m1 carbine stock question

[greyling22]

I finally got my m1 carbine in my hands, and of course the stock needs some work (scratches, dents, grime), but surprisingly, has some decent grain. what it does not have are cartouches or any exterior markings I can find. no big deal, I bought it as a shooter and will likely add an ultimak rail so purist originality is not what I am striving for.

But here is the question, if the stock has no markings, can I refinish it using (gasp) sandpaper to take out the scratches etc, then refinish with boiled linseed oil like I would an old marlin or something without destroying the value of the gun? does lack of markings mean it is likely a foreign wood replacement stock and has no collectors value? (it's a darker wood, sure looks like dried out walnut to me)

 

[1KPerDay]

Make good and sure the markings aren't there... they may still be there but covered in grime/oil/etc.

If they've already been sanded off, you're not ruining any value by refinishing the stock.

Lots of guys used citra-strip or another furniture stripper, steam out the major dings, sand a bit, then refinish. Post your results if you decide to do that.

 

[Plain Old Bill]

Easy does it...

I used car degreaser on most of mine, 1K is absolutely correct about the steaming.
Once you're done, many light coats of boiled linseed or tung oil....until it glows from within! Good luck....your concern about the historical value of the weapon is appreciated.

 

[DBR]

Count me as irreverent, but I put synthetic stocks on my M1s. They fit better and the guns are more accurate. Save yourself some trouble and save the original stocks for the next owner.

 

[rickomatic]

Is it one of the Greek CMP M1's? I'm pretty sure most of them (not all) came with replacement birch "pot belly" stocks. Those wouldn't have cartouches I'm pretty sure. Got a picture?

 

[greyling22]

I found a cartouche after all. hiding in the sling notch is the number 2, and an almost completely obliterated circle looking mark next to it. I can get a picture, but I'm at work right now and they frown on bringing antique assault rifles in with your lunch.

 

[longdayjake]

Here is how I did mine.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=442036&highlight=longdayjake

Also, mine had a pretty sad looking receiver so I reparkerized it.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=448467&highlight=longdayjake

Here is the finished product.