How to Restore an Old Gun Stock
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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 to clean the inside of a gun stock?
Start by applying a liberal coating of solvent over a section of the gun stock. Work a section at a time. Wait a minute or so and test the area. I live in a warm climate so my wait time is short. Solvent works best in warm weather. I always try to use a thick or gelled type solvent so it doesn't act too runny.
How do you fix a gouge on a gun stock?
Hold the cloth in place over the damaged area with the iron. The steam will raise the wood. Repeat until flush. With fine sandpaper (600- or 800-grit), knock down any raised grain or high spots. 2. Fix a Gouge Now you’ve done it. You banged your stock against a rock and have left an unsightly gouge.
How do you refinish a military rifle stock?
How to Refinish Military Rifle Stocks. Lightly buff the entire exposed portion of the wood stock with a #0000 steel wool. This will further smooth the surface of the wood. When you have achieved this, wipe the exposed surfaces with a new, clean, damp cloth. Choose a dark walnut furniture stain.
Can you refinish a gun stock?
0:5715:45And 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.
How much does it cost to have a gun stock refinished?
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.
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.
What is the best glue to repair a gun stock?
Tim Inman: Epoxy is the only good answer for you. You can find specialty epoxies made for just your kind of troubles available from gunsmith suppliers. They are not “ordinary” epoxies, and they are quite expensive.
Does refinishing a gun hurt its value?
The stock and fore end wood would be refinished, again, using the original Winchester methods. This is a costly process, at least $2000.00; however, it could increase the gun's value to about $12,000.00. A worthwhile return on investment. There are times when even cleaning a gun can destroy its value.
Should you Reblue an old gun?
The short answer is no. If it's your intent to maintain a firearm's collectibility and value, the answer is usually “no”; don't re-blue your gun. Firearms with an original finish, even if they have visible wear and discoloration are generally more valuable than those that have been refinished (re-blued or parkerized).
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.
What kind of finish do you use on a gun stock?
0:509:38So let's get started I'm going to have to get a new bottle of it but true oil right here gun stockMoreSo let's get started I'm going to have to get a new bottle of it but true oil right here gun stock finish is also a very popular finish for guitars. I've heard um. It's kind of a linseed. Oil blend
Is linseed oil good for gun stocks?
Boiled linseed oil is more often used on bare wood and is popular for finishing gun stocks, as the process of heating it decreases its drying time. When hand rubbed into wood, it creates a durable weatherproof seal and the heat produced from the friction of rubbing produces a deep, polished finish.
Can a cracked gun stock be repaired?
0:101:37There's no easy way to get glue into them my only choice is to put some glue on the surface. ThenMoreThere's no easy way to get glue into them my only choice is to put some glue on the surface. Then very gently spread the crack apart wicking the glue down.
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.
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.
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.
How to finish a gun stock?
Remove a Dent. The key is steam. Take a regular iron and set it on high. Grab an old T-shirt, washcloth, or a couple of .30-caliber-size cotton cleaning patches and dampen them.
How to fix scratches on a gun stock?
Just rub the stick across the scratch and work it in with a soft cloth. 3. Restore Faded Wood. Once you’ve steamed and sanded a stock, the wood can appear faded and worn.
How to remove rust from a gun?
To remove an unwanted bloom of rust on a gun, dab some gun oil on the afflicted area and work it over with a piece of No. 0000 steel wool. This extra-fine grade of steel wool won’t scratch or mar the metal on even fine guns. Once you’ve removed the rust, wipe the metal with a cloth to remove any small bits of the steel wool that may have come loose, and then apply a drop or two of gun oil for protection against future corrosion.
What happens when you sand a gun stock?
Once you’ve steamed and sanded a stock, the wood can appear faded and worn. This can happen when the stock is exposed to the elements as well, particularly water. Brownell’s Stock Rubbing Compound is to your gun what car wax is to your truck. Rub in this mildly abrasive compound, and as you buff it off, it will restore luster and protection to your stock.
How to fix a gouge in wood?
The steam will raise the wood. Repeat until flush. With fine sandpaper (600- or 800-grit), knock down any raised grain or high spots. 2. Fix a Gouge. Now you’ve done it. You banged your stock against a rock and have left an unsightly gouge. Start by following the steps to steam out a dent.
How long does it take for oil to dry on stock?
Before the oil sets up, which takes about 10 minutes, wipe it down with a soft cloth. Let dry for 24 hours, and repeat as necessary to bring the color back to where you want it. 5. Protect Your Stock.
Can you touch up a gun stock?
Touching up a gun stock isn' t as challenging as you might think. Jeff Wilson. Touching up wooden stocks doesn’t have to be intimidating, and you certainly don’t need a gunsmith to handle it. Here are a few tips to get you started with the easier fixes. Yes, it can be tedious, but with the best gun stock finish you’ll make your gun everything it ...
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.
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.
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 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.
Step 1: Step 1
The gun has no flat surfaces so I only used steel wool to remove the finish. Start by applying a liberal coating of solvent over a section of the gun stock. Work a section at a time. Wait a minute or so and test the area. I live in a warm climate so my wait time is short. Solvent works best in warm weather.
Step 2: Step 2
Sand the gunstock. I used various grades to smooth it down. The grain will sometimes raise up when you strip wood. Try not to over sand to preserve the natural patina. In this case though I had to use a power sander as I was having trouble removing oil stains from the side that the solvent didn't remove. Wipe it down with a dust cloth.
Step 3: Step 3
Time to apply the finish. Working from the butt of the gun stock up, I coated the wood with Rustoleum Clear finish. if possible, always brush with the grain. The finish dries quickly like the stain. After about an hour, I lightly sanded the stock with 1200 sandpaper to remove any dust particles.
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.
