[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by masraum

Thanks, I've seen "goncalo alves" listed before and always thought that was the name of the person that designed the grips or something. It's interesting to see the variation in the colors and patterns of the grips on these old spoons. Some are a very uniform color, and some have some really beautiful variation. I saw one on GB that looks like they are practically blond.

These were actually designed by one Walter Roper back in the 1930's as an aftermarket target grip for S&W revolvers. S&W soon adopted the design as their own.

I actually prefer the version of them made by Steve Herrett. Steve will custom size them to your hand. His are smooth, uncheckered, which I prefer. Here they are on a Python, a M19, and a M29:

Originally Posted by masraum

OK, another question. Once a "new" shiny spoon like this is acquired, what's the best way to store it if it isn't used frequently?

I've seen more than a couple on GB over the years that note that they "have a few small spots of corrosion due to sitting in the presentation box."

Assuming one is acquired that does not have any spots, what's the best way to store it without having to worry about any new corrosion spots?

Storing any gun in any sort of a lined case, be it a presentation case, hard gun case, or soft gun case is about the worst way to do it. The lining materials attract and absorb moisture. The best way to store long guns is standing up in a safe, for handguns it would be hanging them on pegs or placing them on a hard, unlined shelf in the safe. Keep the presentation box just for that - presenting it - and store the gun "loose" in your safe.