Author Topic: Stripping Remington 870 Stock (Read 1861 times)

Bullseye · « **on:** May 30, 2006, 07:01:47 AM »

I know this has been covered before, but I could not find with a search.

I need to strip and refinish my 870 Wingmaster gloss finished stock. I know that Remington uses a tough (Epoxy I think) finish that is hard to strip.

Can someone give me some hints and a procedure that works before I tear into this project.

Thanks!

Nobade · « **Reply #1 on:** May 30, 2006, 03:39:48 PM »

I use a flat scraper made from an old (not bi-metal) hacksaw blade. I can have the finish off before I get the chemical stripper out of the can. (Well, almost.) If you want to go chemical, try Zip Strip aircraft stripper. That stuff is just plain nasty, and removes nearly everything.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 31, 2006, 07:06:38 AM »

A propane torch can be used to melt the finish and make scraping it off easier. I use an old butcher knife after heating an area about the area of my palm until the finish bubbles. Scrape most of the finish off and what remains is usually damaged from the heat and will easily sand away. Be careful to not burn or scorch the wood, just melt it until it bubbles a little. If your 870 is an express it won't have the RKW finish that Remington uses on it's other weapons.

bluebayou · « **Reply #3 on:** May 31, 2006, 06:27:56 PM »

I used "Dad's" chemical stripper on a Remington Classic stock. It is methylene chloride and has to be the scarriest chemical that I have ever used to do anything. I bet that you can absorb enough through the skin to get sick. It is dangerous but took the armor coating off the stock easy. Wouldn't recommend it for a 40 year old maple dining room set though, I am still scrubbing on that bad boy.

Rogue Ram · « **Reply #4 on:** June 07, 2006, 06:36:55 PM »

Out of curiosity, what could a guy replace the RKW finish with that would be the roughly the same in terms of looks and toughness? That finish is a nice one.......

RR

gunnut69 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2006, 07:33:30 AM »

The RKW finish is a highly linked polymer and I don't know of a commercially available source. I use a rubbing polyurethane available at the local WalMart and many other sources. It is very durable and looks the same as the Remington finish when properly applied. Both the RKW and all other poly finishes sit on the surface of the wood, penetrating very little. They can crack and when they do moisture will get under and lift them. This appears as yellowish clouding and there isn't a good fix, other than refinishing,. Sometimes a touchup will work but usually it will not match, standing out like a sore thumb.

Bullseye · « **Reply #6 on:** June 11, 2006, 04:48:55 PM »

Are the Remington guns like the Wingmaster with the Satin finish also the RKW Polymer? The satin finish does not seem as wear resistant as the gloss.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 11, 2006, 07:51:37 PM »

If your refering to the 'Express' models I've seen a couple of differing finishes, but none were RKW.. They seem to be a sprayed on lacquer. This follows the pattern of cheapening that Remington followed on these shotguns. It can usually be simply scraped from the wood's surface.. and under it you will usually anyway find the preverbial american hardwood.. likely birch or sycamore.. The stain is usually incorporated into the finish on these Express grade guns, which effectively hides the wood. Not a totally bad thing.. Such wood can be difficult to stain but there are products available which are simularly formulated and will work to replace the factory finish. One might consider a camo paint job for one of these utility shotguns..

Bullseye · « **Reply #8 on:** June 12, 2006, 06:51:04 AM »

No, I am not talking about the Express. The only one of those I have ever owned did not have a finish other than stain on it. I went hunting once and it turned my gloves brown. I polyurethane on it but since it also did not shoot to POA or pattern very good I sold it and would never own another.

The Wingmaster for example is available in a Satin or Gloss finish. My daughter has one of the Satin finished ones and it seems that the finish is not as durable as the gloss finished guns. They have other guns such as the 700 and 7600 that are available in a Satin or Gloss finish.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 12, 2006, 07:55:43 PM »

I've not worked on one of the satin finished Wingmasters but have found satin finishes as a whole to be inferior to gloss in terms of wear potential. It's likely a lacquer sprayed on material. In any case it's easily removed with heat and a scraper. The Express guns have a lacquer with the colorant mixed into it. It is there but often doesn't seem to be... It's a sad way for a good design to end up..