Operation: Brno single-shot STOCK Rescue !!

[The Kurgan]

So... I have a Brno Effect in 308 that is 7 pounds scoped, shoots POA, is a pleasure to carry and has impeccable metal workmanship. The only problem is the stock. I don't know if it was a Friday afternoon on the stock spray line or a 6 year old kid applied the varnish, but I have NEVER seen such an horrific abomination for a finish. It had every type of flaw imaginable (runs, orange peel, scuffs, missing finish, dust, bubbles and flat spots) and it was, in short, ugly as sin itself. Now, I am not the one to alter a factory rifle. In fact, if I don't like a rifle, I quickly send it down the road. This one is just way too good. So, out came the chemical stripper and I said a prayer...

Before (pictures don't do it justice):



Stripped (some nice Turkish walnut under there):




2 Coats of Schaftol dark:



It will need at least two more coats, but I am happy so far.

 

[RXP1]

Looks awesome

 

[The Kurgan]

A few more...

 

[The Kurgan]

Coat 1 and Coat 2:

 

[Longwalker]

Now you're making me want one, and I passed the opportunity when they were actually available. Nice job!

 

[DGY]

Looking good!!

 

[The Kurgan]

4 coats and she's looking great. Now it needs to "cure" for two weeks in my heated gun locker. Not a documented step, but if I press down hard enough on the wood, my fingers get oily, so it needs cure time. The nice thing about Schaftol is that it dries to a nice even dull finish. 2nd from left...

 

[prairieguy]

Nice work.

The Schaftol made a huge difference. Really brings the grain out as compared to the original varnish or whatever finish it had.

There was a similar used Brno at Calgary Shooting Centre with an equally horrible finish. Completely turned me off from considering it any further.

What did you use as the stripper? I have a stock that could use the same treatment.

 

[burnsy56]

Exactly what that classy piece need. Well done.

 

[The Kurgan]

Nice work.

The Schaftol made a huge difference. Really brings the grain out as compared to the original varnish or whatever finish it had.

There was a similar used Brno at Calgary Shooting Centre with an equally horrible finish. Completely turned me off from considering it any further.

What did you use as the stripper? I have a stock that could use the same treatment.

I bought a can of "Super Remover" gel stripper from Canadian Tire. The first application got most of it off, and a second application got the rest. The varnish was thin and easy to remove. I lightly went over the stock with quality 3M brand 320 grit sandpaper to open the grain, and I simply applied 5 coats of Schaftol dark. It needs a good week or so to fully dry. It looks remarkable now--dull finish and flawless. I was lucky there was nice walnut under that factory goo.

CZ has come a LONG way in their wood finishing in the last decade.

 

[The Kurgan]

After 5 coats and a quick "wipe down" with 2000 grit sandpaper to create a very minor sheen. Now, it's two weeks to cure and then reassembly.

 

[Decker9]

That turned out mighty fine! Definitely prefer the new look!! I’m almost to the finish stage on my 2e that I’m restocking. That first coat of oil is a magical time lol.

 

[conor_90]

Wow, very nice

Is the schaftol a dyed / boiled oil? You apply it instead of a stain and deepen the finish with each application? Any neutral coloured oils used once the desired colour is achieved?

I now forgive you for buying this gun because I found a suitable alternative, but this thread is making it harder…

 

[The Kurgan]

Wow, very nice

Is the schaftol a dyed / boiled oil? You apply it instead of a stain and deepen the finish with each application? Any neutral coloured oils used once the desired colour is achieved?

I now forgive you for buying this gun because I found a suitable alternative, but this thread is making it harder…

Schaftol is a many centuries old mix of different natural ingredients and oils. It comes in different colours from clear to extra dark brown, reds, honeys, etc. The more coats, the darker the surface--to a point where the wood can take no more oil. Yes, you can use a clear Schaftol. For me, the darker the better. If you want shine, it's all about how smooth you make the surface of the wood. The oil dries flat.

 

[The Kurgan]

BTW, I don't want to replace that recoil pad. Maybe I should go for an ebony or metal plate?

 

[dead meat]

Very nice, a big improvement.

 

[The Kurgan]

She's getting a metal buttplate with a widow's peak, metal grip cap, as well as losing the hump and palm swell. Basically, the stock is getting the English treatment. Length of pull is 14.75", but getting it down to about 14". The wood is decent enough to warrant the cost and I now know it will refinish nicely. Will post photos when I have it partially together. Love this rifle!

Keep bluing or CCH?

 

[The Kurgan]

Reshaping in process ...



Getting Ruger style side panels...


To keep or not to keep the Schnabel? That is the question!

 

[The Kurgan]

It's getting a deeply blued metal buttplate with a widow's peak and a metal grip cap to match the deeply blued metal work. Feeling like a kid in a candy store.

 

[conor_90]

Nice! Did you reblue?

I bet it would look great with a splinter fore end