Every once in a while, I run across a nice pair of P230 factory grips that have a gray discoloration present in either the "thumbrest" areas or as streaks that erratically "drip" down from the thumbrest area into the checkering. The former pattern makes it appear as if the plastic reacted poorly to someone's sweaty palms; the latter makes it appear as if someone spilled a disagreeable solvent on the grips. I have only seen this on P230 grips, not P232 or other classic P-series Sig grips. Anybody shed some light on how this happens or if the discoloration can be removed?

A "drip" example is currently on the #1 auction site if you search for USED DISCOLORED FACTORY SIG SAUER P230

Just checked mine.
Just some holster wear.
Vedder doesn't seem to soak through like my former OHC did. So I get much less sweat tfr to the grip/slide.

Neither of mine show any sign of discoloration. My guess with what you're seeing is from solvent or a lube, not sweat.

I lean toward solvent too...if its on your hands, then you can transfer it to the thumbrest area without a lot of dripping.

So, if we go with solvent, what solvent would do this to a P230 grip (but apparently not other Sig grips)? And what might restore the grip?

quote:

USED DISCOLORED FACTORY SIG SAUER P230

My 1994 Sig P230 doesn't have any discoloration on its factory grips.

I would also lean towards solvent causing it.

Insect Repellant can discolor grips too.

Good point. I've seen Deet "melt" dull glossy plastic finishes, and smooth/mottle slightly textured finishes. Usually the result is something "wetter/darker" looking whereas what I have seen in the P230 grips is a grayish cast that cannot be cleaned off.

Any reason to believe something (e.g., WD40 or brake cleaner) used by some gun owners but not most, would selectively damage a P230 grip but not other grips?

I looked at those grips on fleabay and that's not sweat, definitely a solvent or lube. Shame too because a lot of fellas prefer the 230 stock grips over the 232's, me included. Don't know what solvent in your original question but I wish I could tell you.

Yes, I'm kind of hoping someone who has had the problem will chime in. If I can ID the solvent, perhaps a fix is possible.

Try some RemOil on the discolored portion of the grip.