Gunsmithing Removing high gloss look from 1980's era factory R700

[ChrisBCS]

I'm considering redoing this 1984 factory R700 stock in linseed/GI oil. I love everything about the rifle except the gloss on the stock. Is there a way to do this without stripping and soaking the finish deeper into the stock? To make it worse, simple physical removal would be a challenge because the stock has the standard checkering in the wood...

Thanks!

 

[19Scout77]

Sure...actually USE the rifle!! Nothing like human sweat to create the perfect patina.

 

[Beef_Supreme]

One word answer to do it. Scrape. Make a stock scraper and sit down and get busy scraping, the old BDL finish was a 2 part epoxy marine grade clear coat and it is hard as hell and tough as nails. When it comes to the checkering, it will require the use of chemical stripper and a toothbrush OR skill and a checkering tool. Scrape it until it is gone, then begin sanding, protect the checkering with two layers of sctoch tape and exacto knife the borders and peel the excess off to sand without harm to the checkering.
Sand to desired grit and finish as you want.

It is that or a whole lot of chemical remover.

Luck to you sir.

 

[stockdoc]

You can use 000 steel wool for the smooth parts. The checkering is not that shiny anyway.

 

[nashlaw]

For dinged up stocks I have used Beef's method- newspapers to catch the goop; hit it with stripper; scrape; repeat.

To just dull the finish, go the way of Stock Doc. I believe he has some personal experience.

 

[bhoges]

Use a chemical stripper but u have to be careful with the forend and grip cap they are plastic. I stuff the parts first to alone the stripper to penetrate better. Tape the checkering off too so u don't loose the sharp points.

 

[brwn bggr]

I've done a few with steel wool as mentioned...came out quite nice,a very soft satin look...
Maybe not the same as a tung oil finish,but a lot easier and you can always strip it if you aren't happy...only cost you an hour or so and some steel wool...

 

[Victor N TN]

Have you thought of 400 grit wet or dry and wet sanding it lightly? You might want to mask off the checkering and remove the butt plate.

 

[Parsons]

Keep butt plate on. If it is taken off risk the chance of rounding the edges of the stock and when the buttplate is put back on it not lining up correctly. sand onto butt plate and it will bring it down with the wood and have a nice fit still. This is of you go the sanding route. stripper (chemical) take it off.