I'm with Michael, no way I'd strip and refinish that stock. Just some linseed and very moderate use of steel wood. Look at how clean and crisp the forend checkering is, you will loose this if you refinish. Howards makes a product called
restor-a-finish which I have used with very good results on some pretty bad stocks. You might be amazed what you can do with the finish that is on the rifle.
John
That is interesting stuff. I have seen it, or something very similar at a local Ace Hardware. But how durable is this for something like a hunting rifle?
Brent
The original oil finish has protected the wood for the last 80 or so odd years, and will likely last another 100. I think what we are trying to do is preserve as much of that original finish as we possible can. A refinish will always be a refinish regardless of how well it is done. You have a lot of original finish left on that rifle, way to much in my opinion to strip and refinish it. I think if you oil it well, carefully remove the paint splotches, and give it a rub down every few months, you will be surprised at what you will end up with.
John
