Keith,
Very good analysis, and advise. The object however is to clean, oil and store the guns correctly so no oil damage ever occurs. Ofcourse if you are purchasing a used gun that is already oil damaged, and the rest of the gun is in prime shape then restoration work must be accomplished. In many cases inexperienced owners who do their own work end up doing more damage than they do good. If you are an experienced wood worker that is a completely different situation.
When I fall and damage one of my good gun stocks I get advise from a professional, my brother is a wood expert (Industrial Forester) who works purchasing wood at the HQ Bldg for Joe Hardy at 84 Lumber. After getting his advise many times I can solve my own problem, if not I get a professional to historically restore the stocks for me. I want my guns to last many life times and be passed down thru the family in pristine shape.
RGD/Dave
L.C. Smith Man
Many of my fine double guns have been passed down to me in pristine condition, thru the generations. I want to make sure the tradition continues.
