[Duncaninfrance]

What should the wood finish be for my K98k? At the moment it is a poor quality varnish which I think is recent because it is so bright.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/Duncaninfrance/IMG_7356.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/Duncaninfrance/IMG_7359.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/Duncaninfrance/IMG_7354W.jpg

I was thinking of removing it, cleaning and un-dinging the wood then oiling it with linseed but I would like originality if possible so what should it be please?

[Zeke/PA]

I would leave it be.
However, if it is the gloss that you don't like some #0000 steel wool might be the answer.
I think linseed oil is a poor choice as it never seems to really dry, most noticeable if you handle your rifle outdoors on a very warm day.
Respectfully, Zeke

[Brian Williams]

linseed oil is a poor choice, but boiled linseed oil will dry and harden.

[Zeke Menuar]

Is that a Russian capture K98?

If it is, the finish should be shellac, not varnish. The Russians were real big on shellac.

However, if it is the gloss that you don't like some #0000 steel wool might be the answer.

Steel wool works on shellac to know down the finish.

ZM

[Duncaninfrance]

It has no Russian markings on it anywhere ( as far as I can tell) and as can be seen from the pictures the varnish is poor. Looks like the wood has been sanded or something to take off the stampings and stamp a new number on it.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/Duncaninfrance/WEB-BITS.jpg

[Zeke Menuar]

It looks like a Shellac finish. But I don't know if the Russians put the same shellac finish in Russian captured K98's as they did on Mosins.

0000 will knock down the shine whether it's Varnish or Shellac.

ZM