Cleaning very old wood stocks.

[rbhargan]

I purchased a Model 1898 Krag last week and have started cleaning it up. I was not sure what color the stock was *supposed* to be, but the one I purchased was BLACK - and not a little. After doing some research I discovered that it is supposed to be MUCH lighter and of a reddish hue. Some additional research into cleaning stocks, and much experimentation, showed that Hoppes #9 bore cleaner and 0000 steel wool did a pretty good job of cleaning up the wood and once the 100+ years of dirt were scrubbed away a very pleasing reddish hue emerged. There was even wood grain!

The only problem is that the work is very slow and labor intensive. Does anyone have a (hopefully) faster solution that will clean the wood but not damage the original finish? I have tried Murphy's Oil soap and denatured alcohol but found that they were not as effective. On the positive side, the stock is looking REALLY nice.

 

[patience0830]

I purchased a Model 1898 Krag last week and have started cleaning it up. I was not sure what color the stock was *supposed* to be, but the one I purchased was BLACK - and not a little. After doing some research I discovered that it is supposed to be MUCH lighter and of a reddish hue. Some additional research into cleaning stocks, and much experimentation, showed that Hoppes #9 bore cleaner and 0000 steel wool did a pretty good job of cleaning up the wood and once the 100+ years of dirt were scrubbed away a very pleasing reddish hue emerged. There was even wood grain!

The only problem is that the work is very slow and labor intensive. Does anyone have a (hopefully) faster solution that will clean the wood but not damage the original finish? I have tried Murphy's Oil soap and denatured alcohol but found that they were not as effective. On the positive side, the stock is looking REALLY nice.

3000 psi pressure washer and some deck wash.

 

[Hop]

I've cleaned up most of my old mil-surps using a Shark Steam gun and piles of old rags. The steam can also lessen the dings in the wood.

 

[fullauto 45]

Try some laquer thinner and a rag. You will have to oil it real good when finished, but it will remove everything on it.

 

[bwframe]

 

[Knuckleduster]

I agree with HOP using steam works wonders. And if you have any dents where the grain isn't broken a wet rag on the damaged spot and a good hot clothes iron will usually "pull" the dent

 

[PGRChaplain]

Use a Burgandy Scotch Brute Pad© instead of the Steel Wool, it doesn't clog up as quick.

 

[knutty]

Avoid using harsh chemicals and steel wool/scotch brite pads/etc. If your rifle is collectible and if you wish to keep it that way, clean it very gently. Also, those old Krags with the black walnut stocks can really turn dark after 100 years, so it might not be as dirty as it seems. I would just clean it with a rag and pure tung oil, which does a nice job of cleaning while also treating the stock. Remember its over 100 years old, its not supposed to look new. Post pics if you get a chance.

 

[Leadeye]

Your rifle stock was probably treated with linseed oil as a finish which was a common technique going back many years. This darkens and yellows over time and exposure to sunlight.

 

[tenring]

TSP, Tri Sodium Phosphate and Scotch Brite pads have cleaned up several M1 Garands, an '03, 1917 Enfield, 03A3. and one Krag. Surprising how nice some of that wood is when taken back down to the bare wood. When I get down to that stage, 100% Pure Tung oil will be rubbed in over time. Brownell's has that "hint of Red" which make for that special look. YMMV

 

[indiucky]

Murphys wood soap....

 

[rbhargan]

Before:

After:

Still deciding whether to try and remove some more crud. I plan to rub it down with tung oil once I am happy with it.

 

[knutty]

I think it looked fine before, I wouldnt mess with it anymore.

 

[AngryRooster]

Sorry gotta get 50

Read the rules & obey them, or go to gunbroker.

 

[Route 45]

Sorry gotta get 50

There once was a man with 1 post
He liked INGO classifieds the most
He tried to be shifty
While getting his fifty
But the mods made his evil plan toast

 

[hopper68]

There once was a man with 1 post
He liked INGO classifieds the most
He tried to be shifty
While getting his fifty
But the mods made his evil plan toast

He has made it up to 3 before getting caught before. He is asking for the hammer!

 

[AngryRooster]

He has made it up to 3 before getting caught before. He is asking for the hammer!

A
Actually he hit 11 before the hammer fell. Several of them weren't even words. slkdjflksdjfh and the like.

 

[Orlando8]

If you want to strip a oil finished stock down to bare wood and start over this is the safest, easiest, fastest method. I have done many, many dozens of miitary stocks this way

I first take Purple Power degreaser full strength and put it in a spray bottle, not Simple Green etc, Purple Power

I then spray down the stock with full strength degreaser, immediataly you will see years of grease. oil and dirt start to roll off. I do this is a utility sink wash tub but you can use a bucket etc.

I then take a soft nylon bristle brush and go over the stock.
Rinse very well with hot water while rubbing with brush .
I will usually do procedure one more time except the last time wipe dry with cotton towel.
If stock is very oil soaked it may take another cleaning .
I then let the stock set to dry out of direct heat source.
If it drys slowly you have a less chance of wood warping.
This is what the wood looks like after drying

I let the stock dry for a day or two before refinishing

 

[walt o]

try water les hand soap and a scrub brush.I have cleaned many old pistol grips with It, rinse with water and towel dry . No toxic waist don't need robber gloves Don't soak it with water just rinse and dry.