Stock repair question

mbrook

Found a Winchester model 70 made in 1937. Looked like it had been carried everyday since the day it was made. Blue was 40% and checkering was almost gone. Stock was real dirty but had original steel buttplate.Surprisingly, the bore is excellent and it functions perfectly. Shot really nice groups with original 22g open sights. So I sent it off for a good cold-rust bluing and the stock went to a restoration guy to recut checkering and refinish. He did a fine job for a fair price but didn't tell me about 3 pea sized putty repairs all several inces apart. Color contrast is yellow on red-brown. Rest of stock is beautiful. Anybody know a satisfactory way to improve this defect? I don't want to sell it or deceive anybody. Just want to fix it up, keep it and hunt with it.

Duty Honor Country

mbrook

I have a oil finished stock that is like new except for a puncture spot about a 1/16" deep and 1/16" around (maybe slightly larger). I would like to repair the spot with the least amount of impact to the surrounding area and would like to avoid sanding if at all possible. I have tried steam and I do not believe it helped at all. Is there any material that can fill the hole, look natural, and not involve sanding? Thanks for your help!!

Der Gebirgsjager

The not wanting to sand is what makes the problem difficult; as there are many substances with which to fill holes that when sanded after hardening will produce an almost invisible repair. Also, thinner substances flow into holes much better than thicker substances. I believe that I would try a substance named "Micro Bed" which is a brown colored epoxy developed many years ago for bedding actions. It is still made, and available from Brownells; but it's a shame to have to buy enough to bed three rifles to fill a small hole. But perhaps you can borrow some from a friend.....? Anyway, it comes already dyed brown. You mix equal portions from two tubes together. Then poke it down into the hole. This is the difficult part, as there is little room for the substance you are using and the tool you're forcing into the hole. Use something very small for a tool like a piece of wire. You'll need patience, but once the hole is filled to your satisfaction leave just a little extra on the top as it may subside into the hole somewhat as it dries. This will take about 24 hr. to really set up. The end result will be visible and resemble a puttied nail hole; but will be brown and very permanent. You can rub the surface with an ink eraser once it has become very hard to get a dull look which may match your stock finish better. You can clean up around the edges of the hole with lacquer thinner while the Micro Bed is still wet if the thinner won't damage your existing stock finish. Good Luck.

WIN-COLT

Refill the ultra small flaw with oil finish like tru-oil. It will set up and be a excellant filler that will be virtually invisable. Just take a toothpick and dip the tip of it into the oil and let it drip directly into the flaw that should bring you quite satisfactory results. Try to keep the new oil confined to the flaw at all costs and you will be pleased.

MIKE WISKEY

TRY BROWNELLS ACRA-QUIK, FAST SETTING EPOXY, THEY SELL THIS IN SMALLER TUBES, IT FLOWS WELL AND SETS UP FAST WITH NO SHRINKAGE. THEY SELL BROWN DYE FOR THIS ALSO OR YOU CAN SAND A SPOT INSIDE THE STOCK AND MIX SOME OF THE SANDING DUST WITH THE EPOXY.

mbrook

Thank you for your great ideas. I am very glad I asked before diving into the task. I can use both the Tru Oil and the brown expoy/bedding compound on this and other stock repair projects.Thanks again,