Toughen Finish on Russian SKS

[grey]

Hi All --

I just added a Choate scope mount to my Tula SKS, and in the process is managed to scuff up the finish on the stock while I cut away the notch for the mount. Actually, I didn't scuff it; rather, the blue masking tape I used to mark off the area to be removed, pulled off some of the finish. Here are my questions:

1) Typically, with a laminated stock, what is the original finish?

2) What can be put over that finish that is perhaps a bit tougher? Is there anything, or do I have to strip the stock and start over.

I was concerned about how easily the finish was damaged simply removing some tape that was on for just a few hours.

On a separate note, when I look through the scope (a Weaver Classic 1x3) it appears to be mounted just a bit to the right of the center line of the barrel -- straight, but off to the right. Should I be concerned, or is this typical of this brand of scope mount.

Thanks as always for any replies.

Cheers,

Grey

 

[Caleb314]

The finish on all the Russian guns is not durable it flakes off very easily and the only way to make it last longer is pretty much to not use it or touch it or even look at it. You could refinish it the with shellac witch is the original finish.

 

[svt1940]

Hi All --

I just added a Choate scope mount to my Tula SKS, and in the process is managed to scuff up the finish on the stock while I cut away the notch for the mount. Actually, I didn't scuff it; rather, the blue masking tape I used to mark off the area to be removed, pulled off some of the finish. Here are my questions:

1) Typically, with a laminated stock, what is the original finish?

2) What can be put over that finish that is perhaps a bit tougher? Is there anything, or do I have to strip the stock and start over.

I was concerned about how easily the finish was damaged simply removing some tape that was on for just a few hours.

On a separate note, when I look through the scope (a Weaver Classic 1x3) it appears to be mounted just a bit to the right of the center line of the barrel -- straight, but off to the right. Should I be concerned, or is this typical of this brand of scope mount.

Thanks as always for any replies.

Cheers,

Grey

The correct finnish is garnet shellac but since you altered the stock for the scope mount, you could refinish the stock and handguard completely. Use varnish stripper and medium/fine steel wool to remove the old finnish, polish the wood with steel wool to be sure its clean than you can stain and apply another finish. Tung oil,boiled linseed oil,make a nice satin finish,take longer to make but look really nice or you can also use polyurethane varnish,its tough but not natural look.
Joce

 

[mdmaroon]

I refinished one by first stripping it with Circa 1850 furniture stripper, staining the stock with Varathane Cabernet stain, and many coats of Minwax Tung Oil Finish. It looks like the original finish, but is tougher.

The one on the right is original finish, the second one in is the one that I refinished this way.

 

[Crack Feather]

I refinished one by first stripping it with Circa 1850 furniture stripper, staining the stock with Varathane Cabernet stain, and many coats of Minwax Tung Oil Finish. It looks like the original finish, but is tougher.

The one on the right is original finish, the second one in is the one that I refinished this way.

Give this man an award!
Tung Oil...
Stinks but works great!