The Browning Auto 5 Light 12 overhaul : complete
I took the shotgun apart, cleaned everything, and replaced all the springs. The main spring on the left is the original. As you can see, it’s about an inch shorter than it should be. @mike55 , no doubt the new spring will help with the recoil. The old one is toast.
I also started the refinishing project. Stripped the surface and here’s what it looks like now.
Next up is crack and dent repair. After that, sanding, sharpening the checkering, and staining.
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One thing that I found really helps the finish, is to lightly wipe it down with water after you've sanded it, and let it sit for 24 hours or so. This gives the wood a chance to refill the fibers, if you will, and then hit it with 0000 steel wool. It really makes the wood pop, and gives it a super smooth finish. Nice job, looks like you're on your way.
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An old girl brought back to life. Sweet.
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I’m thinking about doing a sanded in finish. Anyone ever done that?
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KL: 30115275752347/comments/30115323893787
I’m thinking about doing a sanded in finish. Anyone ever done that?
Yea, I have thought about it. Don
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Nice. Keep us updated with final pics and range review!
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KL: 30115275752347/comments/30115323893787
I’m thinking about doing a sanded in finish. Anyone ever done that?
Yep...........and used Pilkington Finish per their looooooong instructions. Works great.
Be sure to mask off the checkering.......and then later recut/re-oil.
BTW......long ago, I stopped using steel wool on stocks........as too many slivers found their way into the wood. I now use different grades of Scotchbrite.
Hope this helps.
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I like it!!! I re-did an old Steven's side by side. It came out like crapola. Let me see when your done. Maybe I will try again.
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62vld2042: 30115275752347/comments/30115292080795
https://forums.gunbroker.com/discussion/comment/11399515#Comment_11399515
Yep...........and used Pilkington Finish per their looooooong instructions. Works great.
Be sure to mask off the checkering.......and then later recut/re-oil.
BTW......long ago, I stopped using steel wool on stocks........as too many slivers found their way into the wood. I now use different grades of Scotchbrite.
Hope this helps.
Great advice on the S/B pads...
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KL: 30115275752347/comments/30115323893787
I’m thinking about doing a sanded in finish. Anyone ever done that?
Yes, I have used the wet sanding technique with TruOil. It does a good job of filling in the wood pores. I like it better than some of the wood fillers. It is also a bit faster than sanding down each coat until the pores are filled. I think the last time I did it I used 800x wet dry paper with a medium soft rubber sanding block. Bob
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I bought mine in 1962 and it still runs like a Timex.
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The Browning overhaul is complete.
I opted against the sanded-in technique and just used some 220 and 320 grit paper to smooth out the wood. A few dents were steamed out, too. Butt and fore stocks have 5 coats of Tru Oil on them and are smooth as glass. Hand rubbed, no cloth involved. I used some 0000 steel wool after the first 3 coats and the last 2 didn't need any sanding at all. Used a toothbrush to get 2 layers of Tru Oil deep into the checkering.
All the original springs have been replaced, and each internal part removed, cleaned, lubed, and reinstalled.
All in all, a really fun project. Looking forward to shooting this thing sometime in the next week or so.
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too purty to shoot now............
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Looks good! However the stock has to much drop for me. I'd either be looking into the back of the humpback receiver or getting punched in the cheek because I lifted my head to sight properly. If you end up with the same problem, Beartooth makes a slip on comb raising kit. Put it on when you're out shooting and take it off at home to show off your nicely refinished stock. Bob
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So, are you auditioning for a job at Turnbull's??
I am always afraid of making a gun look worse, not better, so I have a no Bubba approach to things like your job. If I no touchie, I can't screwie!!😂
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haha! You guys are too kind. I had a lot of input along the way, from here on the forums and also from my wife and father-in-law. FIL is a lifelong gunsmith and had a hardwood floor installation/refinishing business for about 20 years. My wife restores the occasional antique and used to work with her dad installing and sanding floors.
Thanks everyone for all the input along the way. Always appreciated. The first clay I miss, I will dedicate to you. That won't take long. 😁
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Nice looking job!
Let us know about the range report when you get time!
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WOW, that turned out beautiful.
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👍. Out standing job.
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Nice work! Truly a labor of love. You must have the patience of Job to work over the checkering like you did! I refinished my '74 vintage Model 70 and just sanded the stamped checkering off. I honestly think it made the gun look better.
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Very nice, Sir. 👍😁
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Shotgun looks really nice. Fine job.
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