Old military rifle stock

otter6412

May 15, 2011 09:14

I'm cleaning up an old WW2 rifle stock. Its original with factory stamps and acceptance marks, but kind of beat up and maybe even some mold on a portion. What is the best way to clean it up for display? Thanks

0

• 

  MBK

  May 15, 2011 09:34

  I'd start with a rag dampened with dishwaher soap, then look it over. Next might be some gun oil on a clean rag.

  0
• 

  asphalt cowboy

  May 15, 2011 09:53

  White vinegar, some burlap and a little elbow grease will remove the mold.
  Some of the dents can be raised with careful application of a damp wash cloth and hot iron (the type you dewrinkle shirts with).
  
  Don't use any type of gun oil on wood. Petroleum based oils will break down the wood fibers and will leave dark spots. Give it a light hand rubbed coat of linseed oil for an even appearance.

  0
• 

  nmyers

  May 15, 2011 11:34

  I would try Formby's furniture refinisher, using #0000 steel wool & a nylon tooth brush. If THAT doesn't get the mold off, then I might try soap/water or harsh chemicals.
  
  Refinish with a few coats of tung oil, with #0000 steel wool between coats.
  
  Neal

  0
• 

  perry shooter

  May 15, 2011 11:50

  Balistol is a great product for this purpose. IT will NOT harm WOOD but also will clean without removing the Patina. Very important to collectors.

  0
• 

  Emmett Dunham

  May 15, 2011 13:48

  Wet cloth and iron will get some of the bumps out then acetone will clean out all of the old oil and leave the original look to the stock if you use BLO. Stay away from the inspection marks with steam or you may remove some or all of the stamping.
  
  Emmett

  0
• 

  k.stanonik

  May 15, 2011 18:38

  Just cleaned up a 1903 stock last yr with Murphy oil soap and a green scotch bright litely, after wipe down with a damp sponge, after dried re coat with true oil

  0

Please sign in to leave a comment.