Removing varnish from a complete win 94 ??Update

Grouse Man said:
Clearly the guy used what he was most familiar with and had lying around. So he was a woodworker. Look for wood screws to replace any lost machine screws in the action, carpenter's glue to secure the rear sight, and an action gummed up with yearly applications of linseed oil as a lubricant.
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I have a sporter No.4, when it came to me the front sling swivel was attached with plated robertson deck screws. 😆
 
45C said:
Hello
Anybody haves any suggestions on how to remove the varnish off the receiver,screws etc off this win 94?
Someone completely covered the rifle with varnish 😁
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Heat will soften the varnish on the metal parts, but I wouldn't do that on the wood. EZ Strip of Circa 1850 and it will literally just wipe off with a rag (maybe some light scrubbing with 0000 steel wool in spots), but it will definitely ruin the finish underneath the varnish too.

If it was me, I'd just strip and refinish the whole thing. The value is compromised already from the varnish job, so why not have some fun with it? With the right stain and a hand-rubbed tung oil finish, I bet you're going to be very happy with the way it turns out.
 
Grouse Man said:
Clearly the guy used what he was most familiar with and had lying around. So he was a woodworker. Look for wood screws to replace any lost machine screws in the action, carpenter's glue to secure the rear sight, and an action gummed up with yearly applications of linseed oil as a lubricant.
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Ah ha! The D.P.O. list (Despicable Previous Owner)

You forgot electrical tape stock repairs and scope mounts epoxied or welded on.
I purchased a Leupold scope with a rifle thrown in. The mounts were epoxied to the action. the bolt handle was a 5/15" bolt with a custom hex head. I take it out and look at the creativity of repair and maintenance in wonder and awe ...
 
I haven’t started yet as I’m tied up with a solid body guitar paint and clear coat.
It’s looking like a December project
 
45C said:
Hello
Anybody haves any suggestions on how to remove the varnish off the receiver,screws etc off this win 94?
Someone completely covered the rifle with varnish 😁
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So I finally got the rifle in my hands, it’s a mess.. lol
Varnish stripper works well on the wood and steel.
Having trouble with one of the screws as it’s marred badly and full of varnish.. any thoughts on how to remove that? I’m going to need a new one .. so
 

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If you have some "beater" screw drivers, you could shape one to the right size and then lightly tap it with a hammer and carefully "chisel" out the gunk. A broken drill bit or worn bit might also make a good tool, finishing nails as well.

Edit, zooming in on the picture it looks pretty hard to even see the grove on some of those screws, might want to keep going with the chemical/solvent attack and some proding with a small sharp tool, or maybe some heat with a soldering iron tip?
 
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I have an old engraver I got somewhere along the way from back in the days when people engraved their SIN on to their prized possesions.....It as a fairly narrow tip and would probably work pretty well for carefully engraving out the slots.
 
kamlooky said:
Find a bit that tightly fits.
Slight blows to an impact wrench.
You know the sort for removing motorcycle side case Philips screws?
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The slot(screw head) is completely gone now.chipped off in little pieces
 

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kamlooky said:
Time to bring out the drill………..carefully.
Maybe a dremel with a small round bit.
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So small drill bit to drill through the screw completely?
Without touching the threaded receiver … sounds like fun😂
Should I use handheld or drill press?
 
You are right , you have to remove the varnish from the screw slot very carefully then find a screwdriver bit that fits the slot perfectly. You mentioned doing a bluing job on that rifle. What is the serial number, as rifles built through the 70’s will not take bluing to the receiver.
 
45C said:
I’m planning on a complete strip and breakdown,refinishing the wood and cold bluing all the metal.
So there’s going to be some light sanding involved
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The gun has some good honest wear it looks like and I would rather see it cleaned of the varnish as best as possible rather than reblued or wood sanded smooth. I guess unless there is some damage or pits somewhere(?) But either route could look nice and much nicer than varnish everywhere.
Edit: yeah, saw the new pics. Pretty rough. Must be a source for those bolts through the receiver. Western Gun?
 
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So to add to this last message if you need to drill out this screw, a centre drill will give you the best chance to drill in the centre of the screw you are trying to remove
 
Puds Guns said:
You are right , you have to remove the varnish from the screw slot very carefully then find a screwdriver bit that fits the slot perfectly. You mentioned doing a bluing job on that rifle. What is the serial number, as rifles built through the 70’s will not take bluing to the receiver.
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Pretty sure it’s a pre 64
Are there other ways of determining DOM other than serial #
 
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