How to take good care of the three kind of rifle stocks?

[ShootAndHunt]

OK, till now I have got several rifles , and they come with a wood (most walnut), laminate or synthetic stock. I often use soft cloth to wipe my rifle stock and recently I found they seem lack some of the brightness and shinning. I really want to give my rifle stock a good care, especially the one on my Winchester Model 70 (Walnut stock)? Could you guys give me some advices?

1. How to take care of the Walnut (or hardwood) rifle stock?

2. How about the laminated one, similar procedure as a wood stock or kind of different?

3. The synthetic stock seems have the less problem, but it just also lost some of its initial nice feeling and looking, how should I take care of this one?

Thanks guys!

 

[Werewolf]

1. Synthetic - easy - keep it clean. Just wipe it down with 409 or any other decent cleaner (Windex works pretty good). If it's really dirty some dishwashing soap in hot water applied liberally works well too. Wipe and dry. I try hard not to get any soapy water or cleaner on the metal or in the action though I doubt if it would hurt them any as long as you wiped the metal down and reoiled.

2. Walnut - first thing I do after purchasing a new weapon with a walnut (or any other type wood for that matter) stock is to examine the finish. In general your quality bolt action rifle stocks come with a decent finish. If so then I add a coat of quality paste wax for wood (non-skid type or it's too slippery otherwise) and buff it up. About once a year I take 000 steel wool to the stock to remove old wax and then put on a new coat. If the finish isn't what I'd like to see then a refinish job is in order and that's a whole other matter.

3. Laminated Stock - how to care for? Darn good question - I don't have a clue.