Protecting a 1903A3 stock...

[ajagcapt]

I recently acquired a Smith Corona 1903A3 which I absolutely love.

However, being relatively new to the hobby, there is something I can't seem to figure out.

What, if anything, should I do to protect the stock?

I've searched the internet and this site (and aside from a lot of crazy ideas) the most common piece of advice I saw is that people use an application of linseed oil. However, this advice is invariably followed by "except on my collectible rifles". Yet I can't seem to find any solid advice on what these people do to their collectible rifles.

I consider mine collectible and want to protect it, yet don't want to bugger it up. Plus, I really like the look of the finish now.

Any advice?

 

[jakester]

If you intend to keep it protected from the elements and have it as part of a collection, or as a fair weather shooter, then just leave it alone. Whatever finish it already has should be fine.

 

[Thresher]

Linseed oil will protect it and keep the wood from drying out. "Raw" will dry slowly and leave a sticky residue if you put too much on at a time. "boiled" linseed oil is a bit more user friendly.

 

[djankle]

What does the stock have on it now? Is it really dry?

Like thresher said, boiled linseed oil is the way to go. Gives you the most authentic military finish and is relatively easy to use. Raw linseed is technically the true original finish but it is really hard to find true RLO and it takes a long time to cure between coats. If you're just getting into refinishing stocks just stick with a boiled linseed oil.

 

[purple]

The military used raw linseed oil, not boiled linseed oil, to maintain wooden stocks in service. Apply a thin coating, rub it into the wood and then wipe any excess off the surface of the stock. You do not want excess linseed to accumulate and dry on the surface of the wood where it will become gummy. The idea is to rub it into the wood. Dispose of any linseed soaked rags in a sealed ctnr as they are highly prone to spontaneous combustion.

 

[XRCD011]

Listen well to these wise folks regarding linseed oils, I slathered it on a slew of guns, let it dry to a sticky film (stupid me) then cleaned it all off.