[Fatelvis]

The stock has a very plain grain, and seems like it is "dry" (no oil, or other finish). I am tempted to oil it, (BLO), or somehow seal the wood against dirty hands, because its open grain is getting stained easily. I dont want to ruin any of its authenticity, yet I dont want a dirty stocked rifle. Any suggestions? Thanx guys-

[Andrew Wyatt]

I'd BLO it. I doubt it'll hurt it's value, and it'll certainly make it last longer.

[Al Thompson]

I can't comment on the correct finish to use, but agree with your decision to do so. Hopefully someone can tell us the "right" finish.

BBLO is a super finish IMHO. I've done two rifles with it and am very pleased.

[cratz2]

I think dipping the entire stock in a vat of non-bioled linseed oil would be the most correct method but a few coats of boiled linseed oil with fine steel wool is the most recommended method. Very similar result, a bit nicer final finish and you don't even need to find a vat.

I've done a detail strip and put 3 - 5 coats of tung oiled on all my Enfields. I'm completely happy with how all of them came out.

http://photos.imageevent.com/cratz2/guns//DCP_1798a.jpg

[Fatelvis]

Thanks guys. What is the difference between Tung oil and boiled Linseed Oil? Is one better than the other?

[Al Thompson]

Tung oil is derived from the Tung tree nuts. BLO is Boiled Linseed Oil. IIRC, real tung oil is hard to find - I did some furniture with the Mimiwax stuff and it comes out shiney. Real tung oil was about 6 bucks a quart here, BLO is about half that.

There were some really good threads on the subject on TFL.

[swingset]

Nearly all commonwealth Enfield's were BLO finished.

"Once a day for a week, Once a week for a month, Once a year till they ship you home to mother dear" was the saying to the issued troops on how to upkeep the finish.

BLO is a good finish, but it requires upkeep and it's not as weather resistant - but it's correct and not "permanent", so to speak.

Tung Oil is a better finish, tougher and more resistant to chemicals and water but it's also not correct to the gun and if you've got a rare one, can hurt the value to a true collector.

My .02