Mossberg 195 Winter Project

[HuskyDude]

Found this Mossberg Model 195 12ga. Bolt Repeater locally.
Here's a little info on that model.

3-Shot, Takedown, 12 gauge only (2 3/4-inch), 2 shell detachable magazine.
Weight 7 1/2 lbs, barrel, 26" variable C-Lect-Choke, ventilated barrel, front and rear sight.
Genuine walnut, Monte Carlo stock with rubber recoil pad. Made 1954-1955.

The stock is worn with a few safe kisses and some bluing has rubbed off.
Still not that bad for a 66 yr old shottie.

Stock has the "Mossberg Red" die on the walnut stock.
Not my favorite colour for a stock.
Much prefer a darker colour.

 

[HuskyDude]

So here starts my next cold weather project.

First, field strip the bolt for a good dept u/sonic cleaning.

Didn't get very far before running into my first problem.
I could not punch out the sear pin, no matter how hard I smacked it.

Bailed.... into the tank she went.
Cleaned up nicely...
Cold blued the bolt handle, oiled her up and put it aside for now.

Next is the Stock...

 

[Grouse Man]

That stock looks pretty nice as-is. Have you ever tried steaming out dents with an iron? I did that recently to an old .22 stock and it works great. Very easy to do.

 

[madtrapper143]

Looks like fun. I always wanted to make one of those into a slug gun. I like the stock wood the way it is. Mossberg always seemed to use good walnut in the old times.
Darryl

 

[tiriaq]

About the only part that is occasionally broken is the trigger guard. The barrel ports and adjustable choke certainly contribute to versatility.
When I was in high school, a friend had a 20ga bolt action Mossberg. Model 185. Used it a bit, nice little gun.
I've often wondered about a bolt action shotgun with a mount for a red dot sight, for shooting slugs.

 

[OkayShooter]

About the only part that is occasionally broken is the trigger guard. The barrel ports and adjustable choke certainly contribute to versatility.
When I was in high school, a friend had a 20ga bolt action Mossberg. Model 185. Used it a bit, nice little gun.
I've often wondered about a bolt action shotgun with a mount for a red dot sight, for shooting slugs.

Yeah I'm having issues with my current pump shotgun patterning with slugs. So I was looking at one of these for a slug project.

I know Dad has a Mossberg 12GA bolt, in the gun cabinet, but it is my Step Brother grandfathers. Probably be cheaper than a modern Savage Slug gun.

 

[tiriaq]

Ganderite posted a thread about making economical slug loads by reworking 12ga trap loads. Cut out the crimp, and pop in a slug from a Lee mould. Works.

 

[OkayShooter]

Ganderite posted a thread about making economical slug loads by reworking 12ga trap loads. Cut out the crimp, and pop in a slug from a Lee mould. Works.

Hmm good source of info, since slugs are sold out here.

 

[HuskyDude]

Most times cleaning up a rifle, I try very hard to keep it all original.
Finding OEM parts etc. Especially when doing a milsurp project.

But sometimes...ya just want to bend the rules a bit.

Klean-Strip Gel paint remover. Works very well, usually two application and you're down to a nice clean stock.

A quick rub down with some mineral spirits and let it dry over night.
Next I covered the whole stock with Miniwax Ebony oil stain (black).

Let stand for 30 minutes and wipe off.

Came out a beautiful deep dark Walnut, with lots of grain patterns.

Let that dry over night, then seal it with one coat of Miniwax Tung oil.

Really like how 50% BLO/50% Miniwax Antique oil turns out.
It's doesn't have that gloss look to it.
But this time I don't mind, will be using straight Tung oil.

 

[HuskyDude]

Another Mossberg collector HeadHunter found some literature that would have come with the rifle when purchase new.

 

[HuskyDude]

Thought I'd try my luck at checkering again.

Laid out the perimeter pattern and a couple master lines on the pistol grip.
Bottom lines are a bit more forward and now most of the trigger finger will be in contact with the checkering too.

Next will be a pattern for the front.

 

[gunsaholic]

Looking very nice so far.

 

[tiriaq]

Excellent start!
Reminded me how much I dislike checkering...
Actually, I like checkering - I just hate doing it...

 

[HuskyDude]

Here's a few more pics.

Decided to try a larger pattern on the front and tie both sides together on the bottom.

Made a center diamond on the bottom.

 

[Northshore]

Nice work HuskyDude. I also have a thing for bolt shotguns. I have a Mossberg bolt in each gauge. They are my go to small game shotguns. I have had plans to refinish them for some time now, but you have certainly inspired me to do it sooner than later.

Keep on posting and keep up the good work.

 

[Falconflyer]

Nice job on the checkering!

 

[HuskyDude]

Four coats of MiniWax Tung Oil, with 24 hrs. between coats.

 

[yorgi]

Amazing work! Great looking, congrats.

 

[tiriaq]

Well done!

 

[JensenDK]

Great job. That 195 looks great compared to the one in my safe.