Stripping / Oiling SKS Stock

[bluemike807]

Im thinking of picking up an SKS and I've noticed that on alot of them the finish is a bit crappy - usually a lacquer, and when they're 2nd hand they look as if they've had a good beating.

Is it advisable to strip off the lacquer and apply an oil finish like Boiled Linseed Oil? I've been impressed by the look and finish of the oiled stock on my Enfield. If I were to do this, would it potentially impact the rifle's functioning? How often would it need to be re-oiled as a consequence?

Has anyone else done this and with what results?

Thanks

 

[Timberlord]

The finish is shellac and will easily come off with methyl hydrate ( I got some from Canadian Tire - paint section ) or isopropyl alcohol .
After that it's up to you what finish .
Not being a fan of shellac finishes , I refinished mine with marine varnish , thinned out 50/50 with paint thinner and rubbed on with a clean cloth. I was happy with just 2 thin coats.

 

[DaveA]

the beauty of a shellac finish is you can touch it up with a light sanding with fine steel wool and move the finish around a bit after with some denatured alcohol. my russian refurb had some dirt granules in the finish in a few spots and i cleaned em up nicely this way. ive since noticed a few more spots that need to be cleaned up but its a good way to retain the original look and feel.

 

[svt1940]

Im thinking of picking up an SKS and I've noticed that on alot of them the finish is a bit crappy - usually a lacquer, and when they're 2nd hand they look as if they've had a good beating.

Is it advisable to strip off the lacquer and apply an oil finish like Boiled Linseed Oil? I've been impressed by the look and finish of the oiled stock on my Enfield. If I were to do this, would it potentially impact the rifle's functioning? How often would it need to be re-oiled as a consequence?

Has anyone else done this and with what results?

Thanks

This is 1 of my russian SKS, when i buy it long time ago, the wood was in horrible shape, virtually no finish left. So i cleaned it with paint striper and steel wool and put 2 coat stain and 4 coat of minwax antique oil. Give a nice finish and faster than linseed oil. The wood is still rough but look much better than the first time.

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