US Carbine stock and handguard finishes and finishing.

[USAFChief]

Following are my observations and comments for what they are worth:

"THE M-1 CARBINE A Revolution in Gun-Stocking" by Grafton H. Cook, II and Barbara W. Cook covers in exhaustive detail the story of the S.E. Overton Company (the O in the Inland IO stamping) which produced by far the greatest number of carbine stocks and handguards -- almost three million sets -- as the primary US Government sub-contractor during WW2. Most of their output was used by the Inland Division of General Motors Corporation in fulfilling their carbine contracts -- just about all Inland carbines have Overton stocks and handguards. There is a section devoted to the start to finish operations (accompanied by photographs) employed by Overton in producing stocks and handguards during WWII. Here is my description of the Operation relating to finishing:

Operation No. 37 Dip in oil

Stocks and handguards were finished by immersing in a vat of Raw linseed oil, draining on racks, allowing absorption of oil without wiping off surplus on surface - in order to facilitate better penetration of oil (eliminated wiping down operation and fire hazard of oil soaked wipers).

And here is an extract from Department of the Army FM 23-7:

"......... A light coat of Oil, linseed, raw, applied at intervals and well rubbed in, with the heel of the hand, will help to keep moisture
out .........."

The Army/Air force prescription was always to use oil, linseed, raw (well rubbed in by hand) to treat and preserve Carbine stocks and hand guards.

Raw linseed oil was procured through Supply Channels IAW WD Supply Catalog ORD 3 SNL K-1 (Items of cleaning, preserving and lubricating materials; recoil fluids, special oils and miscellaneous related items)

8010-221-0611
LINSEED OIL RAW (1 GAL CAN)
TT-L-00215 (81348)

Later: mil-spec A-A-379A LINSEED OIL RAW
ASTM D 234-82

From what I can ascertain, Production Stocks and Hand Guards were finished using 150 grit/180 grit sandpaper which facilitates thorough penetration of raw linseed oil and produces the typical somewhat dull surface appearance -- it seems to me that refinishing them using finer grit sandpaper will produce the glossier finish which seems to be the bane of those wishing to faithfully emulate the authentic looking USGI finish on their Carbines.

JP

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[sakorick]

That about sums it up. Raw linseed oil is the ticket. I have been espousing this for years on deaf ears for the most part. The US copied the Brits on this one. They had huge vats of warm Linseed oil and submerged the stocks in the vats for 24 hours. Then air dried them and the finish was done. We know that Raw Linseed oil was supplied to the units for preventative and routine maintenance. BLO contains additives to speed up drying that didn't exist in the 1940's and Tung oil was only available from China and of course all commerce ended with them when the Japanese forces invaded.

So that leaves Raw Linseed Oil as the finish used on WWII US, British and many other nations firearms. Regards, Rick.

[USAFChief]

.......... And here is an extract from Department of the Army FM 23-7:

"......... A light coat of Oil, linseed, raw, applied at intervals and well rubbed in, with the heel of the hand, will help to keep moisture
out .........."

The Army/Air force prescription was always to use oil, linseed, raw (well rubbed in by hand) to treat and preserve Carbine stocks and hand guards ..........

Added:

That prescription was constant throughout the US Army/Air Force service life of Carbines:

Technical Bulletin No. 23-7-1 - March 17, 1942
FM 23-7 - 20 May 1942
FM 23-7 - 23 April 1944
FM 23-7/AFM 50-4 - January 1952

JP