I did the same. I bought one of the $100 Mosins that turned out to be not a great rifle (broken small metal parts on stock, dark bore and a badly pitted receiver blued over) so I stripped it bare and put a few coats of Watco medium walnut oil on it. It is a far better finish than what was on it and this was no collector's dream anyway.
Shellac Cracked and Falling off My Guns
- Thread starter Pcmx
- Start date
I did the same. I bought one of the $100 Mosins that turned out to be not a great rifle (broken small metal parts on stock, dark bore and a badly pitted receiver blued over) so I stripped it bare and put a few coats of Watco medium walnut oil on it. It is a far better finish than what was on it and this was no collector's dream anyway.
Thank you, ljones.
The Mosin showed a bit of crystallizing when I checked it today but very little. At least the finish will wear more gracefully and this helped me accept that. I applied another coat of oil and will see.
It's no collectors' dream either, especially seeing what people have in their collections over in the milsurps oldest Mosin thread, but was just shocked to see it happen, since I've only had it for a month and haven't even taken it out yet, anyway. I guess I shouldn't store it in the rafters of the barn anymore
ok, it hasn't even left the house.
My friends Mosin looks like a cow or dalmatian finish wise but it was bought that way but still a good shooter. Looking forward to getting mine out on the range too!
The Mosin showed a bit of crystallizing when I checked it today but very little. At least the finish will wear more gracefully and this helped me accept that. I applied another coat of oil and will see.
It's no collectors' dream either, especially seeing what people have in their collections over in the milsurps oldest Mosin thread, but was just shocked to see it happen, since I've only had it for a month and haven't even taken it out yet, anyway. I guess I shouldn't store it in the rafters of the barn anymore
ok, it hasn't even left the house.My friends Mosin looks like a cow or dalmatian finish wise but it was bought that way but still a good shooter. Looking forward to getting mine out on the range too!
I gotta get out shootin' So after a week, the SKS seems good. The Mosin's finish still seems to be mysteriously evaporating. I tried Ballistol as a protectant against dry flaking, I like the stuff, but more so on metal. I believe Ballistol contains 3 types of alcohols, which I don't know is good for shellac anyway? The wiping cloths come off pretty dark.
Next I want to try lemon oil just to keep her shined up, which I think I read is ok. Unless anyone aside from it smelling like lemons has any reason to suggest against it?
Next I want to try lemon oil just to keep her shined up, which I think I read is ok. Unless anyone aside from it smelling like lemons has any reason to suggest against it?
Sorry to bring this up again but after another month and despite effort the shellac finishes crystallized/flaked/dusted pretty badly and parts that came up can be wiped off with a rag. Takes only an unnoticed day or two to happen. Lots still there, they just look cracked and oxidized. Probably would need the gun socks. Humidity is just too low I guess.
Oh well, I'll shoot these when it's warmer. I won't be re-finishing them but just thought I'd say in case anyone was looking to this for any future reference.
Oh well, I'll shoot these when it's warmer. I won't be re-finishing them but just thought I'd say in case anyone was looking to this for any future reference.
