You
will notice the wooden dowel that goes through
the stock.
It is my understanding that this was where
a cavalry rifle had a saddle ring mounted.
When they were arsenal refinished, it was
removed and a dowel inserted in its place.
After the sanding was done, I took it to
Tman's house and we used some alcohol-based
stain to get the proper color. I personally
like a reddish-brown finish on military
rifles, so that's what we used.
We have found that water based stains will
sometimes just bead-up on a stock that has
had Cosmoline on it. The alcohol stains
will work great.
There is a lot of heated debate about finishes.
Many just swear by Boiled Linseed oil (BLO)
or Tung Oil (which usually isn't really
Tung oil). These finishes are often proclaimed
to be more "original" to the rifles.
This is true for one reason. It was the
best they had 50 years ago. But if they
had had access to polyurethane, they would
have used it. Why? Because it is about 100
times better at protecting a stock from
moisture and the elements than any oil finish.
Those of you that love BLO,
please feel free to continue to use it if
that's what you want to do. But if your
mind isn't made up, you ought to try poly.
You'll never go back.
I use Minwax Wipe-On Poly, Clear Satin.
I cut it 50/50 with Mineral Spirits and
use this for about 3 coats. I wipe it on
with a cloth and let it dry.
Use thin coats. Doesn't usually take very
long between coats.
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