wood soaked on shotgun?

[Bull Nutria]

A friend found a Browning gold hunter 12ga that had soaked in guncase in shallow fresh marsh since duck season. i completely disasembled it. the wood is soaked.

what should i do ? let it dry naturally or what?

Bull

 

[Blue68f100]

I would hang it so it's less likely to warp and let it dry naturally. If you force dry it with heat your likely to have some water trapped in the grain, that may cause you trouble down the way. Dry it in a controlled environment that had humidity control.

 

[usaral63]

Like;ly you'll have to refinish it anyway but I'd coat it with whiting and get it as moisture free as possible. Bownell's carries the stuff and it's not expensive. Great for oil soaked wood as well.

 

[Blue68f100]

Browning normally has an hard epoxy finish. But only time will tell. Give it at least a month to dry out then see what you ended up with.

 

[FROGO207]

I had a .22 that had been water soaked. Took the stock off and hung it upside down buy a buttplate screw in my boiler room above my boiler. My boiler runs 24/7 to heat my water. Left it there for a couple months and it came out OK. Had to refinish it but that's expected.

 

[conan32120]

I would also ask if the entire stock was soaked if not treat it as if your going to refinish it and soak the entire stock in very hot water for several minutes so the wood swells evenly, ( this will also help get rid of any dings it may have) then let it dry naturally and thoroughly

 

[1KPerDay]

Have you asked the local police if the owner has tried to find it yet?

 

[Bull Nutria]

No2