Correct No.4 MK2 (F) finish?

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Fatelvis

Fatelvis

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The stock has a very plain grain, and seems like it is "dry" (no oil, or other finish). I am tempted to oil it, (BLO), or somehow seal the wood against dirty hands, because its open grain is getting stained easily. I dont want to ruin any of its authenticity, yet I dont want a dirty stocked rifle. Any suggestions? Thanx guys-
 
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I can't comment on the correct finish to use, but agree with your decision to do so. Hopefully someone can tell us the "right" finish.

BBLO is a super finish IMHO. I've done two rifles with it and am very pleased.
 
I think dipping the entire stock in a vat of non-bioled linseed oil would be the most correct method but a few coats of boiled linseed oil with fine steel wool is the most recommended method. Very similar result, a bit nicer final finish and you don't even need to find a vat.

I've done a detail strip and put 3 - 5 coats of tung oiled on all my Enfields. I'm completely happy with how all of them came out.

DCP_1798a.jpg
 
Thanks guys. What is the difference between Tung oil and boiled Linseed Oil? Is one better than the other?
 
Tung oil is derived from the Tung tree nuts. BLO is Boiled Linseed Oil. IIRC, real tung oil is hard to find - I did some furniture with the Mimiwax stuff and it comes out shiney. Real tung oil was about 6 bucks a quart here, BLO is about half that.

There were some really good threads on the subject on TFL.
 
Nearly all commonwealth Enfield's were BLO finished.

"Once a day for a week, Once a week for a month, Once a year till they ship you home to mother dear" was the saying to the issued troops on how to upkeep the finish.

BLO is a good finish, but it requires upkeep and it's not as weather resistant - but it's correct and not "permanent", so to speak.

Tung Oil is a better finish, tougher and more resistant to chemicals and water but it's also not correct to the gun and if you've got a rare one, can hurt the value to a true collector.

My .02
 
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