Do grips shrink with age?

4 Scale · 11-08-2017, 11:55 AM

Wood is hydroscopic - absorbs or loses moisture based on ambient humidity. The best 'treatment' for Luger grips is to leave them alone and store in a clean environment at modest temps and humidity. In FL I would think you'd be OK vs. any shrinkage.

Wood folklore is full of well meaning but un-informed advice about how wood must be 'nourished' or otherwise subjected to various substances to prevent drying/cracking/rotting/shrinking etc. Invariably such advice is anecdotal. Wood grips need a refreshing drink of moisture just as much as the metal in the pistol does (zero). My guess is, various "treatments" are suggested because many companies sell wood care products and there are no FDA type regs on benefit claims, as wood can neither vote nor make campaign contributions.

Luger grips are made of hardwood, with the grain oriented along the grips at least on mine. Such wood is very durable and able to endure all manner of abuse - people can get away applying oils and other "wood care" products without noticeable short-term damage. I define short term as less than 100 years. Those who wish to actually preserve grips should research the matter; experienced curators who actually understand wood cellular structure seem to all recommend add nothing, while storing wisely.

11-08-2017, 11:55 AM	#6
4 Scale User Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 544 Thanks: 194 Thanked 490 Times in 251 Posts	Wood is hydroscopic - absorbs or loses moisture based on ambient humidity. The best 'treatment' for Luger grips is to leave them alone and store in a clean environment at modest temps and humidity. In FL I would think you'd be OK vs. any shrinkage. Wood folklore is full of well meaning but un-informed advice about how wood must be 'nourished' or otherwise subjected to various substances to prevent drying/cracking/rotting/shrinking etc. Invariably such advice is anecdotal. Wood grips need a refreshing drink of moisture just as much as the metal in the pistol does (zero). My guess is, various "treatments" are suggested because many companies sell wood care products and there are no FDA type regs on benefit claims, as wood can neither vote nor make campaign contributions. Luger grips are made of hardwood, with the grain oriented along the grips at least on mine. Such wood is very durable and able to endure all manner of abuse - people can get away applying oils and other "wood care" products without noticeable short-term damage. I define short term as less than 100 years. Those who wish to actually preserve grips should research the matter; experienced curators who actually understand wood cellular structure seem to all recommend add nothing, while storing wisely.