That WW2 classic look

[zipper1025]

Hello all. This is my first post and all input is welcome. Now before you laugh, my Carbine is the double spring Universal. It's all I can afford right now and I got it at a very good price. Well below $300.
I upgraded the two recoil springs and I have put over 500 rounds through it with only a few mis feeds.
I lost the goofy metal hanguard and added an original wood type I got off of Cheaper Than Dirt for $11.00 (Some minor wood work needed to adapt). I've also added an oiler/sling and bayonet lug.
I have heard and read all the negetive comments about the Universal. I knew that going into the purchase. I can say with confidence that I'm not disappointed and love the rifle. I'm a 19 year Deputy Sheriff and a US Army vet. I know guns and own a Colt 1911 US Army issue (xxx978) and a Springfield Armory M-1 Garand (xxx1533).
As to my original question-topic name is this. What I don't know is how to get my carbine to have that deep dark brown oiled look like my M-1 has. I know many will say strip and stain. I guess that maybe the only way.
I'm glad I'm here and look forward to you're input. Below are a couple of pics from my collection. The MP5, M4, 870 and Sig are departments.

Thanks...

Bill

Information

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[phillydude]

it doesnt look like your carbine is US issue, a post WW II copy. you probably have a maple stock, maybe you might want to get a used military stock

[Ed Johnson]

Zipper, you might try leather dye from Tandy Leather Co. I used it with good success on several birch stocks which had refused to "take" other types of dye. Good Luck..
Ed

[Bill Hollinger]

Zipper, welcome aboard. I was 12 years with the Kern County Sheriff's Office, now 14 years with the State. I remember well all the cool toys I had while on SWAT and I sure miss them. This is a great site with a great deal of knowledgeable people that are more than will to share it.

Your carbine sounds like a second generation Universal Carbine or a later Iver Johnson commercially made until long after WWII.

[landtrain]

Most Universal stocks are made from Maple. Strip it with Fromby's or other similiar product. Find a bottle of Old English Scratch coat in dark walnut. Stain it just like you would with any stain. (Its a natural color stain) Let it soak in for a few hours. Brigh sun if you can. After several hours or until no longer sticky, Rub the Old English off. If not dark enough, add another coat. When it meets your color satisfaction rub in a few coats of boiled lindseed oil. There are many other methods but this worked for me. NO GLOSSY FINISH.

[zipper1025]

Thanks everyone. Landtrain, I think you nailed it.

[painter777]

Just wanted to add to Landtrains advise....give the final color coat over night or a few days to dry before you wipe the BLO on. Going on Maple....that stain will take longer to fully dry.
Final pictures are a requirement here......

Cheers
Charlie-painter777