FINISHING GUN STOCKS

By Harold Hoffman

The finishing of gun stocks whether it's a new stock or a old stock is not difficult. Very little equipment is
needed to redo an old or new stock. If you're working with an old stock that has finished on it the old
finish must first be removed. Usually this is done with sandpaper, and very seldom with a paint remover.

Before we do into the actual types of finish processes, I will go to the basics of refinishing a stock.
Whether it is an old stock that has finish on it or a new stock the process will be the same.

1. If you have an old stock with a lacquer finish or some other type of thin finish you will need to remove
   this finish. You can use a varnish remover which will speed up the process of removing the old finish. A
   good paint or varnish remover will eliminate a lot of sanding if you try to remove it was sandpaper.


2. If the stock has a lot of nicks and dents in it, start with a medium grit flint or garnet paper. Go over the
   entire stock with medium grit until you have clean wood with no finish on it.


3. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT -- when you sand up to a sharp edge such as the barrel channel, pistol
   grip, butt plate, or any other areas where there is a sharp edge, never let the sandpaper roll over that
   edge. If you do you will round off the sharp surface, which you need to retain. When you come to the
   sharp edge very carefully sand up to the very edge, but do not go over. I usually hold the sandpaper on
   my finger where I can't control it better. A sanding block might work out okay if you are careful. It would
   be wise to leave the butt plate, and pistol grip cap in place when you sand this area. This in the area
   where you will most likely round the edges, as well as the barrel channel.


4. After going over the complete stock with the medium grit paper, switch to a fine grit paper. Repeat
   the above process until you have the complete stock sanded.


5. Next, you want to take a damp rag and go over the complete stock, wetting to it thoroughly. The
   reason for this is to allow the grain to rise. Set the stock back and let it dry thoroughly. After it dries go
   over the complete stock again with fine sandpaper. If you have dents in the stock, see below
   information on how to remove these dents.


6. After the stock is thoroughly sanded with fine sandpaper you can now but a finish on it. The best
   finish that I have found in a oil finish is Tung oil. I have used Tung oil for many years, and had found that
   it is a very good finish that lasts good. I have guns that have been finish with Tung oil 40 years ago that
   still looks like new.


7. To use Tung oil you need to get some rubber gloves. The reason for this is that some individuals may
   be allergic to Tung oil. The way I apply Tung oil is to either use my fingers or a rag and rub the oil into
   the wood thoroughly. Do not take too much time doing this as the Tung oil will dry rather quickly and get
   sticky. As soon as you get the complete stock coated with Tung oil, let it set for a few minutes so the oil
   soak in. Then take a rag and wipe off all of the Tung oil. Set the stock back and let the oil dry thoroughly