If one wants a military finish, the original military finish was pure tung oil with in service maintenance done by treatments of raw linseed as necessary. The key to sucess is to apply the oil and rub it in with excess oil wiped off the surface of the wood. The aim is to have the oil dry in the wood, not on the surface.
For a military stock I don't sand with anything finer than 200 grit. Any of a water based, oil based or alcohol based stain are OK for a new stock, but an alcohol based leather stain is best for a used stock as it will penetrate any residual oil in the stock.
I've used Tru-oil on sporter stocks for years, but don't use it when looking for a military style finish.
A commercial product which works well and yields a durable low gloss sheen is Minwax Tung Oil finish. It contains drying agents. 2 or 3 coats with the surface wiped clean before it dries will replicate a military finish.
For a military stock I don't sand with anything finer than 200 grit. Any of a water based, oil based or alcohol based stain are OK for a new stock, but an alcohol based leather stain is best for a used stock as it will penetrate any residual oil in the stock.
I've used Tru-oil on sporter stocks for years, but don't use it when looking for a military style finish.
A commercial product which works well and yields a durable low gloss sheen is Minwax Tung Oil finish. It contains drying agents. 2 or 3 coats with the surface wiped clean before it dries will replicate a military finish.
