Rifle finish cleaning/preservation |
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EagleScout
Newbie Joined: November 12 2014 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 4 |
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Posted: November 12 2014 at 9:27am |
Hey everyone,
I have an old Mk 3 No. 1 that is, shall we say, a "high mileage" example. The stock is dented and dinged, there are scratches in the metal finish, etc. I want to know if there is a way to augment and preserve it's current condition. It is rust free, and the stock is in good structural condition. I am NOT looking to refinish it. I believe that every rifle has a story, and I don't want to ruin this one. It's not a numbers matching collector's piece, so it doesn't have to be perfectly preserved. I just want something that will lighten up the dark (almost black) parts on the stock and keep the finish from rubbing off more than it already has. Again, it doesn't have to be perfect, just something that will preserve it and keep it shooting for decades to come. If this isn't possible, that's fine. Thank you
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A square 10
Special Member Donating Member Joined: December 12 2006 Location: MN , USA Status: Offline Points: 14452 |
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there will be others jump in here to give more & better help , i have to start by saying your rifle rifle is correctly a number one , mark III [ no1 mkIII ] as nomenclature means something here ,
second , use no sandpaper on the timber , mineral spirits will clean the wood and boiled lindseed oil will return the finish , applied sparingly and rubbed in creating warmth in many coats spaced to allow drying , always wipe off extra with soft cloth to prevent sticky finish , third , if you use steel wool [brass wool is better] on the metal - use 4 ought or finer with oil to preserve the finish , and lightly is a key word ,
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Canuck
Special Member Donating Member Joined: January 17 2012 Location: Agassiz BC Status: Offline Points: 3535 |
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I mirror A square 10's process. Welcome to the site, Eagle Scout!
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Castles made of sand slip into the sea.....eventually
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EagleScout
Newbie Joined: November 12 2014 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 4 |
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Yea, sorry. I caught that after I posted. Thank you for pointing that out
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Shamu
Admin Group Logo Designer / Donating Member Joined: April 25 2007 Location: MD, USA. Status: Offline Points: 17603 |
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The biggest problem is that people "over restore" rifles like yours. They try to make them showroom shiny & untended.
I'm with A-Square, the dings & scratches are a part of the history. You don't know where they came from so just preserve, don't try to "improve". The originals were never glossy showroom examples just working soldiers tools. The alcohol clean oil the metal & linseed the stock is darn near perfect to return her to condition. |
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Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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EagleScout
Newbie Joined: November 12 2014 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 4 |
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Thank you for all the good advice
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