Finishing M14 Stocks

The mixture for these custom T44 stocks is one third BLO, one third mineral spirits and one third spar varnish is called oldtimers and used for wood preservation in marine and other applications. Works very well. Where it matters we use high end spar varnish like epifanes and where it doesn't so much will use regular home improvement store finish. Have not used any on gunstocks, just pointing out similarities and that your method is time tested and proven good stuff for wood. Has worked out well, used the same recipe on hundred of stocks over the years. Will try to add more details as time allows. Remember you can click on all potos for a larger view.

THE NEW T44 WOOD LOOKS GOOD

WOOD IS NICELY FINISHED READY FOR ASSEMBLY

Slathered on the first coat of 50-50 BLO and odorless paint thinner. Love the instant life that appears. About an hour and I can add the second coat. Qhwn finished will be perfect wood for a fresh project.

improving some m14 stocks

Photos one and two adding a National Match stock ferule to a composite M14 stocks that does not usually use any. A little cut here, a nip there with a rotary file, a smidge of epoxy and its done. Set the ferule center of where the action moves and dropped it down slightly for 10 lb of draw. Added a second coat of paint to a couple of USGI fiberglass stocks. These were purchased with one orange and the other red.

AN OLD WELL WORN STOCK GETS A NEW LIFE

Digging through a bunch of old stocks in the shop found this Winchester with the mark of Zorro. It looks old enough to have been around then. This old girl has dings and dents, and repairs that must have an interesting story to tell. If nothing else, this it has character. Going to use it on one of my 2020 traditional builds. the repair is a threaded brass through and through from top to bottom or visa versa.

The pins are still in the USGI military supply system and available from Brownells. They look like a small diameter piece of brass allthread, except that the tips are not threaded. Installation procedure is to drill a hole, chuck the pin up in a drill, slowly spin the pin in with the drill, then cut the ends off with a hacksaw. Insert some epoxy inside the crack, then apply some to the threads of the pin before inserting it.

SPRINGFIED ARMORY WALNUT STOCK #1

A Springfield Armory walnut presentation grade stock from Fred's. A little cleaning plus scrubbing with linseed oil and it should work out fine. Apiece of trivia for your M14 knowledge if its a topic on Jeapordy is that Fred is not the owners name. Jack is his name and Fred was his dearly departed faithful dog.

ANOTHER SPRINGFIELD ARMORY STOCK FORM FRED'S

Liked the stock from Fred's that arrived last week so much ordered another of the same grade. This one is just as nice, less the mold encrustation that was on the last one. Not even a single ding to steam out before BLO application. This one will dress a recently acquired Bula Defense Systems XM21 barreled action.

A COUPLE OF JAE M14 CHASSIS ARRIVE