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International harvester gun stock

1K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  splintergroup 
#1 ·
International harvester gun stock

I have a international harvestor gun stock to refinish.. I have refinished some furniture but never a antique rifle and just looking for tips. Thank you for anything helpful
 
#2 ·
The only International Harvester guns I have heard of were the US Rifle, caliber 30 M1, also known as the M1 Garand of WW11 vintage. I am pretty sure that the existing stock is full of linseed oil, as that was what we used when I was in the USMC and my Dad when he was in the US Army in World War 11. I haven't seen your stock, but I have a feeling that you might have a problem doing something else to this stock. Of course, I am not an expert on finishing or re-finishing. I hope someone else can help you. Best of luck with it.

Have a good'un,
Joe
 
#3 ·
IH also made some of the WWII era M1 carbines.

I've restored a number of the old Garand wood stocks. Usually walnut or beech, I degrease them with oven cleaner to help extract all the nasty linseed oil. Dents are removed by steaming (hot clothes iron with a wet piece of cloth over the dent).

A good sanding and fresh finish of your choice (original boiled linseed oil or some other finish like Tru oil). I'd avoid any surface type finishes like polyurethane if the rifle is to spend time at the range.

Be careful with the front hand guard if it is a Garand, these can easily split when you remove the hardware.
 
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