Finally My 1st Garand

[oldfoneguy]

The M14/M1A uses the White gas system patented in the 1930s. It had a less violent recoil and was easier on the parts. Garand was well aware of it but rejected it because the early versions were temperature sensitive whereas his direct system always worked.

Well how about that. Learned something new today, thanks Bob. No I was not aware of that but I am now.
So that's the reason the op rods damage when the wrong ammo is used. Direct exposure to the excess pressure.

[oldfoneguy]

If the stock is dry, apply small coats of raw linseed oil to rehydrate ot and bring it back to where it should be

I happen to live on an island in the southern North Atlantic so dry is a relative term and the rifle has been here since 2007 as well. Yes the stock was oiled by CMP before shipping but not since. When I say dry it was obvious that it hadn't been done recently but it wasn't puckered and suffering like it would be after that long by you.

Congrats and enjoy the "ping"![/QUOTE]

Thank you that's my intention. Bang...ping...giggle...repeat!

[Bob Seijas]

Well, just to start an argument, we did an extensive article in the GCA Journal by the professional preservationist at SA and other museums ($400 - $600 per piece). He said (a) wood does not get "thirsty" and does not need to be "fed" and (b) linseed oil is terrible for wood long term. It dries to linoleum and gets very dark, that's why the interiors of old English cathedrals look black. He uses and advocates wax instead of oil. He did emphasize that his treatment was for museum pieces that would never be fired again. Food for thought.

[Daan Kemp]

Wonder why Brit gunmakers used it then? As well as the LE rifles, etc. Was it because nothing better available then? And waxing add a layer outside that wears off? Makes the wood slippery when wet. Etc.

I thought the cathedrals were so dark due to smoking lamps and candles. How often did they oil the wood and ceilings, etc. Hmmm. Methinks another think is essential.

[oldfoneguy]

Posted twice?

[oldfoneguy]

Just completed the breakdown cleaning and lubrication of the entire rifle.
The stock was wiped down with turpentine twice and left to dry for a day. A light buffdown with 0000 steel wool and a rubdown with BLO. A second buffdown with the steel wool and a 2nd very light coat of oil and 26 hours drying time. I think it came out great. No shine just a sheen exactly what I was working towards and the beautiful grain hiding under that stain came to light. Now it's ping time!

[baltimoreed]

Put your ears on man, that’s gonna hurt. Congrats on your rifle.

[ssgross]

Or are these CMP stocks grainless cheap stuff that's not worth bothering with?

Of my 3 service grades, all bought within the last 3 years, only one came in original wood. It fits very good and tight.

The new wood has a CMP cartouche on it, is walnut in my experience, but not usually the good heartwood stuff. The stain on it is more like a spray tan. It's on there, but a couple light swipes of sandpaper will take it down to bare wood, so be careful using any abrasives to tweak it. They are very easy to refinish completely, but any area of light sapwood will stand out unless you stain it. The type of finish on the new wood I've seen seems to serve only to hide the cheap quality of wood underneath.

Your stock doesn't look too dark to me. It'll shoot great and you'll love it! I saw two months ago they were out of service grades, so I ordered two field grades, which will likely be my last.

[browningautorifle]

the beautiful grain hiding under that stain came to light

Looks fine now. Came up nice.

[Jonzie]

Your Rifle looks nice cleaned up good. When I have a dirty rifle I use a 50/50 mix of BLO and Turpentine and lightly clean with 0000 steel wool. and finish with a wax.
Works well for me.