Q: How to care for MP-153 walnut stock?

[aridan]

The MP-153 I got last week is an earlier model, manufactured in 2005. Dealer probably had it for years, which explains why he was clearing these at $400.

The gun has nice walnut stock, but it feels very dry. I would like to use some wood conditioner, just to give it a bit of sheen & to prevent it from cracking. I'm not sure if the stock is varnished, so I'm puzzled as to which product (linseed oil, Pledge, whatever) to use. There was a similar recent thread, but it was more about refinishing than conditioning, so I decided to ask in a new thread.

BTW, can this earlier model be fitted with the bolt handle from the newer one, the one that's broader & has more grip to it? Also, when the manual says 'manually close the bolt', what does it mean? I cannot push it forward by hand, only works if I press the bolt release.

TIA.

 

[LGswift]

How can you tell it was manufactured in 05. I just received my mp153 in the mail yesterday (walnut wood stock) and it is a little cheap/shabby. I would also like to know what I can do to this to freshen it up.

I assume all bolt handles are interchangable, post a pic of one and I can confirm that.
Also I believe that "manually close the bolt" means close the action under control. Hold the handle to the rear in the locked position and depress the action release button and let the action go forward into battery under control.

 

[aridan]

How can you tell it was manufactured in 05.

The owner's manual that came with mine has a serial No. & date of manufacture stamped near the end of the English section.

Thanks for the info on controlled release, I'm totally new to shotguns as you can see...

 

[LGswift]

That would have been a pretty good first place to look. Mine is manufactured in 05 as well; I see a 05 on the right side of my barrel so I assumed it was.

I don't know much about wood and especially firearm furniture, but my fore stock and stock seem much to light to be a walnut hard wood, and the grain seems very different to me? I think what I might do is just completely weather proof it with some commercial sealing products. I don't believe the furniture on this shotgun is enough of a work of art to spend the extra effort with BLO or a nicer treatment.

 

[straightshooter]

Just a quick note to shed some light on a common misconception. "Furniture" is a term which doesn't relate to the stocks. When we speak of furniture in the context of firearms, we are talking about sights, trigger guards, butt plates, barrel bands, etc.- essentially, the small parts that are not part of the workings of the locks.

The real question: It's pretty hard to go wrong when it comes to rejuvenating walnut stocks. Almost any oil, silicon, or waxy substance will be an improvement. You want to stay away from soaking the wood, as oil-soaked wood is what you are seeing when you see old firearms that were stored soaked in oil and the wood has turned black.

Oil from your skin and chemicals that get absorbed into skin oil can damage a blued metal finish. I never worry about the finish while using a gun, but I always carefully wipe down the entire gun, wood and metal, with a silicon-infused cloth before the gun goes back in the safe. I avoid touching any part of the gun with my bare hands after wiping down. This is all that is needed to maintain walnut stocks and will protect and preserve the metal as well as the wood finish. (also, silicon cloths won't spill or damage other equipment and are equally free of complications at home or in the bush)

 

[LGswift]

Just a quick note to shed some light on a common misconception. "Furniture" is a term which doesn't relate to the stocks. When we speak of furniture in the context of firearms, we are talking about sights, trigger guards, butt plates, barrel bands, etc.- essentially, the small parts that are not part of the workings of the locks.

I have never in my life heard firearm accessories called "Furniture"

On the other hand I have heard and read and used the word furniture to describe the stock of a firearm. Do a google search of HK G3 wood furniture or just HK G3 furniture, many people share this view and like I said I have never once seen it used the other way

http://www.hkpro.com/forum/showthread.php?p=516812

Good info on protecting wood though. I know a standard classic treatment for walnut stocks is using Boiled Linseed oil and then rubbing on some kind of wax paste.

 

[straightshooter]

I have never in my life heard firearm accessories called "Furniture"

I don't doubt that one bit. I'm sure a majority of GunNutz can say the same thing (at one time, I was one).

When I said "common misconception", I meant COMMON. Nevertheless, I know of whence I speak.

 

[Ahsan Ahmed]

Oil from your skin and chemicals that get absorbed into skin oil can damage a blued metal finish. I never worry about the finish while using a gun, but I always carefully wipe down the entire gun, wood and metal, with a silicone-infused cloth before the gun goes back in the safe. I avoid touching any part of the gun with my bare hands after wiping down. This is all that is needed to maintain walnut stocks and will protect and preserve the metal as well as the wood finish. (also, silicone cloths won't spill or damage other equipment and are equally free of complications at home or in the bush)

X2. Birchwood Casey's silicon cloth works very well for that purpose.

As far as rejuvenating the stock goes.....Tru-Oil from Brichwood Casey works very well.....I have applied that on a few old stocks with nice results.

 

[aridan]

Guys, thanks for the info. I came back from my club where I picked up a Tru-Oil kit (varnish, stock finish, and conditioner) for half-price. I'll definately coat the stock before I go shooting again. As for the fingerprints, I wear gloves. Baikal's stamped parts around the loading gate are nasty sharp.

Thanks again!