Refinish or not refinish, that is the question. MK-1 Trainer 03

[rapco]

Hello everyone. I just picked up a WWII Paris Dunn trainer 03 and would love to refinish the wood. Its all there but looks like it was used in both world wars
I'm thinking that refinishing it while keeping it close to its issued state would make a better display and should increase its value. I only have a few $$ in it.
[IMG][/IMG]

I've never been crazy about refinishing collectibles like that but it is just a trainer issued at a time when real rifles were in short supply. Its the Navy issue with the bayonet lug and working bolt and clicker trigger.

What do you think?

Thanks,

Lew

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[browningautorifle]

I might be tempted to use a liquid strip on the wood and get the varnish off. I wouldn't do too much else to it though. Welcome to the forum by the way. We'd love to see more of this one. Specially after you finish.

[rapco]

Thanks Jim,

I may do just that. Some of the metal parts are either blued or painted black. Going to clean it up the best I can and go from there. I'm not a wood expert but I know they used cheaper wood on these toward the end of the contract because walnut was being used for the real thing and was in short supply. Looking forward to working on it as soon as I get some relief from these snow storms, had 4' drifts in my drive today

Have a good weekend,

Lew