new stock finish

[mousegun]

This rifle is built to shoot and will most definitly be used in competition. It is a beautiful piece of walnut w/ matching handguards. It also came w/ new metal. Very pleased w/ this purchase and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in doing a stock upgrade for purposes other than historical.
hpcomp

Reason I asked was that there are different uses one can put this rifle to: wallhanger, safe queen, JCG match rifle*, plinker, hunter etc..etc. If it's going outdoors extensively I'd use (and have used) Minwax Tung Oil Finish with or without appropriate stain. The reasons being:

• It's water resistant
• It's exceedingly easy to apply.
• It can be touched up quickly and easily.
• It;s cheap (relatively).
• It looks bloody good.

For collectibles or rifles that want that "authentic" or "historical" look, or for those with an urge to make an old battle rifle look like an old battle rifle, BLO or tung oil is recommended. These finishes can be made to look gorgeous, but they take time, patience and care. And, they are less weather/water resistant than Minwax TOF or True Oil (which I've also seen recommended but never used).

* I left out high power matches because although the M1 can be used in high power, I don't think the effort required to make it competitive is worth the agony. Just a personal take on it.

Of course, YMMV!