1943 Model 1903-A3 Stock Questions

[mrdap]

Hello to All,
I recently acquired a very nice Model 1903-A3, manufactured 1943, Ogden Arsenal re-build. U.S. 04/43 barrel (new), correct cartouches, looks virtually NOS. With the exception of one handling mark.
Link to pics, not the greatest, bad lighting, sorry, I'll do better!

https://onedrive.live.com/?id=7495DA...95DA52F572D0FF

Now my questions, the mark is about 1/2 in long by 1/8", slight indentation, fibers don't appear to be broken. Is shows up as a light sort of yellowish color, against a dark stock, I assume to be walnut.
I attempted to steam it out with an iron and a damp piece of cotton cloth. The steaming didn't really seem to raise the grain much at all. When I was done, I hit it with one light application of real tung oil, from realmilkpaint.
Now, the finish looks beautiful, but the spot I steamed is much duller, less glossy than the rest of the stock, after the oil dried. Then I hit that dull spot with 3 heavy coats of tung, let dry, wiped off, no difference. The dull spot actually looks like the grain is smoother that the rest of the rifle.

Questions for the experts:
1. Does anyone know what the original finish was coming out of the Ogden Arsenal re-build?
2. What can I do about the dull area to make it match the rest of the stock?
3. I planned on applying a stain to the light spot with a small paintbrush. Can anyone recommend the best stain to use that would match the stock best in color?
4. Any other ideas?
Thanks in advance!
Sincerely,
David

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[mrdap]

This link works

https://onedrive.live.com/?id=7495DA...95DA52F572D0FF

[martin08]

The tung oil didn't help any. It was originally raw linseed oil, and the tung oil has now sealed the grain. It will be opening up a can of worms to now try to strip, stain and refinish. It might make matters worse.

From here, I would just leave it be. It is a lightly rebuilt gun, and a ding or two is to be expected. It's not majorly detracting on a otherwise nice looking gun.

[Rick the Librarian]

The tung oil didn't help any. It was originally raw linseed oil, and the tung oil has now sealed the grain. It will be opening up a can of worms to now try to strip, stain and refinish. It might make matters worse.

From here, I would just leave it be. It is a lightly rebuilt gun, and a ding or two is to be expected. It's not majorly detracting on a otherwise nice looking gun.

I would agree.

[mrdap]

Thanks for the comments/ advice.
Now that its sat a couple days the finish has seemed to even out and I can't even really tell the difference anymore.
Is there a reason why the raw linseed oil could not just be reapplied over the stock to rejuvenate the finish or maintain it?
Thanks

[martin08]

No, there is no reason why you can't apply linseed oil.

But here is why I wouldn't. Your stock looks fantastic. The 70 year old original finish is holding up, and holding value. Once new oils are introduced and dried, the risks of grain definition loss and overly glossy appearance arise. And once a gun looks freshly 'refinished', it looses appeal and value to most C&R collectors.

Does that mean that I don't own refinished guns? No. Some rare specimens must be accepted as refinished or not, if I wish to add them to the collection. But I simply pass on the more common refinished items, at almost any price, because original and more desirable examples can still be found.

Below is one of my Remington 03-A3's. Wood grain is still open, cartouches still look fresh. It is not excessively glossy. It will be preserved exactly as it is supposed to look.

[rayg]

Nice rifle Martin08, have one just like it. As the same with the OP's, there are a lot of these new and/or rebuilt minty A3's around. Probably see one at every gun show. I suppose there must have been a ton of them made and not issued out and stored and finally released to the public probably via DCM, Ray

[mrdap]

Got it, thanks Martin, I'll resist the urge to muck with it. Thanks for the pics too, nice rifle!

---------- Post added at 12:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:09 PM ----------

Also, do you know where I could get a correct original sling, bayonnet with scabbard, cleaning kit and stripper clips for it?
PS: I know that is a tall order...

[martin08]

A recent discussion on Gunboards covers a lot of your accessory inquiries, as there are several variables to consider.

http://forums.gunboards.com/showthre...or-1943-1903A3

[mrdap]

Thanks I'm checking there now...