How to Restore an Old Gun Stock
- Safety Check and Disassembly. Clear the firearm before anything else. Remove detachable magazines if possible. Pointing...
- Exfoliation via Paint Thinner. Heineke uses paint stripper for this step, which requires a respirator and a shock to the...
- Linseed Oil—Nectar of the Gun Gods. Boiled Linseed oil (BLO) will bring new life to an old...
Full Answer
Should you recondition or restore a wooden stock on a long gun?
One thing that nearly every shooter will encounter at some point in their shooting career is the need to recondition or restore a wooden stock on a long gun. Most long guns made before 1960 have a wooden stock by default. With use over time, wooden gun stocks can get to a point where the finish is dull and damaged.
How do you refinish a standard rifle stock?
Read on for a step-by-step description of how to refinish a standard wooden rifle stock. First, remove the stock from the firearm if possible. This makes it easier to work with and lessens the chance that you accidentally damage the finish while you are working. Once you have the stock on its own, you can begin.
What is the best way to restore a stock engine?
On the other hand if the stock was finished with oil then you can restore it with some stock oil. Commonly available brands include CCL, Trade Secret, and Napier, while Browning Legia spray is quite good for a quick job.
How do you get blo off a rifle stock?
With a paintbrush, liberally cover the entire stock with BLO. Look for places where the wood has soaked up all of the oil and apply more to that area. Continue until the wood won’t accept any more and walk away. Allow the rifle to rest, occasionally readjusting its positioning to avoid BLO pooling up in certain areas.
Can you refinish a gun stock?
0:5715:45How to Refinish a Rifle Stock - woodworkweb - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this gun will be completely stripped and we will refinish it completely so that looks almost asMoreAnd this gun will be completely stripped and we will refinish it completely so that looks almost as though it came out of the factory. That what I'm working with today is a single piece of stock.
Should I oil my gun stock?
It is important to clean your shotgun after each use to remove any moisture, unburnt powder or dirt. Gun oil should be used sparingly as excess oil or cleaner can damage the stock.
How much does it cost to refinish a gun stock?
Current Refinishing Pricing for most gunstocks: $385 – 445 for most stocks. The amount depends on variables such as type of wood; ease/difficulty of old finish removal; extent and location of dents, gouges, scratches; coats required, etc.
Can you use wood filler on a gun stock?
Basically, any thing be it a gun stock or furniture will have a similar procedure. You cut out / flatten the bad area, then glue, then shape it with new wood. It works on chips, holes, or if you had to cut out a rotten piece of something old. Don't use wood filler to repair chips!
What is the best oil to put on a gun stock?
For people who prefer to make their own finish for wooden gun stocks, boiled linseed oil is an excellent alternative or even the best alternative. It can be hand rubbed into wood to provide a durable, water-proof, and non-toxic finish. Boiled linseed oil is usually used on bare wood.
What kind of oil do you put on gun stocks?
Tru-Oil® Gun Stock Finish has been the professional's choice for gun stock finishing for more than 30 years. Its unique blend of linseed and other natural oils dries fast, resists water damage and will not cloud, yellow or crack with age.
How many coats of Tru Oil are on a gun stock?
As little as two coats can make a durable glossy finish, but I like to take it out to 4-6 or even 8 for a deep luster. For guns, I personally prefer the satin finish from buffing it out after the last coat, but then I'm a softy for that old-world look when I'm building a new rifle stock.
How much does it cost to restore an old shotgun?
Base Shop PricesService Charges:PriceRestoration of Modern Guns (Does not include new parts):Bolt Action Rifle or Shotgun$150.00Pump or Auto Rifle or Shotgun$175.00116 more rows
What is wood filler?
Wood filler is made up of a hardening resin solution that contains a suspension of wood byproducts. The formula allows it to take a soft and pliable form that's relatively easy to apply.
What is used to clean a 22 caliber rifle?
A 22 caliber cleaning kit with CLP and Hoppes No. 9 Solvent is used to clean the firearm. A Birchwood Casey liquid gun blue cold blue kit was also used, as well as Brownell’s Oxpho-Blue cold blue liquid. Rubber gloves, eye protection, and a well-ventilated area was used to safely do work on the rifle.
What paint is used on a Remington rifle?
Rifle Mostly Reassembled Sans Buttplate. For finishing touches red enamel paint is used to mark the safety and the bolt as if it was before it wore off. A reproduction Remington buttplate was then used to replace the previously broken one. This replicates the original factory configuration and condition.
What does "bubba" mean in firearms?
One must take care to not “bubba” a firearm. “Bubba” can describe someone who tries to “improve” firearms, often historical, and would think they are increasing the value or usability of the firearm ...
Can second hand guns be repaired?
However, many older or well used firearms can show use, neglect, or age that would need to be repaired. With great attention to detail and knowledge of the inspection of old firearms they can be ...
How to Refinish Military Rifle Stocks
Classic military rifles are a popular purchase for gun aficionados on a budget. From the U.S. Army's Springfield Model of 1903, to the Mausers, Enfields, and Mosin-Nagants of Europe, old rifles that still work well can be had for very low prices.
0000 steel wool
Disassemble your weapon, removing all metal parts from the wood stock. You will want to ensure access to the inside portions of the wood stock to ensure the integrity of the wood. Although this wood need not be refinished, it should be checked for damage. If it is damaged, you will want to replace the stock.
How to remove finish from a gun?
The alternate method to remove your gun’s finish - and one that has become much more popular in recent years - is to use some form of chemical stripper. This method is much faster than using sandpaper, as it will typically remove finish down to the bare wood in just one application.
