Help saving a moldy swiss relic

[ssgross]

this particular stock is nearly split right up the middle with sapwood and heartwood

I fitted a brand new Minelli stock on a 1903a1 I've been building, and I found the same thing, although more extreme, under their stain.

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[deadwood83]

I fitted a brand new Minelli stock on a 1903a1 I've been building, and I found the same thing, although more extreme, under their stain.

Wow! That's gotta be wild.

So in an effort to vaslidate this finish recipe, and after applying the 2nd coat, I glanced at the handguard and remembered it had a spot of bare wood in a small gouge....

a spot of bare wood surrounded by original Swiss finish.

Attachment 117369

Dab, rub rub rub until the glove is dry, buff with paper towel and....

Attachment 117368

I like it.

[deadwood83]

Alright. Some progress. I understand now why some people say that BLO dries quickly. I have used BLO 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 Swiss 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.

Attachment 117934Attachment 117935Attachment 117936Attachment 117937Attachment 117938Attachment 117939Attachment 117940

Before:
Attachment 117941Attachment 117942

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.

[Daan Kemp]

There is that look, feel and smell of a properly oiled stock, especially if it has been cleaned before oiling; that light yellowish slightly tacky feel, that mix of gun oil and linseed...