Refinishing M77 stock

[Nathaniel Brown]

I recently acquired an older tang safety M77. The stock is a little roughed up, but not destroyed. I want to refinish it and match the original finish and color as closely as possible. I bought a spare stock to practice on as well. I've already ordered the replacement grip caps and buttons too. I want it to look completely original. I've read multiple different articles and threads on it, and methods vary. Does anyone here have a tried and proven way to accomplish the factory look?

 

[Toothlesswun]

I just started this process on a mini 14 stock, using products from S.B Mcwilliams, I can tell you that the original varnish is a mother to get off, I am far from done but so far I like the results.

 

[Nathaniel Brown]

One of the tips I read to remove the varnish was to coat it with citrus strip and wrap it in foil.

 

[Toothlesswun]

One of the tips I read to remove the varnish was to coat it with citrus strip and wrap it in foil.

I have tried that before and didn't care for it, the grain raised up, maybe I left it on too long. what i did to this one was a medium scotch bright pad soaked in denatured alcohol and used elbow grease. I took my time and once there was no shimmer with water applied I started sanding from there the original finish came off kinda quick. What I have found is no quick method works well for refinish, it always end up not quite right.

 

[Toothlesswun]

Nearing completion

 

[atscott]

I've refinished a few. Never tried to replicate factory finish but often use a blend of red oak and mahogany stain for a redder look like a lot of the old tang safeties had.

Always just sanded through the varnish.

 

[atscott]

For finishing I was turned on to this stuff by a professional gunsmith that restored my Dad's fire damaged No.3. Follow directions and use thin coats.

 

[Nathaniel Brown]

I read an interesting article where a guy mixed alkanet oil with mineral spirits and tung oil. And rubbed it into the stock and then finished it with a satin varnish. That was the most factory like finish I've seen yet.

 

[Nathaniel Brown]

I finally got around to stripping one of my test stocks this evening. I'll start sanding tomorrow. The red pad was pretty nasty on it. I found that denatured alcohol does an amazing job cleaning them.