In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
Finishing the Stock on the Garand
allen griggs
Member Posts: 35,668 ✭✭✭✭
My brother bought a Garand the other day. This rifle was built in 1955.
It looks, lock, stock and barrel, like it is brand new and unissued.
It looks like no finish has ever been applied to the stock.
He would like to apply some kind of oil to the stock to bring out the grain and to protect the wood.
What is the best way to treat the Garand stock?
ps The wood looks like it could use a little sanding. Is this a good idea?
It looks, lock, stock and barrel, like it is brand new and unissued.
It looks like no finish has ever been applied to the stock.
He would like to apply some kind of oil to the stock to bring out the grain and to protect the wood.
What is the best way to treat the Garand stock?
ps The wood looks like it could use a little sanding. Is this a good idea?
Comments
I too was curious what I should use to stain with.
As for your wood, we would need photos or a better description before offering advice.
Neal
Wipe the oil on. You can use 0000 steel wool if you want. Let the stock hang for a couple of days, and then wipe off the excess. Repeat as wanted.
Repeated use will give the stock a bit of a red sheen.
BTW - if you sand, go easy around any original marks. A 1955 rifle should have a Defense Acceptance Stamp (eagle under 3 stars) on the left side in front of the wrist.
Good luck.
The old method on Garand stocks is either boiled linseed oil or tung oil.
Wipe the oil on. You can use 0000 steel wool if you want. Let the stock hang for a couple of days, and then wipe off the excess. Repeat as wanted.
Repeated use will give the stock a bit of a red sheen.
BTW - if you sand, go easy around any original marks. A 1955 rifle should have a Defense Acceptance Stamp (eagle under 3 stars) on the left side in front of the wrist.
Good luck.
Yes, I believe that is correct.
Tom
Tung oil is your easiest choice and a solid performer.
Contact DCM for best advise.
My brother bought a Garand the other day. This rifle was built in 1955.
It looks, lock, stock and barrel, like it is brand new and unissued.
It looks like no finish has ever been applied to the stock.
He would like to apply some kind of oil to the stock to bring out the grain and to protect the wood.
What is the best way to treat the Garand stock?
ps The wood looks like it could use a little sanding. Is this a good idea?
I have used birchwood casey to do an SKS, AK, and 1903 A3. All turned out well.
You would not want to refinish if you have a garand that is worth something. Which would require some research to see what you have. But chances are you have one that is probably a parts gun to a certain exten but who knows.
What I have found with these military stock is you need to sweat out the cosmo, and other crap, by putting next to a wood stove and I have also used oven degreaser. Then sand down, then sand again, then sand again. Then start rubbing oil or birch wood casey in, in between steps 00 steel wool. until you get the finish you desire.