My new BSA CF2 6.5x55

[GJgo]

Here's one for ya. Mine has the same holes for the sling swivel, it's a huge thread compard to modern stuff. The sling on it however is all busted up so I'd like to put a current style swivel head on it, but they don't make them in that thread pitch. If you come across anything let us know.

 

[dak0ta]

Try to the UK John Knibbs sight. They got some spare BSA parts.

 

[dak0ta]

Tonight I put on the first coat of Alkanet root oil. Just enough for it to sit and absorb, then rubbed it in and then wiped excess off. She's dried off now. Coat 2 tomorrow. The oil really enhances the grain and also blends the scratches and blemishes. Does Red oil work on other woods besides walnut like birch and beech? Also the burnishing of wood gives a really nice sheen that reflects.

Before and After (so far)

 

[dak0ta]

After 7 coats of mixed BLO/alkanet root oil. Got that English red walnut colour I wanted.

 

[viking499]

That stock is looking GOOD!

 

[dak0ta]

Thanks! I think so too!

 

[viking499]

Now, the toes in the picture are a different story.........

 

[dak0ta]

Haha I know I know... I usually make an effort to keep myself out of the picture

 

[dak0ta]

Do you guys think a nice coat of paste wax will finish the job?

 

[viking499]

How long has it been since the last coat of finish was applied?

 

[dak0ta]

The picture was taken 5 minutes after the coat was on.

 

[viking499]

I would wait at least 48 hours after the last coat of finish before applying any wax.

 

[dak0ta]

Okay so it's been over 24 hours now. Do I need to wet sand the surface lightly before putting the wax on? Or anything else?

 

[viking499]

Do you have shiny and dull spots or is everything pretty even?

Got any really, really fine steel wool? If so, it will work if you need to even out and dull up......

 

[dak0ta]

There are 2 small spots that seem to remain a little dull, which is on the right side in front of the bolt handle. The other spot is on the left side on the top of the rosewood tip. I tried to work the BLO/red oil in but I thinks that's the best I'm going to get it.

Maybe I'll do a gentle light steel wool treatment and then proceed onwards.

 

[viking499]

Dull the entire thing with steel wool, clean and wax. Then post pictures......

 

[dak0ta]

Stock Complete

I'm very happy with the stock, I didn't sand so the recoil pad mated up well with the wood.

It looks way better than it used to, and it's a nice oil finish (7 coats BLO/Alkanet Root) with a coat of paste wax on top. It's smooth. It still shows some of the character marks of its age through the scratches, dings etc., but I like that aspect too.

I put on a leather sling which is from Spain (Corzo). I think it matches the tone quite well. Swivels are Blackhawk 1'' Lok-Down swivels made in USA.

Metalwork should be added shortly, and I have sourced out Williams guide sights to complete the look.

Nobody really cares or reads this thread anyways so I'm probably only talking to viking499 anyways

Anyways obligatory photos before and after:

Before:




After:

 

[viking499]

You can talk all you want. You should be proud at what you did and are doing. It looks great so far! I enjoy stuff like this. Fixing, fitting, refinishing, etc. I just get to do as much as I would like to.

Next we need pics of the overall finished product when ready.......

 

[Kachok]

Nice, I love classic rifles, and I adore the 6.5x55, far and away my favorite deer hunting caliber, also amongst my favorites at the range. Zilch for recoil, mild manners and absolutely deadly on everything I have ever shot with it.

 

[GJgo]

Looks great but.. how does it shoot!

 

[Float Pilot]

I just got back from Europe...So have been off any computers....
Very nice job.....!!! Bravo

 

[dak0ta]

I think it will shoot well because the bore is very good, the trigger is a few ounces, and the cartridge is inherently accurate. I'm putting a 3-9x40 leopold vx2 vintage on it. Just waiting for sights and bottom metal.

 

[viking499]

See, you are taking to more than just me.......there are 4 of us..

 

[dak0ta]

I wish I could describe the smoothness of the bolt. The bolt guide rib is the main factor, and it's smoother than a Rem 700. It's similar to the older Sakos from the 60s like the Finnbear. I think these old guns are real sleeper deals that have good bores and mechanics that show that they were carried much more than shot. Just some stock refinishing and cleaning of the metalwork to bring it back to glory. Plus the quality and craftsmanship is unparalleled. It has an integral front recoil lug similar to a Mauser, and that takes much more time to machine.

 

[GJgo]

Agreed, mine has an exceptionally smooth bolt as well. Only smoother bolt I've had is a Sako 75. I'm just afraid that my throat is shot out, and if so, can it be re-barreled.