No4 Mk 2 bedding

[mr.e moose]

If you have a bunch of rags sitting around ,get rid of them. They may spontaneous combust.

[CINDERS]

Good point E not many people know that it can spontaneously combust if left scrunched up and soaked in the stuff...........

[browningautorifle]

They may spontaneous combust.

We had storage rules for rags like that. Airtight containers made of steel...outside... Same for steel wool. Many don't know that will burn.

[Baal]

We had storage rules for rags like that. Airtight containers made of steel...outside... Same for steel wool. Many don't know that will burn.

A little steel wool and flashlight batteries is much easier than rubbing two sticks together to make a campfire.

[ricohman]

I threw the paper towels in the garbage can, but I guess I don't want that going up in flames!
I'm going to give this a last treatment tonight and then see if it fits better tomorrow. If it doesn't I will sit it in the sun this weekend and try again.
Following that I will just leave it be. I think bedding this is a tricky affair and I really don't want to mess it up.

[browningautorifle]

If it doesn't I will sit it in the sun this weekend and try again.

I might not do that...I'd put it somewhere warm but not in the direct sunlight...others might not worry...

[ricohman]

The linseed oil did indeed bring the wood closer to where it should be. It was so close that I took some light sandpaper and gave the wood a few swipes where it meets the knox of the barrel. I hate to fiddle with touchy things like this but the barrel now seems to have the pressure it needs at the muzzle.
I can't believe how much the oil changed this wood.
Some pics. Yes I know the mounting the bayo is removing the finish, but its fun. As a side note, this rifle does have a few minor marks which include a small dent in the bottom of the mag. All of these were present when the original owner unwrapped it. I guess you don't know what you have until you look at it.
Also, this bayonet seems to really have a point and a better edge than the bayonet for my 1917 No1 MKIII.

[mr.e moose]

Put a few more coats of oil on. The wood has been neglected for a long time. Once it no longer soaks in you are done for another year. Light applications every year will help maintain it. Glad to see that our advise has helped.

[ricohman]

Put a few more coats of oil on. The wood has been neglected for a long time. Once it no longer soaks in you are done for another year. Light applications every year will help maintain it. Glad to see that our advise has helped.

Will do. I am going to give my other rifles a treatment as well.
And thanks to everyone for the advice.

[Ridolpho]

Will do. I am going to give my other rifles a treatment as well.
And thanks to everyone for the advice.

Ricohman: Here's my Mk I* linseed oil soaking tube. As I mentioned, on a sunny day it heats up nicely if I stand it in front of the garage. Glad the oil helped with your forend- that's a beautiful rifle!

Ridolpho