Stock Re-finishing question

[CZguy]

I recently acquired a nice old Remington Model 32 to replace the one that I wore out. (It's in honored retirement)

The one I bought is in good shape mechanically but someone re-finished the stock with a very glossy polyurethane.

Can anyone tell me how these stocks were finished in the 1930s?

I've been thinking of just sanding it and rubbing in several coats of Linseed oil.

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

 

[Zeke/PA]

You would be better off buying a bottle of commercial stock finish such as Birchwood Caseys Tru- Oil.
Linseed oil never seems to dry totaly.
Respectfully, Zeke

 

[Jackal]

I agree with the Tru-Oil. It's all I use because it's so versatile and it dries "hard". If you want a satin finish, just buff with 0000 steel wool and if you want glossy, just leave as is after 5 coats.

 

[crackerjack]

Would recommend consider using stripper and to do little if any sanding with anthing but 0000 steel wool to try to preserve old patinia(sp). Boiled linseed oil works well applied in very light coats and lots of them. If you sand to new looking wood that is what you will have to finish (new looking wood).
Hope it helps
Frank