Should I or shouldn't I -- refinish stock on M1903

[jabberwo]

Hi,

Just picked up a Remington model 1903; serial number has it being made in '43.

I'm wondering if I want to refinish the stock. Its got lots of dings. And its redder then my Russian capture K98. I think, for no reason other then its ugly and red, its a post-war varnish job. Don't know how to tell. It's not like this is a rare rifle. But I of course wouldn't want it to loose value just because I stripped the stock, steamed out the dents (not the cartouches) a bit, and refinished with Tung Oil like it would have been before being issued back in '43.

Thanks for your thoughts, and Happy New Year!
jab

 

[chriso]

Buy a new stock if funds allow for it and save your original stock!!! post some pics... I love 1903's!!!

 

[MilsurpShooter]

Cabela's sells a synthetic 03a3 stock for around $90. IIRC as Boiled Linseed Oil ages it will sometimes take on a reddish color, could have also taken on the coloring of Cosmoline if it was stored that way.

My suggestion, simply because I don't like taking chances, leave the stock as is if you don't want to worry about losing the value, invest in a new stock, take a Dollar a day, put it in a jar for the next 3 months. Ever find someone knowledgeable about the stocks and finishes of WWII, have them look it over, until then, just wrap the original stock in a protector cloth and squirrel it away somewhere