Battle rifle finish

[sdh1911]

I've been using a cleaning and finish technique than works great for cleaning up and waterproofing milsurp rifles. This finish is for milsurl style rifles only. If you need a factory type finish please send me an e-mail and I'll help any way I can. First, mix beeswax, linseed oil and turpentine under low heat in equal parts, I believe this is called Culvers paste. Let set until cool. Scrub the wood with gunk hand cleaner and a nylon brush (I use old tooth brushes). I stop when all the dark spots are pretty much gone. Then wipe down several time, fist with a damp rag then dry ones and let the stock stand for 1/2 hour plus. Apply the Culvers paste in a thick coat and let it stand over night. Wipe off excess and re-assemble rifle, then wipe again. Over the next few days buff the stock several times, the more you buff the more of a shine you will get.

The benafit to this finish is it is a dead ringer for the original military stuff, it allows the stock to look totally original with dings and all and it stores very well as well as repels moisture. If you scratch it, just put some over the area and wipe it out. HTH-SDH

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[Rapidrob]

The finish is good to use but will desolve with todays bore cleaners. When mixing, you should use an electric stove and not an open flame, even on low. What %'s are you using? 33?

[sdh1911]

Yep, break it into parts of 1/3. and also yes "NO FLAME NEED APPLY", sorry, I should have been clearer. The finish will hold up to light oilings, but solvents will dull it. all you have to do after cleaning is re-apply the areas effected by the solvent then rub. I've been using it for my U.S. stuff for years and over the last couple of years on the milsurps not being completely overhauled. my suggestion would be to try it on one of your bottom feeders then see how you like the results, HTH-SDH

[Oatmeal Savage]

linseed oil, boiled or raw?

Thought I would give it a try. I am using boiled, note to self, don't stand over the pot unless you want a cheap stone. Oh and get your wife's approval first if using the kitchen stove.. Mix this stuff in a well ventilated area.


I tried some of the mixture and it works like a hot damn. I rubbed a little jell on a stock, let soak for a couple of minutes and rubbed the stock with a clean cloth. This is the same method I use with BLO and the stock looks great. Thanks for the idea!

[sdh1911]

Forgot to mention, for a little shine, wait til the finish has hardened (2 days) you can put on a little butchers wax and buff like crazy, adds a little shine. The only thing is after you shoot and clean the gun, you may need to re-apply the butchers wax-HTH, SDH

[lakeview]

i use old wool socks to buff out my wood stock.
cheers!

[230HB]

Thanks for the tip... gonna have to give it a try myself.

[mrclark]

I have been using the beeswax mix as well for some time and got great results. Unfortunetly I tried the old wool sock on one of my rifles and it smells like stinky feet now.

Mental note wash the socks next time