Type 53 Stock Restore

[Mako275]

So I got my hands on a Type 53 and it's a bit rough. The stock looks like it's been dragged down a gravel road. The wood is extremely coarse, and there is no finish left at all. The only finish I could find was under the barrel bands.
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I would love to restore it to at least close to original condition. However I have no idea how to start.
I see people using linseed or tung oil, but I don't know the difference between the two. Also no clue on how to get the stock prepped for refinishing.
What do you guys recommend?

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[CINDERS]

This will be a start for you to get an idea https://www.google.com/url?q=https:/...8Q27khQn2KsjUg

[Mako275]

Thanks. Have never heard of bronze wool before, but I've used steel wool on other projects and it gets everywhere. This is also the first time I've seen raw linseed oil mentioned rather than boiled.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I have had good luck with Murphys Oli Soap, warm water and a nylon brush for cleaning off crud. Just dip the brush in a warm water Murphys mix apply with elbow grease and wipe with a cloth. Rinse & repete.

[Aragorn243]

For a Type 53, it looks pretty darn good as is. They are usually black with oil type goo. I just use BLO, put a coat on a day until it has the look you want. Maybe steel wool it in between coats but I only do that if it has "fuzzys"

[Mako275]

For a Type 53, it looks pretty darn good as is. They are usually black with oil type goo.

That's why I picked it up, but I'd say it's a 20 footer. Looks good from that far, but not so much up close. Thankfully no major rust and the barrel isn't rough. The bayonet had some rust at one point but someone parkerized over it.


For the price I figured this would be a good learning opportunity on restorations for me.

[Mako275]

Spent a couple hours with a cloth and mineral spirits. Took a lot of dirt and built up crud off. It's really started to bring out the true color of the wood. Had to order the bronze wool and PTO. Waiting on that and then progress can continue!

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[CINDERS]

I must say that is a good remark about a 20 footer have not heard that description before
Stock looks good so far.

[Mako275]

Two coats in so far. Starting to look really good. Took all the rest and gave it a good cleaning. Probably the most thorough cleaning it's ever had.
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[Mako275]

Well, finally finished. Decided to stop after 4 coats of pure tung oil. Very happy with the results. Took all the metal parts and gave them a good scrub and took apart the bolt and cleaned it out. It's amazing where that grease will work it's way into places. There are some spots where someone carved letters on both sides. Thought about getting those out, but they were deep enough that I didn't want to take out too much wood in the process.

I think it's fair to say that this is the cleanest the old gal has been in years, possibly decades.

How did I do?

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