What is your best way to refinish a gun stock?

4 Responses

1. TexasNetWolf

   September 7th, 2010 at 10:20 pm

   There’s no "best" answer for your question, as it depends upon the use the weapon will be put to and the owner’s personal preference.

   – Some serious hunters say a matte finish of black or camo pattern is best, as it avoids reflecting light and emphasized movement.
   – Naturalists say your indicated oil treatments are best for preserving wood against water and rot.
   – Collectors of militaria would scream at anyone using a non-original wood treatment on a collectable… so laquer would be called for on any WW2-era weapons.

   Sorry, but there is no pat answer for your question… depends upon what’s important to you!

2. Heywood

   September 7th, 2010 at 10:20 pm

   I’m a cabinetmaker by profession.

   IMHO, for an older military rifle, boiled inedible linseed would be the best choice. Anything else tends to be too glitzy. Linseed also has an advantage that it’s also easily repairable should it become scratched or dinged.

   Remember… the formula for a linseed finish is:

   Rub until the stock won’t take any more linseed…then…

   one coat a day for a week… then

   one coat a week for a month… then….

   one coat a month for a year… then

   reapply as necessary.

3. Jim Kelly

   September 7th, 2010 at 10:20 pm

   I’m with Heywood.(who actually answered your question ) Tru-oil and the others are great but not for a old military stock.It’s just shines too much

4. sirbobby98121

   September 7th, 2010 at 10:20 pm

   Some will paint the thing Hello Kitty pink…or camo it with Duracoat.

   I like tung oil – it just looks right.

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