Un-Retiring Hi-Standard H-D Military 22

[OldLincoln]

I shot today (brass catcher worked well), and realize I need a lot more work on my new shooting position & grip. Not a little but a lot. So, I pulled out my first pistol, a 1947 Hi-Standard Model H-D Military. It's been in a drawer for about 30 years and I was keeping it as a collectors item. It may be worth about $400 or so, but I need to shoot cheap, so here it is.

Some pics for the head scratchers.. "It's a what?":
http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/P1010117.jpg

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/P1010118.jpg

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/P1010121.jpg

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/P1010123.jpg

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/P1010119.jpg

The grips had never been cleaned that I know of so I did a detergent wash & scrub, & scrub.... Now they are pretty clean but very thirsty. What do I put on them and how? I think they are Walnut but not positive.

Second issue is the safety doesn't safety. In the full up position a trigger pull releases the hammer. A lot of detective work later I know the metal chisel thing that fits into the notch on the round hammer bottom (pulling the trigger moves it out of the notch) doesn't go all the way in. I'm assuming it is due to wear because it's been treated well.

Once I discovered it doesn't work, I realized I used to know that before because I had tightened the safety lever so it would not raise. Didn't want somebody to think it worked and get hurt. I'll freeze it again until I find a way to fix it.

So there you have it. Dry Grips and in-operative safety. Any tips are appreciated.

[MW surveyor]

Old Lincoln

My dad had one of those. First hand gun I ever shot and did very well with it. Not sure of what happened to it but sure wish it would have been found.

Bit of Danish oil might help the grips but I'm sure that Bawanna will have the correct oil recommendation for you to use.

[Bawanna]

Thats a beauty. I'd shoot and just leave it empty. I seldom use the safety on my 22's anyhow. I'd put linseed oil on and brush it alot with a toothbrush. I just use my finger and tip the bottle up or dip and put a little on the grip and brush. Don't want to let it build up in the checkering. Its usually pretty thin so it soaks in well.

Danish or Tung oil will work if you already have some. Might have to thin it a little with mineral spirits if its too thick.

[OldLincoln]

I've decided to loctite the safety lever so nobody can think they have it set. I have Tung oil so will use that for the grips. Thanks for you help.