M14 Forum

lucky8926

I recently became the proud owner of an M1A Standard with walnut stock and I of course want to take good care it. Right now it has a dull finish and I would like it a big glossier, but not too much. After hours and hours of using the search button I've seen a wide variety of things people use to protect/preserve the walnut stocks but I figure a poll will be the best way to see which is the most popular. I did send and receive a reply back from Springfield Armory regarding this. Here was their reply.

Troy,
Thank you for your purchase of our M1A model. We use linseed oil rubbed into the stock here.

sac troop

Tung oil, pure tung oil and not the blended stuff. Would be the correct finish used on M14's and most of the Garands by the Government.

geepee3

A+ on the pure tung oil.
Here is a link; www.realmilkpaint.com/oil.html

They also make a product to thin the oil for better penetration if you strip the stock.
www.realmilkpaint.com/citrus.html

I hope this helps,
Glenn

lucky8926

Looks like the Tung Oil is winning so far, Thanks for the link geepee3. I found a supplier that carries the exact same product for the same price but the shipping is a little cheaper since they offer USPS as an option instead of only UPS. Saved me a little over $7 (i'm sure this will vary depending on your location)

Hiram325

May I ask who that supplier is, please? Thanks.

lucky8926

Man I look like a jerk bragging about finding a cheaper price then not posting the supplier!!! Sorry about that, I thought I did. Anyway, here ya go

http://www.dwellsmart.com/Products/L.../Pure-Tung-Oil

Charlene32

i am a big Tung oil fan, but i have recently discovered danish oil.

m14brian

Charlene32,
Is one type of oil preferred over the other depending on the kind of wood? I thought I saw a picture of a rifle of yours somewhere that had a beautiful stock but I'm sure it was not walnut.
m14brian

m1sniper

I voted other. I use "salad dressing." Yes,,I call it salad dressing.Before you all laugh,read on.
I read this in a 50s dated M1 Garand manual on "how to" national match and M1 Garand.Yes a real GI manual. It is a one to one to one mix of the following.
Boiled linseed oil,distilled white vinegar,and turpentine. Mix equal parts and shake well.Apply generously and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.You don't want to go past 10 minutes as the mix will get tacky. Wipe down real well,let sit overnite,or a couple of days,doesn't seem to matter, and repeat process. All 28 of my 03 variations,M1 sniper variations, standard M1s,M1 Carbine and my semi M14s have been hit with salad dressing,,and ALL have that nice rich deep brown with a hint of red.It's the only stuff I will use on GI walnut.

jmoore

For better oil penetration and less sheen than BLO, I use raw linseed oil. Can be had at art supply stores. Or you can get it in the health food section as "Flax Seed Oil". Just get the stuff without the additives if going the second route.

mercman

I use PTO cut 50/50 with Odorless Mineral Spirits for better absorption. I give it a coat and let it dry for a few hours, wipe off the excess and let it sit for a day or two and then repeat as needed.

lucky8926

M1Sniper, can u post a few pics to give us all an idea how the finish turns out using "salad dressing"

sac troop

I've been wanting to try the citrus thinner for sometime now but can't find any local sources. I just may have to order some.

lucky8926

I've got my Tung oil ordered, and some other goodies of course.....

m1sniper

I won't be able to until Fri or Sat the earliest. But I'll be happy to.