care of an old rifle

[velosa]

Hi All,

I recently bought an old Winchester 1894 made in 1902. It has factory double set trigger, checkering, and 3X wood with winchesters Fancy oil finish. It's absolutely beautiful. I've never owned a firearm like this, and I'm wondering on how best to care for it, especially the wood. Should I use linseed oil, silicone cloth, or a newer product like Tuf-Cloth (dry lubricant and mineral spirits), or nothing. Any suggestions are appreciated, it seems everyone I've already asked has a different opinion. Thanks.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Send it to me so I can take care of it for you. That's what friends are for.

 

[Jackal]

Easy answer, sell it to a museum.

 

[win71]

Research

I think you should try and find out what Winchester used on their high grade rifles during that time period. A lot of times "oil finish" could be one or more types of oil, i.e., tung, linseed and others, mixed with Japan dryers. It's almost like modern day varnishes. That would be no problem. An actual hand rubbed oil finish is usually void of any additional dryers. It will be hard on the outside however may not be so underneath.
A hundred years ago there was no urethane, varithane, or any other thanes . Everything they used was natural. Until you figure out what's there I don't think you should put anything on. If you foul it up because of some type of incompatible reaction the whole thing will have to be stripped and redone. That usually doesn't add to its value.
Winchester Collectors Assoc. would be a starting place. If you can find a custom gunstock maker that might be another.
Sorry I couldn't be more help. That must be a beautiful rifle.

 

[velosa]

Thanks for the honest advice win71.