Sealing a Factory Finished Walnut Stock

RCrosby

I like the newly designed stock that Ruger puts on the Hawkeye bolt actions but since the climate can be rather moist around here I'd like to do a good job of sealing the unfinished "interior" portions of the stock and checkering.
I'd welcome any techniques and materials that anyone would like to share their experiences with.
Thanks,

25wcf

Tru Oil works for me. Put it where you want it with your finger or a small paint brush, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then blot it off while still wet with an old terry cloth towel. This seals the wood grain and (in the case of the checkering) makes for a dull finish.

nononsense

RCrosby,

I suggest you start from the beginning since it's a Ruger and do a complete bedding job which would include opening the barrel channel slightly, taping the barrel for free-floating, the action area and bedding with a two-part expoxy of your choice. Make sure you get the magazine area and under the recoil pad since those areas will suck up moisture also. Use any of your favorite wood finishing oils for the checkering but you might thin it slightly before application and do more than one thin coat. Any of the oils that you apply should allowed to dry thoroughly, for a few days if possible.

Best.