Stock clean-up

[mousegun]

I've put two stocks through the dishwasher. One of 'em a correct grade. Simple fact was that the correct stock was so saturated with grease that the endgrain wood and cartouches were peeling off when lightly wiped. Rather than wipe the wood with cleaners and wreck it, the dishwasher seemed downright benign. Turned out I was right. Sweated BBs until the dishwasher grinding stopped. Then joy! After refinishing with BLO/Minwax Tung Oil Finish I've got two really nice stocks.

Here's a definitive dishwasher thread over at CMP.
Be patient. It's buried in the archives.

[U.S.G.I.]

Have you ever used a steam cleaner? I have a Scunci Steamer and it does a great job on cleaning my dirty rifles. You can use it in the garage or outside and that would keep you out of the dog house.

Jeff

[ltcboy]

Dan,

After spending most of the day cleaning one of these grimy things I'm about ready to consider that...........But if I put one of these filthy things in Momma's dishwasher I'd probably have to learn to live without half of my stuff.

Paul

I thought the same thing too. However, all you have to do to convince Momma is run the dishwasher empty for a complete cycle with detergent and you are good to go. Have done several stocks in the dishwasher without a problem.

MIke

[DJG]

The best stock clean up is always a debate; if you want the rifle to look authentic, with all it's warts and scars (and also preserve its dignity) start with plain old turpentine. Work outside and go over it as many times as you continue to get dirt on the rag. Let it stand an hour or two and do it again if the stock is really dirty/greasy. Then, use a 50/50 mix of turpentine and BLO, applying as many coats as it needs (some stocks are dry and absorb many applications). Again, if you are after an authentic looking stock, never sand, brush, dishwasher, TSP, GOJO or anything like it. IMHO, there is nothing grander than an authentic looking Garand. If you want the drill team look to your stock, buy one of the expensive commercial stocks - but keep the old girl's war wood too. dg

[frankderrico]

This is a Mauser stock that came from Sarco. It looked like a telephone pole. I started with denatured alcohol, then went to the go-jo but I like the gritty type. I use oooo steel wool very lightly and a dish cleaning type brush, think big tooth brush. I like to steam out the dings very light sand paper to get rid of the fuzzies then rub in the BLO....Frank