SKS refinishing?

[Nynvolt]

I sure hope this is the correct forum for this question.

I bought a Russian 1950 SKS years ago. I started a stock refinish, sanded down to the wood, it looks so much better. I plan to either oil it or maybe a thin satin clear coat, not sure yet. I got really lucky and the stock has NO marks or stampings at all.

Anyway the question is about the black painted metal parts (excluding the barrel). Can the paint be removed or does the metal require some sort of coating? I have no idea what type of metal they used on these, stainless or not. If they need coating is there a flat or satin black paint you might recommend?

Thanks in advance for info.

[Milsurp Collector]

First of all, for the wood use shellac. Shellac is the original and correct finish, and it is easy to apply http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=6548

You should leave the original finish on the metal unless you hate it or it is in bad shape. If you want to refinish the metal you would have to strip the current finish first. If you want to refinish with a painted finish consider DuraCoat, it is designed for firearms http://www.duracoat-firearm-finishes.com/

[Vacaville]

Is it actually paint or is it blued? When I refinish a rifle I usually touch up with cold blue, and it comes out looking pretty good.

[Nynvolt]

Thanks for the replies.

I understand that the bolt is painted when they were re-armored in the Tula plant...or that's what I've read. It is definitely paint and in reasonable condition but it is gloss black and doesn't match the rest of the satin black metal. I've seen bare metal bolts on some and they look nice but am wondering if they were plated or if it's stainless. Not sure if the paint is to protect the metal or just to indicate it was re-armored.

[coop44]

I've seen a few that have been parkerized (mangenese) black, and looked very sweet

[DaveInOroValley]

What about affecting the value though? wouldn't any changes at all from original affect value? or?

[JAGGUY]

You can polish the bolt back to the original silver. The bolts were originally "in the white" and buffing off the paint will restore the look. Keep it oiled and it will stay shiny.

[Nynvolt]

What about affecting the value though? wouldn't any changes at all from original affect value? or?

Possibly but I only paid like $80.00 for it.

I still can't decide how I want to finish the stock. At the moment it's pretty much ready for shellac or clear coat but will require more work for oiling.

For the hardware, I'd love to have it all parkerized. Just have to justify the cost hehe.

[Jarhead]

A 1950 Russian SKS does have collector value, or should say had. If it was a true Russian in original - non bubba'd condition she probably sells for $350-450.00 today, and they are only going up.