So, what grade of Sand Paper should I use to remove the patina on this old stock?

[Fred]

I didn't know that about the fixturing slot John. Thanks! I'll have a look at mine when It arrives by (hopefully) Monday.
Thanks also for the congratulations on getting the rifle! I couldn't have gotten it though unless you'd allowed me to go for it first. Thank YOU again!

[Fred]

Please tell me you were just pulling everybody's leg right? Although, I have heard and seen such things. I ask in seriousness only because I have seen it done!

Sorry mdshunter, I've already power sanded the stock down to clean wood and have shellacked it from stem to stern. I cut off about 2 1/2" of muzzle too and mounted a brass shotgun sight. Hooweee! It's a good looking deer rifle now!

Of Course I was just kidding! If you go back and read my subsequent posts, you'll see that.

[mdshunter]

Skipped a bunch in between! I figured you were jesting but as I said I have seen it done! I had to ask! Bubba and his cousins are everywhere it seems. What a beautiful piece. I wish i could fall into one like that. Thankfully it went to someone who knew what they were doing! nice pick up. I am currently restoring one 1903, 2 Garands, an m1 carbine, and a couple Arisakas that Bubba and his ilk got ahold of somewhere in the past. I am also working a deal on a 1941 Johson that was "restored" by Bubba about 20 years ago. Sad really sad. I honestly dont know if it will be worth the cost and effort required at this point. The rape and pillage I see done to perfectly innocent antique weapons is astounding. One just has to wonder.

[Fred]

Sounds like you have your work cut out for you! It's fun though isn't it!? Well I guess part of what makes the firearms so valuable today is because of the high attrition over the years.

[Rick the Librarian]

Mdhunter, it all depends when the "pillaging" was being done. In the 1950s through early 1970s, milsurps were extremely common and relatively cheap. They were not seen as "collectibles" and were, in effect, "work guns". While I still shudder over some of the "modifying" that was done in those days, I understand it.

I read a gun magazine about 10 years ago that suggested the best ways to sporterize military rifles. Now THAT was a stupid article!! I wonder how many milsurp owners took the author's suggestion!

[Fred]

The rifle is supposed to arrive tomorrow. If it does, I'll start a new thread and post some photo's of it.

F.G.