? durability of oiled walnut stocks

[twofifty]

Just what can I expect from an oil-finished walnut stock in terms of resisting dents and scratches?

Not much if I go by the new rifle I've had a few weeks. I dented the stock when it bumped against the rounded edge of a wood table. Yes, I know rifles are meant to be used ... but this Savage almost dents when you look at it.

It seems my glossy Remington walnut stocks are more durable.

edits: changed mahogany to walnut.

 

[Sav .250]

No correlation between oil on the stock and dents. One aids in the preservation of the wood . The other is from neglect or accidental mishap.

Maybe,just maybe.....your rough on stuff.

 

[Liberty1776]

An oil finished walnut stock is not resistant to dings. An option is to let your stock wear them with pride as experience points...

 

[JohnBT]

The glossy Rem stocks should be harder to hurt, it's a two-part polyurethane finish iirc.

Fwiw, I remember reading years ago that the glossy finish on a Browning stock was more durable than the paint on a bowling pin.

 

[dfariswheel]

The big advantage of an oil finished stock is that the finish can be kept look good by simply applying a little more oil.
If the stock is damaged or badly worn, the finish can be easily overhauled by light sanding and applying more oil to restore the finish and protection.

Modern "coated" type finishes like polyurethane or Remington's famous "bowling pin" finish can't be repaired or refreshed without a total removal of the finish and application of an entirely new finish coating.

Scratch an oil finish and all you have to do to repair it is rub more oil on.
Scratch a coated finish and there's not much you can do but remove it and start all over.

 

[Horsemany]

Scratches on coated finishes can be wetsanded with 1000 grit and polished out with flitz. I've done it several times. An oiled stock will dent easier if it's not dense wood. I've got an oil finished Sako that's very tough, dense and heavy. It doesn't dent easily.

 

[twofifty]

Thank you

 

[Got_Lead?]

Beautiful guns are like new cars, no matter how careful you are to keep them nice, someone always manages to park right next to them and door dent them.

Take a nail and gouge a couple of big scratches in the gun, and it'll never get get dinged again. The jealous gods of beautiful things will just have to look elsewhere.