Author Topic: Finish a laminate stock (Read 1049 times)

RTBRICK · « **on:** September 22, 2005, 05:03:40 PM »

I just ordered a laminate stock in camouflage from Richards Microfit. I need some instruction on how to finish a stock. I've been to the links on the Richards website, but I have also see a few others. Everything from hande-rubbed to simple polyurethane. One gunsmith cited using Acraglass to seal the wood. What kind of finishing makes a stock really nice/good? I plan on keeping this rifle forever and, like most, I am attracted to those stocks that sheen like glass. Though, this rifle (LH, MR 1999 SA, .257R, 20 inch) will be well used in the mountains of Virginia and elsewhere. TKS.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 23, 2005, 03:49:40 AM »

I have used both hand rubbed oil and poly finishes on laminated stocks and while I usually prefer rubbed oil on these stocks I usually use polyurethane. The biggest advantage of oil finishes is their easy of maintenance and that's largely because they live in the wood as much as on the wood. Laminates are much less porous than just wood because of their manufacturing process, so they hold less finish in the wood.. Poly finishes set mostly of the surface but are tough and totally waterproof. I use a rub on poly from WalMart for it's ease of application and as always the 'look' can be adjusted to the individual preference. I just got a 270 in a severely lightened laminated stock inletted. It's a 721 reminton action with a Douglas barrel.. I converted it to use the detachable box magazines of the 700DBM. It the first rifle in a long time I have built for MYSELF!!! The pays not too great but the pay off is! I still have to alter the bolt handle and cut to length and install a pad.. It's 270. A caliber I shot before and even owned several, just not for too long.. I want to keep the weight down as much as possible except for the barrel. The forearm's been severely lightened, as well as the butt stock. To improve the forearm's rigidity I plan on epoxy bedding in arrow shafts(ends sealed) to strengthen while holding the weight down..

Deer&Duck · « **Reply #2 on:** September 23, 2005, 03:53:03 AM »

I ordered a laminated stock from Richards for my Tikka 695. I found some very helpful information on the internet at:
http://riflestocks.tripod.com or just do a google search for "gunstock finishing". This gives step by step to finish one. I followed his advice and used Tung oil as my final hand rubbed finish. You can make it as shiny as desired with multiple coats. It does take some time, but thats half the fun. Mine turned out very nice (though I do miss checkering)
Good luck.
Deer&duck

gunnut69 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 23, 2005, 04:10:16 AM »

Why not checker it yourself? It's not too difficult and there are excellant books available and tools are quite cheap.. If you don't want to incest that much time(it will take time) there are stick on forearm and pistol grip pads available, made from neoprene, that great add to the grip of a rifle.. I love the pistol grip pads as they add a Wundheimer like swell to the grip of a rifle and make it a lot eaasier to hold with almost no effort.. Fairly inexpensive and peel and stick installation. I've one of my 10/22 Mannlicher that's been there for more than 5 years. Doesn't get REAL heavy use but have had zero problems.. They are available from Brownells, just check in their online catalog..

RTBRICK · « **Reply #4 on:** September 23, 2005, 11:47:06 AM »

Thanks for the advice. D&D, could you upload a picture of your finished laminate stock? I sure would like to take a look-see.

Deer&Duck · « **Reply #5 on:** September 27, 2005, 06:51:27 AM »

I'll try and put up a picture as soon as I can get my digital camera going again. One of those things.....

Crudders32 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 13, 2005, 02:40:13 AM »

I ordered a laminated stock from richards microfit a few years ago and decided to go with a satin poly finish. I got it on a spray can which allowed easy application and no brush marks. Just did several light coats to avoid runs. I am really happy with the finish. One mistake that I made the first time was not sanding the stock enough to remove machining marks. I had to go back and sand off the finish remove the machining marks and then refinish it. Any imperfection in the stock will be highlighted after you finish it, especially if you want a glossy finish.

kiwi98j · « **Reply #7 on:** October 13, 2005, 09:12:27 PM »

I have to agree that sanding makes the finish. The amount of time and attention to sanding and fine finishing will make a nice stock into a great stock. I use progressively finer paper hne finish with 600 grit wet paper and very fine steel wool to cut the wood fiber fuzz off, then build up my hand rubbed coats of tung oil until I am satisfied.