Yugo M48A questions

[Infanteer90]

Anyone have an idea of why there is a rectangular notch cut into the wood of the handguard just in front of the rear sight?
Also, anyone know what type of wood this is? Apparently M48's can be found with elm, walnut and oak furniture. I'm guessing that it is either elm or oak.

Thanks, Steve

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/935287/M48A 001a.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/935287/M48A 002a.jpg

 

[Hitzy]

The notch looks like a repair. Wood looks like Elm. Looks varnished....is it?

 

[Vimy Ridge]

No idea why that cut out is there. I guess you're planning on filling it in?

 

[Infanteer90]

Well, if the notch serves no purpose then I would like to do something with it to improve appearances. Elm you say... cool. I was trying to find pictures of Elm wood grain online and nothing looked similar. The entire stock still has a nice coating of cosmoline which is why it looks so shiny. Next year when the weather improves I'll clean the cosmoline off and decide what to do with the mystery notch. For what it's worth, the notch seems to have cosmoline in it which is what made me think that perhaps it's there for an original accessory of some sort but so far I haven't seen it on another M48. Although most people don't show this part of the rifle in their photos.

 

[desporterizer]

Might have had a badly fitting ler scope set up.

 

[Infanteer90]

Just received confirmation from the previous owner that this rifle came directly from Marstar with the notch so it is not the work of Bubba. Hmmmm....

 

[Vimy Ridge]

Likely a repair that fell out or was never completed. I'd probably fill it in if I was you.

 

[Infanteer90]

Likely a repair that fell out or was never completed. I'd probably fill it in if I was you.

Can you provide any advice on how to do it?

 

[Vimy Ridge]

Can you provide any advice on how to do it?

Not really, but there are lots on here that can. Sorry I can't be more help.

 

[louthepou]

I would find matching wood, so that's a good start. Not sure what wood that is.

Then I'd make sure the spot in the stock is clean. Is there some finish in that spot? You want bare wood.

Take the rifle apart, don't glue something while the forend is on the barreled action.

Cut your spare wood so that you have a chunk that fits in snug, and which just protrudes a bit (so there's "extra wood"). Use West Epoxy System glue. (that's the best I heard about for this type of work, that's also what I use with 100% satisfaction).

Once the glue is dried, carve and sand off the extra wood.

You'll need to finish your repaired area. Here, most of the time, I completely strip the wood with wood furniture stripper, and will then refinish completely with the original finish. Oil? Shellac? Other?

Here's a thread in which I'm posting pics of a job I'm doing right now on a Enfield P14 stock: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=413547

Hope this helps...

Lou

 

[Klunk]

Geezz....for such a small flaw Im not sure I would risk making a MORE noticeable repair than just leaving it be...

that stock positively SHINES in a new NEW kinda way...