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Laminated Stock Care

bwheelerscbwheelersc Member Posts: 48 ✭✭
edited March 2009 in Ask the Experts
I have recently purchased a Ruger Mark II .243 with a stainless barrel and a laminated stock. Its a great looking gun and I'm wanting to keep it that way. Is there any type of care I can do for the stock to ensure its long life. I have heard of moisture seeping in and bubbling the laminate. Is this true, or just a farce? The stainless barrel is relatively low maintenance also. Any advice on keeping my gun looking new besides leaving it in the closet????
Thanks
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Comments

  • mrbrucemrbruce Member Posts: 3,374
    edited November -1
    Good laminates have so much glue holding them together that I doubt anything will seep into it.
    Any good paste wax will be enough protection........ use it on the barrel too........
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  • beantownshootahbeantownshootah Member Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Modern laminates are made of numerous thin layers of wood bonded together by epoxy.

    They are extremely tough and durable with the glue helping to keep out moisture and the various grain directions keeping the stock stable under humidity change.

    I doubt you could do anything to "bubble" the laminate, but a nice clear finish should help keep the gun looking nice AND help keep moisture out.
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  • RCrosbyRCrosby Member Posts: 3,808 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ditto good paste wax on exterior metal. On my wood stocked rifles; laminate or solid, I also like to apply a few coats of coats of a thinned finish like tru-oil to the barrel channel and other "interior" areas as an added guard against moisture.
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  • gotstolefromgotstolefrom Member Posts: 1,479 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    +2 RCrosby

    My wife just views it as another of my quirks, when I get a new rifle, and take it apart.

    I find this is an ideal time to put some sealer on the interior wood surfaces. If it drinks up the first coat, add another and you've saved it from back door water damage.

    It is surprisingly shameful how many finely finished rifles do not have the interior wood sealed.

    Paste wax is a bear to get out of crevices and such, but high carnauba waxes are ideal dry sealants.

    ENJOY !
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  • Bill DeShivsBill DeShivs Member Posts: 1,264 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Wax it.
    NEVER store a gun in a case! It invites moisture and rust.
    There is no need to seal the barrel channel on a laminated stock, nor is there a need to "clear coat" it.
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  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Honestly I wouldn't even bother waxing it. It will outlive you.
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  • Bill DeShivsBill DeShivs Member Posts: 1,264 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I wouldn't store in either. Cases are for transport.
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Especially avoid foam lined cases, they will hold moisture next to the metal and affect the bluing. Long enough and they will cause rust. I live in the desert and store them in siliconed "Bore Stores" which help keep out dust and allow air circulation.

    Use a good hard wax like Trewax if you wax at all. Even the wood is impregnated with expoxy and the stock will last until the expoxy begins to age and crack. Your grand kids might have to think about restocking it.
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