Alright. Some progress. I understand now why some people say that BLOicon dries quickly. I have used BLOicon in the past, and it does take 24-48h to get there, but that is nothing in comparison to the 3-7 days of RLO.

I don't know how many coats I'm at. I don't count the days between coats any more either. I just give it a good touch and a strong sniff each morning. When I no longer smell the distinctive raw oil smell, it gets a good hour long massage that evening. I think it's nearing the time I add the beeswax to the mix and heat it. There is a small voice in my head whispering "you can fit another coat on there. Don't seal it yet." That voice needs to shut up.

My intent was never to make it look new, great, or even that good. In that regard, I believe I have succeeded.

The stock to the left of this one during blank cutting must have been a real stunner. As for this old, poor piece of wood.. It was beaten, abused, dinged, gouged, and neglected. The top handguard will never match. The Swissicon never tried to match it, and I'm not about to start. The wood and metal were very poorly to start with. I think I did alright. I am not expecting miracles from the beeswax addition.

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Before:
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I kind of want to do a light rust blue on the trigger guard, floorplate, front band, trigger, and nosecap. This would be accurate to the period and provide some protection on areas that otherwise would return to their rusty splendor as I received the rifle. I would welcome any feedback on that thought, or if anybody wants to talk me out of it. It would be.... a lot of work. But the stock has also been a good chunk of work.
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