You may recall from a thread from a couple of months ago, I had the option to buy a really great Garand. So I bought it. I had some questions about is 'provenance' and Gewehr98 was spot-on: rearsenaled by USMC armorers at the Crane Arsenal, circa 1966, it is a Secretary of the Navy trophy rifle, won at a national match at Camp Perry.
The receiver dates from October of 1944, but the barrel is stamped "10-51". It has an IHC bolt. So it is not completely "original." However, it appears to be essentially unfired. The trigger group housing and all other internal bits appear to be virginal. The barrel spec'd out with zero muzzle wear and zero throat errosion. Never saw service, currently resplendent in its dull, Cosmoline finish.
Anyway, I'm trying to decide how to finish the stock. My brother insists I keep it original, with nothing more done to it than the natural 'finish' that comes from lovingly handling the weapon for years. The stock is indeed original 1944, with no dings or other signs of abuse. Friend down the street thinks his secret, proprietary oil finish is just the ticket. (Both have multiple M-1s)
Now I have refinished a few stocks before, as I have only ever bought one long gun new and in the box. I think I used Casey's "Tru Oil" on the last one. Came out great, but the look might be a bit to, ummmm, "hard" for an M-1 from '44.
So, what is the consensus of the board? The wood is gorgeous, but it isn't something that's gonna be hung on the wall for its looks. It'll be a shooter.
Cheers
The receiver dates from October of 1944, but the barrel is stamped "10-51". It has an IHC bolt. So it is not completely "original." However, it appears to be essentially unfired. The trigger group housing and all other internal bits appear to be virginal. The barrel spec'd out with zero muzzle wear and zero throat errosion. Never saw service, currently resplendent in its dull, Cosmoline finish.
Anyway, I'm trying to decide how to finish the stock. My brother insists I keep it original, with nothing more done to it than the natural 'finish' that comes from lovingly handling the weapon for years. The stock is indeed original 1944, with no dings or other signs of abuse. Friend down the street thinks his secret, proprietary oil finish is just the ticket. (Both have multiple M-1s)
Now I have refinished a few stocks before, as I have only ever bought one long gun new and in the box. I think I used Casey's "Tru Oil" on the last one. Came out great, but the look might be a bit to, ummmm, "hard" for an M-1 from '44.
So, what is the consensus of the board? The wood is gorgeous, but it isn't something that's gonna be hung on the wall for its looks. It'll be a shooter.
Cheers