If the previous owner has not monkeyed with the stock, the finish should be shellac which is relatively easy to fix with a bit of denatured alcohol. Waxing it can also work with ordinary parafin wax.
Snap ring pliers can work but best if they have additional tips than just the straight ones and then put a wedge of some sort in the handguard ring opening to keep it open enough for an install--easier than doing with pliers the whole way. Mosin stocks are pretty long.
Snap ring pliers can work but best if they have additional tips than just the straight ones and then put a wedge of some sort in the handguard ring opening to keep it open enough for an install--easier than doing with pliers the whole way. Mosin stocks are pretty long.
