Finn Mosin I just picked up. Should I restore?

[Capybara]

Another Finn saved from Bubbaing! What would all of you more experienced C&R guys use to clean the wood up? I am clueless about what will clean but not remove patina and character?

[223556]

I'd say refinish it. Be a fun project

[paul0660]

Another Finn saved from Bubbaing! What would all of you more experienced C&R guys use to clean the wood up? I am clueless about what will clean but not remove patina and character?

In this case, nothing. If it weren't so darn special, simple green or similar will get a bit of the stock grease off so you don't look like you changed the oil in your car after you shoot.

[G-Man WC]

Nice piece of history you have there.
I'll trade you for two Big-5 mosins for it!
Please don't sand / paint /stain
....It burns us.

[Flyin Brian]

Another Finn saved from Bubbaing! What would all of you more experienced C&R guys use to clean the wood up? I am clueless about what will clean but not remove patina and character?

it probably does not need cleaning. the reason the stock finish is so dark is because it is coated in pine tar. it's usually a very hardy finish and not sticky.

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[Capybara]

I was actually asking about my new Turk Mosin, here is an image of it.





See that wood? I know there is something beautiful underneath all of that grunge and I would like to see it without refinishing it. Recommendations?

[Flyin Brian]

I was actually asking about my new Turk Mosin, here is an image of it.

See that wood? I know there is something beautiful underneath all of that grunge and I would like to see it without refinishing it. Recommendations?

LOL... somebody ripped you off, that's not a Turk Mosin!! J/K

If that turk MAUSER belonged to me, I would probably wipe it down with a rag soaked in Mineral Spirits. That will clean everything off that doesn't belong without (hopefully, no guarantee) doing any damage to the existing finish. However, it will probably leave a white haze on the wood, most of which will wipe off. I have no idea why it happens, but on the few rifles I have done the MS wipe on, I have noticed a white hazing afterward, but it wipes/wears off in no time. After doing the MS wipe and letting it dry a few days, I would use some Johnsons paste wax (furniture wax) and give it a good coat. I usually use a 2" patch to wipe it on, then buff it with a clean towel. That's it. No refinishing, no "true-oil", no sandpaper needed.

[C&Rtrader]

If you want one that just looks pretty I will trade you a Russian 91/30 and some ammo for that one

Serious offer actually.

[Capybara]

Ha, ha! Freudian slip since we were talking about Finns and Mosins and I bought that M44 yesterday. Yes, I meant Mauser. I have Mosin on the brain this weekend.

Sweet advice Brian, thanks, I will try that and post some before and afters.

LOL... somebody ripped you off, that's not a Turk Mosin!! J/K

If that turk MAUSER belonged to me, I would probably wipe it down with a rag soaked in Mineral Spirits. That will clean everything off that doesn't belong without (hopefully, no guarantee) doing any damage to the existing finish. However, it will probably leave a white haze on the wood, most of which will wipe off. I have no idea why it happens, but on the few rifles I have done the MS wipe on, I have noticed a white hazing afterward, but it wipes/wears off in no time. After doing the MS wipe and letting it dry a few days, I would use some Johnsons paste wax (furniture wax) and give it a good coat. I usually use a 2" patch to wipe it on, then buff it with a clean towel. That's it. No refinishing, no "true-oil", no sandpaper needed.

[Capybara]

If you want one that just looks pretty I will trade you a Russian 91/30 and some ammo for that one

Serious offer actually.

Thanks but I already have a '42 Izhevsk 91/30, and a '53 Hungarian M44, this is my first Mauser, bought it last week from a nice Calgunner.

This C&R disease is horrible, bought a Mauser and a Mosin in the same week, have a Yugo SKS coming in on order and I am still looking for a K31 and some other Mausers. This one is my "historic" Mauser, next I want a pretty Mauser. Damn safe is already full, I am trying to figure out if I can break down my O/U shotguns and store them elsewhere so I can fit more rifles.

[Simply115]

Do what thou wilt, but think before leaping.


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[Capybara]

I think I will be conservative and try some Howards Feed N Wax first and see what that does. If not much, then I might get more drastic.