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correct finish for pre 64 winchester

scottm21166
I have a model 100 winchester someone sprayed polyurathane (guessing) over the original finish. They didn't prep the old finish well and whatever they put on was peeling badly. the rest of the gun is as new so I want to put the correct type finish on it.
I conpletely stripped the wood of all finish and recut the checkering
(it is the hand cut standard style.)
Can you tell me what I should use? and since it was made in 1963, is the grain filled or left open?
I am really unfamilier with these guns, this is the first I have ever owned an I intend o make it a gift to my left handed son. His grandpa and both uncles use either the 88 or 100 and they all love them.
Thanks
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4 comments

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  • thorhammer
    I have used the Homer Formby's low luster tung oil finish. Since I strip my stocks with his finish remover using ooo steel wool, the stock is already smooth and the wood patina is retained.

    It sounds like you used sandpaper (egad!). Not to worry, final sand it down with 400-600 grit paper (not kidding). This will smooth the stock down and don't use a tack cloth (it leaves a residue behind). This should eliminate the rough surface after your first light coat of oil.

    If you feel roughness on the finish after the 1st coat dries you can lightly sand it with 440 grit. Remove dust and recoat again. A third may do it.

    Open or closed grain.....I had heard of using a slightly wet rag to rub on the stock after final sanding to raise the grain and then a final sanding. I won't do it again, that's all I can recommend.

    Good luck Thor
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  • 41 nut
    Cann't tell you about the finish. But make sure the rifle has had the new firing pin installed before giving it to your son. The original firing pins had a habit of breaking and the broken off tip sticking out in the bolt hole causing the rifle to fire when the bolt closed. So Winchester (Olin)iniated a recall to replace the firing pin with a sturdier built one as the result of a lawsuit settlement.
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  • scottm21166
    quote:Originally posted by 41 nut
    Cann't tell you about the finish. But make sure the rifle has had the new firing pin installed before giving it to your son. The original firing pins had a habit of breaking and the broken off tip sticking out in the bolt hole causing the rifle to fire when the bolt closed. So Winchester (Olin)iniated a recall to replace the firing pin with a sturdier built one as the result of a lawsuit settlement.

    I knew that story so we called Winchester with the serial number and this one was replaced (or a replacement was provided). In any case it looks to be in fine shape.
    I didn't take any serious wood off the stock. I stripped it first and sanded it for smoothness (to 400)
    Some places would still show the porousness of the wood with a non filling finish. I would have expected lacquer? this is a beatifully grained stock but you shur wouldn't want to apply any stain. Some parts of the grain would really suck it up
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  • scottm21166
    this is a post I found on another forum. It is what I expected and what I will do.
    I would say I cleaned the checkering more than recut it. there are no bubba lines and it looks nice, sharp diamonds and not over cut. I am pleased (if I do say so myself) I hate those basket woven pressed in checkeing patterns, they just look cheap to me.
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