New to Enfields and site, looking for info...

[Aragorn243]

$250 isn't bad. The stock is restorable with a bit of work.

[WarPig1976]

$250 wasn't bad.

Ok, the stock, It looks to me Bubba used oven cleaner to strip the stock the first time which bleached and damaged the wood fibers and who knows what he used for a finish. This stock IS going to require a complete refinishing job including stain which is not original but at this point is mute. The task could not be simpler and you really can't screw up. This is what I would do...
1= strip the stock with Paint stripper from Homeowner Harry's, StripX is a good one. I use a tooth brush to work it in,anyway follow the directions.
2= lightly steam the stock to remove the gunk that doesn't wipe off and the gunk caught in the pores and grain and it removes any oil the oven cleaner didn't get. It's not going to raise the grain like you'd think.
3= clean the stock real good with Mineral spirits.
4= stain the stock with spirit based stain NOT oil based, Brownells and Midway sell it, some people use leather dye,,
5= wipe on repeated coats of BLO or RLO it's up to you. Let each coat dry 24hrs before applying the next. You'll know your done when the wood doesn't soak anymore in.

Yes, Bubba Goo is "Truoil" which is the most political incorrect words I could think of to persuade people from ruining Military small arms....

[Frederick303]

If you are going to correct the stock, do it the right way and used raw linseed oil, it is what the Brits used.

In a few years of aging it will look fine.

I might have a spare steep forend strap and brass through rivet in my junk box.

[Catch22]

I appreciate all the info and tips! Not sure when I'm going to get the chance to start working on it, as I need to finish another stock I've been playing with.

I'm not quite sure which way to go just yet as far as RLO or BLO, but I'm assuming as far as looks there's little to no difference?

Frederick- how much would you want for it?

[bigduke6]

Difference is BLO dries quicker, that's all, if you have time and the patience of a saint, use regular stuff, Myself on new or dry wood I use normal linseed and then BLO.

If you use BLO be sure to wipe excess off after around 30 mins and don't leave it over night etc, or it can be a sticky mess.

[Catch22]

Can't thank you guys enough for the input!

I took it out shooting today and had an outright blast. I went to the 50 yard range to make sure where the sights were. It's a bit high (expected) and left about 3", but it put out 1.5" groups with just my range bag as a rest. I'm sure it would do better with a steadier platform.

When I got done, I started breaking it down to work the stock over. Whatever that pale finish is, it isn't natural. So far it's taken CitriStrip and a brush to get it broke off. Still have some in some tight spots and in the pores. I'm figuring on working it with some mineral spirits to try to pull the stain out of the pores, unless someone has a better idea.

The poor thing has been neglected. Before I took it out today, I gave the bolt, chamber, and barrel a good cleaning. Rifling is in awesome condition (looks like 4-groove) after getting all the buildup in there out of it. Looks numerous patches and some brushing, but it did the job. I've cleaned some cosmoline and other junk out of it as I've broke it down.

Should look like a totally different animal by the time I'm done. Thanks a ton for the input!!!

[WarPig1976]

[QUOTE=
When I got done, I started breaking it down to work the stock over. Whatever that pale finish is, it isn't natural. So far it's taken CitriStrip and a brush to get it broke off. Still have some in some tight spots and in the pores. I'm figuring on working it with some mineral spirits to try to pull the stain out of the pores, unless someone has a better idea.[/QUOTE]

FWIW....I would use StripX I think that's the name it's in a red can, it's made for wood stripping and is completely safe for wood. Work it in with a tooth brush.The best part is once it dries its inactive which happens in like 10 minutes. Then steam the stock with a wet rag and the wife's iron that pulls all the gunk out. It doesn't raise the grain to where you need to sand so don't worry it's not pine, just be carful around cartouches. Then clean the stock with mineral spirits. My 2cs

[Catch22]

It's not the greatest of pictures, but it's a look at how the progress is going if anyone's interested.

[IMG][/IMG]

I had some spots where the old finish was deep into the grain and I couldn't get it out no matter how hard I tried. It doesn't look bad, though. Kinda makes the grain pop a little.

I've got 8 or so applications of BLO on it so far and it's still sucking it in. A little slower, finally, but still taking it. Does that sound normal?

[Damian]

Yep. Keep going. I have done a few now. The old wear and tear gives them some life.

[WarPig1976]

Good job, with BLO 5 to 8 coats is usually what it takes. If you fell the need to keep going that's fine, only apply to areas that still take it. Really,,one or two more coats and I'd call it good,, don't over do it,,meaning a thick build up in crevasse and the grain but your a long time from that. See it's easy...