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Posted: 7/28/2026 9:59:01 PM EDT
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I have an old 1940s .22 stock that I am in the process of refinishing. My goal is to have a presentable, durable finish. Rifle value is about $200 and it had a knot to begin with so I'm not too concerned about it. I don't mind if some old wear pokes through. Stock is original birch and was refinished at least once. The black paint is factory and will be reapplied by me. So far, I've sanded it with 100 then 150 grit. What I would like to know: 1. What are the dark spots in the wood? They look like blemishes. 2. What would you reccomend for a new finish? I love BLO but for Birch I feel like a tinted polyurethane is best. I bought a can of spray Minwax Helmsman but that probably isn't best. I did like the old medium brown color and would like to have something similar 3. Any other tips or tricks?  
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Sand to 320 grit. Raise the grain before starting, then one more time. Pick a stain color you like. Oil base Minwax is a nice transparent stain that lets grain show through and many colors are available. Finish with satin polyurethane. Pint cans will leave enough for many guns. Minwax Polyshades combines finish top coat with stain. I do not care for water based stains and finishes. For using guns I stopped using oil finishes and started applying polyurethane from an aerosol can. Spray, rub it in, let it dry 30 minutes to an hour, repeat twice and be done at the end of the day. Gunsav'r is a great product for this, and Minwax is probably as good, I have used both. |
Keep your powder dry, and watch your back trail.
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Originally Posted By AeroE: Sand to 320 grit. Raise the grain before starting, then one more time. Pick a stain color you like. Oil base Minwax is a nice transparent stain that lets grain show through and many colors are available. Finish with satin polyurethane. Pint cans will leave enough for many guns. Minwax Polyshades combines finish top coat with stain. I do not care for water based stains and finishes. For using guns I stopped using oil finishes and started applying polyurethane from an aerosol can. Spray, rub it in, let it dry 30 minutes to an hour, repeat twice and be done at the end of the day. Gunsav'r is a great product for this, and Minwax is probably as good, I have used both. I was considering Minwax Polyshades as I have read bad things about staining birch. I wish it came in a spray can. |
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Use oil base Minwax stain, then spray polyurethane. I have poor luck getting even color with water based stains, that's the reason I don't use them. General Finishes stains work well, but they aren't as transparent as Minwax. My experience with gel stain is limited. |
Keep your powder dry, and watch your back trail.
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