Thread: Wooden gun stock question..

Pics would help especially an angled shot so that the dent and the reflection and depth of the finish can be seen, try with a light source behind the stock at an angle..

Originally Posted by nessmuck

Will it mess up the finish ??

Yes it will.turns the orig finish whiteish.

Being a pre 64 it could hurt the value of it.
Unless it is in some way hurting the ability to shoot the rifle, I would leave it alone if it is the original finish.
Just my thoughts.

V/R
Tim

Depends on whether you want to keep it or sell. If it is a keeper just enjoy it. For sale, you can steam the stock and lift the dent(if it is not too bad). If you have another stock sitting around, practice on it. You can have problems as a first timer.

I have a 94 built in 1911 and was owned by great grandfather. Chambered for .30 wcf which later was renamed 30-30. I would not sell it for anything. His fingerprints are etched in the octagon barrel from all the hunting for food. Those cannot re replaced and it shoots true.

I would keep it and start my tradition to pass it on.

I have steamed out a few dents here and there. As long as the grain is not broken it usually comes out. Wet towel hot iron, repeat until its flat or stops working. As far as your existing finish goes it should be fine. Due to the age it will be an oil finish and may not be effected by the moisture and the heat shouldn't be high enough to wrinkle it but you do have the risk of it turning white. The white can be lightened with nail polish remover. That one is very tricky because it has the risk of ripping your finish off and needs to be tested in an inconspicuous area.

it will.turn the finish white,are no inconspicuous areas on a gunstock.

Is there no finish on the underside? Sorry if its obvious. I'm a furniture and cabinet guy.

Originally Posted by RezDog

Is there no finish on the underside? Sorry if its obvious. I'm a furniture and cabinet guy.

Stock is finished 100%,you can get the white marks from steaming pretty much out with rottenstone and oil.
pretty much a french polish

@RezDog,

No. Every piece of finished furniture on that firearm is conspicuous. You could try it on an interior piece of the furniture, but what would be the point of that. There isn't likely going to be a dent there and it may not be finished at all.

I say leave it alone. It's too valuable, IMHO.

Myself, I do not care if weapons have minor cosmetic blemishes.
It shows they have been used.

Unless you want it perfect to try for a higher sale price, I would say use it and enjoy it as it is.

With just one dent & no scratches, that would rate most excellent contiion in my opinion.
Jody