Refinishing a Stock

[Thunder38849]

I have a post 64 Winchester 100 and am interested in having it refinished.  I would like to do the stock myself and have someone experienced do the metal.

  Need some input on what would be the best thing to use to remove the original finish from the stock.   This stock has a basketweave design instead of checkering.... What should I use to remove the finish from the crevices of the  weave?

   Also, are there any gunsmiths on here that does metal rebluing?   Interested in having a satin finish put on the metal.

  Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[gunnut69]

Did you email me with this question?  I replied and never got an error message back...  In any case removing the finish from a checkering pattern is a pain.  I usually use a brass bristle brush and acetone.  It will lift the finish and allow the brush to reach to the bottom of the crevises and loosen the finish..  A 1/8 flat scraper is then used to scrape out the remains and the corners.  I use a small chisel for this purpose..  I've a local that does the bluing for me but it's a new relationship and I haven't formed an opinion yet...

[Thunder38849]

Yes, I e-mailed the question to you, but thought you might not have gotten it.    

   Thanks for the info.    I might be better off letting a qualified person do all the refinishing.   The gun has been in the family since it was new in '65.  I am planning on building a display case for it and putting it on the wall as soon as I get it restored.


  Thanks again for the info!!!

[gunnut69]

I understand the urge to restore but unless the finish is truly bad a restoration or rifinish in the normal sense will end up destroying any collector value..  The exception to that statement may be some restorations turned out by the likes of D.Turnbull..  Their work is beyond exceptional..  Be sure the stock man knows you want it restored and not just refinished.  The M100  was a beautiful little autoloader...