Proper stock maintainence?

[JB White]

Hello all,

First posting to the Trapdoor forum. I'll bet this has been asked numerous times already but as we all know, the CSP archives have gone missing during the move here.

I just picked up an 1884 and was wondering what the prefered method of mild stock cleaning and oiling is recommended for this rifle.
A couple of minor dings as one would expect and a nicely aged mellow finish. It's really not bad at all. Unsanded and strong cartouche. Only needs some handling grime and storage dirt cleaned a little. I'd like to stay as correct as possible in regard to wood care.

Any tips for a newbie? Thanks.

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[noro]

Hello JB,

I use lemon oil as a maintenence on my stocks, and it gives nice results for a good general cleaning. You can obtain it at any home improvement store - either Formby's or Old English.

[Viclav]

I remember someone particularly advising lemon oil for easing the lock and/or barrel off the wood. Boiled linseed oil (often referred to by the shorthand of BLO) rubbed in with a rag, or even directly by hand, is often recommended for cleaning and maintenance. Some folks also use olive oil.

Victor

[JB White]

Thank you both! Lemon oil has been suggested by others for general care, but knowing BLO (vs Tung etc.) is used for rejuvenating slightly dry wood is good to know.

I managed to ease the lock and barrel out of the stock for inspection without damage but it was most certainly touchy and took a while. It's dry inside so the BLO will start ASAP. I'll have to pick up some lemon oil before I attempt to remove the TG and buttplate for a BLO treatment. Those are oiled in well and I'm afraid to risk chipping. I was told I should probably avoid using my old standby of natural turpentine to soften the finish so I'm glad I asked here.

Thanks much for the tips. I hope to have it comfortably range ready before the weekend.

Cheers,

JB

[John Sukey (Deceased)]

be VERRY CAREFUL with that trigger guard. Easy to raise a chip in the wood at one end ot the other on removing it

[JB White]

Thanks John. I can see the fit is much tighter than I'm accustomed to dealing with. I still haven't messed with it and probably won't unless there's a definite need to.
The BLO took to the stock like it belongs there. Not too much at a time and only a few days apart between apps. I used the old 50/50 BLO mix on the first go round and the dirt lifted right off into the rag. The finish cleaned well without removing any patina from the wood. For the most part this has been a well cared for rifle and I can see no need to strip it down to the last small part as I've done with others.

JB