Refinishing Remington 1100 Wood

[Maj Dad]

I searched the forum with no success on this issue: how to remove the factory plastic/whatever finish from Remington stocks without sanding. I bought the gun online for my daughter and the buttstock is in excellent condition but very plain and an obvious replacement. I am in the process of buying a used stock in good condition but with the usual few small dings and light scratches (no gouges or dents) that I would like to refinish to look as nice as the forend but I don't want to ruin it in the attempt. I would rather keep it as is than wind up looking for another replacement. Is there a finish remover or other solvent that will get it off or soften it without damaging the wood? Some recommendations I have seen include scraping it off with sharpened flexible hack saw blades (not the toothed side), using broken glass, etc. Wenig's would be a great way to go, but I'm still paying for her schooling...

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mothernatureson]

1100 stock finish

I had bought a used 1100, and removed that shiny, game scaring finish. I just used plain old paint/varnish remover. Used per directions. piece of cake. I refinished with Formbys Tung oil , turned out really good. Good luck on your project.

mothernatureson

 

[LeonCarr]

Brownells sells a product called Certistrip that will strip the epoxy type finishes on Remingtons and Brownings. Good stuff.

www.brownells.com

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[Maj Dad]

Thanks, gents - that's exactly what I was looking for! I had seen Certistrip mentioned elsewhere, but it was misspelled & I couldn't find it. I'll repost when I get it & re-do it.
Many thanks,
George J.

P.S. I have used Formby's Tung Oil to re-do several wood pieces, gunstocks and furniture, and it is really pretty. Not sure of the durability in the trenches, but this gun ain't goin' there...

 

[Sunray]

"...Not sure of the durability..." Properly rubbed in, tung oil gives a hard, waterproof, shiney finish. It's durable.
"...the epoxy type finishes..." Older models were polyurethaned.

 

[Maj Dad]

The description of Certistrip on Brownell's (& other) sites states it will remove Remington and Browning high gloss finishes with aplomb. I am ordering it & will post my results. I'll get before & after pics & we'll see how it does...