Refinished the ol' #4 mk1

 

 

I started by stripping off the wood, removing metal bands and the front sight hood, magazine and bolt  I used a sandblaster with #4 sand to get the left over paint chips off and to rough the surface for the Moly-Resin.  I've used the sand for so long it's more like powder.  It's such a light sanding that the engraved lettering isn't even disturbed.   I blasted and coated the bands. 

Then I used my toaster oven to bake everything for 1.5 hours @ 400 degrees.  That sets the moly-Resin to a durable finish.  The receiver was totally disassembled.  Sight came off, the safety came off, the trigger mechanism came off.  Even the tiny band for the back of the forarm wood came off.  I didn't blast the inside of the receiver except where the bolt traveled.  I made sure to coat the sight evenly and coat the internal areas I blasted on the receiver.  I did NOT blast and coat the entire barrel (it wouldn't fit my toaster oven).  I did blast off the front sight and end of the barrel.  All the sling loops and screws. 

On the stock I had to replace the bottom forarm as it was cracked and broken.  The rest of the stock was cleaned with stripper.   I used stripper on it for 3 days in a row applying 3 of 4 coats a day and allowing them to set 30 minutes each.  Washed off everything with hot water, allowed it to dry and then steamed it with an Iron and soaking wet towel to remove all the dings and dents. It's a long drawn out process. 

I did the wood about 2 years ago.  The metal wasn't done until July of this year. 

I have to admit, I love this rifle!  It's the only Military bolt action rifle that doesn't kick the dog snot out of me.  I can see why the brits kept this in their inventory for 50 some odd years.

 

Aif

When using Dupli-Color, do you need to bake it or can you just liet it cure?

 

When using Dupli-color 1200 degree satin black paint it's best to bake it (@ 400 degrees for 1.5 hours) But don't use your other halfs oven.  It WILL    stink up the house and put you in the dog house.

 

Aif