Nando Aqui asks:
It appears that you have tried a number of finishing oils on your gunstocks. If I may ask: Which is your favorite?
It depends on the desired end result....
For the traditional GI type look and finish I'm definitely becoming partial to Tung Oil (either pure Tung or the Minwax Tung Oil Finish) with BLO and the Fiebings Leather dyes as the undercoatings. The pure Tung does take longer between coats because it's natural and has no added dryers. You have to let it dry overnight and sometimes longer between coats. Patience is a virtue with pure Tung. The Minwax Tung Oil finish has dryer additives and will cure out much quicker.
If you want a more waterproof type finish, say for a hunting rifle or a Match Rifle, then either B-C Tru-Oil, or a good spray on Polyurethane varnish.
I've tried other type finishes... but these are the ones I keep coming back to.
*****
Application process:
For the initial BLO treatments I use a 2" camels hair brush to paint it on (thinned 50-50 with Mineral Spirits), then immediately wipe it down with paper towels.... let dry, then repeat as desired after 3-4 hours. When finished let dry overnight at minimum.
I apply the Fiebings leather dye with the little "fuzz ball on a stick" applicators they sell at the leather shop, then immediately wipe down with paper towels to prevent over-dying. Add additional coatings if desired.
The first coat or two of Tung will be brushed on and wiped off same as the BLO. As the finish begins to build up, about the 3rd or 4th coating, I'll switch from brush to applying it with my fingers. I dip 2-3 fingertips in the Tung (just a FEW drops!!!) and start rubbing it into the wood. Keep rubbing and spreading, or "stretching" the oil until it starts to feel dry or tacky, then dip more oil and keep working your way along the wood.
After abut the second coat of "stretched" Tung is dry, rub it down COMPLETELY with 0000 grade steel wool. When I say COMPLETELY, I mean that you will see the surface of the Tung start to "gray up" with the initial stripping action of the steel wool, then as you add more elbow grease you will see it start to develop a sheen. This is the effect you want over all the wood..... Get those elbows moving and bear down....
Once this is done you'll have a stock that will be all you expect of a nice GI looking piece of hardwood. Protected from the elements with a sheen (not shiny) that just says "NICE WOOD"... all the way around.
Hope it works for you....
best to all,
Swampy
Garands forever