How to get rid of dents on wood?
Hand sanding is the most common option, as it’s relatively simple and effective, and it allows the most control over the process. You can follow the grain of the wood, work on dents and dings, and decide how much or little of the finish is removed. Start with a fine grit and work your way up to a coarser grit as needed.
How to get a dent out of wood?
Using the iron in a circular motion, press lightly to apply steam and heat liberally to the dent. Check your progress regularly to avoid overheating the towel or burning the wood. After a few minutes, the dent should be lifted out and the wood will look like new.
Can scratching be filled in with wood filler?
Minor scratches can be filled in with wood filler. On higher end stocks you may want to use specialized scratch-filling materials, which chemically bond to the wood and blend colors to match the grain perfectly, leaving no trace of the scratch. Dents and dings can also be repaired during this step.
Do long guns have wooden stock?
One thing that nearly every shooter will encounter at some point in their shooting career is the need to recondition or restore a wooden stock on a long gun. Most long guns made before 1960 have a wooden stock by default. With use over time, wooden gun stocks can get to a point where the finish is dull and damaged.
Can you use a power sander to sand a gun?
If hand sanding sounds like a lot of work, you can also use a power sander. Power sanders aren’t as precise, however, so take that into account when determining the best way to sand your gun’s stock.
Can you use wood conditioner on scrap wood?
Before you apply any stain or finish, test it out first on a piece of scrap wood to make sure you like it. It’s a good idea to use a wood conditioner as a first coat, as this will remoisturize the wood correctly and help prevent dry rot under the finish.
Why are varnished stocks glossy?
Some older varnished stocks have a glossy finish, partly due to the thickness of the varnish. Though tough and durable, this finish is not immune to damage, and scratches can become a permanent feature. Home repairs can be made using traditional methods and materials.
Can you bend a gun stock?
Yes, but it’s difficult and should be left to a professional gunsmith. Wood is an unpredictable material. An invisible internal defect can cause a disaster. Assessing the grain beforehand is vital as it is not possible to bend a stock which has been cut with a short grain through the hand.
Can you use gun oil on varnished wood?
Don’t use gun oil if it was varnished. Instead buff the wood up with a spot of beeswax furniture polish (don’t use synthetic spray polish) on a clean soft cloth. A very small amount of beeswax will do. A spot of old-fashioned beeswax is best for varnished stocks.
Can you use mineral oil on wood?
Never use mineral lubricating oil on wood. All stock-finishing oils should be of vegetable origin. (We’ve listed where to buy various oils at the bottom of this article.) The secret is to apply a very thin coat – don’t slap the oil on. One drop in each side should do it. Let it dry out before you apply more.
Do varnished stocks show scars?
A: Lacquered or varnished stocks do tend to show the scars of honourable combat worse than stocks with oil finishes. If you oil a lacquered stock, none of the oil is absorbed and it tends to remain on the surface in a sticky form for ages. During that time it can pick up dust too. Sticky and dusty – not very appealing.
What to do after stripping stock?
After stripping your stock, it still will have some old stain and grease trapped in its pores. To correct this start boiling some water ( be careful!) then use a de-greaser of your choice. I used "Krud Cutter" because it is biodegradable and it lathers the wood in a nice coat of suds.
How to make a wood stock look like a glop?
First lightly sand your stock so that you get some sawdust residue, then mix your epoxy with the sawdust until it looks like a glop of gooey wood mud. Use a tooth pick to push your new wood muck into the crack completely, then use a clamp of some sort to push the wood together and hold it there.
How long to boil stock in hot water?
Cover your utility sink with a towel and allow your stock to float in the hot water for about 5 min before flipping it to the other side. Keep doing this until the water is lukewarm.
How long does Tru oil dry on wood?
The first coat the wood should soak up fairly quickly, which is wonderful! Allow the tru oil to dry for 8 hrs. Once you get back from an 8 hour pizza run, be sure to lightly sand the surface with some steel wool, and apply another layer of tru oil.
What does street value mean on a firearm?
The street value may mean something or nothing to you. As well, an extremely valuable firearm may be perceived of lesser value if modifications, including gunstock refinishing, are made to it. Really, it comes down to whether you want to focus on the collectible dollar value, or re-do the stock and get a look for your own personal enjoyment.
What is the slowest finish to remove?
Home-finishes, varnish, polyurethane , even shellac, and factory epoxy are common. Removal time and technique involved varies by the chemical nature of the finish and how strongly it’s bonded to the wood. Polyurethane seems to be the most common and can be the slowest to remove, depending on the manufacturer.
How long does it take for oil based finish to dry?
Sometimes up to 10, even more coats are needed to achieve deep, lustrous beauty. Drying time between coats is at least one day. Drying times also vary, depending on humidity.
Can you remove gun oil from wood?
Gun oil stains in wood: These are difficult to remove. Many can be removed completely, but not always. The severity and depth of the stain, type of oil that created it, and how long it’s been there are crucial factors. Some oil stain residue simply can’t be completely removed.
Does rubbing oil make wood grain pop?
In so doing, it reveals the true grain inherent in the wood. Rubbing oil penetrates, making the grain ‘pop!’. The penetrating oil also deepens contrast between light and dark wood fibers (grain), revealing the full beauty of the pattern. (And therein lies the ‘rub’ of hand-finishing.
Does refinishing a stock increase the value of a firearm?
Keep in mind refinishing a stock can definitely increase the “perceived value” and even street value of any firearm, simply because it looks so much better. I’m not referring to the collectability value of the firearm here, only to what others may be willing to pay for your gun should you want to sell it.
