Any advice on refurbishing an A1 grip?

[ABNAK]

Morphing my 6720 into an IDF clone (of sorts). Got an A1 grip from Fulton Armory advertised as "Used, serviceable" condition. Well, it's both as they stated. However, it looks like shit. There are these brownish, moldy looking little splotches all over it. I took a scratchy pad and some soap to it but once it dried it hadn't really done squat.

Any advice as to how to make it look better? If I painted it, what brand is best for durably painting plastic? Is there any other way to clean it up? I know these are ancient grips but I'd like it to look at least reasonably "new".

[1_click_off]

You could try hitting it with a heat gun. I have had some luck when I used to detail cars back in college with this trick. The black molding on the outside and some interior pieces would do as you are discribing. Just don't get it too hot or it will look like you started to melt it.

[ssgjason]

It may be mottled, which is desirable in retro builds... There are shiny black A1 grips, look to see if someone wants to trade.

[masakari]

Sell that to a vintage rifle builder who will appreciate it, and buy a newer one.

[ABNAK]

I looked online and also ordered one from Moore Militaria. It isn't as mottled but there is a gouge in the knurled part of it. I did not see any advertised as "like new" when I Googled it.

[TMS951]

IDF guns always look like they have been thrown down a staircase. I think it will add to an authentic look.

[Renegade04]

Sell that to a vintage rifle builder who will appreciate it, and buy a newer one.

Exactly. AR15Sport sells surplus grips.

http://shop.ar15sport.ihoststores.com/productinfo_v3.aspx?productid=RETPG-2

http://shop.ar15sport.ihoststores.com/productinfo_v3.aspx?productid=RETPG-3

The mottled A1 grips are desirable by many retro AR builders like myself. They are older grips. I even have a couple builds where I used mottled handguards as well. It really adds to the character of the build.

[ABNAK]

So is the mottling non-removable? i.e. permanent?

If I did paint it what is a good spray paint for plastic?

[masakari]

So is the mottling non-removable? i.e. permanent?

If I did paint it what is a good spray paint for plastic?

DON'T PAINT IT. THAT'S HISTORY THAT YOU'RE RUINING.
Again, if you want one that's not mottled, buy one. Your grip is worth more anyhow.

[ABNAK]

DON'T PAINT IT. THAT'S HISTORY THAT YOU'RE RUINING.
Again, if you want one that's not mottled, buy one. Your grip is worth more anyhow.

I hear ya, but it's been awhile since I was hunting for an A1 grip and it appears one in "like new" condition is unobtanium.

[Dionysusigma]

Maybe give this site a try: http://www.uscoreplicas.net/m16a1-parts.html (a little past halfway down the page)

[ABNAK]

Maybe give this site a try: http://www.uscoreplicas.net/m16a1-parts.html (a little past halfway down the page)

Thanks, I'll have a look after work (computer won't let me go to that site here).

[Renegade04]

I gave you two links in my post for A1 grips. In addition, DO NOT do anything to the grip you have. There are plenty of guys that would love to have it as is. You can send it to me and I will give it a good home.

[acrocat]

I bought a very good to excellent condition pistol grip from Apex Gun Parts not too long ago but unfortunately they are now out of stock. They do have the lower-priced good condition version still available. Ken Elmore has them on his nonfunctional future website; no idea if he really has any and they are rather pricey but if he really has them for that price, there is a good chance they are in excellent condition; however, they aren't listed on his current website so no idea if he really has any available.

http://www.apexgunparts.com/ar15-m16/colt-ar15-m16a1-pistol-grip-good.html

http://specializedarmament.mypinnaclecart.com/ar-15-lower-receivers-parts/pistol-grip-m16a1-colt-1967-1983/

(out of stock)
http://www.apexgunparts.com/colt-ar15-m16a1-pistol-grip-vg-to-ex.html

[MOLON AABE]

Sell your vintage grip to one of these guys for $75, and dremel up an A-2 grip to be a stand in for an A-1.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[masakari]

ArmaLite still makes their A1 style grip of you can live with having the sling swivel on it.
https://armalite.com/shop/ergo-pistol-grip-with-sling-swivel-black/

[ABNAK]

ArmaLite still makes their A1 style grip of you can live with having the sling swivel on it.
https://armalite.com/shop/ergo-pistol-grip-with-sling-swivel-black/

A Dremel would make quick work of that swivel.

I ended up ordering a like new one from uscoreplicas. It was pricey but worth it to have a mint one.

If any of you guys wants a mottled one (like leprosy mottled) drop me a PM. I won't rape you on it!

[Whytep38]

About two months ago, I bought an A1 grip from Sherluk for $10. It looked pristine. I prefer the A1 grip and three-prong flash hider, so I ordered the grip and old-style barrel wrench with slots for installing/removing three-prong flash hiders. I was pleasantly surprised by the grip because my other A1 grips were a little worn when I got them, and I know Sherluk's reputation has a few spots on it.

[kwg020]

Here is a brand new one from Armalite.
https://armalite.com/shop/ergo-pistol-grip-with-sling-swivel-black/

$8.50 plus shipping. I have several and I like the sling swivel.

[NickySantoro]

OP,
I did one a while back with Alumahyde II from Brownells. It's held up well.