Refinishing No4 MK2

[jack19512]

Just recently purchased my first British 303 No4 MK2.  The rifle looks to be in good shape mechanically but the stock has it's share of dents, dings, and scrapes.  Just wondering what others thoughts are as far as refinishing the wood.

Would it be considered a sin to do this to this rifle?  I am a woodworker and the job would be done right and I have no doubt the rifle would look great when done.  I only gave $152.00 for the rifle and wouldn't want to do anything that would bring the value down any or disturb any history the rifle might have.  Your opinions are welcomed.

[jack19512]

This has got to be a first.    No one on GBO have an opinion?  Maybe I just left everyone speechless.     I guess refinishing it is.   

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

Complete, "as issued" no 4's are getting rare.  Raise the dings, and clean it up but don't "refinish" it.  Old guns are not treated like old furniture.

[jack19512]

Complete, "as issued" no 4's are getting rare.  Raise the dings, and clean it up but don't "refinish" it.  Old guns are not treated like old furniture.

Thanks, I appreciate your opinion.  I believe there are some rifles that the history of them or the value of them aren't hurt by improving their appearance, the K31's for example, while there are some that under no circumstances should you attempt any changes.  Not knowing but very little about this rifle I just didn't know if I should do this or not.  I don't want to do something that I can't undo if this is one of those cases.  I will hold off doing this.  Thanks again.

[TribReady]

1st question would be WHY? Why refinish and make to look "like new"?
You can always buy a repalcement stock or "make" your own-something I'd love to do down the road.
With the potential history this rifle has, do you really want to change anything? If you want a hunting sporter, get a stock and covert it to that. If you want a new rifle, go out and buy one. If you want to preserve history and have a relic that lived thru it, clean up the stock mildly and keep as is.
I really didn't mean that to sound harsh or anything, but value the rifle for what it is and what it's done.
I just feel we should do as little as possible to clean up these old rifles and that's it.  Don't erase the history it's built up--all those dings, nicks, etc have a story--could be training, D-Day, India/Pakistan, N.Africa, almost anywhere......

[jack19512]

1st question would be WHY? Why refinish and make to look "like new"?

That is a good question.  For me one of my hobbies is woodworking and I have made some very nice things.  I enjoy working on some of these old rifles and bring them back to their original look or better.

The Swiss K31's are an example.  To me they have no real history to speak of but are real nice shooters and from the ones I have myself and from the ones I have seen for the most part the stocks have been used and abused.

When I purchased my 2 K31's they were not pretty to look at.  The stocks had been neglected and treated badly.  Now I have 2 K31's that anyone should be proud to own.

As far as aftermarket stocks go that is a good option but they really don't appeal to me because I like the original wood.

I haven't been collecting mil-surplus rifles very long but I do have a fair collection now and my problem is I am not 100% sure which ones it would be OK to do this to and which ones I should leave alone.  Hence, my reason for wanting to hear others opinions. 

Your reply didn't sound harsh to me, it just sounded like an honest opinion.  Thanks for your reply.   

[bbqsnbeer]

I'll leave the dings and bruises in the stocks for the most part , but I'll still give it a good cleaning however .
The proper finish on Lee Enfields and many  mil-surps is Boiled Linseed Oil . Others may be finished with shellac , ( not polyurethane).Whether it's BLO or shellac , it's hard to beat a hand rubbed finish for a pleasing final result.
Since you work with wood , you know that once too much has been taken off , you'll never get it back on .
Sandpaper is a no-no . Save any stamps / numbers that are in the stocks.
I like using a scotchbrite pad which will get into some of those dings and clean out the guck .
I've taken furniture stripper ( for antiques and again using a scotchbrite pad ) to varnished stocks , re-BLO'd and found a gem of a rifle even tho the dings are still there .
I have extra military and bubba'd stocks for my No4 for whatever I have the feel for., whether it's on the wall ,at the range or hunting.

Here's an example . These picts are of the same rifle...
Original


Sniper mode


Sniper/Hunter


BuckSlayer

[jack19512]

They are all nice but I'm drawn to the Sniper mode.   

[bbqsnbeer]

Looks good in Sniper mode , eh?   
Original forestocks , B-Square ( no gunsmith) mount
I bought an extra (Canadian) buttstock and cheekpiece seperately.
The cheekpiece came semi-finished , where I carefully  filed it to a final shape and rubbed in the BLO.

[glshop20]

I have several vintage rifles that show lots of use and history.  I also do not like to try to bring them back to showroom condition.  I usually take them apart, thoroughly clean/re-lube and assemble.  The wood gets a lite cleaning with superfine steel wool and paste wax/buff.  I like to appreciate the past of the weapon and leave as is as much as possible.  Any minor improvements I make are always reversable to original.  K-31 do have some historic value.  First there are not as many as other surplus rifles and the machining/metalworking is amazing.  Just think what it would cost today to produce a rifle like that.  If you have a K-31, make sure to remove the butt plate and you might find a real historical surprise!  Very often there is a small paper tag with the name, address, and military unit of the person that it was issued to by the Swiss Army. I was fortunate enough to have one like this. How cool is that?

[silver surfer]

What type and year model is it?
  I've a 1950 Canadian Long Branch that I wouldn't trade for the world.  That thing with the proper hand load can get the job done.  I use the Lee max load for 180 grainers with AA2520.  I have never shot a rifle more dependable past 300 yards ever.  I have shot lots and lots of rifles, but these really impress for practical use.
  I would recommend you get an aftermarket stock, and if you want to show her off use that.  Keep the history and real value of that machine close to heart, and keep it together.
  Just my two cents.