Mosin Nagant Refinish... First Attempt

[16in50calNavalRifle]

mj1, do you have any quick references on the actual history of M-N stock finishes during WWII? I should peruse the websites (7.62X54net and M-N.net), but have been too lazy. Heck, I speak Russian so I should be trying to find primary sources myself (have long wanted to get ahold of original Soviet training manuals but haven't lifted a finger/typed a keyboard key to do so, alas).

I too have read that the refurb shellac we all see on these rifles was not standard or at least universal on Soviet M-Ns in WWII, and that there were a variety of expedient "finishes" used.

Bobby, that stock looks fantastic. I believe these are Arctic birch, correct? You're half tempting me to do the same with some BLO I have from M1 stock work. I have four M-Ns, and have refinished two of them with shellac. Was about to re-do the first two and one of the others, this time making more of an effort to get the reddish-brown color right. The two that were re-done look quite nice with the fresh shellac, but probably would look like yours with an oil finish.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

mj1, do you have any quick references on the actual history of M-N stock finishes during WWII? I should peruse the websites (7.62X54net and M-N.net), but have been too lazy. Heck, I speak Russian so I should be trying to find primary sources myself (have long wanted to get ahold of original Soviet training manuals but haven't lifted a finger/typed a keyboard key to do so, alas).

I too have read that the refurb shellac we all see on these rifles was not standard or at least universal on Soviet M-Ns in WWII, and that there were a variety of expedient "finishes" used.

Bobby, that stock looks fantastic. I believe these are Arctic birch, correct? You're half tempting me to do the same with some BLO I have from M1 stock work. I have four M-Ns, and have refinished two of them with shellac. Was about to re-do the first two and one of the others, this time making more of an effort to get the reddish-brown color right. The two that were re-done look quite nice with the fresh shellac, but probably would look like yours with an oil finish.

Thanks, I appreciate it. I designated that one to be my shooter, and i added a sling and rubber recoil pad (keeping the matching butt plate of course).

Regarding the refinish, I found the Tung oil (Formbys) very easy to work with and fast drying. I have used BLO before with less success. The BLO took a long time to dry and was tacky for days. Even after several coats the wood just keep absorbing it and not taking on any kind of noticeable finish.

[16in50calNavalRifle]

Well I'm hardly well-versed in the various wood finishes, but the BLO has worked well on the M1/USGI wood stocks so far. I just mineral oil/wipe the stocks a few times, then apply several coats of BLO - letting them dry for days between coats.

For those that are not aware of it, a great resource for stock refinishing info and advice is the appropriate thread on surplusrifleforum - Candyman's the moderator and a real expert in stock refinishing. And of course Rick B. on CMP forums for M1s of both the Garand and carbine flavors.

[NOTABIKER]

i thought you just put a coat of BLO on for say 1/2 hour than you wipe the excess off. i might be wrong but i think you are not supposed to leave it on.

[DennisCA]

i thought you just put a coat of BLO on for say 1/2 hour than you wipe the excess off. i might be wrong but i think you are not supposed to leave it on.

Yup about a 1/2 hour is all that is needed, any longer and it might be too hard to get off. In that case you'll have just have to let it dry.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Yup about a 1/2 hour is all that is needed, any longer and it might be too hard to get off. In that case you'll have just have to let it dry.

Well that explains it. I have a rifle stock that has at least 7 coats of BLO on it, and it looks like raw wood, no finish or shine whatsoever.

[Bainter1212]

Looks good Bobby. I did that to one of my Tulas as well, that blonde wood is sexy.

Now, if you want my OFFICIAL Bubba Stamp of Approval, I will gladly trade it for a Sino-Soviet patatrooper that may or may not be for sale right now

[knucklehead0202]

Yup about a 1/2 hour is all that is needed, any longer and it might be too hard to get off. In that case you'll have just have to let it dry.

yep, leave it on for 1/2 hour or so and rub it down. wait a day or two and do it again. certain tighter-grained woods won't take it more than a few times. my carcano stocks have been like that. currently have 3 coats on one stock and it might take one more and that's it. the others will not take anything, I just wipe it off. gonna try what someone suggested and put some BLO in a clear jar to get some sunlight and see if it darkens up, as i'm trying to match colors between stocks and handguards. the handguards on carcanos seem to be a different kind of wood, even when they look similar in color, but they don't darken with oil like the stocks do. kind of a PITA but i'm workin' on it. will inform as to the results, perhaps even with pics, although I hate taking pictures.

[yatzee982]

Well that explains it. I have a rifle stock that has at least 7 coats of BLO on it, and it looks like raw wood, no finish or shine whatsoever.

Looks pretty good Bobby, maybe a coat of wax would give you a nice finish? I like this guys products http://www.thegunstockdoctor.com/index.html Tom's 1/3 Mix goes on most all Mossberg .22 cal military trainer rifles and it looks excellent !

[the_tunaman]

I like it - great job!

[BrokerB]

So I picked up two snipers from Classic..both have typical; shellac rubbing on when you hold it. Something has to change...I guess Im stripping the shellac of and staining and or waxing.