M1 Refinish

[DUGKATH]

Which is better? BLO or Gunnys paste after useing Fiebings dye.

Information

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[Kirk]

I've used BLO, not the paste or the dye. I have used Chestnut Ridge GI Rifle stock stain; it's alcohol based so you can blend areas of darker & lighter grain and deepen the color of the entire stock as you like. It has the rich brown-red color typical of GI stocks. See Miscellaneous Parts and Accessories and scroll to the bottom.

For a finish, consider Formby's Tung Oil finish. The Army switched from BLO to Tung (China) Oil in the late 30s. Tung oil penetrates better, dries quicker and is much more water resistent than BLO. Having used both, it's Tung Oil 10:1 over BLO. On dry stocks, I've wiped on TO and watched if sink into the wood so that in a couple minutes the wood looks dry again & I could add another coat. At the Garand Match at Camp Perry this year, my rifle got soaked yet the stock did not feather up; no swelling or warping. One fellow posted his BLO finished stock swelled up so much during the match that his trigger pull increased several pounds from the pressure put on the trigger housing by the wood.

[rick35ovi]

never tried this stuff but sound interesting Military oX stock oil - CMP Forums

[Punch The Clown]

I've been using Military Ox. Works great. I find it needs multiple applications but it drys quick. You can oil your stock and go shooting an hour later. I also like tung oil as you get the job done really fast-3 applications and you're good. BLO would be my last choice.

[jaw3]

For source of pure tung oil
Pure Tung Oil Finish - Wood Finishing - All Natural Finish - China Wood Oil - Real Milk Paint ® I've used it, let set 30 min or so depending on temp and humidity the rub off any excess. Couple coats, dries quickly has a nice feel.

[Paper]

I use both.. I typically put 6-8 coats of BLO on the stock, rubbing it in, rubbing off excess, and letting dry for a couple days.. Giving it a quick rub with 0000 steel wool before the next application.

When I finally get the finish to where I want it, I go with Tung Oil Finish for 2-3 coats, also rubbing with 0000 steel wool..

I like the depth of color and the grain that BLO brings out, but like the protection of the Tung Oil.. Since there's no problem coating over BLO, it's the best of both worlds!!

Here's a recent Carbine I did..

[JBS]

I like pure Tung oil. If I need some color or need to match different wood I will use a pit of Watco and cut it a bit. I have a refab on the Enfield board that the four parts of the stock where from three different sources. Got them to match with Watco and Tung oil.