Original finish?

[Tom William]

I just received a SA service grade Garand from the CMP. I am very impressed with the condition of the rifle. What do I look for to determine if the receiver and barrel are in there original finish?. The serial number is 5485187 and the barrel is dated sa 1-55. The chamber is in the white, and the barrel and receiver look like they are the same color- dark, almost black park. The op rod and the trigger group are both H&R and they are black in color. I had hoped for a GI wood stock, but it came with a new chocolate colored birch stock. Is there any way I could stain this stock to look more like walnut?. The wood does have very nice grain to it. Thanks, Tom

Information

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[browningautorifle]

You need to start by stripping as much of the current finish off as possible and then there are various products available. Try Watco Danish oil for instance, there are as many colours as you could want.

[Tom William]

Thanks, I will see what I can find. The dark brown just does not look good to me.

[browningautorifle]

There are also a mass of strippers, all chemical. Or liquid if you like. Depending on what the outer finish is, you could use furniture stripper. At the risk of being burned for sacrilege here, I have used Easy-Off spray to remove the deep pollutants in the wood. Just keep rinsing! Remove all the metal first. Also if you can find an individual that refinishes furnature for a living he can do a masterful job of removing ALL traces of what was in the wood to begin with. You have a new untreated stock when he's finished and you could do what you want with it. Just be aware it will be WHITE.