!JudgeColt, thanks for the detailed answer. I bought the gun from a friend in about 1968 and it's in pretty good shape except the grips. I will try your suggestions soon.
  
  Thanks to all,
  
  Jack

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